Here in Upstate NY, this is really the best time of year for sweet corn. Nothing really compares to that first early corn that we crave so much after a long winter without it, but for the absolute best stuff, August and early September are when you find varieties that have the most flavor. Later varieties usually have ears that stay tender and sweet, even as they get huge - those are perfect for getting in the freezer for wintertime soups and side dishes. Just blanch them for a couple ... Read More about Fresh Corn Fritters
Appetizers
Creamy Vegan Zucchini Dill Soup
We are still on a zucchini kick around here. Nothing wrong with that as far as I can see. It's a good year for squash, with plenty of rain and nice sunny days in between. The tomatoes are wishing it were a little warmer, but squash doesn't mind that is has been cooler than normal. It makes the plants produce a little longer as well, because in warmer weather production speeds up which tends to wear the plants out more quickly. Not a problem this year. I have never understood the idea of getting ... Read More about Creamy Vegan Zucchini Dill Soup
Zucchini and Black Bean Quesadillas
I know a lot of people complain about how prolifically zucchini grows, and I might even make a joke about it every so often here on the blog, but honestly we do love it. You still might want to lock your car doors if you stop by and leave your car in our driveway for very long, though. Zucchini have minds of their own, and have been know to form little squads that somehow make their way to the back seats of the unwary visitor. And this is the time of year when people leave their dogs tied on the ... Read More about Zucchini and Black Bean Quesadillas
Southwest Chicken Kebabs
Last year, about this time, I created this recipe for a giveaway from Great American Spice Company, where I am an occasional contributor. Since the giveaway is long over, I thought the recipe deserved it's own post, so I'm republishing it today. Now, it's true that we don't use a whole lot of processed food around here - I'm a DIY sort of gal for the most part. But, I do get in a hurry sometimes, and I like to have a few tried and true "store bought" things on hand for when I run short on time. ... Read More about Southwest Chicken Kebabs
Spicy Tomato Cheese Crackers
You know those cheese crackers you can buy in the store? The little orange ones that have some kind of magnet in the bottom of the box, perfectly attuned to human physiology, so that you can't keep your hand out of there, but just keep going back in the box for another one? For a long time, they just had one flavor, but they keep adding more and more all the time, including spicy ones. Did they really have to make spicy ones? They seem to have an even stronger magnet in those boxes than the ... Read More about Spicy Tomato Cheese Crackers
Chili Toasted Almonds
So, in my last post, I mentioned that Larry is not the world's biggest fan of chocolate. He is, on the other hand, rather fond of treats like these Chili Toasted Almonds. I can't say that I blame him, because they are awfully good. Maybe you want to whip up a Valentine's treat for someone in your life who likes things more spicy than sweet? I think these almonds would be a perfect fit for that kind of thinking. Almonds are also very good for you, so you will also be sharing some health benefits, ... Read More about Chili Toasted Almonds