Dry Curry Spice Mix

I use this spice mix as a rub or coating.  I’m sure it will make traditionalists cringe but I like the taste and isn’t that what counts? In this recipe I provide ratios instead of fixed quantities so you can make as much as you need.  All spiced are dried and ground (not whole). Combine: […]

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 […]

Refridgerator Dill Pickles

Home made pickles are so much better than store bought and they are really easy to make.  I like to make refrigerator pickles because I find that the hot water bath required by traditional canning softens the vegetables too much for my taste. These dill pickles are sour – which is just the way I […]

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 […]

Sauteed Corn and Mushroom

On a recent visit to The Slanted Door in San Francisco we ate a yummy corn and mushroom salad.  We really loved the combination of corn, mushrooms and a little bit of sesame oil.  This is my humble attempt to recreate the dish. You’ll need: 2 ears of corn 1 1/2 cups mushrooms 1/8 of […]

Grilled Shrimp Salad

On our recent stay at Drakesbad at Lassen National Park, we had a wonderful shrimp salad as a side with lunch.  I was inspired to take the same ingredient and create a main dish. You’ll need: 1 pound shrimp, any size you like 1 clove garlic 1/2 sweet onion 1/2 pound green beens 4 ounces […]

Boozy Summer Fruits

A little bit of effort in August will pay off during the holidays.  Liquor soaked fruit makes a great gift and is great for holiday entertaining.  Use the same quality of liquor you would use for mixed drinks. For this recipe, you’ll need: half pint canning jars and lids stone fruits such as peaches, plums, […]

Mr. Pepper Pants

or, Look What I Found at Target Curse you Target!  Why is it that I always buy more than I need from your store? I found a great salt and pepper set while wandering through the store last weekend. Take off his pants if you need pepper! Best of all, these shakers match my much […]

Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce

This easy summer appetizer is great for company.  I’ve served variations of the yogurt sauce all summer; it’s great with grilled salmon and as a dip for veggies. For this recipe you’ll need: 1 pound raw shrimp, any size you like 3 tablespoons olive oil 6 cloves garlic 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves 1 lemon […]