Local Lemons, a blog dedicated to things local but not limited to lemons, has issued a challenge to the world. OK, maybe it’s not a challenge but when I’m told to eat the dreaded Big Mac I take it as one. Before you turn away in disgust, we’re talking home made Big Macs. And these particular burgers are taken even further with a list of ingredients that are all local and sustainable. more…

Each week on Munch Monster we’re going to feature a fruit, vegetable, herb, and anything else that catches the eye or palette that is in season. We’ll share with you the season each item thrives in, as well as recipes and ideas for using the fruit or vegetable. You’ll even find some items that are in season year round, or for lengthy periods of time, featured here. more…

This year I’m going to be doing a traditional Gascogne dish, Cassoulet, for Christmas dinner. Or maybe Christmas Eve dinner. I’ve made a one day version of the dish before, but this time I’m going as full out as possible with a multiple day preparation. It’s actually an extremely easy and comforting dish if you have the patience. Why not do something extra special this year and leave the turkey back at Thanksgiving? more…

Ingredients

2 medium apples
¼ cinnamon stick
¾ cup pomegranate juice
Pinch of salt
Honey to taste (optional) more…

Ingredients

¾ cup cranberry stilton cheese, no rind please and crumbled up
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 ½ cup cream cheese, softened
¾ cup sugar
3 large eggs
¼ cup AP flour more…

Ingredients

¼ cup flour
Salt and pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp butter
1 whole chicken, broken down into its myriad parts
4 slices bacon more…

There is no real American cuisine. This is what I’ve heard from numerous people, and when I say that there is I’m challenged to provide examples. Well, instead of just listing off something like cioppino this time around I’d back up my assertion that America has great original cuisine by making a classic myself. more…

So what does a person do for dinner when they have a Sunday off and free? The first Sunday in around 6 months where they can do and or make whatever they want? The answer came to me immediately as I came across an organic free range chicken while picking up late night snack foods after service last evening. It being fall, and a Sunday there could only be one option: roast chicken! more…

Ingredients

Brine
¾ c sugar
¾ c salt
1 tbsp whole juniper berries
1 cinnamon stick
5 to 6 whole dried bay leaves more…

Ingredients

1 fennel bulb
Juice of one blood orange
¾ c white wine
¼ c honey more…