Elderberries – Syrup & Sauce
Years ago my grandfather and I had returned from a trip to gather fresh fall elderberries in the Keremeos area. That evening a stroke that ultimately took him home changed those plans. Going on the trip was the last thing on his bucket list and it brought home the idea that a bucket list is […]
Continue readingSpring Cleaning
Fire has played such an important role in the progressive development of our homes that I always find it interesting when new building codes in many places do not allow for actual fireplaces anymore. Over time, people moved from congregating around an open fire pit to gathering around a kitchen hearth for food and heat. […]
Continue readingCottonwood Bud Balm
Have you ever been driving down the road or looking out the window during the summer to see great amounts of white fluff floating through the air? Sort of a cross between fluffy snowflakes and dandelion seeds, wafting everywhere? That is cottonwood. It is a member of the poplar family and the resin filled buds […]
Continue readingLemon Poppy Seed Cookies
“And don’t think the garden looses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet but the roots down there are riotous” is a Rumi quote I often think about this time of the year. Usually from the perspective that while one half of the planet seems to rest, the other is just beginning first harvests at the […]
Continue readingIce Cube Candles
The solar calendar is a fairly modern construct, more associated with neopaganism than one single ancient tradition. Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasa and Samhain were called “Fire Festivals” before being blended into the solstices and equinoxes to create the Wheel of the Year. Taking a moment though, it is easy to understand how each celebration is an […]
Continue readingTipsy Persimmon Loaves
Persimmons are full of Vitamin A, just over half of the daily reccomended amount actually and just under one quarter of the suggested daily amount of Vitamin C. They are also a good source of fiber and manganese. Don’t let not having persimmons stop you from making this loaf though. You can substitute apple or […]
Continue readingPort & Persimmon Clouds
Yesterday, I shared a recipe that left me with 2 egg whites without plans. I also had a persimmon on the counter in need of being used, so……I got out the port of course. Persimmons are from the Diospyros family of plants, another “food of the gods”. They are best left until the first frost […]
Continue readingLemon Cheese/Curd
When something is expensive and not easy to get, it is always a good idea to find a way to extend the flavour in some way. I did that this summer with my handful of cascade berries that were turned into liquour and then chocolates. It allows more people to share in the bounty. Originally […]
Continue readingLebkuchen
Trading with other countries brings exciting new things from distant places and the spice trade is one example. Once Marco Polo and others went off traveling, the world of anise, cardamon and other delights opened up. European cities that had strong trading economies were first to see these spices and explore the possibilities. The first […]
Continue readingCascade Berry Creams and Apple Cider Perzipan Chocolates
Knowing that we had some chocoholics in the fall tea group I decided to add three options to the top layer of the fall tea tray. The port truffles can be found here and are an easy option for a luxurious chocolate treat that does not require tempering. The other two sweets on the plate […]
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