“Isn’t Sumac poisonous?” I answered this question at least a dozen times the other day. I guess that is what I get for openly clipping sumac at a picnic. Because I left my bag in the car I began my own parade carrying an armful of sumac fruit. I say parade because I was soon …
Raspberry Chablis Jelly
I am in canning mode. I want to spend my morning canning produce and making jelly. The idea of pickles never seemed so much fun! All my jellies began with the first abundant round of blackberries. I was requested to make a very large jar of pure blackberry jelly for my Tall Dark and Handsome. …
Using the Harvest: Dill Vinegar
I have been admiring my dill plants for quite some time and today I was determined to make use of such a beautiful herb. Looking around while I snipped, I regretted that I had not planted more. Dill is a fantastic companion plant. It pairs well with cucumbers, beans, lettuce and carrots, among others. The leaves add a feathery texture and …
Late July Veggies
Cherries in Syrup and Sour Cherry Salsa
Wondering what I did with all of those cherries? Of course I canned a batch in syrup! My very first. This treat can be pulled out for waffles, desserts, sauces and drinks. It wasn’t quite what I was aiming for, the syrup is a little thin, but my first attempt at preserved cherries was still a success! We …
I Have A Cherry Tree
Yesterday I spent most of my time in the garden. I helped beans climb twine and planted a new trellis. I harvested lettuce, weeded everything, and seeded fall veggies. Most notably, I picked cherries. Surprize! I have a sour cherry tree. This thrills me to no end. I say "surprize" because some how we never noticed what kind of fruit was on the tree …
Early July Garden Pictures
The kitchen has been warm but I have been tending to my garden.....
Stock Your Pantry with Grape Leaves
If you know me then you might know that I grew up not far from a large Greek community called Tarpon Springs. This influenced some of my food favorites growing up. Kalmata olives were more common than green or black olives, feta cheese is best when brined, Papa’s Greek salad is my favorite, and dolmades are …
Blackberry Jelly
Good News! I found my canning supplies and you missed the first 3 batches of blackberry jelly. I can also now share with you that 34 cups of berries makes lots of juice. In the past two weeks we have joined the schoolhouse group as people who own a historic schoolhouse. This is the most …
Lemon Balm and Mojitos for a Balmy Day
Lemon Balm was probably my first potted herb. I have long had container gardens, never living anywhere long enough to put down roots. The smell was probably what attracted me. Every time I walk by I crush a few leaves in my fingers just to catch another whiff of the intoxicating smell. What: (Melissa officinalis) …
Nancy Warner 