{FSC Book Club} Assignment 1 & 2 Recap

We read, we cook, we chat. That is the FSC Book Club. Can you believe it? We’ve already finished our first two assignments for Round 4 of the FSC Book Club. We are reading and and cooking our way through Put ‘Em Up Fruit: A Preserving Guide & Cookbook. Creative Ways to Put ‘em Up and Use ‘em…

{meet the meat} Grass Fed Ground Beef

You wouldn’t think that ground beef would need it’s own blog post, would you?  Well, it does. Ground beef from feedlots (ie. the stuff you generally get in the conventional grocery store) is relatively forgiving.   You can cook the heck out of it and it still tastes the same.  Many a frying pan of taco…

{reflections on food} My Independence Day

Last 4th of July I began my independence from sugar. I went to the parade on Avenue A, the street where I grew up. The parade began with my generation, in the thick of the centennial spirit of the mid-seventies. One year I wore the bridesmaid gown I wore at my uncle’s wedding. The next…

{drink it up} Lemon Syrup, Lemonade & Lemon Vinegar

Editor’s Note: Jennifer Wilkerson has given us homemade bread & dinner rolls and farmer’s cheese… now she brings us a triple doozy: Lemon Syrup, Lemonade & for your cleaning needs lemon vinegar. Man, she’s good isn’t she? -Christina When farmers markets and fruit stands are bursting with seasonal goodness meals are easy. Any combination of…

{diy project} Pickled Red Onions

Often times my favorite part of a meal are the condiments. Condiments take everything to the next level whether it is your favorite barbeque sauce, mustard, hot sauce, pickle or even ketchup. I often find food to simply be the vessel that delivers the delicious flavors of all the extras. One of my go to…

{recipe} Customizable Cold Sesame Noodles

I like recipes that can be adapted for different situations, dietary conditions and to seasonal availability of produce. I also like to have some that are really easy and quick to make, because let’s face it, sometimes you just want to eat without a lot of fuss, but still make something healthy. This recipe lends…

{recipe} My Mother’s Bluefish

Why is it we all eat more seafood in the Summer? People do that, right?  I grew up eating bluefish and will always associate it with Summer.  Today I’m at my parents’ house and we’re eating bluefish for dinner.  I don’t cook fish as often as I should, but my mother does.  She lives closer…

{FSC Book Club} …Round 4 BEGINS!

We read, we cook, we chat. That is the FSC Book Club. Round 4 of the FSC Book Club has begun! We  are reading and and cooking our way through Put ‘Em Up Fruit: A Preserving Guide & Cookbook. Creative Ways to Put ‘em Up and Use ‘em Up by the incredible Sherri Brooks Vinton. It’s a gorgeous…

{Brain Grains Challenge} Buckwheat Amy

Grain Brains Challenge A recipe challenge to help you get whole grains into your mouth, not just your kitchen. Buckwheat is one of those good for you foods that are hard to use. I tend to buy groats or kasha when I’m on a mission to expand my food horizons and the stuff sits in the cupboard,…

{recipe} Artless Joes

In preparation for the summer hamburger grilling season, we stocked up on ground beef from West Wind Acres. Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t cooperated with the concept of cooking with fire outside. On to the stovetop! I decided to try making a healthier and less slippery version of Sloppy Joes, more of an Artless Joe approach….

{meet the meat} Baby Back Ribs

Ribs. Dang, I love ribs. Beef Short ribs, St. Louis Style Ribs, Baby Back ribs…  There is just something about gnawing on a bone that brings out the Fred Flintstone in me. The baby back ribs are the cut that are the closest to the loin which sits on top of the spine of the…

{recipe} Vivid Choi Salad Dressing

This week is the first time I’ll be working at a farmers’ market for myself. For 4 years I have (and still do) work with Kilpatrick Family Farm at the Saratoga & Glens Falls Farmers’ Markets. I really, truly love it. Since starting Little Sparrow Farm I was uncertain about how I’d sell my products…

{recipe} Black Bean Mushroom Burger

We are very thankful for the rain and the first fruits from our garden: mushrooms and chard. With a pot of freshly cooked black beans, I am ready to make some burgers. You could use other kinds of beans or replace oats with breadcrumbs, but this held together and will be great for the grill. RECIPE: Black Bean…

{FSC Book Club} Round 4 Selection & Giveaway!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER AND THE WINNERS ARE:  Kate “This summer I want to make cucumber pickles. I can never seem to grow enough cukes for a batch.” and Stephanie: “Moving into a house with cherry trees, and could use some preservation ideas!” We read, we cook, we chat. That is the FSC Book Club….

{diy project} Farmer’s Cheese

Editor’s Note: Please welcome back our newest FSC Contributor, Jennifer Wilkerson, for her follow-up piece. Her first piece, Jennifer’s Sandwich Bread & Rolls, is a must read & do kinda piece! Welcome back Jennifer! -Christina Last weekend my husband and I debated how long it had been since we had been to a big box…