I buy a lot of olive oil with a focus on 2 groups. My everyday olive oil for cooking and general use is California Olive Ranch, a high quality olive oil produced here in California, in the event the name does not give that away, and the best part is Costco regularly stocks it. The…
Category: Pantry Staples
Sweet cucumber and mustard relish
Few things are more summer than cucumbers and tomatoes. I’m having an issue with tomatoes this year, but that is for a separate post. Pickling cucumbers are fun to grow but, as the name suggests, they don’t have a lot of uses beyond pickling. I love relish, sweet and tangy with bell peppers and onions……
Rendering Lard
Lard is an exceptional fat prized in traditional recipes and pastries. This method produces a nearly odorless lard as a byproduct of cooking bacon.
Pickled Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes are a sign that fall is upon us, and many gardeners discard these beauties but there is no reason you should be throwing them out when you can pickle them and enjoy at a later date.
3 Things About Bay Leaf
Bay leaf is a spice cabinet staple, even though the aromatic leaf is more herb than spice. I love opening a fresh bag of bay leaves and smelling the fantastic aroma that wafts from the bag. Fresh herbs are always better than dried because the aromatics are lost in dried herbs, but bay leaves are…
Chicken Stock
Chicken stock is a basic ingredient essential in any kitchen. Making your own is neither difficult or time consuming and it makes full use of chicken parts that would otherwise get thrown away.
More Flavor with Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes are intense in flavor and a versatile addition to dishes as a substitute for canned tomotoes.
Summer Stewed Tomatoes
Stewed summer tomatos are a versatile pantry staple. Made fresh from the garden, enjoy them right away or preserve them for use over the winter to bring something special to any meal and rekindle a memory of the dog days of summer.
Altamont Farms 