It has been nearly a decade since I took a class on how to make bar soap. By the end of the class, I was smitten with the process and with the resulting product. Finally, the mystery of soap making had been revealed and the process was far easier than expected. As I gained confidence, […]
Small Batch Lard Rendering
Back in my grandmother’s day, lard was the king of the kitchen. Most women kept a can of lard on the kitchen counter since it was used so frequently. Lard created a flakiness that butter or other shortening couldn’t when it came to pie crusts. It seasoned cast iron (another work horse of the kitchen), […]
Jack O' Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers
To parents, Halloween often means that candy becomes a major part of their children’s diet. The amount is often dependent upon the amount of booty collected during trick or treating. But besides candy, parents can offer up a festive treat at the dinner table, and all it takes is a little creative carving on a […]
Homemade Green Pork Chile
Late summer ushers in a garden favorite… chilis! Yes, as warm days wind to a close, these spicy peppers make an appearance at road-side stands, farmers’ markets, CSAs, grocery stores, and even backyard gardens across the country. You see, chilis are an important part of a southwestern fall classic; green pork chile. Now just any […]
How to Perfectly Grill Corn on the Cob in the Husk
While sweet corn is a classic taste of summer, most folks enjoy it straight out of boiling water or even out of the microwave. While both of those methods can result in a good ear of corn, there is another. So skip the pot of boiling water and bypass the microwave. Head outside and reclaim […]
Spicy Cucumber Dill Pickles
Summer is generous. She unfurls her leaves and offers up a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Yes, eating is easy and it is fresh. But with a wary glance to the sky, I note that it won’t always be summer. You see… for as generous as she is…. she is quick to depart. One […]