Deb, Author at East of Eden Cooking

2019/01/30

Lemon Lime Marmalade

Lemon Lime Marmalade is bright and tangy with in season citrus. A spark of lime flavor adds depth and mystery to the mostly lemon marmalade.

“It was a deluge of a winter in the Salinas Valley, wet and wonderful. The rains fell gently and soaked in and did not freshet. The feed was deep in January, and in February the hills were fat with grass and the coats of the cattle looked tight and sleek.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Marmalade inspiration is everywhere during winter citrus season. An almost endless variety of citrus opens the door to unique flavor combinations. This is why I make my own. Excellent orange marmalade is always available at the store. Lemon Lime Marmalade? Time to make my own batch. Last year’s lemon marmalade was lovely, I want outstanding. A spark of lime flavor adds depth and mystery to the mostly lemon marmalade. The Mr. has set aside his favorite blueberry jam and is having sweet and tangy Lemon Lime Marmalade on his morning toast. This is a complete surprise. Is it possible to convert someone to #CitrusLove? READ MORE . . .

2019/01/07

Reducing One Time Use Plastic Bags

Reducing one time use plastic bags in the kitchen with mesh bags, reusable produce storage containers and terry cloth bags.

“After awhile, said Cyrus, you’ll think no thoughts the others do not think. You’ll know no word the others can’t say. And you’ll do things because others do them. You’ll feel the danger in any difference whatever—a danger to the whole crowd of like-thinking, like-acting men.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

The new year is synonymous with change, resolving to do better, be better. A marker of personal improvement. This year I’m making an attempt in reducing use of one time use plastic bags. It’s a simple resolution, yet requires a commitment to changing behaviors decades in the making. As far as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is concerned my resolution doesn’t really matter. It’s only if more us begin to reject all the one time use plastics and cardboard we consume that true change will occur. READ MORE . . .

2018/12/12

Gingerbread People Cookies

Gingerbread People Cookies are gingery and spicy, more than perfect for a blustery winter day. These gingerbread cookies are a feast of the holiday season in every bite.

“Not even Christmas and we have presents. I wonder what it can be!”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

A few weeks ago there were super cute jars of little Gingerbread People Cookies at Starbucks. They arrived when holiday thoughts were just a mirage of the cookie making season. Then they were gone. My obsessing about cookies is an annual tradition, Gingerbread People Cookies are this year’s contribution. I adore this time of year, I can bake all the cookies I want without any sideways glances or rolling of eyes about my butter and sugar obsessing. Decorating the jars for gifting was as much fun as making the cookies. READ MORE . . .

2018/11/14

Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad

On a foundation of lettuce greens, the bitter flavors of radicchio contrast with sweet, caramelized winter squash in this recipe for Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad.

“Later Samuel and Adam walked down the oak-shadowed road to the entrance of the draw where they could look out at the Salinas Valley. Will you stay to dinner? Adam asked.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad would be a fabulous addition to any holiday gathering. On a foundation of lettuce greens, bitter flavors of radicchio contrast with sweet, caramelized Delicata roasted with fresh thyme. Tangy feta and sherry dressing add a pop of flavor and let the sweet Delicata dance in this lush fall salad. Pomegranate arils deliver color and crunchy texture in the Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad. READ MORE . . .

2018/10/22

Toffee Bar Cookies

Toffee Bar Cookies are fabulous. These Bar Cookies are a blondie type bar cookie with toffee bits folded into the dough. A plus, the recipe comes together quickly. Even the crumbs will disappear.

“The afternoon was golden, for the yellow dust in the sky gilded the light.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I was planning on sharing an autumn salad but the recipe for Toffee Bar Cookies landed in my in-box. I almost forgot about the recipe (I found it in my trash folder) until I saw a vendor at the local farmers market selling toffee. Not just toffee, but bags of broken pieces specifically for baking. Oh, are you making cookies, he asked? Sure! I answered. Obviously this is a regular occurrence at the toffee makers booth. Making toffee laced cookies is not a regular occurrence in my kitchen. But my goodness, these Toffee Bar Cookies are special and worthy of the calorie splurge. Can I say I’m recipe testing for the holidays? READ MORE . . .