Carrots were used in Europe as an inexpensive sweetener in cakes and puddings dating far back as the Middle Ages. It is no surprise baked goods sweetened and flavored with vegetables and fruits remain a favorite commodity. The Classic Carrot Cake arrived in America in the 20th century as a “healthy alternative” to traditional desserts.…
The birth of Spring is a marvelous sight to see here in the Valley. The medians along the highway flourish with a backdrop of orange and red poppies in addition to random purple and yellow wildflowers. The once boring lifeless hills awaken with the fresh scents of vibrant greens. The fragrant air recently cleaned by…
I was finally able to salvage enough apples to make this apple tart cake. Fruit does not last very long around here. You know the saying, “If you have not used it in a year then toss it?” I can’t remember the last time I used my apple corer/slicer but by sheer luck it went…
Sometime ago a friend of mine and I were discussing the cons of eating healthy. We both agreed that every now and then after eating perfect portions of lean proteins, limited carbs and a staple of fresh fruits and veggies we craved a hefty steak with a baked potato to fill us up. Something to…
Photo: Maypole Dancing at Wishford, Wiltshire One of my favorite childhood memories I have, is watching my mom and the other ladies from church weave ribbons in and around the May Pole. If I remember correctly, it was usually done during our Easter celebration rather than May 1st. The picture of festive celebrations is what…
Good Seasons used to make a nice make-it-yourself Asian salad dressing. Sadly I can never find the Asian flavor or Cesar at any of the grocery stores in the area. I used the dressing from an Asian spinach salad recipe and omitted the OJ. Source: unknown 4 (5oz) cooked salmon fillets 1/3 cup Asian Ginger…
I had some potatoes I needed to use up and this recipe fit the bill. It is a really easy recipe a teenager could even make when mom and dad are running late. Source: Stephanie Izard, Top Chef season 4 winner 2 tbsp butter 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tbsp fresh lemon…
A friend of mine from Houston Texas introduced me to the pleasures of cucumber salad. She was obsessed with cucumbers and red onions in vinegar. We ate bowl fulls to curb our hunger. I am the only one in the house who will eat this type of stuff. Stephen is anti condiments especially anything that…