Category Archives: seasonal

Gifts in Jars From the Archives

Posted on December 2, 2011 by marisa

December is here and that means that it’s time of year when a home cook’s fancy to turn to baking and roasting up items to give as gifts. In the coming days, I’ll be posting a few new recipes to … Continue reading →

Posted in seasonal | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Drink Week, Day Three: No-Cook Sour Cherry Syrup

Posted on June 29, 2011 by marisa

It’s day three of Drink Week! Today’s topic is the no-cook fruit syrup. Because sometimes, it’s just too darn hot to turn on the stove for even a minute. This sour cherry version is ideal with a little spritz, so … Continue reading →

Posted in beverages, drink week, seasonal | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

Holiday Giving: Little Loaves of Cranberry Bread

Posted on December 11, 2010 by marisa

This year for Thanksgiving, Scott and I drove down to Virginia to celebrate the holiday with his mother and extended family. We took a variety of treats to Joan, including bread and butter pickles and blondies (sadly, we forgot the … Continue reading →

Posted in holiday foods, seasonal | Tagged , , , , | 30 Comments

Summer Gardening + Seed Giveaway

Posted on March 16, 2010 by marisa

For the last eight years, I’ve lived in a two-bedroom apartment on the 20th floor of an apartment in the middle of Center City Philadelphia. I realize that some might see this as an enviable position, and really, I do … Continue reading →

Posted in seasonal | Tagged , , , | 235 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

Preserving Pumpkin

Posted on November 11, 2009 by marisa

Don’t forget to sign up for one of my cranberry classes – jelly on 11/15 and chutney on 11/21 Last week I picked up my final CSA share. The box included an adorable little sugar pumpkin. Normally, I would have … Continue reading →

Posted in canning, recipes, seasonal | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Canning Whole Peeled Tomatoes

Posted on September 22, 2009 by marisa

Before tomato season comes to a close, I want to talk about my favorite way to preserve tomatoes. I typically only can them one way – (mostly) whole and peeled, in their own juices. I do them this way because … Continue reading →

Posted in canning, seasonal | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

Mid-Summer Preserving Check-In

Posted on July 27, 2009 by marisa

With just a few more days left in July, we’re now about halfway through the height of the summer preserving season. So far this year I’ve made jam from strawberries, plums, peaches, apricots, rhubarb and done some mixed fruit compotes. … Continue reading →

Posted in seasonal | Tagged , , | 23 Comments

Pick your own berries

Posted on May 28, 2009 by marisa

When my family moved to Oregon from Southern California in 1988, we were quick to adopt elements of the Pacific Northwest culture. We stopped carrying umbrellas when it rained, instead preferring to either dodge raindrops bareheaded or wear a hooded … Continue reading →

Posted in seasonal | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Waiting and planning

Posted on March 10, 2009 by marisa

Last year, my approach to food preservation was totally haphazard. I made blueberry and blackberry jam, because those are the things I like to eat or give as gifts. I froze several pints of grape tomatoes on cookie sheets, because … Continue reading →

Posted in seasonal | 8 Comments