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Blueberry Pie

Blueberry Pie

Indigo Summer

“No pies for three months. Tom said, We can’t get through it. We’ll have to move to another place.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

We picked blueberries for the first time this year. It was a revelation. Unlike the bland tasting blueberries often found at the grocery store the South Moon and O’Neal blueberries we picked at High Ground Organics were bright and crisp. With a faint hint of tartness from the appealing indigo blue skin to the sublime sweet centers these blueberries struck a perfect balance between between sweet and tart. READ MORE . . .

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Red Velvet Apricot Tarts

Red Velvet Apricot Tarts

Crimson Coated Sunshine

“The tarts were wonderful,” said Abra. “I left one for you.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Huddled in their plush crimson coats the Red Velvet Apricots were unceremoniously heaped in a pile at the grocery store. Cloaked in mystery, there was no visible clue of their flamboyant split personalities of apricot and plum. Just as one would expect from those who dare to wear red velvet in late spring the attire was regal and commanding. The plush crimson coat unfurled to reveal an intriguing interior of radiant orange. A splendid spring greeting of crimson coated sunshine tops these sumptuous little tarts. READ MORE . . .

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Cherry Hand Pies

Handpies

Organization Dilemmas

“Liza’s little round face grew redder and redder. She organized and ordered. The kitchen stove never went out.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I have always been proud of my organization skills. When my possessions and treasures have a specific place I feel better about my personal environment. This is especially true in the kitchen. I am delighted when I know what is in my pantry or freezer and where it is located. Taking inventory and locating ingredients before the next shopping trip is so much faster and less frustrating. This week I organized and then went shopping. When I came home I crammed everything in the freezer and pantry without any thought of the time I had just spent organizing. I realized this is my style of organization and a pattern of behavior that might “possibly” be frustrating for those who share the kitchen with me. I’m astonished at my habits and method of organization in the kitchen. When you return from shopping, do you have have the discipline and time to organize everything as you put it away? READ MORE . . .

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Apple Almond Tarts

Apple almond tart

Little Lady Apples

“And people found happiness in the future according to their present lack.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Balance and moderation, always the mantra for a life well lived. Each New Year we tip the scales to and fro, searching for the elusive equilibrium. We make resolutions and establish new habits but sometimes life reminds you how precarious that balance can be. READ MORE . . .

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Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Strawberries and rhubarb

An early spring dessert

“On a spring morning when with late-surviving dew the young grass bristled under the sun, when the warmth crept into the ground and pushed yellow dandelions up, Cathy’s mother finished hanging the washed clothes on the line.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

A crisp is a fine dessert. It could also be called a crumble. It is an enticing excuse to enjoy seasonal fruit and easy to prepare. Any seasonal fruit can be substituted in this recipe, peaches, plums, apricots, berries and in the fall apples. Rhubarb and the first strawberries are both in season now and perfect for this satisfying sweet taste of spring. READ MORE . . .