tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64380820469275832912012-01-22T18:49:51.927-05:00Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.comBlogger2161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-53973534168573241072012-01-22T16:56:00.000-05:002012-01-22T16:56:18.130-05:00

My first Indian Cookbook!   I love the heavy use of spices, layering of flavors and there is very little if any salt in the recipes which I did not realize until I started reading.  Is this normal for Indian cooking? Regional Cooking of India, by Mridula Baljekar Her book has European measurements as well as American.  Each recipe is beautifully photographed with basic steps. 

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-23184119825948875252012-01-16T12:57:00.001-05:002012-01-16T13:00:37.106-05:00

Wonderful dinner last night hosted by Chef Walter Scheib and Gettysburg Festival's new Executive Director Beth Kirby.   In person Chef Walter tells stories just the way his book is written.  Very casual, light and makes all those who serve in political ways - human.  Something we all forget easily. I took very few photos since sometimes I like to put my camera down and enjoy myself.  Plus

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-39143644436929494952011-12-19T19:50:00.000-05:002011-12-19T19:50:13.842-05:00

Finally got the MEGALOPOLIS out of the house and donated to Gettysburg Festival.  They managed to raise money, spread holiday fun and we are all winners.  Found out making hard candy is not so bad.  Cook the crap out of sugar, water and corn syrup til 260' or so and your good. 300' is the crack house stage.  Yellow food dye looks very different from using honey instead of corn syrup for an

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-4725092554121845692011-12-14T08:57:00.000-05:002011-12-14T08:57:03.975-05:00

I love that photo.  It's from my Mom's house at Thanksgiving last year.  Here's how to make really simple flavorful gravy and it doesn't have to be loaded with fat.    Dice up some carrots, onions, celery, herbs and brown them slowly in some kind of fat.  Butter, lard, oil or pan drippings- for a long long time.   Make sure the pan is nice and heavy bottomed and stir once in a while.  Low

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-17884253285892737652011-11-06T12:09:00.027-05:002011-11-06T12:32:51.533-05:00

Le sigh....the last of those wonderful summer veggies are gone and now I need to turn to winter vegetables.  Course I didn't expect 10" of snow at the end of October!  Gosh a 5 pound bag of carrots is less than $5 and they go everywhere on our table.  Soups, stir fry, side dish, souffle, salads.... Above left are barely roasted green beans, diced hard cheese, toasted hazelnuts, slow roasted

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-25203734552775796962011-10-26T08:59:00.004-04:002011-10-26T09:03:04.172-04:00

I wanted to show a variety of squashes or pumpkins before they go into the oven.  Small cinderella, spaghetti squash and acorn squash. Why do people use good food for decoration???  Nothing to do except wash them and pop in the oven on a lipped pan to catch drips or heavy liquid like the larger pumpkins put out. Keeping the oven 375' and below will let the squashes roast nicely all by

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-3402903712538891842011-10-14T12:41:00.005-04:002011-10-14T13:14:05.449-04:00

This pan is the workhorse of my kitchen.  TJMaxx acquisition and a Jamie Oliver brand! Not expensive, sturdy handles, oven safe, strong lid, stove top use, wide opening and not too tall on the sides.  Just pretend I was using pull apart kitchen shears and not paper scissors pulled out of the drawer to cut out the backbone.  That photo on the right is kinda horrific....but just trying to show

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-5722666733602410442011-10-12T16:46:00.000-04:002011-10-12T16:46:53.396-04:00

When I first met Manda over at the studio it was like looking at a cute baby cub trying to roar with the big cats.  I can still pat her on the head cause she's shorter than me, but I wouldn't dare do that to the young woman she has become. Truly- I get kinda scared in the studio when she wanders away to do other work.  I need her!  Plus she just got engaged!  This is a bit easier than a whole

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-70418857769580076602011-10-06T13:30:00.000-04:002011-10-06T13:30:43.188-04:00

I have GOT to stop buying food like there are still 5 people living at home.  It's down to 3 of us and I still come home with a 3 pound piece of salmon!  Raw salmon pulls apart nicely with a fork- great tip if you want to make fresh salmon cakes instead of crab cakes. I made this in 2 -2 quart dishes. In a bowl:2 eggs2 Cups milkprepared mustard-about 1/3 C (I like brown or dijon)Mayo-about

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-15765161471660435802011-10-01T15:41:00.000-04:002011-10-01T15:41:13.753-04:00

Spices: 1/2 tsp each-ground cardamomground turmericground cinnamonground corianderground smoked or plain paprikasalt to taste Flavorings: 1 onion medium, diced4 garlic cloves, peeled chopped fine2 Tb fresh ginger, peeled chopped fine chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, Thai basil...1/2 C whole coconut milk (lite kinda loses it's flavor but it's fine too)1 12 oz package peeled split mung

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-51847484799802312042011-09-23T10:55:00.001-04:002011-09-23T10:57:42.586-04:00

Or that yummy Greek dish also called MOUSSAKA!! Not Moose Kah Kah. MOUSSAKA We all know every Grandma has her way of doing a casserole.  Isn't casserole another word for cleaning out the fridge and bake it all at once? Everyone has their own favorite way to make lasagna-so I'm not about to say any version of  Moussaka is authentic.  It's my quest in life to produce each meal with as few

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-27692369701442055672011-09-15T08:13:00.003-04:002011-09-15T08:22:10.916-04:00

Peppers are still going strong but not for long since the weather is cooling down quickly here in mid September. Wear gloves to protect your skin.  With sharp knife, make a slit down the length of a hot pepper, remove seeds and membrane, place whatever cheese you like inside, wrap or lay bacon over top.  For vegetarian version I'd probably just use BBQ sauce or chop some green onions, mix

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-35827376622538708002011-09-11T21:57:00.034-04:002011-09-12T07:31:19.725-04:00

Is it too much to ask for a quiet meal in our backyard?     Why don't we see green tomatoes in farm markets in South Central Pennsylvania?  They really need to do simple cooking demos at farm markets. Not hard to make at all.  Plus you get to pick them early when you can't wait for a ripe tomato and late when the nights are starting to cool and they will soon be gone along with summer.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-22140807488880353172011-09-05T10:08:00.000-04:002011-09-06T08:08:55.963-04:00

I don't know much about Indian food.  We grew up in a mix of ethnic families in our small suburb development.    Not really remembering any kind of prejudice since all of us kids were thrown together at birthday parties, the community swimming pool and on the school buses into the city school. The first spicy thing I ever tasted was Indian, not Mexican flavors that are so

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-35012612880178886312011-09-02T09:59:00.000-04:002011-09-02T09:59:16.843-04:00

With lots of great results making slow roasted tomatoes from halved or large chunks of ripe tomatoes, I wanted to see what would happen with a puree of fresh tomatoes and slow roasting them.   The oven just brings out wonderful flavors instead of up on the stove top. Happily it worked out just fine.   Didn't bother peeling the tomatoes since they went into the food processor and I'm

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-62398420831610258912011-08-28T19:12:00.000-04:002011-08-28T19:12:34.871-04:00

Jeez----not exactly sure what kind of peppers are in that pile.  Most likely a mix of Habanero and Scotch Bonnets? The guy swore the yellow ones were hotter than Habanero....but at the cost of your esophagus, how can anyone tell if one is hotter than the other??  Threw the peppers in my electric smoker.  With thin skins, they toasted up in about 5 hours.  Some got crunchy and some stayed

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-48717010298352287382011-08-27T16:03:00.002-04:002011-08-27T16:12:26.234-04:00

Been making a ton of pesto lately since the basil is nice and big.   Since we have a large overgrown plant of Thai Basil I wanted to mix up some super flavors for quick stir fries. Thai Basil flavor has a more spicy....peppery, intense flavor than the regular Italian Basil. Pull off all the leaves and into a food processor.  With some olive oil, pulse into small bits.  Not quite a puree'. 

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-16241029958448414282011-08-26T07:19:00.004-04:002011-08-26T07:46:43.218-04:00

If you like those yummy crusty, gooey, sweet, tart edges from a pan of lasagna-oven roasted tomatoes are the thing to try. Plumb or paste tomatoes work better because of the lower water content.  I still add the regular tomatoes if I have them, only to use them up if there is a huge quantity. Slice off the top/core of the tomato. Don't worry about the skins. Quick squeeze of the seeds

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-71885793118005072942011-08-19T10:06:00.000-04:002011-08-19T10:06:36.285-04:00

Eggplants are showing up in huge quantities at markets everywhere in the north east. These beauties were found at the Charlottesville farm market.  The skinny ones I used in stir fry with onions, lite soy sauce, garlic and some oyster sauce.  No picture of the finished dish, but these large round ones came out so creamy after roasting in a hot oven.  475' until soft when squeezed, cool

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-38187839173255253962011-08-16T12:17:00.006-04:002011-08-17T09:47:39.496-04:00

Spent the weekend in Charlottesville and submersing ourselves in Thomas Jefferson history. Course I'm all about the food and TJ was too! I've learned the most food information from 'Dining at Monticello'.   In fact I couldn't put it down in my spare moments at the hotel room.  I have Mary Randolph's 'The Virgina Housewife' which was an accurate recipe collection of the time.  It lacks the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-53341660307389211552011-08-15T12:53:00.007-04:002011-08-15T13:21:14.042-04:00

It kinda looks like CA wine country, but this is around Charlottesville VA!  We were happily discovering the real deal wineries on our long, lazy ride back home to PA.  I didn't realize until I walked in to these places-I really want to be knocked over by the aroma of cut oak and that heady wine grape doing it's juicy maceration in towering mazes of barrels.  Harvesting is almost here so the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-10137313794462919302011-08-05T15:06:00.003-04:002011-08-05T15:09:13.662-04:00

Chipotle has been a buzzword for a few years now!  Even a restaurant using the name.   Wonder if they did chipotles on 'How it's Made'! They are smoked jalapeno peppers, canned in a rich thick smokey tomato sauce.  And a few slivered onions in there too! It's a bit easier to dump them out in a bowl to see what you've got before slicing and seeding them. Seeding is not necessary, but

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-30121024810161620492011-08-01T07:48:00.001-04:002011-08-01T09:27:17.656-04:00

I saw a post on another blog about this artist and was so inspired that I've been doing sketches all weekend.   Combining color with line drawing.  Using watercolor paints and a thin sharpie permanent marker on watercolor paper. Freestone peaches are coming fast and wonderful!! Freestone just means the peaches fall off the pit.  Less work, less waste.  Those depressing weeks of spring rain

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-76564760417363091972011-07-18T09:30:00.006-04:002011-08-23T09:51:07.424-04:00

Wouldn't it be wonderful if more Americans knew how to eat like this?? Cheese made minutes ago, fresh tomato, basil, olive oil, herbs, spices.  All passionately handled with loving care to fulfill bellies and souls of eager eaters. Apple Valley Creamery held a first ever demo by the Caputo Family (from Spring Grove) to show how to use one of their products-frozen cheese curds.  I love this

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-91502570350517139382011-07-17T10:23:00.000-04:002011-07-17T10:23:41.863-04:00

Soba Noodles, shredded carrot, shredded cucumber, fresh cilantro, peanut dressing and leftover smoked beef brisket.  Besides the usual warm sandwiches, filled soft corn tortillas and the usual ways to make super fast meals when we are in the midst of a busy week!  Baked wonton wrappers, smoked pork, goat cheese/chèvre and freezer fig jam. Blanched and cooled fresh green beans, boiled baby

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-3154825896939854602011-07-10T15:54:00.001-04:002011-07-10T20:15:11.534-04:00

The cheapy Brinkman electric smoker ain't such a bad investment.  Wet wood chips are rolled into heavy foil,  poked with holes and placed at bottom of the electric smoker.  Out rolls heavy smoke that gives a nice pink edge under that fantastic finger licking crust.  I always go to Stephan Raichlin for his dry rubs. I'm really stuck on his Java Rub made with ground coffee. Roll an extra

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-14430563405142899322011-07-08T12:43:00.000-04:002011-07-08T12:43:52.516-04:00

Actually my cracker crusts are made from the big 4 pound tubs of animal crackers I get at Sam's club.  Grind them in the food processor and I have plenty available.  Or a mix of leftover small bags of graham crackers or cookies hanging around in the cupboard.  1 Cup ground crackers 2 Tb sugar 4 Tb melted butter (add salt if it is unsalted butter about 1/4 tsp) Pat into a pan with removable

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-32095154663898364572011-07-06T13:56:00.000-04:002011-07-06T13:56:14.846-04:00

Just west of Gettysburg is orchard and canning country.  One of the biggest producers is Knouse Foods.   They in turn draw from the many many orchards in the area.  We picked at Boyers for cherries. With our ignorance we picked 4 buckets.  Which equaled.....42 pounds.  I had to ask twice if that was correct. Royal Anne's are known for their lovely lighter color

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-59701891245730332052011-06-28T22:13:00.001-04:002011-06-28T22:17:47.096-04:00

See! I can make pretty pie too.  Well..... I prefer rustic to beauty if this was a pie pagent.  That happens to be blueberry with chopped black cherries and crumb topping.  We went to Barefoot Farms again this year and stumbled on their interview with the local cable show.  Sure enough we were in the background while filming and it was pointed out by the lovely wife as she was talking to

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-9144047863869595872011-06-18T06:39:00.000-04:002011-06-18T06:39:51.931-04:00

I have been ordained by heavenly pie gods to give permission to anyone who thinks all food should be pretty and photo worthy-bake and serveUgly Pie. It just tastes so summery good and who cares what it looks like. Who cares what you cook it in. Don't bother to fiddle with details because that just takes too long to get to the best part.Eating. Also eat Ugly Pie for dinner.  Your family and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-24979257457427296722011-06-06T08:07:00.000-04:002011-06-06T08:07:47.211-04:00

Not much to say about the babies, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.....enjoy!

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-62747533809624193272011-05-30T23:50:00.006-04:002011-05-31T00:03:02.373-04:00

TA DA!! The undefeated PA IRON CHEF'S!!!  Very nice group for this gal to hang with behind a big party/fundraiser for Gettysburg Festival.  Former Chef to the White House-Walter Scheib was the host of the party and put together the menu.  He and these Chefs all contribute their time to fundraisers and I was very honored to have a backstage pass to photo the preparations. Chef Scheib's book  

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-80518847079058663692011-05-23T08:05:00.000-04:002011-05-23T08:05:39.609-04:00

Big changes at our house! Baby French Marans I think a week old now. In our kitchen for the moment to experience the wonder of raising baby hens. We don't get much done wanting to study, feed, touch, scoop, cuddle the little fluff balls. Not that they seem to enjoy all this attention. Then suddenly they plop their heads down and snooze. We got them from Sandy an extraordinary modern

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-12074430325809036272011-05-11T11:55:00.002-04:002011-05-11T12:01:58.445-04:00

Finally played with making an Italian version of potstickers.  Just used a basic meatball recipe and folded the fresh pasta sheets around it (don't forget to brush the pasta wraps with water to make them stick together).  Then off to the freezer and into freezer bags for quick small meals.  After quickly cooking the bites in a saute pan and moving them to a warm bowl,  just saute a bit of

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-19525309075736657702011-05-01T21:04:00.000-04:002011-05-01T21:04:02.191-04:00

   Well darn there is something to learn everyday.  Sometimes big.  Sometimes small. Having a unquenchable thirst for tart white wines in the evenings could be a way to wind down or a way to try and numb the brain of cosigning college loans every few weeks for the in-college teens.  Hubby and I are we are utterly screwed in our future as retired people. The only thing that seems to go with

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-84416990721168891752011-04-26T11:23:00.004-04:002011-04-26T11:25:58.186-04:00

Pretty sure somewhere I read vanilla beans soaked in vodka can last around 5 years.  That might be the case, but when there are quarts of it around suddenly you want to share and generously fill bottles for other serious cooks, then use the elixir with reckless abandon.....well the stuff kinda gets weak from topping off those jars! About 1/2 pound of fresh

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-77579143623017713322011-04-08T14:50:00.000-04:002011-04-08T14:50:07.194-04:00

Dang, what a terrible recipe name!  If you insist on using a can, pour the beer out into a microwavable measuring cup, warm it up, then pour back into the can before cooking.  I picked up some spicy smoked paprika and regular paprika at TJMaxx. Rub: 2 Tb smoked paprika 2 Tb regular paprika 2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp ground garlic 1/4 tsp sugar Just mix together, lick the tip of

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-1854534705180200612011-03-26T14:38:00.003-04:002011-03-26T14:39:57.580-04:00

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-81601063986846838802011-03-20T15:36:00.000-04:002011-03-20T15:36:08.195-04:00

THAI RED CURRY WITH TOFU AND GREEN BEANS  Holy crap are the hubby and I in LOVE with Thai Curries.  Not to be confused with Indian Curries.  Simple, tasty, any mix and match proteins and veggies within reach...amazing. I found these great little cans in the Asian grocery in York on the corner of Queen and Cottage Street.  They also happened to have tiny cans of coconut milk too. 

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-28444593073257919762011-03-17T16:59:00.003-04:002011-03-17T21:37:26.409-04:00

Oatmeal Raisin Soda Bread 2 C quick oats 1 3/4 C buttermilk 2 Tb molasses 1/3 C sugar 2 Tb melted butter or soft lard 1 C raisins (soaked in warm water for about 15 minutes if desired) 2 1/2 C all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar 1 1/2 tsp table salt Preheat oven to 375'. In a medium bowl soak the oats in the buttermilk for 1/2 hour - 1 hour.  Then add the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-54576033373418489122011-03-14T08:43:00.001-04:002011-03-14T08:44:21.881-04:00

Basic ingredient I used: ABOUT 4 Cups chicken broth and 4 cups water sliced button and shitake mushrooms shredded carrots sliced baby bok choy diced firm tofu slivered scallions for garnish Just like stir frying- saute each ingredient separately then move the cooked ingredients to a waiting bowl. If one ingredient takes longer to cook-like carrots, you won't overcook a tender ingredient

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-1741940908511329112011-02-27T17:22:00.000-05:002011-02-27T17:22:25.910-05:00

It warmed up enough today to melt almost what's left of the snow piles.   I think everyone within smelling distance was grilling. Porterhouse and Delmonico.  Also tried a new technique for cobbler where the blueberry filling is baked for about 15 minutes before adding the dough on top. 6 cups frozen blueberries 1/3 C sugar 1Tb corn starch Mix together the sugar and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-34310231624112526132011-02-13T18:09:00.001-05:002011-02-14T09:42:05.568-05:00

Some kid traded a White Castle Burger for a PB and J with my daughter at school. She only knows these burgers from a frozen box then warmed up in a microwave. But I'm old enough to remember being at a real White Casle  joint when I was a kid. It's really simple.  Instead of grilling a bunch of teeny burgers (which you could do), pat out a large square and bake in the oven. I used a plastic

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-13977352007087495002011-01-30T20:01:00.004-05:002011-01-30T20:07:38.483-05:00

Originally this was going to be a post on easy lasagna. The 10 year old didn't want to eat the lasagna OR even put that same sauce over cooked pasta. With a 10 yr old rolling eyes "Lasagna sauce is NOT the same as pasta sauce... MOM!" uhhhhh ok. How do you make sauce then? More rolling of the eyes.... "Jeeeeeez MOM let me show you." I'm going to post her recipe word for word at the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-54650768247826553762011-01-24T08:14:00.003-05:002011-01-24T16:57:30.880-05:00

I'll let you folks take a second to see if you can figure out the above photo. That is the saved portion of cookie dough ice cream from a kid who ate ice cream part and put the little nuggets of cookie dough into the freezer to save as a special treat for another day! Yuuuummmmeeee. Some things look so good in real life, but regrettably do not come across as the same mouth watering goodness

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-1240480327714507752011-01-11T08:53:00.000-05:002011-01-11T08:53:04.835-05:00

Just for future reference.  Food bloggers love to get FOOD presents!!  Like this one.  I think the basic concept is to take anything in the snack cupboard and dip it in chocolate.  Works for me! I've been grabbing head lettuce at Sam's since it is so cheap and giving it to the backyard hens. Suddenly one of them is producing some jumbo eggs! This is my first try at

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-16183196506700403392011-01-02T21:43:00.000-05:002011-01-02T21:43:29.468-05:00

Girls night out recently was at a fondue place.  We didn't order the usual melted cheese fondue but went with the main entree.  A hot burner in the middle of the table with pot of boiling broth. You pick veggies and things like spicy shrimp, salmon, beef, chicken etc. Spearing your food on a long fork or just drop it into the pot to cook and fish it out with a slotted spoon. Once we

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-65366074883200507072010-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:002010-12-20T00:01:48.439-05:00

I recieved a yummy gift from my dear friend Lenora who inspires me every day.  She is oldschool 'can my foods til I drop from exhaustion' kinda woman.  Dang, wish I could tap into the energy of preserving hundreds of jars of food! Miss Lenora gave me jars of pickled beets, beans (not green beans), hot peppers and she gave dehydrating tomatoes a whirl this year! Are they beautiful or

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-85678609006296351952010-12-13T08:06:00.001-05:002010-12-13T08:08:20.318-05:00

Last year I discovered the secret to rolled cookies with jelly filling that won't run and holds the filling after baking.  For years I tried to get the jelly to stay with coconut or less jelly and nothing seemed really sucessful. Dried fruit.  I'd give credit to where I found it, but now I can't remember! Must be my wine consumption due to the fact I have teenagers. The idea is while the dried

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-91321897210225477722010-12-05T10:49:00.000-05:002010-12-05T10:49:05.217-05:00

 

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-6876484955510589122010-12-02T18:56:00.063-05:002010-12-02T23:18:41.355-05:00

After 2 weeks of work we finally got Santa's Workshop delivered up to The Gettysburg Hotel for a fundraiser for The Gettysburg Festival. 14 of us are entered and the houses will be auctioned off.As you can see I am the Angelina Jolie of our town with paparazzi hovering around taking pictures of everything. Hopefully they will do something about crowd control next time I and my arm candy arrive.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-26046015643192230982010-11-29T18:46:00.018-05:002010-11-29T19:38:56.386-05:00

Check out these amazing cupcakes my girlfriend Susan made to be auctioned off for charity. I don't have all the details, but the lettuce is green corn flakes, the turkey skin is warmed caramel and rolled out thin to stretch. Stuffing is Grape Nuts Cereal.A.freakin.mazing.We are working on a new gingerbread house that I will show when it's all complete. Post on Gingerbread House. Just realized I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-91421415843755743422010-11-07T17:22:00.007-05:002010-11-07T18:45:36.722-05:00

If you squint your eyes you can see the star of the show.....my food! Down in the oven and on top of the stove. Gosh all these people were very nice to build a new prototype oven, design a set, build it, hire people to model my food, videographers from CA and finally it will go on a website of the company. Yeah baby.There was even a script!! Food porn at it's best."Cut to the drama of a beautiful

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-1031048129370608282010-10-31T19:56:00.029-04:002010-11-01T08:06:04.961-04:00

So if your in NYC/Manhattan you need to buy a pumpkin...$13 for a small one!It's funny to us, but once trucking costs, toll, gas, markups...$13 almost sounds like a bargain.Let's go over to Chelsea Market...OMG a foodie heaven!!Today, lets explore the seafood shop.Mmmmm it smells like the ocean.Yep- bait.Ummm or good eats.Dang those are some pretty tiny silver fishes!Scallops, oysters,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-45798976225760202392010-10-10T21:17:00.005-04:002010-10-10T22:25:09.731-04:00

This was dinner for us last night! A small platter full of sweet, savory, salty flavors and textures that do a happy dance for eyes and taste buds. Never forgetting to wash it down with some beloved spirits.I really learned how to put together a cheese plate from Sydney. Marinated Olives, aged Cheddar, goats milk Brie, aged Gruyere , candied spiced pecans from my mom, my basil pesto, plain lavash

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-66869315117200923582010-09-19T20:51:00.032-04:002010-09-25T23:57:50.934-04:00

I forgot about this easy dessert for any kind of fruit. The classic with pineapple can be used, but make it fresh pineapple not canned. Here I used a firmer Italian or Prune Plumb.I love pie, but hate how it can be so complicated sometimes. Here I rolled out my dough much larger than the pan and made 2 fillings. One with peach and some with apples, pears and raisins.Fill the pies, fold over the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-41367095977765142032010-09-12T22:42:00.014-04:002010-09-13T08:03:32.739-04:00

Here they are, the yummy filling inside a Fig Newton Cookie. Real ones.Here in S. Central PA -yes- they can be gown. Sort of.I've settled with a silly method of planting them into rolling carts. Otherwise I can't figure out how to best plant them where they are happy and warm and produce real fruit. Because that would just be too easy!Just not one of those people who can throw them out in the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-25627724362800637942010-09-06T11:57:00.017-04:002010-09-06T12:43:28.497-04:00

Pretty neato eh?Last week I shoved the oldest daughter with all her belongings out of my car in front of her dorm in NYC so I could hurry over to Union Square area. Was very happy to find the farm market still going strong in late afternoon! Yay!But I didn't bring my cart so I could not buy one of everything along my trek. Booooo!I did find these huge baskets labeled Choke Cherries.No wonder no

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-70515517362007114262010-08-22T22:13:00.007-04:002010-08-22T23:17:01.405-04:00

There was a notice on the photo forum to post any photo with chocolate by midnight.I'm a person who LOVES a challenge and couldn't go the boring same old same old and expect a sweet chocolate flavor.Totally going with a savory taste on this challenge.Guessing it was about 2 Tb of Chile powder with 1 Tb of unsweetened cocoa powder.Toasting in a completely dry, empty pan. Stir frequently, keeping

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-83518172257261142392010-08-16T21:35:00.022-04:002010-08-17T01:35:53.287-04:00

Dang, are those cherry bombs ever pretty???There are a lot leftover and will try to do something spectacular with them! So far, only idea so far is stuffing with sausage and putting into a tomato sauce and let simmer a bit.Green Salsa Smokey Salsa Hubby's Auntie said we could raid her garden.YAY!!The cherry bomb photo are peppers picked off just 2 plants.She has this amazing underground

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-32472005720606506492010-08-12T17:13:00.033-04:002011-01-08T19:52:30.598-05:00

I can remember a friend of my grandmother who gave away cherries soaked in Brandy at Christmas every year. The recipe buried in my file. Pour off juice from Maraschino Cherries, add Brandy, soak for 6 months. Some people dip these in chocolate! Another liquor memory was the mincemeat pie with a spoon full of Whiskey (do we really believe it was a spoonful?). Possibly a soaked fruit cake or

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-15271422534758282172010-08-10T19:39:00.030-04:002011-01-15T11:37:38.653-05:00

Yay! We did some honey harvesting! Got about 2 gallons this time. Last year was about 2.5 gallons, but who's counting. I love to watch capping. It is just taking off that top layer of wax to reveal the combe filled with all that luscious honey! Not sure how visible the darker honey is in that photo to the left. They say it is concentrated because it is older. But since our honey is all

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-32212980412327774182010-07-12T11:49:00.049-04:002011-01-08T20:08:32.377-05:00

My first job was at Carvel Ice Cream. And no, you never get tired of eating ice cream even when you work around it. Pretty easy to make a cake, the back and forth to freezer is the only time consuming part. So just make it a few days ahead. After grinding up your cookies in a food processor mix about half a bottle of this hardening sauce. Why?? so when you cut your cake the crumbles all

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-60332135987313039132010-07-05T18:01:00.032-04:002011-01-08T20:25:45.125-05:00

Never before have I picked raspberries, late strawberries and blueberries all in one day. Pretty neat, but I think it cooked our brains it was sooooo hot. Black raspberry picking was a chore this year, reds were plentiful so we mixed red with the black to make seedless jelly and you'd never know the difference. I still love going to Barefoot Farms down in Dover, PA. Super nice folks.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-32746747981821593172010-06-21T23:18:00.019-04:002011-01-08T20:38:43.458-05:00

There are a few large studios locally that do advertising photos and video shoots hidden around. Mostly in the Lancaster area. Above is the small set for a prototype steam oven that hasn't been put onto the market yet. The fold up table in front is for my prepped food. A closer view before the cameras, lighting, models.... The day before was spent prepping a lot of food and making sure

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-9908154467519723652010-06-06T23:41:00.014-04:002010-06-07T00:37:38.648-04:00

I'd love to say that I have a lot to talk about with backyard hens. First, it isn't cheap to get started.You'd think it was cheap, since the hens cost only around $15.By the time we spent $$$ on the coop, fencing, feed...we were out quite a lot of money. But we thoroughly enjoy watching them scratch around, feed them weeds, flowers, leftovers from the fridge. They coo and cluck at us looking for

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-28720351007998339202010-05-31T09:00:00.009-04:002011-01-08T20:47:11.307-05:00

Well into the start of EATING LOCALLY WITH THE SEASONS in PA....strawberries. Finally giving up on looking for recipes for daiquiris or margaritas, now it is just dump some ice in a blender with some strawberries, add some honey or sugar, good squeeze of lemon or lime juice, then a shot or two of liquor. I prefer quality tequila over rum~personal preference there. It always comes out just

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-679233767663750932010-05-24T19:21:00.033-04:002010-05-24T22:39:27.130-04:00

You know how they say never to run mushrooms under water?? Rubbish. McGee dispelled that wives tale a long time ago. Mushrooms are already mostly water, they don't take on more. It's just like any other veg or fruit, they are already full of water so washing doesn't harm them. Discoloration like a bruise...maybe, but if you are cooking them that doesn't matter.Go ahead and wash them, let them

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-7787241189339078392010-04-15T23:00:00.003-04:002010-04-16T12:50:42.025-04:00

Not exactly like an old fashioned perogi, pierógi, perogie, pierogi, perogy, pirohi, piroghi, pirogi, pirogen, pierogy, pirohy, pyrohy...but darn good eats from the freezer in 10 minutes!Potstickers here. Old fashioned perogies here. Fresh pasta here. Wonton wrappers are our friends.A few cubes of creamy swiss to boiled baking potatoes.Leftover mashed would be just fine too, just not too soft

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-66744609512844090632010-04-15T22:16:00.011-04:002010-04-16T10:09:31.108-04:00

Oh, man you guys are going to think I lost my mind doing so many filled pastas! But I wanted to really get into them and become the master of my dumpling domain.Blah blah blah....every culture has a version....ravioli, dumplings, perogies, wontons, empanadas...all basically a dough with a filling. The basics of comfort foods. Filling to the belly and still stretching the family dollars. They can

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-47214868366347544622010-04-15T22:11:00.014-04:002010-04-16T08:01:00.723-04:00

This is a basic filled pasta using wonton wrappers. Here in Central PA, we find these in the veggie section of the grocery store near fresh ginger and Asian ingredients.Every culture has some kind of basic comfort food of a filled dough. Ravioli, empanadas, wonton, gyoza, turnovers, pirogi, potstickers, dumplings....all versions of the same things. Filling to family bellies and stretch food to

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-81838152717198239242010-04-07T23:34:00.036-04:002010-04-08T01:06:34.196-04:00

Tonight hubby and I celebrated our 21st Anniversary. We had Chef Neil prepare an 8 course tasting menu. He was kind enough to let me photograph our dishes of food. The staff is so very friendly, chef always has the kitchen open....just an amazing experience every single time we go.I tried to keep notes, but I'm sure he would forgive me if a few of the details are blundered. Starting off with

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-80571651272269810552010-04-04T21:53:00.045-04:002011-01-08T20:57:37.417-05:00

My girlfriend made these BEAUTIFUL Silk Tie Eggs! Thank goodness she just emailed me, because mine did not come out near as nice. We learned how to make them HERE. My mom and I tried this today with some silk fabric samples. No matter how much we wrapped the eggs in rubber bands, hoping it would give a snug fit for the fabric.... Our fabrics were

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-34759811099671918512010-03-28T12:07:00.006-04:002010-03-29T13:00:48.575-04:00

There's a scene in the newer version of 'Thomas Crown Affair' where Pierce Brosnan preorders chocolate souffle for dessert at the beginning of his meal. It is implied that this elegant dessert is for elite or upperclass foodies when it really is a basic recipe. Anyone can make it.I like that it's made ahead and baked just before serving.GentleGentleGentleFoldFoldFoldNO stirring.If kids or dads

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-48968496502988739722010-03-22T10:09:00.024-04:002011-01-08T20:58:23.711-05:00

Now this is a fun toy! This is our 22" steel wok on a 60,000 BTU burner. The Big Kahuna. I think I got if from Amazon. This is actually the same burner for deep frying turkeys. The stand was made for wok cooking with it's longer legs and a ring over the burner to hold the round bottom wok. "The Breath of a Wok" by Grace Young. Great book to learn some of the rich and wonderful

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-91943901165565365022010-02-28T08:16:00.005-05:002010-02-28T23:42:08.625-05:00

You can tell this photo was taken a while back, since I haven't been able to get to my grill with all the snow lately!The picture is several huge, meaty shin beef bones from my box of 4H beef. Nicely grilled then off to the stock pot for a long day of simmering. I hate cooking these things in the house so I don't dirty up pans or surrounding areas with those tiny splatters of grease. If there are

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-55661275925355945042010-01-24T17:24:00.019-05:002010-01-25T00:30:54.824-05:00

I love these 2 photos.They are a reminder of what food, kids and meals can be. Silly, playful, togetherness, teaching, sharing, family....This should be called my cynicism post because right now I am at the end of my rope with my daughters small school.You'd think a school with less than 150 kids would be a really neat place to share the experience of what good food really is.Nope. So far it has

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-65106704468825393322010-01-11T08:00:00.001-05:002010-01-11T08:31:09.216-05:00

There's my little Italian! Putting the yum into one of her favorite desserts!Tiramisu6 egg yolks3/4 C white sugar1/4 t table salt1/2 C heavy cream2 T spiced rum1 T vanilla extract16 oz mascarpone cheese-cold2 C espresso or strong coffee3T spiced rum1/4 cup or so of grated semi to bittersweet chocolateIn a mixer bowl beat the egg yolks with sugar and salt until pale yellow and thickened. Stir in

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-64697990677142832842010-01-05T09:18:00.013-05:002010-01-05T10:38:02.929-05:00

Hubby was nice enough to come home from work and fill the firewood rack on a blustery day. So I quick fried up a basket of oysters with bread slices and homemade tarter sauce for him to take back to the office.Deep frying is all the same. Hot oil. 4 dishes. One with cornstarch, one with beaten egg and mustard, one with Panko crumbs (available in Asian section of grocery) for super crunchy crust.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-29645562814278038732009-11-23T08:04:00.018-05:002009-11-23T09:43:16.489-05:00

Picked up a half bushel of Granny Smith's at Nunda's on 194 to make pie after pie. We are averaging one pie a week. Mostly for the 9yr old. She eats it for breakfast, snack time at school and after school.Wonder how long that will last. Quick Crumb Topping:Mix in small bowl:1 C all purpose flour1 Tb corn meal (optional1/4 tsp table salt (if using unsalted butter)1/3 C sugarMelt 4 T butter in

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-66564816421036765322009-11-02T22:17:00.001-05:002009-11-02T23:38:59.007-05:00

Like a kid waiting for Christmas, I've spent 2 months eagerly anticipating my boxes of frozen beef and pork from the butchers.Sadly, we could only afford 1 cow from the 4-H kids. For the first time, got a pig also (or do we say hog?). That was fun! I sure would like to experiment with finishing out a pig with local fruits or cream from my dairy farmer. Sigh....another time.Most people buy 1/4 or

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-20190293653152986462009-10-23T09:26:00.013-04:002009-10-23T11:56:55.907-04:00

I should call this The Yellow Page.Here is our trial and error version of Mustard. Using ground dried mustard bought in quantity from Penzy Spice. We just kept mixing and tasting. Easiest way to taste is on a pretzel. Alone it is super hot and tastes just awful at first.2 C dried ground Canadian Mustard Powder7 oz vinegar (we used white, but cider is good too)3 T sugar1 T kosher salt3 oz water,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-57594520379046940572009-10-05T08:32:00.006-04:002009-10-05T22:28:39.236-04:00

Seems if the chief cook smashes their finger in a wood splitter machine, it shuts down the kitchen and you get some nice presents out of pity! Pity is good.Everyone should get a gift like this... A huge box of home made rolls and about 3 gallons of home made spaghetti sauce with meatballs!For a week we feasted and stuffed ourselves silly with pasta, sauce, meatballs, meatball subs...truly the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-5444378860604047372009-09-13T20:07:00.027-04:002009-09-14T10:46:17.849-04:00

Adams County 4H kids had their annual beef Auction at the South Mountain Fairgrounds in Arendstville, PA. It's just outside of Gettysburg buried among hilly farms and acres of orchards.This is our time as the hungry public to show these amazing young farmers support. Pushing up the prices a bit helps to cover the cost they have incurred and makes them extremely proud.This year we bought beef as

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-81777971388180784792009-08-17T11:04:00.007-04:002009-08-17T11:27:15.337-04:00

To tell the truth....we have hardly cooked anything lately. The heavy humid air just beyond any door is enough to send us back indoors for afternoon naps with early and late day energy bursts.One thing we have cooked is a few pounds of sliced bacon for our summer fest of BLT sandwiches.The other thing I'm cooking and appreciating is the Bread in 5 Minutes! Looking in that container to see the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-85961654942918892502009-08-10T11:32:00.003-04:002009-08-10T11:19:04.921-04:00

We found ourselves in Santa Fe the other week!This is a typical view while driving on the highways. Seriously...that is typical!!Hubby and youngest stood on edges of cliffs entirely too much!The real reason we went to New Mexico was to explore the FOOD!!I did buy a Micaceous Bean Pot (not this one). I haven't tried it yet. I'll post when I do.Never hearing of it before, this stuff is amazing.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-84264302771302527352009-08-02T22:19:00.030-04:002009-08-03T07:40:10.934-04:00

Don't you hate it when the simplest idea comes along and you smack your head saying....'Duh, why didn't I think of that before!'This book was that moment for me.We make all of our bread in the bread machine at our house. Sometimes I make the dough in the machine then shape it and bake it in the regular oven.The convenience is too easy. Anyone can dump the few ingredients in, I don't know why

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-64556976390363216312009-06-28T22:52:00.019-04:002009-06-29T01:11:14.133-04:00

How did I miss posting about Roots Market over in Lancaster last year?And why don't they just spell it Rutt's like it's pronounced?This must be last year around July 4Th.Once I saw this photo and this traffic shot, it all came back to me. I swore I would never go back near a holiday again....Guess who has a day open this Tuesday...before July 4Th weekend??? They are only open on Tuesdays. Dang,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-18110709375558259622009-06-14T12:18:00.003-04:002009-06-14T22:42:08.589-04:00

Lights! Camera! Action!Well...if only it were that easy.The top photo shows a new appliance in a photo studio being shot for updating product catalogs.This kind of cooking is a whole new way of looking at food photography. My job is only in Food. No photography-that is for the professionals!Everything has to be pretty, but not overshadow the brand new appliance for the consumer.The best way for

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-77626358329111497122009-05-31T22:55:00.011-04:002009-06-01T00:00:52.410-04:00

Over in Lancaster (more like East Petersburg, rt 72) is an amazing shop! Clyde Weavers. The website shows the markets they also belong to.I don't have any inside photos of the shop because the day I pulled up was 4:59 pm and they close at 5:00 pm. So I did not have time to wander around drooling and doing any photos. But trust me, if you are a cheese lover (or lunch meats lover) this is a

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-64760859442623901572009-05-31T10:52:00.004-04:002009-05-31T22:55:20.249-04:00

Baked Ziti1 pd cottage cheese2 eggs1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan2 cups cubed Mozzarella (if it is shredded it will melt away, you want nice globs of cheese)1/2 pound cooked round, tube pasta3-4 cups of your favorite cooked tomato sauceIn a bowl, mix eggs, cottage cheese, Parmesan. Toss the pasta with the cheese mixture. Then add 1-2 cups of the tomato sauce. Then add the cubed mozzarella cheese and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-29228627679521580982009-05-10T21:57:00.007-04:002009-05-12T08:17:24.988-04:00

Let's talk cheese !!Out of curiosity, I took all the cheese out of the fridge to count. OMG. This is as large as my vinegar/oil collection!! 5 lb loaf aged Mozzarellafresh MozzarellaJarlsbergCheddarshredded mix of Asiago, Parmesan, Provolone, Pecorinoshredded bag of Mozzerella mix (OK I was lazy and bought this for kids to make pizza)Goudahunks of Parmesanhunks of Pecorinosmall hunk of Briepiece

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-44120547313362285132009-05-03T20:17:00.014-04:002009-05-03T23:34:24.532-04:00

It seems odd to me that Easter was so early we didn't have local asparagus with dinner. I'm glad to see it in the markets now. That is the first sign (for me) that local produce is just awakening out of a winter slumber.Somewhere recently I saw an interesting salad of very thin sliced raw asparagus with a vinaigrette. Hopefully it will turn up again so I can play around with that idea. I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-40392261224807366902009-04-19T21:18:00.020-04:002009-04-19T22:08:12.261-04:00

Is anyone else kinda tired of rain? My flowers like it and I'm happy for them, but some sun was nice this past weekend.Somehow 7 pounds of wings wound up in my basket while out shopping!I'm still trying to get my darn deep freezer emptied out from last years bounty and really should not be buying stuff I do not need. Usually I cut the tips off and the wings in half for little drumlets and wing

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-58514642736310304562009-04-13T07:33:00.006-04:002009-04-13T22:59:04.722-04:00

Buckle2 C all purpose flour1 tsp baking powder3/4 tsp table salt4 Tb soft unsalted butter1/2-3/4 C white sugar1 large egg1-2 tsp vanilla extract1/2 C whole milk (warmed)3-4 cups room temp fruit (if juicy, keep juice separate for later)Topping:4 Tb soft unsalted butter1/2 tsp table salt1/2 cup white sugar1/3 cup all purpose flourMix topping ingredients until crumbly in a small bowl and set aside

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-13363622268951517532009-03-29T22:28:00.021-04:002009-03-29T23:37:06.508-04:00

Here is something to put some icing decorating skills to good practice. This can be just as complicated or simple as you want it to be.I did this with some very young kids again. The trick was to get things that take drying time or the more tedious tasks done ahead of time without the kids. Then little hands can magically put everything together.Older kids can handle this from begining to

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-25318289685642648292009-03-23T08:18:00.010-04:002009-03-23T09:43:30.380-04:00

I thought I'd never find a way to coat nuts that wouldn't end up like a sticky mess after a few days of storage.I've tried and never really found a way to keep that crunchiness unless I toasted them just before eating, which is fine for a quick salad or topping, but I wanted a way to have some in a jar for snacking that would stay firm and crunchy.It's also the reason I don't add dried fruit to

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-81822172327013841512009-03-08T19:29:00.029-04:002011-03-03T10:24:23.098-05:00

How on earth does one make Beagle Stew? It's something I've fantasized about many times. Too many. It starts by adopting a beagle who is about 2-3 years old with no history. Bring him into your home and let things simmer. This beagle had a nose that overtook his brain on a few occasions. There is no order to ingredients for this recipe. A good place to start.... Find beagle in beds with

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-71329539072423364932009-03-01T22:23:00.005-05:002009-03-02T07:34:54.095-05:00

OK, I'll admit. I've not ever made tapioca....ummm I think. Rice Pudding-yes, but no Tapioca from my memory.What exactly is the point? These little starch balls floating in a thickish sweetened glop.Up in Harrisburg on Paxton Street is a whole neighborhood of Vietnamese people and Asian groceries. Wow...they have some good stuff.In fact I ran into a chef shopping at one of the Asian Markets when

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438082046927583291.post-52345206559524156812009-02-03T20:12:00.034-05:002009-02-03T22:21:18.159-05:00

Wow. Isn't rice pretty?I shot that with my new lens extender. It's pretty neat. I can see things through my camera that can't be seen with my eyes! Those darn photography bloggers and their cool ideas!Just for fun, I got out all the rice I have in my cupboard. 2 kinds of brown, sticky sushi, medium grain and risotto.Before I go any further...I've never made sushi before and living in Central

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05497918905030890833noreply@blogger.com2