Oh my goodness, is it the summer solstice already??? That means my sour cherry tree is just about ready. I picked 3 quarts today and more are on the way. It’s a race between me and the birds so I have to be on my guard. Read more ›
It’s almost time to plant my tomato garden, if this Minnesota weather ever cooperates. (Today it’s trying to snow.) In Minneapolis I like to plant around Memorial Day weekend, just so the ground is nice and warm. Read more ›
I’m not gonna lie. I need a gin and tonic, stat! It’s been pretty hot this summer in Minneapolis. 90+ degrees Read more ›
Rhubarb is the first fruit-like produce on the scene after winter. And while it’s around for a few months, I always forget to preserve it for winter. Vodka and gin are a lovely way to capture that distinct essence of rhubarb. Read more ›
Ever wonder what I do with all my canned tomatoes or my backyard chicken eggs? Here are two super easy recipes right out of your pantry: Fire Roasted Tomato Butter Sauce and Spaghetti and Eggs. Read more ›
Every year I grow lemongrass, but Minnesota winters are to cold for the perennial grass to survive the hard frosts. In past years I’ve only used it seasonally during the summer, but this year I had a better idea. I infused the stalks in vodka. Read more ›
Summer just turned up the heat, hitting 90+ a few days ago. After a torrential-downpour storm, I rushed to the garden to harvest the last of my sugar snap peas before the heat turned them all that sugar to starch. This salad is a last hurrah to Spring-like weather and a big hello to hot hot summer. Read more ›
Volunteer coriander is taking over my garden! Coriander is another name for cilantro. The seeds must be bulletproof because they survive our deep freeze winters and sprout immediately in spring. Every year we try eat as much cilantro as possible, but invariably, it gets away from me, reseeding my entire garden plot. This year I have a different plan of attack. This year I let it all go, then harvested the tiny flowers to make Coriander Flower Liqueur. Read more ›
I was a little late doing my Charcutepalooza challenge last month. The assignment was to make either headcheese or a seafood terrine. It was ridiculously hot and humid in July, so I couldn’t bring myself to boil pigs feet for hours on end, no matter how tasty the result. Read more ›
It was an absolutely beautiful weekend here in Minneapolis; 85 degrees, sunny, low humidity, light breeze. It rained early Saturday morning so everything was sparkly and fresh. I spent my Saturday at the farmer’s market and canning, jamming and pickling. Read more ›
Look at these lovely Monarchs that I found in my yard. They were hovering around my Joe Pye Weed that just came into bloom. There were four of them on one flower puff at one point. The nectar must have been quite sweet as all the flying insects were buzzing around, competing for a spot. Read more ›