Lisa on August 25th, 2010

Now that we’re heading into fall and then winter, jamming and canning are on a lot of people’s minds.  Mine, too — it sure would be great to enjoy summer’s ripe fruits in January!  I haven’t quite gotten up the nerve to jam or can full-tilt (although both are near the top of my to-do [...]

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Lisa on June 30th, 2010

Even though the simmering action of making a compote might make you think of winter, what goes into a berry compote is all summer: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, even rhubarb.  All you need is some fruit, some liquid — wine or water works best — some sweetener, and some spices.  You’ll have a refreshing fruit [...]

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Lisa on August 10th, 2008

It’s easy to make potpourri, and I guarantee your own will smell better than the commercial, chemical-laden types.  Just throw the following in a small pot of water (1-2 cups) and let it simmer on a low setting: 2 cinnamon sticks, each broken in half 6 whole cloves 8 cardamom pods, lightly smashed (you can [...]

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Lisa on July 29th, 2008

For the first time in my life, I like coffee.  This is how I made it: Using a French press, add a pinch of cardamom and a bit of allspice to the coffee grounds.  Make coffee as usual.  Fill your coffee cup halfway with coffee and halfway with vanilla-flavored hazelnut milk.  Add a cinnamon stick [...]

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