A late, but bountiful year in our strawberry patch

A late, but bountiful year in our strawberry patch, originally uploaded by laurenipsum.

This is one of maybe 30 strawberry plants in the patch. And there are a couple other clusters like this on this plant.

When I was growing up we would always have strawberry cake for my sister’s birthday, [...]

Dark Days Week 3: Comfort food (part 1)

It’s Part 1 because I am sure this won’t be our first display of cozy comfort food this winter.

My mom often made something she called Swiss steak, which I remember fondly. I was afraid that when I went to find a recipe, her version would be nothing like the canonical Swiss steak, but [...]

Plums for everyone!

Tomorrow morning from 9am-1pm we will be at the B.I. Farmers’ Market to sell plums. Any and all local readers, come say hi! We should have a sign with our name but if not look for the booth labeled Terra Bella (we’re sharing) — or just look for the plums!

On Lemons, Meyer, and gloating

Sad news today about lemon prices, which have doubled or more. It’s sad because there really is no substitute for lemon in most recipes. Occasionally a light-flavored vinegar will suit, if acidity and brightness are all that’s needed from the lemon, and sometimes you can use another citrus, but in that case it [...]

YOU GUYS! I CANNED!

And it wasn’t even that bad!

I picked a gallon of blackberries on Saturday and on Sunday we turned it into … well … it was supposed to be jam. I didn’t put as much sugar as it called for because I tasted it and it was sweet enough partway through the sugar [...]