native to: China or Armenia
in season here: June to early July
Apricots, Prunus armenaica, are closely related to plums (more distantly, they join plums, peaches, and apples as relatives of the rose). They may have originally come from India or China and were certainly present in ancient Greece and Rome, but the general scientific consensus these days is that they came from Armenia. They were brought to Virginia in 1720, but didn't do all that well until they arrived in California in 1792, where the climate was much more suitable. Here in Washington State, of course, we think of them as being from Yakima and Wenatchee, and may even associate them with Cotlets. It's easy to tell if an apricot is reasonably local and delicious or has been picked green and imported hundreds or thousand of miles: the better an apricot smells, the more flavor it has. The essential oil from apricot pits is sold as bitter almond oil (just like almond extract is actually made from peach pits).
Apricots are one of summer's earliest fruits and provide plenty of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin C, copper, and potassium. Their flavonoids and other polyphenols have been linked to heart health, and their carotenoids and xanthophylls are thought to protect vision. They are also a good source of catechins, an anti-inflammatory most commonly associated with green tea. They support bone health, with all the necessary minerals needed to grow bones and prevent osteoporosis. They've been used to treat digestive complaints, earaches, fever, skin problems, respiratory problems, cancer, and anemia (with what success, my superficial research doesn't mention). Apricot oil is used on strained muscles and wounds.
Read more:
label-style nutrition information for raw apricots
label-style nutrition information for dried apricots
World's Healthiest Foods
Live Strong
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Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
28 June, 2017
21 June, 2017
Spiced cherries
Spiced cherries
The Royal Anne is the cherry that gives the best results in spicing. Put the cherries into a stone jar or porcelain pan. Heat one quart of good cider vinegar with two coffee cups of sugar; put into a muslin bag one teaspoon each of various spices, heat with the vinegar and sugar to the boiling point, then pour over the cherries and let stand over night. Repeat this a second time. Then put the cherries in glass bottles or jars, heat the vinegar a third time, pour over and seal. Fine with meats. Prunes are good spiced by this recipe, but the skins of the prunes must be pricked with a fork to prevent bursting.
From: Jennings, Linda Deziah (compiler), Washington women's cook book. The Washington Equal Suffrage Association, 1908.
Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish.
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
The Royal Anne is the cherry that gives the best results in spicing. Put the cherries into a stone jar or porcelain pan. Heat one quart of good cider vinegar with two coffee cups of sugar; put into a muslin bag one teaspoon each of various spices, heat with the vinegar and sugar to the boiling point, then pour over the cherries and let stand over night. Repeat this a second time. Then put the cherries in glass bottles or jars, heat the vinegar a third time, pour over and seal. Fine with meats. Prunes are good spiced by this recipe, but the skins of the prunes must be pricked with a fork to prevent bursting.
From: Jennings, Linda Deziah (compiler), Washington women's cook book. The Washington Equal Suffrage Association, 1908.
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14 June, 2017
Citrus Shrimp and White Bean Salad
6 Tbsp. lime vinaigrette*
3/4 lb. small or med. shrimp, peeled and deveined
15 oz. canned white beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
4 cups arugula, lettuce, or salad mix
1 orange bell pepper, thinly diced
Heat 2 Tbsp. lime dressing over medium heat. Add shrimp and sauté until they start to turn opaque, about 3 minutes. Add beans and parsley and heat through. Divide greens and pepper among four plates for a side dish, or two for a main course. Top with shrimp mixture and drizzle with remaining dressing.
Adapted from meganwarerd.com
*Any kind of vinaigrette-style dressing will work, but Newman’s Own Light Lime Dressing is suggested. You can also make your own by mixing 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp. vinegar, 3 Tbsp lime or lemon juice, and black pepper and salt to taste.
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3/4 lb. small or med. shrimp, peeled and deveined
15 oz. canned white beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
4 cups arugula, lettuce, or salad mix
1 orange bell pepper, thinly diced
Heat 2 Tbsp. lime dressing over medium heat. Add shrimp and sauté until they start to turn opaque, about 3 minutes. Add beans and parsley and heat through. Divide greens and pepper among four plates for a side dish, or two for a main course. Top with shrimp mixture and drizzle with remaining dressing.
Adapted from meganwarerd.com
*Any kind of vinaigrette-style dressing will work, but Newman’s Own Light Lime Dressing is suggested. You can also make your own by mixing 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp. vinegar, 3 Tbsp lime or lemon juice, and black pepper and salt to taste.
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07 June, 2017
Sautéed spinach with garlic
1 lb. spinach, stemmed, washed, and patted or spun dry
1 Tbsp. olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
salt and pepper to taste
Sizzle garlic in the oil or butter until it just begins to brown, about 3 min. If using butter, be careful not to burn it. Stir in about half the spinach, letting it wilt before adding the other half. Cook over high heat until the liquid from the spinach evaporates, about 5 min. Season and serve.
If you would like to serve this dish at room temperature rather than hot, use oil; the butter will congeal if allowed to cool.
Adapted from Vegetables / James Peterson. William Morrow, c1998. ISBN: 9780688146580
Mr. Peterson goes on to give a very similar recipe for chard, with a little more oil and a little less garlic. In fact, this technique will probably work with any greens you care to cook; it's also nearly identical to the nettle recipe Ray of OlyYoga fame recommends, except he adds a little chopped onion.
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1 Tbsp. olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
salt and pepper to taste
Sizzle garlic in the oil or butter until it just begins to brown, about 3 min. If using butter, be careful not to burn it. Stir in about half the spinach, letting it wilt before adding the other half. Cook over high heat until the liquid from the spinach evaporates, about 5 min. Season and serve.
If you would like to serve this dish at room temperature rather than hot, use oil; the butter will congeal if allowed to cool.
Adapted from Vegetables / James Peterson. William Morrow, c1998. ISBN: 9780688146580
Mr. Peterson goes on to give a very similar recipe for chard, with a little more oil and a little less garlic. In fact, this technique will probably work with any greens you care to cook; it's also nearly identical to the nettle recipe Ray of OlyYoga fame recommends, except he adds a little chopped onion.
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Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
31 May, 2017
Radish leaves are edible
Radish Top Soup
1 large onion, diced
2 Tbsp. butter
2 medium potatoes, sliced
4 cups radish greens
4 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup heavy cream
5 radishes, sliced, for garnish
Saute onion in butter over medium heat until tender. Add potatoes and radish greens, stirring to coat with butter. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and blend until smooth (depending on the size of your blender, you may need to work in batches). Return to saucepan and stir in cream. Reheat, stirring, until well blended; do not boil. Top with radish slices.
Adapted from Mother Nature Network
Radish Leaf Pesto
2 large handsful fresh radish leaves, stems removed
30 grams (1 ounce) grated or shaved hard cheese such as pecorino or parmesan
30 grams (1 ounce) nuts such as pistachios, almonds, or pinenuts (walnuts are not recommended, the result is bitter)
1 clove garlic, germ removed, quartered
a short ribbon of lemon zest, without pith (optional)
2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for consistency
salt
pepper
ground chili pepper
Pulse in a food processor or blender until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Add more oil and pulse to mix until desired consistency is reached. Adjust seasonings and store in an airtight container. Use or freeze within a few days.
Adapted from Chocolate & Zucchini
More radish and radish top recipes:
Radishes with creamy ricotta
Buttered Leeks and Radishes
Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish.
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
1 large onion, diced
2 Tbsp. butter
2 medium potatoes, sliced
4 cups radish greens
4 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup heavy cream
5 radishes, sliced, for garnish
Saute onion in butter over medium heat until tender. Add potatoes and radish greens, stirring to coat with butter. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and blend until smooth (depending on the size of your blender, you may need to work in batches). Return to saucepan and stir in cream. Reheat, stirring, until well blended; do not boil. Top with radish slices.
Adapted from Mother Nature Network
Radish Leaf Pesto
2 large handsful fresh radish leaves, stems removed
30 grams (1 ounce) grated or shaved hard cheese such as pecorino or parmesan
30 grams (1 ounce) nuts such as pistachios, almonds, or pinenuts (walnuts are not recommended, the result is bitter)
1 clove garlic, germ removed, quartered
a short ribbon of lemon zest, without pith (optional)
2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for consistency
salt
pepper
ground chili pepper
Pulse in a food processor or blender until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Add more oil and pulse to mix until desired consistency is reached. Adjust seasonings and store in an airtight container. Use or freeze within a few days.
Adapted from Chocolate & Zucchini
More radish and radish top recipes:
Radishes with creamy ricotta
Buttered Leeks and Radishes
Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish.
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
24 May, 2017
Rhubarb muffins
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cup diced rhubarb
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
topping:
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. melted butter
Beat together brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until well blended. Stir in buttermilk, rhubarb, and nuts. Combine salt, flour, baking powder, and baking soda; add all at once to rhubarb mixture and stir until just mixed. Fill greased muffin pans 2/3 full. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over muffins. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until done. Makes 2 dozen.
Source unknown.
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1/2 cup oil
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cup diced rhubarb
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
topping:
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. melted butter
Beat together brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until well blended. Stir in buttermilk, rhubarb, and nuts. Combine salt, flour, baking powder, and baking soda; add all at once to rhubarb mixture and stir until just mixed. Fill greased muffin pans 2/3 full. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over muffins. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until done. Makes 2 dozen.
Source unknown.
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17 May, 2017
Braised Salmon with Leeks
2 medium leeks (white and lower green parts only)
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp. + 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon, chopped
1-1/2 lbs salmon fillet, skin and bones removed, in 8 pieces
salt and white pepper to taste
Cut leeks in half lengthwise, fan out, and rinse well. Cut leeks into 2-inch lengths, then slice lengthwise into very thin strips (chiffonade). Heat 1 Tbsp. broth and sauté leeks over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Add 1/2 cup broth and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice; cover and simmer another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Rub salmon with remaining 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. Stir fresh tarragon into leeks; place salmon pieces on top. Cover and simmer until salmon is pink inside, about 3-4 minutes.
Serves 4
Adapted from World's Healthiest Foods
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4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp. + 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon, chopped
1-1/2 lbs salmon fillet, skin and bones removed, in 8 pieces
salt and white pepper to taste
Cut leeks in half lengthwise, fan out, and rinse well. Cut leeks into 2-inch lengths, then slice lengthwise into very thin strips (chiffonade). Heat 1 Tbsp. broth and sauté leeks over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Add 1/2 cup broth and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice; cover and simmer another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Rub salmon with remaining 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. Stir fresh tarragon into leeks; place salmon pieces on top. Cover and simmer until salmon is pink inside, about 3-4 minutes.
Serves 4
Adapted from World's Healthiest Foods
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09 May, 2017
Leeks
native to: probably Central Asia
in season here: fall through early spring
Leeks, Allium ampeloprasum (Leek Group), are members of the Amaryllidaceae family, related to onions and garlic. They have plenty of kaempferol, which protects blood vessel linings. Another way leeks protect blood vessels is with their high concentrations of polyphenols (garlic and onions have more, but leeks are still up there). They also provide lots of folate in a bioactive form, meaning you're not only eating this B vitamin, you're absorbing it and getting that cardiovascular support. Leeks' flavonoids are more abundant in the bulbs and lower leaves, which is the part most commonly used. They also contain compounds which convert to allicin after the leek is cut or crushed; allicin reduces cholesterol formation (how about some leeks in that omelet?), reduces blood vessel stiffness, lowers blood pressure, and has anti-microbial functions. Leeks also provide the important vitamins pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamins A, C, and E. Their good fiber content makes them helpful for weight loss.
Ancient Greeks and Romans ate leeks to benefit the throat and make the voice stronger, and the Romans introduced them into many of the colder areas of their empire. The leek is the national symbol of Wales; according to some sources this is because of their use in a battle against Saxon invaders in 1620, but sources I find more credible trace the presence and importance of leeks in Wales into far earlier times.
Read more:
label-style nutrition information for raw leeks
label-style nutrition information for boiled leeks
Nutrition and You
Organic Gardening News and Info
Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish.
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
in season here: fall through early spring
Leeks, Allium ampeloprasum (Leek Group), are members of the Amaryllidaceae family, related to onions and garlic. They have plenty of kaempferol, which protects blood vessel linings. Another way leeks protect blood vessels is with their high concentrations of polyphenols (garlic and onions have more, but leeks are still up there). They also provide lots of folate in a bioactive form, meaning you're not only eating this B vitamin, you're absorbing it and getting that cardiovascular support. Leeks' flavonoids are more abundant in the bulbs and lower leaves, which is the part most commonly used. They also contain compounds which convert to allicin after the leek is cut or crushed; allicin reduces cholesterol formation (how about some leeks in that omelet?), reduces blood vessel stiffness, lowers blood pressure, and has anti-microbial functions. Leeks also provide the important vitamins pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamins A, C, and E. Their good fiber content makes them helpful for weight loss.
Ancient Greeks and Romans ate leeks to benefit the throat and make the voice stronger, and the Romans introduced them into many of the colder areas of their empire. The leek is the national symbol of Wales; according to some sources this is because of their use in a battle against Saxon invaders in 1620, but sources I find more credible trace the presence and importance of leeks in Wales into far earlier times.
Read more:
label-style nutrition information for raw leeks
label-style nutrition information for boiled leeks
Nutrition and You
Organic Gardening News and Info
Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish.
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
03 May, 2017
Braised scallions
10 scallions, trimmed, with about 1 inch of green remaining
2 tsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. crème fraîche or sour cream
Toss scallions with oil and broth to coat; adjust seasonings. Place scallions in a gratin dish or toaster oven tray and bake in preheated toaster oven at 425F about 10 minutes, or until tips are slightly blackened. Top with crème fraîche and serve hot.
Adapted from: The gourmet toaster oven : simple and sophisticated meals for the busy cook / Lynn Alley. Ten Speed Press, c2005. 9780385364331.
Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
2 tsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. crème fraîche or sour cream
Toss scallions with oil and broth to coat; adjust seasonings. Place scallions in a gratin dish or toaster oven tray and bake in preheated toaster oven at 425F about 10 minutes, or until tips are slightly blackened. Top with crème fraîche and serve hot.
Adapted from: The gourmet toaster oven : simple and sophisticated meals for the busy cook / Lynn Alley. Ten Speed Press, c2005. 9780385364331.
Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
26 April, 2017
Newsletters: 26 Oct., 2011
Excerpt from the Market Newsletter originally published on 26 Oct., 2011. View the full newsletter for all the photos and links.
In the belly
Pumpkins, of course, are just one of the many winter squashes. Winter squashes are members of the Cucurbitaceae family, related to both the melon and the cucumber. They were originally cultivated, 10,000 years ago in South America, for their seeds. Now they offer us complex carbohydrates, fiber, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids, omega-3 fats, and a whole alphabet of vitamins. They are said to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating properties. Research has suggested that growing winter squash can help remove contaminants from soil, which is good as long as you weren't planning to eat them. The corollary is that this is a good vegetable to buy organic if you do plan to eat it.
In the kitchen
Being a bit pressed for both time and inspiration, I turn once again to good ol' Epicurious for, of course, pumpkin recipes.
Ginger-Pumpkin Muffins
5.5 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger
1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
2 tablespoons brandy
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1.5 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cooked pumpkin puree (or canned solid pack pumpkin)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons golden brown sugar
1/2 cup light molasses
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Mix 2.5 tablespoons crystallized ginger, currants and brandy in small bowl. Sift together flour, ground ginger, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Whisk pumpkin puree, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat egg whites and egg until foamy; beat in 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Beat until light, about 2 minutes; beat in molasses and oil. Beat in dry ingredients alternately with pumpkin mixture in 3 additions each. Stir in currant mixture. Divide batter among sixteen 1/3-cup muffin cups with paper liners. Mix 3 tablespoons crystallized ginger and 1 tablespoon brown sugar and sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake at 375F about 25 min., until tester inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
Sugar Pumpkin, Feta, and Cilantro Quesadillas
3 cups peeled seeded sugar pumpkin or butternut squash in 1.5-inch cubes (about 1 lb. whole pumpkin)
1 finely chopped seeded jalapeño (about 2 tablespoons)
salt and pepper to taste
12 flour tortillas, 8-inch diameter
10 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1.5 cups coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, each cut into 6 wedges, to serve
Cook pumpkin in boiling salted water until tender but not falling apart, about 10 minutes. Drain and cool 10 minutes; transfer to a food processor and puree until smooth. Stir in jalapeño; season with salt and pepper. Spread about 1/4 c pumpkin mixture evenly on each of 6 tortillas. Sprinkle with feta, 1/4 cup cilantro and pepper to taste. Top each with a second tortilla. Cook in a heavy skillet over med-high about 1 min. per side, until golden with dark char marks.
Pumpkin-Seed Brittle
1/2 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, not rinsed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt to taste
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
Toss seeds with oil and salt and bake at 250F on an ungreased baking sheet, stirring occasionally, for 1 - 1.25 hours, or until golden and crisp. Combine sugar and water and cook over moderately low heat, stirring and washing down the sugar crystals with a brush dipped in cold water until the sugar is dissolved, and simmer it, undisturbed, tilting and rotating the skillet, until it is a deep caramel color. Stir in the pumpkin seeds until they are coated well, and turn the mixture out onto a buttered sheet of foil, spreading it evenly. Let the brittle cool completely and break into pieces.
In the belly
Pumpkins, of course, are just one of the many winter squashes. Winter squashes are members of the Cucurbitaceae family, related to both the melon and the cucumber. They were originally cultivated, 10,000 years ago in South America, for their seeds. Now they offer us complex carbohydrates, fiber, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids, omega-3 fats, and a whole alphabet of vitamins. They are said to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating properties. Research has suggested that growing winter squash can help remove contaminants from soil, which is good as long as you weren't planning to eat them. The corollary is that this is a good vegetable to buy organic if you do plan to eat it.
In the kitchen
Being a bit pressed for both time and inspiration, I turn once again to good ol' Epicurious for, of course, pumpkin recipes.
Ginger-Pumpkin Muffins
5.5 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger
1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
2 tablespoons brandy
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1.5 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cooked pumpkin puree (or canned solid pack pumpkin)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons golden brown sugar
1/2 cup light molasses
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Mix 2.5 tablespoons crystallized ginger, currants and brandy in small bowl. Sift together flour, ground ginger, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Whisk pumpkin puree, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat egg whites and egg until foamy; beat in 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Beat until light, about 2 minutes; beat in molasses and oil. Beat in dry ingredients alternately with pumpkin mixture in 3 additions each. Stir in currant mixture. Divide batter among sixteen 1/3-cup muffin cups with paper liners. Mix 3 tablespoons crystallized ginger and 1 tablespoon brown sugar and sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake at 375F about 25 min., until tester inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
Sugar Pumpkin, Feta, and Cilantro Quesadillas
3 cups peeled seeded sugar pumpkin or butternut squash in 1.5-inch cubes (about 1 lb. whole pumpkin)
1 finely chopped seeded jalapeño (about 2 tablespoons)
salt and pepper to taste
12 flour tortillas, 8-inch diameter
10 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1.5 cups coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, each cut into 6 wedges, to serve
Cook pumpkin in boiling salted water until tender but not falling apart, about 10 minutes. Drain and cool 10 minutes; transfer to a food processor and puree until smooth. Stir in jalapeño; season with salt and pepper. Spread about 1/4 c pumpkin mixture evenly on each of 6 tortillas. Sprinkle with feta, 1/4 cup cilantro and pepper to taste. Top each with a second tortilla. Cook in a heavy skillet over med-high about 1 min. per side, until golden with dark char marks.
Pumpkin-Seed Brittle
1/2 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, not rinsed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt to taste
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
Toss seeds with oil and salt and bake at 250F on an ungreased baking sheet, stirring occasionally, for 1 - 1.25 hours, or until golden and crisp. Combine sugar and water and cook over moderately low heat, stirring and washing down the sugar crystals with a brush dipped in cold water until the sugar is dissolved, and simmer it, undisturbed, tilting and rotating the skillet, until it is a deep caramel color. Stir in the pumpkin seeds until they are coated well, and turn the mixture out onto a buttered sheet of foil, spreading it evenly. Let the brittle cool completely and break into pieces.
Newsletters: 27 Oct., 2010
Excerpt from the Market Newsletter originally published on 27 Oct., 2010. View the full newsletter for all the photos and links.
Cooking, and reading about cooking
As you were probably expecting, here are some fun Halloween recipes. I have always loved Halloween and enjoy seeing all the food art it inspires.
Chocolate mice
1 c (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 c sour cream
12 chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed
1/2 c unsweetened cocoa
1/2 c powdered sugar
butter (optional; for greasing your hands)
24 cinnamon imperials, mini chocolate chips, or mini M&Ms, for eyes
24 almond slices, for ears
red and black licorice laces, for tails
Melt the chocolate over hot water (or in the microwave, carefully). Stir in sour cream and cookie crumbs; chill no more than 15-20 min., until firm. Butter your hands, if desired, and roll chocolate mixture into 12 oval mouse bodies; place on waxed paper. Roll half the mice in powdered sugar and half in cocoa. Press candies and almond slices into the pointed end to make faces and poke 3-inch lengths of licorice lace into the rounded end for tails. May be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Witches' knuckles
1 c water
1/2 c butter
1 c flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
4 eggs
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 c extra sharp cheddar cheese (4 oz.), grated
1 egg yolk lightly beaten with 1 Tbsp. water
dried whole rosemary leaves
9 pieces sliced pepperoni, quartered
Bring water and butter to a boil; remove from heat and stir in flour, salt, cumin, and chili powder. Return to heat and cook 1-2 min., stirring constantly, until the dough stars to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and continue stirring 1-2 min., until slightly cooled. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each. Stir in mustard and cheese. Put dough in a pastry bag (or make one by cutting a 1/2-inch hole in the corner of a plastic bag). Squeeze 3-inch-long fingers onto 2 baking sheets lined with baking parchment or waxed paper. Brush with egg yolk mixture; add a pepperoni fingernail to one end of each and place a few rosemary leaves in the center of the finger as knuckle lines. Bake at 400F for 15-18 min., until the fingers are golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.
Both from: Ghoulish goodies / Sharon Bowers. Storey Pub., c2009.
Cooking, and reading about cooking
As you were probably expecting, here are some fun Halloween recipes. I have always loved Halloween and enjoy seeing all the food art it inspires.
Chocolate mice
1 c (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 c sour cream
12 chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed
1/2 c unsweetened cocoa
1/2 c powdered sugar
butter (optional; for greasing your hands)
24 cinnamon imperials, mini chocolate chips, or mini M&Ms, for eyes
24 almond slices, for ears
red and black licorice laces, for tails
Melt the chocolate over hot water (or in the microwave, carefully). Stir in sour cream and cookie crumbs; chill no more than 15-20 min., until firm. Butter your hands, if desired, and roll chocolate mixture into 12 oval mouse bodies; place on waxed paper. Roll half the mice in powdered sugar and half in cocoa. Press candies and almond slices into the pointed end to make faces and poke 3-inch lengths of licorice lace into the rounded end for tails. May be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Witches' knuckles
1 c water
1/2 c butter
1 c flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
4 eggs
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 c extra sharp cheddar cheese (4 oz.), grated
1 egg yolk lightly beaten with 1 Tbsp. water
dried whole rosemary leaves
9 pieces sliced pepperoni, quartered
Bring water and butter to a boil; remove from heat and stir in flour, salt, cumin, and chili powder. Return to heat and cook 1-2 min., stirring constantly, until the dough stars to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and continue stirring 1-2 min., until slightly cooled. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each. Stir in mustard and cheese. Put dough in a pastry bag (or make one by cutting a 1/2-inch hole in the corner of a plastic bag). Squeeze 3-inch-long fingers onto 2 baking sheets lined with baking parchment or waxed paper. Brush with egg yolk mixture; add a pepperoni fingernail to one end of each and place a few rosemary leaves in the center of the finger as knuckle lines. Bake at 400F for 15-18 min., until the fingers are golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.
Both from: Ghoulish goodies / Sharon Bowers. Storey Pub., c2009.
19 April, 2017
Newsletters: 19 Oct., 2011
Excerpt from the Market Newsletter originally published on 19 Oct., 2011. View the full newsletter for all the photos and links.
In the garden
This being our designated planning-for-the-winter week, it seems only right to give you a run-down of what will be going on out there over the winter. Here's a summary of what the WSU Master Gardeners tell us.
• Nov.: Mulch. Move container plants inside (if you haven't already). Be careful not to over-prune your roses.
• Dec.: Pot up paperwhites for forcing. Fertilize for the winter.
• Jan.: Do a little winter weeding. Start planning next year's garden, including crop rotation.
• Feb.: Don't be fooled by good weather into exposing your roses or getting a start on your spring pruning. Instead, go slug hunting or start your brassica seedlings indoors.
• Mar.: NOW you can prune and feed those roses. Transplant your brassicas outside and start tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants inside. Sow hardy vegetables such as beets and spinach.
• Apr.: Sow carrots. Start squash and cucumbers indoors. You should probably mow the lawn, too.
• May.: Plant dahlias, gladiolus and calla lilies; fill containers and deadhead bulbs. Sow corn and beans, and transplant tomato, pepper and squash starts, if and when it's warm enough.
In the kitchen
The cold weather is here, so I guess it's time to talk about nice hearty soups again.
Clove-scented onion soup with Madeira and paprika
0.25 c unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 lb. onions, peeled and thinly sliced
6 c beef broth
3 Tbsp. golden raisins
1.5 tsp. paprika
0.5 tsp. ground mace
8 whole cloves
salt and pepper to taste
4 egg yolks, lightly beaten
0.25 c dry Madeira wine
Cook onions in the butter and olive oil, stirring occasionally, 20 min. or until the onions are wilted and golden. Add broth, raisins, paprika, mace, and cloves. Bring to a boil; partially cover, and simmer 30 min. Season. Stir 1/4 c of the soup into the egg yolks. Add the yolk mixture to the pot and cook, stirring, for about 4 min or until slightly thickened. Stir in Madeira.
From: Adriana's spice caravan / Adriana & Rochelle Zabarkes.
Healthy Oatmeal Soup
10 cups chicken stock
2 skinless chicken breasts
1 large ripe tomato, finely chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
1 cup quick cooking oats (more or less, according to desired thickness)
Salt to taste
Boil chicken breasts, tomato, cumin, and coriander in chicken stock until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken meat from the bones and cut or tear into small pieces. Return meat to broth and stir in oats. Bring to a boil, stir occasionally for about 2 minutes. Boil for about 15 minutes.
Source unknown.
Crock Pot Barley Soup
1 lb. stew beef in 1/2" cubes
1 med. onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, diced
3/4 c. barley
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
6 c. beef stock
Slow-cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Source unknown.
In the garden
This being our designated planning-for-the-winter week, it seems only right to give you a run-down of what will be going on out there over the winter. Here's a summary of what the WSU Master Gardeners tell us.
• Nov.: Mulch. Move container plants inside (if you haven't already). Be careful not to over-prune your roses.
• Dec.: Pot up paperwhites for forcing. Fertilize for the winter.
• Jan.: Do a little winter weeding. Start planning next year's garden, including crop rotation.
• Feb.: Don't be fooled by good weather into exposing your roses or getting a start on your spring pruning. Instead, go slug hunting or start your brassica seedlings indoors.
• Mar.: NOW you can prune and feed those roses. Transplant your brassicas outside and start tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants inside. Sow hardy vegetables such as beets and spinach.
• Apr.: Sow carrots. Start squash and cucumbers indoors. You should probably mow the lawn, too.
• May.: Plant dahlias, gladiolus and calla lilies; fill containers and deadhead bulbs. Sow corn and beans, and transplant tomato, pepper and squash starts, if and when it's warm enough.
In the kitchen
The cold weather is here, so I guess it's time to talk about nice hearty soups again.
Clove-scented onion soup with Madeira and paprika
0.25 c unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 lb. onions, peeled and thinly sliced
6 c beef broth
3 Tbsp. golden raisins
1.5 tsp. paprika
0.5 tsp. ground mace
8 whole cloves
salt and pepper to taste
4 egg yolks, lightly beaten
0.25 c dry Madeira wine
Cook onions in the butter and olive oil, stirring occasionally, 20 min. or until the onions are wilted and golden. Add broth, raisins, paprika, mace, and cloves. Bring to a boil; partially cover, and simmer 30 min. Season. Stir 1/4 c of the soup into the egg yolks. Add the yolk mixture to the pot and cook, stirring, for about 4 min or until slightly thickened. Stir in Madeira.
From: Adriana's spice caravan / Adriana & Rochelle Zabarkes.
Healthy Oatmeal Soup
10 cups chicken stock
2 skinless chicken breasts
1 large ripe tomato, finely chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
1 cup quick cooking oats (more or less, according to desired thickness)
Salt to taste
Boil chicken breasts, tomato, cumin, and coriander in chicken stock until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken meat from the bones and cut or tear into small pieces. Return meat to broth and stir in oats. Bring to a boil, stir occasionally for about 2 minutes. Boil for about 15 minutes.
Source unknown.
Crock Pot Barley Soup
1 lb. stew beef in 1/2" cubes
1 med. onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, diced
3/4 c. barley
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
6 c. beef stock
Slow-cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Source unknown.
Newsletters: 20 Oct., 2010
Excerpt from the Market Newsletter originally published on 20 Oct., 2010. View the full newsletter for all the photos and links.
Cooking, and reading about cooking
Last month Jackie at L&I recommended a recipe from Chez Panisse Vegetables using corn and zucchini that I think must be this one. If you move quickly you still might be able to find all the ingredients.
Summer squash and corn pasta
4-6 small summer squashes, diced
5-6 ears corn, cut from cobs
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
handful cilantro leaves
2 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. water
1 lb. fresh fettuccine, cooked
juice of 1/2 lemon, optional
Saute squash in the oil until tender and a little brown; season with salt and pepper. Add corn, garlic, and jalapeño; continue cooking a few more minutes. Add cilantro (reserving some for garnish if desired), butter, and water; correct seasoning. Add fettuccine and toss. Add lemon juice if corn is very sweet and garnish with cilantro.
From: Chez Panisse vegetables / by Alice Waters and the cooks of Chez Panisse. HarperCollins, c1996.
Warm spinach and squash salad
1.5 lb. delicata squash cut in half, seeded, and sliced, or butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
4 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 t salt (divided)
black pepper
3 Tbsp. lemon juice or red wine vinegar
8 oz. spinach leaves
1/2 c toasted sliced almonds
Toss squash with 1 Tbsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and pepper to taste, in a 12x17-inch baking dish. Bake at 400F ca. 20 min., until tender. Mix lemon juice with remaining 1/4 tsp. salt; add squash, spinach, and onions. Heat remaining 3 Tbsp. oil, pour over all, and toss to coat, wilting spinach. Serve immediately.
From: Yoga Journal, Nov. 2009.
Cooking, and reading about cooking
Last month Jackie at L&I recommended a recipe from Chez Panisse Vegetables using corn and zucchini that I think must be this one. If you move quickly you still might be able to find all the ingredients.
Summer squash and corn pasta
4-6 small summer squashes, diced
5-6 ears corn, cut from cobs
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
handful cilantro leaves
2 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. water
1 lb. fresh fettuccine, cooked
juice of 1/2 lemon, optional
Saute squash in the oil until tender and a little brown; season with salt and pepper. Add corn, garlic, and jalapeño; continue cooking a few more minutes. Add cilantro (reserving some for garnish if desired), butter, and water; correct seasoning. Add fettuccine and toss. Add lemon juice if corn is very sweet and garnish with cilantro.
From: Chez Panisse vegetables / by Alice Waters and the cooks of Chez Panisse. HarperCollins, c1996.
Warm spinach and squash salad
1.5 lb. delicata squash cut in half, seeded, and sliced, or butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
4 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 t salt (divided)
black pepper
3 Tbsp. lemon juice or red wine vinegar
8 oz. spinach leaves
1/2 c toasted sliced almonds
Toss squash with 1 Tbsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and pepper to taste, in a 12x17-inch baking dish. Bake at 400F ca. 20 min., until tender. Mix lemon juice with remaining 1/4 tsp. salt; add squash, spinach, and onions. Heat remaining 3 Tbsp. oil, pour over all, and toss to coat, wilting spinach. Serve immediately.
From: Yoga Journal, Nov. 2009.
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