Bay leaves rarely play a starring role in a recipe. I tend to think that if you leave the bay leaf out of a recipe, you may not notice, but the elusive flavor adds a definite boost to soups and stews, and it’s an essential ingredient in a classic French herb seasoning bouquet garni. When I found this recipe in an old community cookbook, I was intrigued, because I have come to … [Read more...] about Blackberry Buttermilk Ice Cream with Bay Leaf Sauce
summer
Sweet Potato Vichyssoise
I adore chilled soups during the hot summer months and often wonder why restaurants don’t serve more of them, or people make them more often. Nothing could be more refreshing, and filling. Make a big batch of cold soup and keep it in the fridge for quick lunches, cooling snack or part of a simple salad or sandwich supper. I often make a big pot of classic white potato and … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Vichyssoise
Farmers Market Vegetable Tart
I think this tart is the very picture of summer farmers market bounty. It uses all the best local summer produce with fresh herbs and salty cheese. I even use locally produced goat feta. You can buy the vegetables for specifically for this magnificent tart or make it with the remnants of a big shopping haul. It looks like a work of art, simply because of the bounty of … [Read more...] about Farmers Market Vegetable Tart
Tomato Butter
I spend a great deal of time in the summer putting up gorgeous fresh tomatoes for winter. Almost as much time as I do eating them. Ziptop bags full of sauce and soup base. Salsa, bloody mary mix and chutney in jars. And this, my favorite tomato condiment. I discovered recipes for tomato butter in several very old community cookbooks. The kind of recipes that call for a peck of … [Read more...] about Tomato Butter
Grilled Sweet Tea Glazed Pork Chops
Memorial Day is coming and marks the official start of summer party season. Millions of people will be firing up the grill for the long weekend and beyond, and here in the South, they’ll be making endless pitchers and jugs of ice cold sweet tea to keep things cool. So I decided to combine the two for the perfect summer meal. I’ve always found that brining is a great tool … [Read more...] about Grilled Sweet Tea Glazed Pork Chops