{Feel the Love} Pork Rillettes

I don’t think I’ve been shy about my love of the pig.   I honestly think the best thing you can give a gal involves some kind of pork fat and since February is the month of the Valentine, I think it’s also the time for indulging a little.  Forget the chocolate covered strawberries.   I…

The Garden’s Last Gasp: Fried Green Tomatoes

We pulled our tomato plants just before the killing frost last week and although we simply threw most of them onto our long-term compost pile, we hesitated over the remains of our heirloom plants. We decided to pick out the rest of those tomatoes, both green and red.  Michael said, “How about fried green tomatoes?”…

{from scratch holidays} A Spicy Thanksgiving

By the time the Puritan Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, there were actually many settlements already established by the Spanish in what would eventually be considered the United States, like Santa Fe NM, El Paso TX and St Augustine FL. So what and where was the first Thanksgiving in the United States? Was it the…

{from scratch holidays} Not Your Grandma’s Tea Sandwiches: Shrimp & Radish Toasts

If I had to choose my favorite type of meal, it would probably be a dinner of appetizers. I love how each little bite is packed with flavor and color. During the December holiday season I make a lot of appetizers for parties and festive dinners. One of my new favorites is a twist on…