Archived entries for Basics

A Wonderful Preserved Meyer Lemon Recipe

preservedmeyerlemons
While many a Southern Californian accepts the mild, sunless winter with weighty trepidation, there’s one couple, the Griswolds, who revel in the arrival of a substitute yellow ray. What is it?  Nothing more than the aura of gorgeously ripe Meyer Lemons that surround their sweet seaside abode.

Cuisine lovers themselves, the Griswolds traditionally pull the 40+ pounds of Citrus each year, preserving the perfume-laden Lemons for use in Tagines (Stews), Salads and various Savory stews/dishes. And after a long weekend dedicated to jars, acid and salt, I sit idly by and wait to receive one of these beautiful tokens of friendship. (This past year’s Jar was shared with many of you as they were used in the Lacinto Kale Salad served at the Friend’s Cook at Canele night).

However, this year, the Griswolds said, “Forget it,” to doing our Preserving (Dirty) Work. They decided enough was enough.  It was time for them to show us how to make our own.  The result – Who knew it could be so simple?

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Ricotta: Recipe + Tips From A Kind Cheesemaker

ricotta

Inside this 5’4″ frame lives a Woman by the name of MOM. And as a Mom’s love for her children is unconditional I, similarly, cannot hold back from giving unconstrained praise to the friends in my life. You’re a talent; The Tops; There’s no one like you; You ARE special.

But, when it comes to Brian, I’m conflicted. Do I tell him the obvious? What kind of compliments do I give the man who’s both a U.S. Champion Cheesemaker and has dedicated part of his life to working on an Alpine Dairy Farm tirelessly leading herds into the mountains near the Italian and Swiss borders…!?  Rogue River Blue is just another notch on his belt and he’s spent the last 3 years making some of the finest Ricotta my mouth has ever curved its lips around. Ladies, take a number.

See my problem? How is he to grow if I tell him what everyone else has already said.  So, forget that.  Instead, it was time for him to flourish as an educator.  I took the course, passed with flying colors, and now I can MOM him all day with new and genuine approbations for his benevolent Ricotta-Sharing Nature.  What a guy.

*Recipe Next!*

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