Using the Harvest: My Last Beets
I pulled the last four beets from my garden the other day; one golden, three red and a few very small. I didn’t grow that many this year so I wanted to do something different with these last few. The usual course would be roasting and slicing to eat by themselves or in salads. I’ve [...]
On a Budget? Eat Your Jack-o-Lantern
Looking for a healthy budget meal? You’ve probably got several of them on your front steps right now–if you’re decorating for Halloween, that is. Every year, I see beautiful edible pumpkins dumped in the leaf piles after Halloween. I might even have picked up one or two in the past and brought them home. Of [...]
Last Chance For Figs!
My first encounter with figs was when I was five or six. My grandparents had a huge fig tree in their yard. I remember visiting one summer and my dad going crazy over all the figs on the tree. He plucked one, showed me and explained how tasty and good they are for you. I [...]
You Say Tomato, I Say Pomodoro
Question of the day: To purchase or grow your own? Many say Italian tomatoes are considered some of the best in the world. In Campania near Naples, around the Mount Vesuvius area in the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino (a valley), the soil is volcanic and fertile. A very old tomato variety is produced there in limited quantities [...]
Eating in a Heat Wave
What is with this heat? How can you bear to eat anything but ice cream when it’s this hot? (Not that I discourage that desire, of course.) But if you want to eat something that isn’t sweet, have I got a tip for you–Charleston Chicken-Pecan Salad. It’s from my cookbook and I’ve made at least [...]
PlacerGROWN Quince Recipe
After seeing our post on PlacerGROWN Nancyjo who is the current director, graciously sent us a recipe that she adapted from Cooking Light. Thanks Nancy! This sounds like a perfect thanksgiving condiment to me. Poached Quince You might want to double this recipe as you discover the fascinating flavor when served on polenta with blue [...]
Best Cure for an Indian Summer Cold
This is a rotten time of year to have a cold, but I guess it’s better than during the rainy season. In any case, I always crave Thai Tom Yum soup when I’ve got a head cold. I order it medium spicy (at least) and have them add chicken (Gai). Last night I got the [...]
Mâche, Pear, and Avocado Salad
Recipe courtesy the California Pear Advisory Board Vinaigrette 4 tablespoons sesame oil 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 teaspoon fresh chopped ginger 1 teaspoon prepared mustard Salt and pepper to taste Salad 4 ounces mâche 2 California Bartlett Pears, quartered, cored and cut into thin slices 1 avocado, cut into 1-inch cubes 4 small purple [...]
Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Salad with Homemade Croutons
This is a great way to try a variety of colors and types of heirloom tomatoes. Choose the ripest ones available. To make this vegetarian, leave out the chicken or add another summer vegetable to the mix, like zucchini or eggplant. 3 pounds mixed heirloom tomatoes 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 teaspoons red wine [...]
