We picked 8 pounds of strawberries the other day and paid approximately $3.25/lb. I froze half of them and the other half I am going to make jam with. I plan on using this recipe from Martha Stewart for the jam.
Ingredients
1 quart hulled strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a food processor, process strawberries until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large skillet and stir in sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium-high, stirring frequently, until jam is thickened and bubbles completely cover surface, 9 to 10 minutes. Transfer jam to a jar and let cool to room temperature. (To store, seal jar and refrigerate, up to 10 days).
There’s been a bit of asparagus grilling going on here as of late. This past two weeks or so, we’ve been attending the Dane County Farmer’s Market, and we picked up some fresh asparagus. You know, when I was growing up, you couldn’t pay me to eat it. But about three years ago, I tried grilling it, after just slightly blanching it, and it turned out delicious. Ever since then, my husband and I both look forward to early spring when it becomes available. Here’s a great recipe for grilling asparagus that I guarantee will convert you to eating it too! Because I blanch my asparagus for approx. 3 minutes, I only roast for 3-4 minutes and only on one side. You’ll need asparagus, olive oil, salt, fresh pepper, lemon wedges, and 15 minutes. Enjoy!
Seven Years Ago Today!
This last week has been really hectic. I’ve had end of school term finals, a pre-commencement party, work, gardening, and then commencement this past Saturday. I was a bit overwhelmed by it all because I hadn’t thought about the fact that I would be wearing an honor medallion and that the ceremony would last so long. That said, it sure was nice to share in the excitement of the day with everyone that attended. My husband looked so proud of me that it made me a little teary-eyed. I was certainly humbled by the day. Sunday was spent relaxing all day and binging on Grace & Frankie, starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. I sure hope there is a season two! Until next time, I pray warmer weather is on the way. I have tomato, radish, and lettuce starters all waiting to get hardened off in the sun before transplanting..
Easter is almost here, if you celebrate it, and so is leftover ham (if you can afford it). We bought ours at $1.69 a pound a couple of months ago. Last weekend, I noticed they were at $2.69 a pound. Our meat consumption, though low for years, has grown considerably lower in the past two years. We now look at most meat as a luxury and try to cook an extra vegetable to make up for it. Alas, we did buy a ham and there will be leftovers.
Here are three different kinds of sandwiches I’m going to make with leftover’s-
Chopped (ground) ham spread
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The recipe I use is here. I skip the hard-boiled eggs and use Miracle Whip salad dressing for this sandwich. If you want a less sweet taste, stick with the mayonnaise. I loved going to church events as a kid because these sandwiches were always served on bakery fresh buns or rolls. I have a great food grinder attachment for my KitchenAid and I use it to grind my ham extra smooth. I’m not fond of chunks of ham in this sandwich.
The recipe for the ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls is here
The recipe I follow for the Cuban sandwiches are here
Nothing goes to waste when we pay $1.69 a pound for ham. Here’s the recipe I use for Split Pea with Ham soup. This soup freezes well in case you want to make a double batch.
Until next time, be safe and be well and have a lovely weekend!
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Well friends, Easter is almost upon us. This year is hopping along fast (pun intended). Every year I make Easter dinner for some very close friends whom we consider family members. We also have friends through our work that may not have plans that we give an invitation to. I decided to add an Easter brunch this year because two of our guests will be either staying with us or staying very near us starting the Friday of Easter Sunday weekend. There will be Easter egg hunts, good food, laughter, and, as always, a good time will be had by all. All of my Easter/Spring décor is out, and the dishes I am going to use are ready to be washed up. As far as my dinner table goes, it will be my nice set of white china and a large bouquet of tulips. I don’t do tablescapes; they’re much too pretentious for our crowd. I’m with Ina Garten: a simple vase of flowers is just perfect for a centerpiece. For big gatherings, I use kraft paper for the tablecloth and provide little containers of colored crayons or pencils. People love to doodle, especially kids, and it becomes a real conversation piece when the meal is finished. This is a perfect way to cherish the memories made. So, do you fix a traditional ham dinner or something else?
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