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Citrus Shortcake

Citrus Shortcake

Citrus Shortcake is a vibrant winter dessert, bright with big flavor and a glamorous presentation. A rainbow of colorful citrus is layered between buttermilk shortcake and finished with lush whipped cream.

“Adam sat looking at the mountains to the east of Salinas, with the noble point of Fremont’s Peak dominating. The air was crystalline as it sometimes is when rain is coming. And then the light rain began to blow on the wind although the sky was not properly covered with clouds.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

The path from winter to spring can seem to last forever. We’re got our boots and jackets, the heat is on. Crock pots are simmering, Instant Pots are steaming. The first berries are months away and we’re dreaming of spring desserts. Take the bridge between winter and spring with Citrus Shortcake. We can have shortcake in winter too! Its peak citrus season, a perfect time to enjoy Citrus Shortcake. READ MORE . . .

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A Modern Way to Marmalade

Marmalade

Food in Jars Mastery Challenge: Marmalade

The kitchen turned into a cannery and all the girls helped.
East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

If you’re a citrus lover like I am, you’ll understand the allure of marmalade. Making marmalade is a sensory experience that should not be missed. Your kitchen will smell clean and bright and I swear all that bubbling sugar will chase any winter gloom away. I’m sharpening my preserving skills by embarking on the Food in Jars Mastery Challenge. Each month the group will preserve or pickle using a different skill. I’m looking forward to trying new techniques and broadening my preserving skills. January is marmalade making.

Homemade marmalade is so much better than store bought. Store bought marmalade typically has too much sugar (or corn syrup) and not enough citrus. When you make your own marmalade any type of citrus can be used. For this challenge I wanted to accomplish two things, to use up the citrus I already had purchased and try a modern, faster way to make marmalade. READ MORE . . .

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Rose Hip and Orange Marmalade

Rose Hip and Orange Marmalade

A Winter Adventure

“He walked by the sad little garden and all around the house—not a new house any more. Even the last added lean-to bedrooms were old and weathered and the putty around the windowpanes had shrunk away from the glass.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

It took me several weeks to gather up my urban foraging courage. On my morning walk I pass a house that is empty with a forlorn “for sale” sign that dominates the front yard. A gigantic rose bush hadn’t been trimmed and was filled with bright red rose hips. I took a pair of clippers and a bag on my walk and set about stripping the bush of all the rose hips. While I was clipping, the neighbors drove into the driveway next door and gave me a puzzled look. Thank goodness they didn’t speak to me. I was on the verge of being the crazy lady who lives in the neighborhood. I was waiting for “Um, hi there, what are you doing in my neighbor’s yard?” “Oh, I, ah, live down the street and am gathering rose hips for making jam.” I gathered up my treasure and wondered if I had enough rose hips to make jam. I had no idea what rose hips tasted like or that they take time and patience to clean and cook. This is my kind of winter adventure. READ MORE . . .