Last weekend was the official open of the Tallahassee Farmer's Market for the season. No, it wasn't actually closed prior to that but historically this date marks the "kick-off" into the first, bountiful phase of summer harvest. To prepare for this event the farmers asked me to come out and do a cooking demonstration with their "fresh picks". I loved the suspense of waiting ...
Peach Upside-Down Cake
This summer has been very disappointing where peaches are concerned. Quite frankly it doesn't matter what you do to a mediocre peach, it won't ever reach that extraordinary flavor satisfaction that a perfect peach has. In my opinion peaches should be dripping with goodness. You should be able to close your eyes, inhale, and smell the sweet blossoms that created their ...
Fried Flowers
I remember the first time I had a caper. It was a very long time ago and with the logic of a child, since it reminded me of a peppercorn, I fully expected to find a similar, spicy flavor. Instead I was greeted with the salty-sour flavor of brine, a relief in comparison to my fear of spicy food at the time. I now know that this flavor was due to the fact that the capers were ...
Watermelon and Watercress Salad with Feta
My family loves to picnic and the 4th of July is the perfect excuse to pack one and celebrate! This refreshing salad is the perfect side for a picnic on a hot summer day. The flavor contrasts of the cool, sweet watermelon, peppery watercress, and tangy cheese come together to create a delicious salad. ...
Remoulade Dressing
Thousand Island, period. That was the dressing of choice according to the ruler of the roost in my childhood home. Fortunately, we technically did have other options but I learned quickly that if there is a "type" of dressing that the men in the South seemed fond of, the odds were that it would be Thousand Island. This is ironic given the supposed Canadian origin of Thousand ...