The sun is blazing, and its late afternoon on a Sunday. We retreat to our patio to escape the sweltering heat. The ceiling fans are humming overhead, and the wind down begins. Warm weather appetizers are a must and we start with crispy polenta rounds, with creamy burrata, sliced watermelon wedges, and a arugula tossed … Continue reading Savoring the Season: Spicy Watermelon Margaritas
Tag: Recipes
Wicked Buttermilk Cornbread
Rumor has it, southerners make the best cornbread. Now, not being a true southerner does not mean it's not possible to deliver a wicked cornbread recipe. Don't raise your eyebrow my southern friends when honey is mentioned in the recipe, and whole kernel corn too. Bacon drippings and lard are divine but honey and buttermilk … Continue reading Wicked Buttermilk Cornbread
Hurricane Irma’s Baked Spaghetti
A wild weather week for Florida! With time to prepare, evacuate, get out of the way, shelter in place or some combination there remains the stress of waiting and anticipating. Mother Nature can be incredibly generous and she can be equally devastating. This month alone Harvey doused Texas and Louisiana, and Irma exploded on the … Continue reading Hurricane Irma’s Baked Spaghetti
Dirt to Table Experiences: Baked Turkey Chiles Rellenos
This time of year our garden is an untamed jungle. Heat and humidity have taken their toll on our summer vegetables, and the weed Gods have blessed the foot high grasses, and welcomed the natural pests of the vegetable garden. As we hack our way through the garden standing tall and proud are the poblano … Continue reading Dirt to Table Experiences: Baked Turkey Chiles Rellenos
Savoring the Season: Refrigerator Cucumber Salad
Preserving the seasons bounty does not have to be all consuming. It can be simple with delicious results.Late spring when the cucumbers in the north Florida garden are coming in faster than can be consumed or shared with friends is the signal to make a batch of refrigerator cucumbers. You need only a few ingredients, … Continue reading Savoring the Season: Refrigerator Cucumber Salad
All That…And A No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Too
"To be outstanding get comfortable with being uncomfortable" ~ UnknownIf you have been to North Carolina there is no disagreement, its a beautiful state from its bustling cities, expansive farmland, to the mountain landscape of southern Appalachia.Getting off the beaten path and taking the road a little less traveled results in the adventure, more often … Continue reading All That…And A No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Too
Savoring the Season: Grilled Spiced Corn with Bacon
Growing-up there was only one way to eat sweet fresh corn and that was boiled. My corn on the cob was always dressed the same. A corn holder for each side, a pat of butter, salt and pepper. I spent a lifetime eating corn without the slightest of variance. Why? because it was good, … Continue reading Savoring the Season: Grilled Spiced Corn with Bacon
How Does My Garden Grow: Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange, and Saffron
Winter has finally arrived in North Florida and my garden remains utterly confused. The garden pests feasted on young fresh winter greens with wild abandon, and procreated endlessly in the warmth of the sun. War was waged in the garden and we emerged in victory when Old Man winter made an official appearance, and got … Continue reading How Does My Garden Grow: Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange, and Saffron
Spiced Apple Pie Slab
November is peak apple season here in the south. Each year we typically trek north to the Georgia mountains and there we pay our respects to Mercier Orchards by buying our weight in bushels and pecks, and then hauling our apple loot home. On a recent cool autumn day I peaked into the freezer and … Continue reading Spiced Apple Pie Slab
Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls
If you have ever made fresh chicken stock, you will know that there is no comparison to the store bought variety. Fresh chicken stock makes an incredible base for the ultimate chicken soup, and the magic of this broth lies in the fresh herbs and vegetables, that along with the chicken is simmered slowly to … Continue reading Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls