Beet and Berry Salad

In February, I went to Ocean City, Maryland with some friends for a short weekend getaway.  While we were there we ate at this delicious restaurant.  I ordered salad that consisted of beets, berries, and roasted shrimp.

It may sound like I was trying to be healthy, but it was a delicious salad.  It was beautiful too.  I knew then that I would try and recreate the salad at home.  

Cherry Upside-Down Cake

This is another dessert I made over the Christmas holidays.  It was a gluttonous time for me.  This was my favorite dessert that I ate.  That is high praise, because I ate desserts and treats for a week straight.

I have a few podcasts that I listen to regularly.  One is entitled "Stuff You Missed in History Class."  In November, I listened to an episode where they spoke to a woman about a novel she wrote on American cakes.  The book is aptly entitled, "American Cake."

Cherry Pie

It is a strange time of year to post a cherry pie recipe.  Cherries are harvested in the summer.  My parents bought a few pounds of tart cherries during the summer and froze them.  We made a cherry pie when I visited them last month.

We actually made this pie for Thanksgiving.  There were about nine pies at Thanksgiving.  I tried my best, but I only tried about half of them.  I ate this pie, and it was delicious.

Tropical Fruit Salad

I'm getting  back into my normal routine.  I went to San Diego last week for a conference.  Over the fourth of July weekend, I went to San Francisco.  It was fun, but it is nice to sleep in my own bed too.

The first thing I noticed when I got off of the plane in Virginia is the sweltering humidity.  San Diego was perfectly temperate, and San Francisco was brisk.  The summer heat is nice, but it wilts my enthusiasm for outdoor activities.

Passion Fruit and Banana Muffins

Months ago I went to Walmart.  I rarely go because it's not convenient.  I ended up buying a few random items.  For example, I bought a bag of frozen passion fruit puree.  

I'm not exactly sure what I planned on doing with passion fruit puree.  It sat in the far corner of my freezer for months.  I rediscovered it recently while searching for a bag of frozen brussels sprouts and decide to make tropical inspired banana bread.

Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake

I went to Iceland a little over a month ago.  My trip inspired the smoked salmon and egg sandwich I posted earlier.  I also ate some delicious lamb stews, mounds of chocolate covered licorice, and a happy marriage cake.  I searched for a happy marriage cake recipe and decided to give it a try.

I wish I knew more about the origin of this cake.  It has a fantastic name, and I want to know why.  According to another blog, this cake is all that is required for a women to make her husband happy.  The same blog also said the ingredients are common in Icelandic kitchens.  

Rhubarb Jam

Rhubarb is a vegetable.  A court in the United States declared in 1947 that for the purposes of government regulations and duties rhubarb would be considered a fruit because it is used as a fruit in this country.  Weird.

The Chinese have used rhubarb for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.  It was used as a laxative.  

Cranberry and Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins

When I lived with my parents, I regularly watched PBS.  I have started getting in the habit again, and it's been delightful.

I'm currently binge watching American Experience and Antiques Roadshow.  I just finished an episode on Thomas Edison.  I didn't know he was instrumental in inventing motion pictures.  Before watching American Experience, I was just aware he invented electricity.

Mango and Banana Smoothie

According to Wikipedia, the smoothie was created in the United States after the invention of the blender.  In the west cost of the US during the 1930s, Brazilian fruit drinks were popular at health food stores.

Mabel Stegner first used the term smoothie in a June 23, 1940 article published in the New York Herald Tribune.  The Waring Corporation, who sold electric blenders, distributed a booklet in the 1940s with 12 smoothie recipes.  

Chai Spiced Applesauce

This is a weird recipe to be posting in spring.  I have read lots of food blog posts recently with citrus fruit, but apples are usually reserved for fall.

I have a coworker who brought a box full of tart but delicious apples to work.  It was either apple sauce, apple crumble, or apple pie.  I chose the healthier but still satisfying option.

Apple Cake

It's apple season!  In my opinion, apples are one of the top five fruits.  They are the perfect fruit when you are feeling lazy.  You don't have to peel or cut them.  Other than washing them, no preparation is needed.

I would like to go to an orchard this year and pick some apples.  There is a farmers' market near my office, but a pound of apples costs twice as much as it does in the grocery store.  I like locally grown fruits and vegetables but not that much.

Southern Peach Cobbler

This is probably the last peach recipe I will make this year.  I made this peach cobbler at my parents' home.  During the summer they go to Grand Junction, Colorado and buy boxes of peaches.  When I went home for a visit, they had half a box of very ripe peaches.

I was going to make a pie, but I was too lazy.  This cobbler is evidence that good results can sometimes come from being lazy.