The Lavender Lady (aka Sherri Merritt) is one of the highlights of the farmers market in Bandon, Oregon, and her lavender was the inspiration for these recipes. Her flowers are organic, hand-picked, fresh as can be, and beautiful. But you don’t have to drive to Bandon. Visit her … [Read more...]
Carrot Top Pesto with Honey Roasted Carrots
I remember the moment, sometime in the mid-1970s, when my mom discovered pesto. What a happy day that was! She of course made it with basil, and since our family hadn’t been introduced to a food processor, she pulverized the basil with a mortar and pestle. So exotic, as if we had … [Read more...]
Huckleberry Cheesecake
Heidi came to visit us at the beach to get away from the blazing heat of Missoula, MT! Lucky us! We got to have her lovely company for several days, and she brought huckleberries. I know I have expressed my infatuation with huckleberries here already, but without fail their … [Read more...]
Za’atar Cashew Brittle Honey Ice Cream Sandwich
The idea for this dessert has been percolating for a long time. It started months ago when I made Za’atar Cashew Brittle. I knew almost immediately that it should be mixed into honey ice cream. Then I thought, why not swirl in some caramel sauce? … [Read more...]
Honey Ice Cream
We all know that honey bees are endangered, but if you are like me you may be at a loss for how to address this serious problem. My friend, Frances, is doing her part by keeping bees in her backyard. I’m not brave enough to try that yet, but I may work up to it. For now I will … [Read more...]
Carrot Cake with Goat Cheese Frosting
Valley Flora Farm continues to impress! This time I brought home gorgeous carrots. I spent the whole afternoon mesmerized by them. Long after I knew I’d taken enough photos, I took more. These carrots are beauty queens with no high heels, no plunging neck lines, and no ruby … [Read more...]
Beet Hummus
The first time I had beets was at a friend’s house when I was four. My friend and I left the two slices of canned beets on our plates. However, when we were told we’d get potato chips (something I never got at home) if we ate our beets, I reluctantly ate them up. They weren’t so … [Read more...]
Brown Butter and Chive Corn Sticks
My uncle used to say, with pride, “Your Aunt Ali would never eat something just because it was good for her!” I'm with Aunt Ali. You will never see me tossing back a glass of apple cider vinegar! That sounds like torture to me, even if it has health benefits. I like to eat food … [Read more...]
Boston Cream Pie Trifle
I’m not sure anyone knows why Boston Cream Pie is called pie. It is a cake whose elements are similar to a cream puff. Talk about an identity crisis! I think of it as the granddaddy of the now popular “naked cake,” which is pretty cool (hip to be square and all that.) … [Read more...]