Lemon Verbena Shortbread

Doesn’t the smell of lemon verbena make you just swoon with delight?! This summer our plant in the garden grew by leaps and bounds, and I would literally stick my face in it, rub my fingers in the leaves and breathe in the scent in deep, luxurious breaths. When I traveled to Ecuador in the…

Cabernet Chocolate Truffles

Luscious, incredible, creamy, ecstasy invoking truffles… Flavored lovingly with one of the most intoxicating fragrances – the zested clementine… – and a good splash of Cabernet, simmered down to virtually a syrup, deepening the truffles with rich, concentrated, elusive mmmm. Having a little sip of wine as the afternoon rolled into evening, I could not resist making these…

Leek Gratin with Asiago Jarlsberg Mornay Sauce

Late fall and winter actually become easier to bear when it’s finally snowing, and just beautiful to be outside! What eases the early darkness of this season even more for me is, coming back indoors, watching a fire in the fireplace, and – let’s face it – the amazing foods of the season! Freshly pulled leeks are…

The Revelation of Home-made Oat Milk

A few days ago, I ran out of my customary carton of almond milk, early in the morning. A gray, blustery fall day. My breakfast appetite was yearning for oatmeal and honey, but without milk, hmmm! What to do? My answer to this question has created a revelation in my kitchen. Home made oat milk….

The Celestial Crepe

O! To the Yin and Yang of life! To these delicious GF crepes! Upon a closer look of this kitchen creation, a deep understanding of stars, orbits and all kinds of celestial goings on takes place when you behold. Do you doubt?! Look! True amazement in a humble crepe! I made just one yin yang crepe (the tail ends of…

Black Bean, Zucchini Pineapple Chili

Nearly blocked off from town by closed-due-to-the-flood highways, my pioneer spirit from a past life kicked in, high gear. So grateful we are not in the immediate path of high waters, it felt like a just right day to make chili with what was on hand. Grateful for the garden – for zucchini, and jalapenos….

Chocolate Plum Buckle with Honey Whipped Cream

Oh, my my. Feeling decadent and rich with a sack full of fragrant plums, I decided to experiment the other night. Chocolate and spice and everything nice – gluten free, dreamy…. Summer is the time when you particularly get to choose to bake – or if you are attending family reunions, perhaps get to partake – of…

Coconut Rice, Peach and Ginger Dessert Spring Rolls

Roll #2. A smash hit at a birthday potluck badminton croquet party in the park yesterday. DESSERT spring rolls, delicious, with a spicy fruity dipping sauce to go with. What a beautiful day it was….it truly is finally spring time here in Paonia. Spring ROLL time. I’ve been on a spring roll roll the last…