Creative cooking and living in the fertile Salinas Valley, east of Eden, along California's central coast
“I want a purple egg.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Spring and Easter are all about new beginnings. For me that means trying something new; using my imagination to reach past self imposed boundaries and limits. Waking from winter hibernation there is a lethargy that lingers. Only a sunny, crisp spring day can shake off that last winter heaviness and push us out into the light.
“It was a pleasant afternoon. Fremont’s Peak was lighted pinkly by the setting sun, and Faye could see it from her window. From over on Castroville Street came the sound of jingling horse bells from an eight-horse grain team down from the ridge. The cook was fighting pots in the kitchen.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Herbes de Provence is one of our favorite herb mixes—especially for the boneless, skinless chicken breasts that we keep on hand for making a quick dinner and lunches of salads or sandwiches. I usually purchase Herbes de Provence as a mix and wanted to make my own blend. And having an herb mix already packaged as a gift would be a nice addition to my stash of jams. I decided to mix a batch with enough for my own use and for gifts. I chose to order all the individual herbs from My Spice Sage and was pleased with the quality and cost of the herbs. Shipping was free and fast. Penzey’s is another popular on line and retail outlet that is a good source. I do not recommend purchasing the herbs individually at grocery store quantities as is not cost effective for this DIY project. Working with larger than the usual amount of herbs was a fragrant adventure in my kitchen. Opening the packets of herbs and inhaling the pungent aromas transported me to warm summer afternoons of harvesting sage, thyme and lavender in our garden. The lavender alone was intoxicating! Quite a sensory treat on a winter afternoon and a much needed break from cookie and candy making.
“The winter night blew in with frosty wind, and the street lamps with their sputtering carbons swung restlessly and made shadows dart back and forth like a runner trying to steal second base.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Lush red velvet was whispering Christmas to me. I was seduced by bold red and white peppermint stripes and a minty sharpness in the cold nights. Creamy white chocolate curled above the red velvet like wisps of steam from my hot morning coffee. I imagined a snowy Christmas portrayed in my velvet cupcakes.