Herbs, Glorious Herbs

Last summer when I grew some basil on my back porch, it astounded me. I loved being able to head out my back door and pick some fresh leaves whenever a recipe called for them. We made some killer pesto, a few memorable pasta dishes, and saved some cashola. One can buy herbs in the grocery store for around $2 to $4 for a bunch, or the same amount of hard earned dough can be spent on an entire plant. Not a tough call.

As Spring has finally graced us with its presence, I've opted to go beyond my love of basil and adopt some more herbs. My new babies include thyme, mint, chives, rosemary, parsley, cilantro, and basil.

Keep growing strong, my dears. I'm looking forward to a carefree summer of snatching you up whenever I wish. If anyone has some to-die-for summer recipes involving those mentioned above, I'm all ears, so speak up! I just want to cook, sew, and enjoy my deck all summer. Why oh why do I have a desk job?

Many Hands Make Light the Work

Over the past weekend my mom and dad had many of our extended family over to their house in upstate New York for a good old-fashioned garage raising. After tearing down the older and smaller garage, a roof had to be placed over the new garage walls. My family is at no loss for strapping young men with both brain and brawn, so the invitation was extended and the masses flocked.

While I like to think that all of us ladies were able-bodied, plenty of male garage workers were present so we provided a constant flow of food and snacks to keep the men going strong. Besides circular saws and nail guns, it truly was out of the 19th century, and I thoroughly enjoyed every old-school minute of it. I didn't really get any good pictures of us girls, since we were slaving away in the kitchen...and watching movies...and taking naps.

For me, there's something wonderful about men at work that makes me appreciate the strength it takes to build something that will last and the knowledge it takes to care for one's home. I'm confident in the varied skills and talents of mine and my female kin, but garage/roof building is not the contribution we make. In our different ways, all of us are building structures of support and shelter for each other, some material but many intangible. Whether it be through hard work, knowledge, love, or strife we continue to deepen and grow our bonds as family.

A Derby Alternative

I've said it before and I'll say it again...making meals or desserts from scratch is a worthwhile effort that pays off. If Mine that Bird was a good investment (he only cost $9500 and was a 50-1 long shot), so is using some elbow grease to whip together some homemade cupcakes...Mint Julep Cupcakes in honor of race day!

On mine and my friend Amy's part, a decent amount of expectation and hope went into Big Brown's quest for the Triple Crown last May/June, only to be let down big time at Belmont Stakes. We remain ever hopeful for an eventual three race victory.

Back to the subject at hand. Last year for the Kentucky Derby we made some Mint Juleps that...well...weren't great. As the Derby came around again this year though, a friend of mine sent me a link to a recipe for Mint Julep Cupcakes she thought we might like.

The ingredients contain the usual suspects of mint, whiskey and sugar... but they are all mixed in and disguised into a delicious cupcake form. Be still my heart. The icing is decedent, but I think it really makes them. Unless you are feeding an army of horse-racing fans dessert, you might consider halving the recipe (make the amount of icing that the recipe calls for though!), as it yields plenty of cupcakes. Here's the link...now onward ho to the Preakness Stakes!