Homegrown Herbs

When we lived in the northwest we had a great garden that produced fresh vegetables and herbs all summer long. As new residents in Texas we decided to plant our herbs in pots due to unpredictable weather. You can purchase starts of your favorite herbs and enjoy them fresh or dried. I planted sage, cilantro, basil, and tarragon this year. Ask your local gardener for best growing seasons and conditions. With a little love and care the plants will pay for themselves after just a few harvests! 

If you decide to dry herbs you can infuse them in oil. Our favorite combination is sage infused in olive oil and used for brown butter ravioli. Happy gardening! 

Special Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake recipes date back to the 1840s in the US. Many variations include biscuits, spongecake, angel food cake, etc. This recipe is similar to a cornbread. If you'd like to sweeten it up sprinkle the strawberries with sugar and top with whip cream.

This recipe is special because it was handed down from my Great Grandmother, "Miss Grandma" from Goodland, Kansas.

Ingredients:
Strawberries
Whip cream
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
4 tsp baking powder


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Mix dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients. Combine the dry and wet mixtures. Grease a 9x13 glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Bake until golden-brown, about 30 minutes. Test for doneness with tooth pick.

Corn on the Cob Combinations

Fresh corn on the cob means summer is coming! I grew up with the classic corn on the cob: boiled, spread with butter, sprinkled with salt. It turns out there are many tasty corn on the cob combinations. You can boil, microwave, steam, roast, or grill! Your topping options are endless and up to personal preference too. My mother-in-law likes cojita cheese, crema, and chipotle seasoning. My brother-in-law introduced me to mayonnaise with salt.

Grilled Directions: 
Top corn with preferred ingredients
Wrap in aluminum foil
Grill over direct heat for 30 minutes, turning occasionally

Whether you chew across the cob or around I hope you enjoy some fresh corn this summer!

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Growing up there was only one chocolate chip cookie recipe baked at home. That sentiment holds true today because the Nestle Toll House recipe with semi-sweet chocolate chips is classic. I like my cookies soft and chewy so I under cook slightly.

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Nestle Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.