Once upon a time there was a beautiful apple tree. When I was maybe 10, my dad took me to the plant nursery and let me choose whatever kind of tree I wanted to plant in the backyard, to replace one that had died. My family had just enjoyed some magnificent apples, bright red with little red capillary-like veins running through the creamy white flesh. At the market, they were … [Read more...] about Apple Pie Bars
Fruit and Vegetables
Candied Figs
I love figs. Fresh and dried, black, brown or green. But I admit I am not that creative with their use. I snap them up when I see them, but often can’t seem to move past wrapping them in prosciutto or roasting them draped with bacon. But eventually, one batch of figs ended up, after much thought, candied. I was, if I may say, quite pleased with the result. Sweet, treacly, … [Read more...] about Candied Figs
Tennessee Blackberry Jam Cake
My grandparents lived on a farm in Middle Tennessee. It was a wonderful place for grandkids, and my brother and I made great use of it. Lots of rolling, verdant land to run around on, cows mooing in the background. There was a creek running through the property, shallow enough that we could wade around in it, or play pooh sticks or search for arrowheads and … [Read more...] about Tennessee Blackberry Jam Cake
Easy Thai Beef Salad Cups
I love the flavor of Thai food, but it can be a little time consuming to prepare. This easy elegant wrap is simplified with bought roast beef. These little lettuce cups make a great appetizer, served on a big, pretty platter, or a simple cold summer supper. Choose a roast beef from the deli counter that is not highly seasoned or specially flavored and do not have it sliced … [Read more...] about Easy Thai Beef Salad Cups
Cuban Corn and Black Bean Salad
I always offer to bring a dish when people invite me over, and when they take the offer up, I sometimes get a little flustered trying to come up with something new and different. This salad has been my staple this summer, when I grill out or when asked to bring something along. So next time it’s your turn to bring a salad or a side dish to a barbecue (or just doing it for … [Read more...] about Cuban Corn and Black Bean Salad
