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 […]

Pomegranate Molasses

Pomegranate molasses are tart, fruity and just a little sweet.  A jar will last for months in the refrigerator.  I use pomegranate molasses in marinades, dressings and cocktails. For this recipe you’ll need: Pomegranate juice – I usually buy a 1/2 gallon of Odwalla juice for this recipe Bring the juice to a boil in […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

Smokey Pork Rub

I love the spicy and smokey taste of this spice rub on pork chops and ribs, but you can use it with any cut of pork.  This recipe makes enough spice rub for many meals. For this recipe you’ll need: 9 tablespoons smoked paprika 2 tablespoons white pepper 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons celery […]