Mussels with Cider, Leeks and Bacon

Quick, Northern Hemisphere folks! You’ve only got a month of mussel eating to go before the season ends in May. Although the mussels available in my local Southern California stores are less than inspiring, taking a firm back seat to the large, orangey-pink beauties available from September to April in most fish mongers in England, … Continue reading →

Garden Sprouts

This year I plan to grow my garden in three phases: early spring, hot weather, early-late fall. Last week my very handy partner and I tilled the garden plot and planted rows of red potatoes, peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, garlic, leeks, romaine lettuce, blue-green broccoli, carrots, beets and radishes. Last year I built … Continue reading →

Spring Has Arrived!

Spring has arrived here in Southern California. The air is fragrant with blossoms and everywhere there’s a constant low hum from the buzzing honey bees hard at work. Mavis, one of my hens, has gone broody, and I expect a few more will puff up and start making the constant low clucking sounds that signal … Continue reading →