victoria's Page

I enjoy canning. Time consuming but not difficult. Results in homemade deliciousness. Leaves you with a sense of accomplishment. I consider it meditation time. Felt like meditating one day last week and created a batch of salsa. Just a small batch, seven half-pints. Pretty tasty. The cat didn't help but she was curious. Who else is canning? What are you making?

(For the record, the cat doesn't get onto the table or the counters. I set these jars on the floor to take advantage of the warming glo… Continue

Herbed Butter This is a very easy way to dress up butter. Use your favorite herbs in quantities that suit you. Use salted or unsalted butter. Here's what I used:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened to room tempera… Continue

I'd been eying Crescent Dragonwagon's Passionate Vegetarian for some time. No, the book isn't new. I just haven't gotten that far down my cookbook list at the library. After receving a comment from Crescent on the blog, I ran out and got a used copy right away, no more waiting. I should note that I don't often buy new books. I head straight for used books as a rule, even on my Christmas wish list given to S and family - USED ONLY is written at the top.

The book is amazing and my favorite part i… Continue

I love the combination of peppers and eggs. Both of my Nanas would often make this dish but it took the form of a scramble. In any form I love peppers and eggs. On top of a toasted slice of whole wheat bread I spread some goat cheese. On top of the cheese I placed a big slice of roasted pepper. On top of the pepper I slid a fried egg. Salt and pepper and a couple shakes of green Tobasco and I was set. So easy. So delicious. So satisfying.

… Continue

Well, I'm sad to say that summer is really behind us. On one hand, I miss the warmer temps (what little of them we had in Seattle this year). On the other hand, I'm excited to start cooking hearty soups.
Pasta and beans, or pasta e fagioli, is an Italian staple. Very economical, really… Continue