Our delicious tomato jam recipe is actually a form of the common condiment ketchup. Besides the tomatoes, ketchup includes some kind of sweetener (usually corn syrup) balanced with an acid (usually vinegar), plus some spices (onion powder being the predominant favorite.) Here, we use lime juice as the acid, granulated sugar as the sweetener, and some…
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Year-Round Seasonal Adventures
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Cherry-Chocolate Cream Scones
Most traditional scone recipes use both butter and milk or cream. For our Cherry-Chocolate Cream Scones, we’ve simplified the process by using only heavy cream, which also shortens the preparation process. The end result yields a crispy, more browned crust with a moist interior. Any dried fruit, such as cherries, apricots, or even raisins,…
Cream-Filled French Toast
A Castle in the Country Classic. Our cream-filled French toast is made with our own sourdough bread to add a little sweet/sour balance. Diet: Vegetarian
Amaretto-Cherry Focaccia
Focaccia, normally a savory flatbread steeped in herbed olive oil, becomes a sweet pastry by using light oil, dried fruit, and a topping of sugar. We make it in a smaller pan, which results in taller, softer bread. Stopping the rise (by placing it in the refrigerator overnight) allows for better bread flavor development. Time…
Baked Egg Custard with Cheese and Herbs
This quiche-like baked egg custard with cheese and herbs is delicious! Bake in batches; it holds well but long baking time. Variations of cheese/herbs have potential. Tried the smoked gouda, and everyone thought it was outstanding. Might also try cheddar with basil/parsley. Source: Gourmet Dec. 2008, pg 178 Diet: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Grilled Bruschetta
Most of us say Broo-shetta, but an Italian corrected me to say Broos-ketta. However you say it, simple and delicious! This recipe is easy to do on the grill, which adds a smokey flavor that can’t be replicated any other way. As with most simple recipes, the quality of ingredients really makes a difference.…
Baked Pears in Honey-Mint Sauce
To make these baked pears in honey-mint sauce, be sure to adjust the baking time according to how ripe the pears are. This recipe actually works better with hard, less ripe pears. Diet: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Caramelized Onions
It may seem unnecessary to go through all this for just onions, but the end result is truly worth the time. The vinegar adds an acidic punch, the sugar makes these sweeter than they naturally would become, and the vermouth adds complexity. I use this recipe to prepare a large batch that I then use…