My in-laws recently gifted me a generous pile of home-grown pecans from their orchard in Oklahoma. There’s something special about baking with ingredients that have a story, and these pecans inspired me to create a pie that was true to its roots: simple, honest, and utterly delicious. In the spirit of old-fashioned “desperation pies”—resourceful desserts made with whatever was on hand—we developed this recipe for an Oklahoma Pecan Pie. It’s a modern homage to a […]
There are some recipes that feel like an event. They take a little time, fill your home with the most incredible aromas, and deliver a meal that feels truly special. Friends, this Birria de Res recipe is one of those events, and I am so excited to share it with you today. After seeing these rich, cheesy, dippable tacos everywhere, I knew I had to try making them from scratch. I wanted to do it […]
Hey there, fellow food lovers and homesteaders! There are some recipes that are quick and easy weeknight wins. This is not one of them. This is a rainy Saturday project. This is a “let’s see what these kitchen gadgets can really do” recipe. It’s a culinary adventure that started with a hilarious image of a mad scientist in his lab (you know the one!) and ended with the most unbelievably delicious Thai Yellow Curry I […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Sourdough Starter from Scratch: The Sandor Katz Inspired Method Sourdough starter, also known as a “mother” or “levain,” is a living culture of wild yeasts and bacteria that naturally leaven and flavor bread. Creating one from scratch is a rewarding process that connects you to ancient baking traditions. Sandor Katz’s philosophy embraces the simplicity and natural magic of fermentation. The Core Principle: You are creating a hospitable environment for […]
The Ultimate Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Every holiday season needs that one perfect appetizer. The one that’s impressive yet secretly simple, decadent, and a total crowd-pleaser. For us, this Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is it. This recipe came about right after I made a batch of homemade Cranberry Jam. My husband loves Brie, and wrapping it in flaky puff pastry with that tart jam and crunchy pecans felt like the perfect festive treat. It immediately […]
Every year, as the holidays approach, I find myself reaching for the classic flavors of the season. This Easy Homemade Cranberry Jam started as a simple component for a baked brie recipe, but it was so delicious we knew it deserved its own spotlight. Unlike overly sweet, canned jellies, this jam is packed with a bright, tart flavor, sweetened with maple syrup, and warmed with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. It has a wonderful […]
If you’ve ever had a mountain of ripe tomatoes from the garden, you know that fresh salsa is a must. But have you ever tried fermenting it? Fermented salsa is a game-changer in our house. It develops a complex, tangy flavor that’s incredibly delicious, and the fermentation process makes it a naturally probiotic-rich food. Best of all, you can completely customize it based on what’s abundant in your garden and how much heat you like. […]
As the Pacific Northwest gardening season winds down, our focus shifts from the garden beds to the kitchen counter. The harvest is in, and now the quiet, magical work of preservation begins. One of our favorite methods is lacto-fermentation, and there’s no better visual for this living process than a jar of pickles, happily bubbling away. Many people who are new to fermenting get nervous when they see this activity. Is it safe? Is it […]
Some years, the garden just decides to give you a gift. This year, for us, that gift was cucumbers. And more cucumbers. Thanks to a perfect PNW summer, our Boston Pickling and White Wonder vines were incredibly productive, and every day brought a new harvest. When you’re swimming in cucumbers, there’s only one thing to do: make lots and lots of pickles! Our preferred method is lacto-fermentation. It’s a simple, ancient technique that creates a […]
A large glass jar filled with vibrant, red beet green kimchi, fermenting on a kitchen counter.
