Canning is a new passion for me. I’ve had fits and starts about it over the years, lots of failures, lots of time spent making jams or relishes only to forget about them and never use them. But after all that trial and error, I have finally got the knack of it and have had mostly successes, and a great deal of enjoyment from what I have produced. I have even gained the … [Read more...] about Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam
Fruit and Vegetables
Purple Hull Salad With Bacon Vinaigrette
Field peas are one of my favorite summer time treats. Though I spend enough time in summer portioning little bags and stashing them in the freezer that I can enjoy them all year round now. And I’ll be honest; I don’t veer too much off my standard method of cooking them. Peas, water, a piece of pork of some variety, maybe onion or garlic and hot sauce. When the farmers … [Read more...] about Purple Hull Salad With Bacon Vinaigrette
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix (with canning instructions)
When tomatoes are is season, or growing on my vines if I’m lucky, I preserve them in any way I can think of. I make sauce, tomato soup base and just plain old puree and stack them up in ziptop bags in the freezer. Sometimes I can whole tomatoes, but now I’ve learned you can freeze them whole for later cooking. This year, I’ve been looking for a new and … [Read more...] about Homemade Bloody Mary Mix (with canning instructions)
Peach and Ginger Muffins
The combination of peaches and ginger is a favorite of mine, and in these muffins, it really shines. These muffins are not too sweet, but burst with flavor and texture. Fresh, in-season peaches are such a summer treat, make the most of the season. Use real ginger ale for this – the kind you find at natural food stores or specialty markets. Fortunately, it is frequently … [Read more...] about Peach and Ginger Muffins
Zucchini Sort of Soufflé
I have a shopping problem. Fortunately, it’s not for shoes or designer handbags, it’s at the farmers market. I am so enamored of all the beautiful fresh produce and artisan made foods that my eyes are often bigger than my shopping bag. I try to go with a plan and a list, but I just get so enticed by all the wonderful things. The fire-engine red tomatoes in every size and … [Read more...] about Zucchini Sort of Soufflé






