Monthly Archives: December 2009

Dark Days: A local snack

Posted on December 28, 2009 by marisa

I spent last night on an airplane, struggling to get comfortable in a narrow seat, in the very back row. When I got back to Philly earlier this morning, on very few hours of sleep, my brain was slow and … Continue reading →

Posted in dark days | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Holiday Wishes

Posted on December 27, 2009 by marisa

I’m a few days behind in wishing you all a very happy holiday season (I’ve spent very little time in front a computer while out here in Portland. It’s been a much needed break), but wanted to send my message … Continue reading →

Posted in seasonal | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Dark Days: Local Beans, Holiday Chaos

Posted on December 21, 2009 by marisa

When I was still in Philly, anticipating this vacation I’m currently on, I imagined that I’d rise early (being an east coaster out west), snag a car and spend a couple of hours each morning at a coffee shop with … Continue reading →

Posted in dark days | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Gift in a Jar: Handmade Spice Blends

Posted on December 16, 2009 by marisa

Back in the summer, I went through a period during which I made approximately seven pints of dill pickles a night for at least a week (I now have a lot of pickles in my coat closet). While I worked … Continue reading →

Posted in holiday foods | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Dark Days: Mostly Local Latkes

Posted on December 14, 2009 by marisa

Hanukkah started last Friday night. For a secular, half-Jewish girl (with Ashkenazi roots) like me, that means it’s latke season. I didn’t grow up with latkes (my mother has something of an aversion to fried foods), but I adopted the … Continue reading →

Posted in dark days, holiday foods | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

Spouted Measuring Cup Winner

Posted on December 14, 2009 by marisa

I’m just tickled that so many of you liked my canning gift guide (and the attached giveaway). Thanks for all the terrific comments! (There are a lot of Weck lovers in the crowd!) The winner of the giveaway was Annie, … Continue reading →

Posted in winners | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Gift in a Jar: Rosemary Maple-Glazed Nuts

Posted on December 11, 2009 by marisa

Here’s another simple little edible gift, that can easily be packaged up in jars and distributed to your friends and family for the holidays. This recipe is inspired by a sweet and spicy nut mix that my friend AnnElise was … Continue reading →

Posted in holiday foods | Tagged , , , , , | 26 Comments

A Gift Guide for Canners (+ Giveaway)

Posted on December 9, 2009 by marisa

I’ve been talking a lot lately about what you preservers out there can put in jars and gift to your friends and loved ones. However, I think that you all also deserve a few treats under the tree or menorah*. … Continue reading →

Posted in canning goodies | Tagged , , , | 128 Comments

Jar Storage Tip: Rotate Your Grains

Posted on December 8, 2009 by marisa

For my entire life, my mom has kept an array of grains, seeds and nuts in a mix-and-match assortment of jars that had once held marinara sauce, peanut butter and fruit juices. One of the most useful things she taught … Continue reading →

Posted in jars as storage | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Gift in a Jar: Homemade Crackers

Posted on December 7, 2009 by marisa

Last Saturday, Scott and I did a cooking demo at Foster’s Homewares in Old City Philadelphia. We’ve been doing these for nearly two full years now, a live version of Fork You, our online cooking show. We made a small … Continue reading →

Posted in holiday foods, recipes | Tagged , , | 35 Comments