Studies are showing that apple juice concentrate found in many foods is extremely high in arsenic.  Mostly, the problematic concentrate is from China but labeling makes it unclear where most juice concentrate is from.  Buying organic is apparently not a safe bet as some of the highest levels were found in organic juice.  Even small […]

I picked up my first turkey of the season from Sunny Hill Farm on Sunday along with sweet potatoes, cheese, honey, butternut squash and a few other things.  I am mourning the end of the season with very little opportunity, because of our kitchen remodel, to preserve food for the winter.  I did manage applesauce […]

World Arc a magazine published by Heifer International included information in their ‘Facts and Figures’ section of the Holiday 2011 issue regarding the amount of food we waste.  It was truly amazing.  You can view the magazine through this link http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/heifer/worldark_2011holiday/ I think purchasing our food locally and paying a more realistic price for our […]

This is a long article but worth reading regarding honey, it’s origins and why you should care.  http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/11/tests-show-most-store-honey-isnt-honey/  You can solve the issue of tainted and illegal honey but shopping at local apiaries and farmer’s markets.  I can think of 5 places here in Harford County that sell local honey, it is not hard to […]

Using fresh pumpkin is easy and you can preserve some for later if you cook up too much.  My simple method is to preheat the oven to 350.  Wash your pumpkin, leave it whole.  Use a sharp knife to poke several holes in your pumpkin to allow steam to escape.  Place your pumpkin on a […]

4 c. water, bring to a boilAdd 2 c. oatmeal, 1 t pumpkin pie spice, 1/4-1/2 c. pumpkin puree and 1/4 c. maple syrup. – cook 5 minMeanwhile – heat a cast iron skillet on low heat.  Add 2 T butter, 1 t salt and 1 c. pecans – roast ’til fragrant – remove, chop […]

This is a European website however there seems to be a US version as well. Seems like a great resource on relevant food issues:FoodNavigator.com

I am already finished with applesaucing for the year. I usually spread it out over a few weeks but this year I had a deadline to make. In less than a week my kitchen is going to be ripped out and over the course of a month, put back together. It is exciting for sure […]

Every year I try and put up 1-2 bushels of apples as applesauce. I am so thankful to have this gadget which makes it all easier: I borrow mine from my parents who bought it in the 70’s for $30. But if you are serious about applesauce it is a must have tool.

I haven’t yet delved into canning pickles. However I did find two great, easy pickle recipes on McCormick’s website that are worth sharing. They make small batches of pickles that will last up to 3 months in the refrigerator (if you can resist them that long!)Asian Refrigerator Pickles Refrigerator Bread & Butter Pickles If you […]