Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
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To regular readers of my column, it is probably no secret that autumn is my favorite time of year. In anticipation of cooler weather, I have been pulling my cozy sweaters and flannels out of storage while thinking about simmering pots on the stovetop, or bubbling casseroles in the oven. Inspired by the continuing bumper crop of peppers from our garden, I found myself craving the comforting warmth found in a batch of white bean chili. Made with ground chicken and plenty of roasted green chilies,...
In my mind, the simple art of roasting a whole chicken is one of the most comforting and satisfying skills to practice in the kitchen. Getting the timing just right to develop crispy skin while the meat stays moist and tender, is a technique seasoned home chefs should be proud to show off. Over the years, I have gathered many recipe variations for roasted chicken, from the simple to the very complex. This lovely version has a bounty of autumnal flavors roasted in the pan with the chicken,...
When we moved to this house, we discovered a prolific plum tree and a sad pear tree in our backyard. After a couple years of disappointing pear harvests, we did a little research and discovered that our pear tree needed a companion for pollination purposes. We planted a new pear tree and waited. Finally, this year we have had the bounty of beautiful Bartlett pears I had been dreaming of. Their arrival has aligned perfectly with the changing of the seasons, inspiring me to test some baking recipe...
Overwhelmed by summer squash and tomatoes, I occasionally forget the diverse list of things that we planted from seed in the spring. This week, John came back from the garden with a colander full of beautiful purple-green beans, an heirloom variety I had totally forgotten was climbing up our bean trellis. Paired with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh herbaceous flavors, the green beans in this pasta beautifully reflect the lovely late summer sunshine we have been having. Ingredients: For...
While some things in the garden are starting to slow down, our prolific zucchini plants keep producing. Despite our best efforts at gifting these green wonders by the basketful to friends and family, we always seem to have extra zucchini loitering in the kitchen. This week, with another harvest on hand I turned to an old favorite recipe for tender zucchini bread. Quick to make, this delightful bread is full of flavor and is elevated with the addition of a crunchy, crumble topping. Ingredients:...
Late summer is a productive time in the garden. There are moments when it feels like keeping up with the harvest is impossible, with mountains of summer bounty taking up valuable counter space in the kitchen. This week, we had beautiful tomatoes, cucumbers, and banana peppers that were all ready to be picked which inspired an exploration of classic recipes for Spanish gazpacho. Silky and vibrantly colored, this refreshing chilled soup is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season....
My favorite dessert recipes are those which rely on a combination of ripe, seasonal fruits with a few simple pantry ingredients to make culinary magic. This summer, after patiently waiting for three years, our young peach tree has finally produced a bounty of perfect fruit. Looking for a way to highlight their distinctive sweetness I decided to stick with the iconic homey southern classic, peach cobbler. Tossed with just the right amount of sugar and spice, slices of fresh peaches are baked...
Each summer-growing season in the garden is a little different from the last. Things that thrive one year can struggle to flourish the next. Despite all the surprises and unpredictability, the one thing that there is never a shortage of is zucchini. This most prolific of summer squash needs to be harvested daily, and even after giving away boxes to friends and family we seem to always have a fresh pile on the kitchen counter. As a result, I have researched and tested countless recipes that use...
Of all the things we grow in our garden, it is the annual arrival of ripe, juicy tomatoes that I most look forward to. A perfectly plump red fruit, still warm from the sun, sliced and served simply with a flourish of crunchy sea salt, is among my favorite late summer splendors. For the next few weeks, tomatoes will appear in virtually every meal in our home, and the remaining harvest will be made into jars of sauce to enjoy in the colder months. While the tomatoes are at peak ripeness, I prefer...
My recipe explorations are most often the result of a sudden, random craving. This week, I was reminded of a memorable artichoke dip that a friend had served at a party, many years ago. While replicating flavors from memory can be tricky, the process of experimenting in the kitchen is always fun. Because we had some beautiful chilis ready to pick in the garden, I added a delightful spicy kick to this comforting classic. Creamy, without being greasy, thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt, this...
Recently, a family friend presented us with a box overloaded with lovely, plump apricots from his yard. As they are one of my favorite fruits, and one that we don’t have growing in our own yard, I was thrilled. After several jars worth of jam making, we still had some of these sweet stone fruits to experiment with in the kitchen. In my quest for effortless recipes for showcasing seasonal fruits, I had recently bookmarked a Julia Child master recipe for clafoutis, a classic dessert from the Limou...
Despite the summer heat, we have been busy working on some over-due home and garden projects. Sometimes after working all afternoon, the idea of standing over a hot stove to make dinner feels like a particularly cruel form of punishment. Thankfully, with all the fresh vegetables this time of year, it is easy to make a whole meal out of various fabulous salads. This week, I researched some recipes for tuna salad to satisfy a sudden craving. While some versions of this deli staple can be...
This time of year, apart from the occasional burger or sausage on the grill, I find myself craving meals made up mostly of fresh seasonal vegetables. There are certain vegetables and fruits that never taste as good as they do in the middle of summer. This week we had some beautiful spinach ready to harvest, along with the first of our zucchini, which got me thinking about minestrone. This summery take on the classic Italian soup recipe is full of vibrant flavors and colors. Finished with fresh...
As any avid gardener can attest to, the passing of each season is measured less by specific days on the calendar, and more by the fluid schedule of when certain plants bloom or have edibles ready to harvest. This week, just as the last strawberries were picked, the first of our raspberries were perfectly ripe on the canes. The first batch picked were quickly made into jars of sweet jam, a preserving of sunshine to enjoy in the colder months. Since we also had some lovely rhubarb from our side...
My mother and I moved to the great State of Washington just before my 12th birthday. First settling on Whidbey Island in north Puget Sound, I immediately fell in love with such local delicacies as steaming bowls of mussels, grilled wild caught salmon, and loganberry pie. Over the years, as I have traveled, and lived, across the different corners of this beautiful state, I am endlessly inspired by the variety and bounty of our regional cuisines. One of my favorite areas to explore is the Long...
Every June, I anticipate the first batch of ripe strawberries in our backyard. Checking the patch each morning I look for the bright red fruit, like little ruby gems, peeking out from under the shade of their leaves. In time for our family Fathers' Day celebration, we had a bounty of gorgeous strawberries ready to pluck last week. This delightful pie with a cloud of creamy filling in a sweet and salty pretzel crust, acts as the perfect vehicle for highlighting the beauty of sun-ripened strawberr...
At our last Seattle apartment, I had a lovely container garden along the perimeter of our sunny, but narrow patio. Mixed among the pots of ornamental flowers I planted a selection of favorite culinary herbs. Being able to snip some sprigs to use in the kitchen always felt like a luxury. At the time, I could have only dreamed of having an edible garden as big as we have now. In fact, of all the things we love about our Waitsburg home, the amount of space we have for growing a variety of fruits, v...
Potato salad is one of those classic recipes that can sometimes feel like an afterthought. Too often it is just a sad bowl of bland and colorless filler on the summer barbeque table. Here, the quintessential side dish is enlivened with a tangy dressing full of bright fresh herbs. Served over a bed of tender spring greens, this delightful version of potato salad has just enough bright freshness to balance its creaminess. Ingredients: 3 pounds small new red potatoes 1 cup mayonnaise ¼ cup...
As we move into the backyard growing season, I am always looking for flexible recipes that can be a foundation to whatever ingredients are ripe and ready to harvest. This splendid pizza has a flavorful garlic and herb white sauce base that pairs beautifully with any number of fresh seasonal topping combinations. From asparagus in the spring, corn and tomatoes in summer, to mushrooms in the fall, this versatile pie is a favorite in my kitchen all year long. Ingredients: For the Dough: 3 ¾...
This past week, with its long bright days and temperatures well above 90, offered a preview of the fast-approaching summer months. On top of getting our garden planted, we have cleaned off the back porch and set out the patio furniture, setting the stage for a season of grilling and outdoor dining. With that, I have been researching recipes for salads and cold dishes that pair beautifully with grilled meats. This gorgeous salad, with bright flavors of the Mediterranean, is hearty enough to...
When I was a freshman in high school, I had my first paid catering gig. Some family friends who were having a big, Italian American themed dinner party decided to take a chance on a 15-year-old who had grown up idolizing Julia Childs and Jacques Pépin. I spent weeks researching recipes and creating the menu, which was centered around several trays of lasagna. They were a huge hit, in part because of the velvety bechamel sauce that held the layers together, a secret ingredient I still use in my...
While planning a recent special celebration, I found myself searching for a simple but memorable dessert. This beautiful and unique cheesecake with a baklava inspired crust was the perfect discovery for the table. Creamy without being overly sweet, this cheesecake is baked in layers of buttered phyllo pastry with chopped nuts. As the lilacs in my yard have finally started to bloom, I decorated the top with a flourish of the purple flowers. Ingredients: For the Filling: 2 ¾ cups cream...
This time of year, as our home garden is still just getting started, I am always thankful for the fresh asparagus and spring onions abundantly available at local grocers. Each spring, I love searching for new recipes to highlight these beloved seasonal flavors. Here, green onions, fresh spinach and crisp asparagus are set in a creamy egg custard for a delightful dish perfect for brunch or dinner. With a blend of cheeses and cubes of crusty bread mixed in, this casserole is satisfying without bei...
With our recent soggy spring weather, I have found myself researching dishes that feel like sunshine on a plate. This classic dish balances a spicy chili and tomato sauce with sweet, plump shrimp, while a bright and herbaceous creamy sauce on the side further cools the heat from the chilies. A quick to prepare recipe, this is a wonderful way to add some spice to a weeknight dinner. Ingredients: For the Cilantro Lime Crema: 1 cup sour cream 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin 2 tablespoons minced...
All around, the valley is erupting in the pleasant sights and sounds of spring. The hills have awakened with bright green sprouts, and daffodils bursting in sunny hues, keep things cheerful even on rainy days. Across town, dusk and dawn are marked each day by the trees coming alive with a melody of busy chirps and coos. While the first early shoots and tender herbs are starting to come up in our kitchen garden. Inspired by this verdant beauty pushing forward, I began my annual search for new...
