Blackberry Picking & Other Garden Chores

How do you know when blackberries are ripe?

Each delicate little bubble full of deep purple juice falls into your hand with the lightest touch.

That’s how.

No, I didn’t take a nibble. Squirrels beat us to the punch every time. […]

Blackberry Pinot Pops

This delightful pop recipe comes just in time for Blackberry Season.

Kim Crawford Pinot Blackberry Pops

Makes 10 pops

4 ounces dark organic cane sugar

4 fluid ounces water

1 1/2 pounds fresh, ripe blackberries (about 5 cups), rinsed and […]

The Best Salsa In The World

Where can you find the best salsa in the world?

Your kitchen.

Make it your way.

Salsa makes one big bowl

2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, washed 2-4 jalapeƱos, washed & seeded 1/4-1/2 onion, skinned 2-3 cloves garlic (or try shallots) […]

Smothered Pork Chops

My version of smothered pork chops includes sun-dried tomatoes and about 10 cloves of garlic.

We devoured these chops at light speed.

After a quick sear on the pork chops (maybe too quick?), a light caramelization of the onions and whipping up a […]

Cashew Butter Bark

Have you ever accidentally purchased “white bark” at the grocery store? It looks like white chocolate. It vaguely smells of white chocolate. But, the taste is pure oil and artifical flavor chemicals. The synthetic chemical taste is absolutely and utterly disgusting.

You must use white chocolate in this […]

Quickie Whole Wheat Focaccia

This is not the proper way to make focaccia. But, guess what?

It’s still divine.

You’ll want to try this one. You won’t be sorry.

Quickie Whole Wheat Focaccia makes 1 9×13 inch rectangle

2 teaspoons yeast 1 1/2 […]

Shrimp Boil

Shrimp Boil serves 2 very hungry people

2 bottles amber ale 4 cups chicken stock 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 4-5 black peppercorns (or, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground) 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Bring it all to a boil. Then, add:

Cranberry Chocolate Oat Bars

Eat me.

Just make & bake….

Then, you’re 25 minutes away from one delicious (and satisfyingly hearty) treat.

Oat Bars with Peanut Butter, Cranberry and Chocolate Makes 1 – 9×13 inch baking dish

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 1 […]

Roasted Peppers

Roasted Peppers with Fried Eggs on Bolillo

Start with a giant bag of assorted peppers from the Buford Highway Farmers Market ($2.99)

Bake…

Then, crank up the heat.

Roasted Peppers

10-12 […]

Chess Squares with Butterscotch Icing

These super sweet squares are best when served in very small portions.

Chess Squares makes 9 x 13 inch baking dish

1 stick butter, soft 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp fine sea salt 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup AP flour