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 ›
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 ›
One of my favorite ways to preserve citrus is by making boozy concoctions (you may have noticed) because the alcohol really captures the essence of the fruit flavor. That, and if I am forced to by crappy or ridiculously expensive Triple Sec in July, I may loose my mind. 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 ›
I can a lot of heirloom tomatoes. Heirlooms are know for being a bit watery, so after canning the tomato flesh, I am left with loads of juice. What’s a girl to do? Make Bloody Mary Mix, of course. The mix is super easy. Just combine juice with seasonings Read more ›
I need a heavy dose of sunshine, preferably the kind accompanied by a beach, a tan and a handsome Italian cabana boy asking me what I’d like to drink. Sadly, I’ll have to settle for a sunny bottle of homemade limoncello, a southern Italian lemon liqueur. Read more ›
Grapefruit infused gin is a favorite libation at my house. It only takes two ingredients and you can make it in 15 minutes. Citrus fruits are one of the few perks of winter and big juicy grapefruits are popping up all over in the grocery stores right now. Read more ›
Pluots are a lovely plum/apricot hybrid stone fruit that pop up in markets in early to mid summer. More plum than apricot, they come in a wide variety of jeweled colors from black purple to pink to coral to yellow. The intensely sweet fruits hold up well in fruit salads, pies, and sangria. Oh, the sangria. And thus begins my story. Read more ›
While I was in the Caribbean this past November, I tasted a homemade ginger rum at Bistrot Caraibes on the island of St Martin. The rum was served as a night cap after an excellent meal of foie gras with mango and Caribbean lobster thermidor. It was the perfect end to a perfect meal Read more ›
It’s official. I may have gone over the edge with this whole tomato thing. As you might have gathered from this site, I love all things tomato. But wine? It makes my feet tingle just thinking of the possibilities! For anyone who has canned or made fermented things like sauerkraut, home winemaking is totally within your reach. The real difference? Read more ›