Monthly Archives: July 2008

a good rub.

07/26/2008 | Topic: entree, freezer, menus

We all love a good rub: especially in the form of a nice comment or a compliment. But this isn’t about verbal love: it is about well-rubbed steak. Ideally, a steak that beckons gratuitous verbal rubs after it travels from fork to palate. Latin Spice Rub
1 T packed… [more]

Just a little, helpful idea for your culinary toolbox.

07/22/2008 | Topic: kitchen tips

How shall I name thee? Let me count the ways: When it comes to shortcuts in the kitchen, my mind zooms right to the Martha Stewart coined phrase: ‘it’s a good thing.’ I cannot help it. I am tired of the phrase ‘kitchen tips’—and ‘kitchen tricks’ sounds much the… [more]

New favorite appie: with Red Pepper Jelly

07/18/2008 | Topic: starters

This is easily my new favorite appetizer. My kids love it. My friends love it. My siblings love it. I love it. It stands to reason that you will love it, too. Many times, the red pepper jelly ends up in its own special dish, alongside gently mounded goat… [more]

go bananas

07/10/2008 | Topic: food spotlight

I am not always a fan of pass-along emails, full of information I may or may not want to read. But—as I am a sucker for new info on food—when this long-winded montage on bananas landed in my in box, I was all eyes. Granted, bananas and I aren’t… [more]

Gastronaut?

07/07/2008 | Topic: just talk

This is sort of a weird book: The Gastronaut (here is his website). The type where most of the time while reading it, you are caught between rolling your eyes, shrugging your shoulders and then nodding in agreement or entertaining the occasional smile. You read this kind of… [more]

Grandma's Strawberry Jam

07/04/2008 | Topic: edible gifts, freezer

Happy Fourth! What better day to share with you our tradition of making strawberry jam this time of year? What better recipe to share with you, than the one we refer to as ‘Grandma’s Strawberry Jam’? The color alone is patriotic, showing up even the brightest of fireworks. I just… [more]

What do fig, hazelnut, pepper and champagne have in common?

07/01/2008 | Topic: places to go

They are all happy residents inside of rich, perfectly formed, chocolates. I found them all with their decor and etchings, in a row, in a new chocolate shop that just opened its doors on Orcas Island: Kathleen Taylor Chocolates. I was visiting the island, happily cycling through… [more]