Spicy Sweet Paneer

This simple starter is easy and comforting.  And if you’re ambitious enough to make your own cheese it’s a great way to show off your cheese making skills. For this recipe you’ll need: Curry spice mix.  Use any blend you like.  My recipe is here. Paneer cheese Cooking oil Honey Vinegar.  I prefer sherry vinegar […]

Pack a Pint of Pickled Peppers

Whenever I have more hot peppers than I need, I pickle the leftovers.  I use pickled peppers in cooking where I would use fresh – in soups, stews, sauteed dishes, etc.  Pickling retains the heat and adds a bit of tangy sourness. For this recipe you’ll need: Fresh hot peppers Canning jars (enough to hold […]

Basic Pickling Liquid

This simple recipe can be used to pickle all kinds of vegetables.  Add spices such as garlic, black pepper, dill or whatever sounds good. You’ll need: 3 cups white  vinegar 3 cups water 1/3 cup kosher salt Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir occasionally until […]

CSA Overload

or My Fridge Runneth Over I love our weekly CSA veggie box but there are some many weeks where we can’t consume everything.  I can’t stand the guilt of seeing something spoil so I’ve gotten proactive.  Within a few days of getting a new box I try to preserve a few items. The trick with […]

Pomegranate Molasses Champagne Cocktail

This simple cocktail is a tangy and slightly fruity, with just a hint of sweetness. For each drink you’ll need: 3/4 teaspoon pomegranate molasses 4 ounces sparkling wine.  Use any sparkling wine that you like to drink by itself; I like mine on the dry side. Spoon the molasses into the bottom of your glass […]

Passion Fruit Champagne Cocktail

Fruity and tart – this cocktail sounds more complicated than it is. For each drink you’ll need: 1 tablespoon passion fruit puree – I buy mine frozen from a Mexican grocery store 1/2 teaspoon honey – or more to taste 4 ounces sparkling wine Strain the puree into a glass and add the honey and […]

Figs with Blue Cheese and Honey

This is a dish with a very favorable compliments-to-effort ratio.  The salty savoriness of the cheese contrasts nicely with the sweet fruit and honey.  It’s easy to eat an entire plate all by yourself. You’ll need 1 pint fresh figs 2 1/2 ounces blue cheese – I prefer one with a creamy texture.  I love […]