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Seasonal Fries
Apples aren’t the only seasonal thing in at the farmers market. Root vegetables are also having their moment. Sweet potatoes in particular are in abundance. There are many ways to serve up sweet potatoes – bake them, roast them, stick ‘em in a stew. But sweet potato fries are always a crowd pleaser. We have been having a debate in our house since last year about whether or not to purchase an air fryer. I am generally all for the latest kitchen gadgets that make cooking easier. But it appears that most air fryers are large, countertop appliances and my counter space is already at a premium. Last week, many…
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Apple Butter Magic
I am still loving the apples. I have made my second batch of applesauce already. The apple turnovers lasted about a day. But there is so much more magic to be made with these delicious humble apples, the jewel of the season. Lately, when I mention making applesauce, everyone asks, “What about Apple Butter?” Well, honestly, I have never made apple butter. I love it, and there is something ultimately comforting about it, but I guess I assumed it was really complicated. I imagined it being a complex recipe requiring canning, which still scares me too much to try. But I began to research apple butter and it turns out…
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Apple Season
The air is cooler now, and leaves are beginning to turn bright red, orange and yellow. It’s my favorite time of year. For many people, this is apple-picking season. In a way, it is for me, too – I pick them up from the farmers market. The Raleigh farmers market is a great place to find new varieties to try, and the farmers are very helpful and ready to answer any questions you may have. Sadly, because of COVID, we can no longer sample all the varieties, but it’s still a wonderful afternoon outing. We love apples and eat them raw, but it is also so satisfying to cook with…
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Finding Fall
We have just returned from an amazing adventure out West, to Creede, Colorado. The weather was amazing – crisp in the mornings and evenings and pleasantly warm in the afternoons. We left home when it was muggy and mosquitoey and entered an autumnal wonderland. Mitch has a co-worker who lives out there and he invited us to come experience Colorado and take a break for a bit. We visited at the very peak of the Aspens turning and it was gorgeous. We could not stop taking photos. While there, we had lots of adventures. We hiked, kayaked and generally explored. We took a ride on a steam train through the…
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Perfectly Paired Pears
Ok, here’s the deal. It’s October – OCTOBER, and we just hit a record high of 100º F here in the Raleigh area. It is really getting ridiculous. They say the heat will finally break this weekend, but in the meantime, my desires to make soothing bowls of soup and chili in my crock pot are on hold. After scrapping my original idea of sharing a chicken chili recipe with you this week, I racked my brain for another Fall food to share. This brought me to pears. Pears are currently in season and at their Autumnal peak. I love apple crisp, but I thought pear crisp might be delicious,…
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Fall Treats
September is finally here, which means back-to-school for many, the return of pumpkin spice everything, and the onset of all things cozy. Alas, the reality is that here in the South, we are in the mood for Fall long before the weather catches up to us. While we may want to pull out the sweaters and boots, it’s far too hot for that. We may want soups and chilis, but it’s not really appropriate on 80 degree nights. But there are a few delights we can indulge in without having a heat stroke. One of those treats is Ginger Snaps. Not everyone may think of them as a Fall treat,…
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The Taste of Fall
It’s officially Fall, though it looks a little different here in the South. It’s still 80º and the mosquitoes are still biting like ravenous vampires. But I still love it. I have purchased my mums and pumpkins for the front porch and am getting out the Fall garlands and wreaths. What really kicks off Fall in our house is the first batch of applesauce in the slow cooker. Not only is it delicious, but it fills the house with an aroma that is better than anything Bath & Body Works can bottle. My favorite recipe starts with a trip to my beloved State Farmers Market in Raleigh. There are many…
