You cannot have a true Greek village salad without cucumber, nor can you have true Greek tzatziki (cucumber and yogurt sauce). So can you be a true Greek gardener and not grow cucumber? I think not.
Ham & Cheese Empanadas
Several days ago I gave the Old Man and the Medium Boy the task of putting in a new pond liner for our back yard. It’s hard work. I fed them these empanadas as payment.
Chilean Style Empanada Dough
Having a go-to pastry recipe is kind of like having that one pair of shoes that can work for multiple occasions: everybody needs one.
Rendered Fat (Tallow, Lard, and Schmaltz)

No, I don’t live on some isolated homestead. Yes, I could easily go to the store and buy some lard. No, I don’t want to because making your own is easy enough to do, and why not save money and reduce waste in the process?
Continue reading Rendered Fat (Tallow, Lard, and Schmaltz)Sourdough Cinnamon-Raisin Rolls
I live in California’s raisin country. If one drives out of town during the hot, dry days at the end of summer, row after row of grapes drying on mats can be seen in between the long stretches of grape vines. I guess you could say I know where my food comes from!
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
For whatever reason, the first appearance of asparagus in my garden seems almost magical. One day it’s just empty dirt, the next day baby spears of deliciousness have erupted through the surface.
Lamb Yiouvetsi
Greeks have mastered the all-in-one dish, and it’s really no surprise. Up until recently, having your own oven was somewhat uncommon. Instead you had to share space at the local bakery. No one likes a space-hog.
Creamy White Wine Clam Sauce with Garlic and Rosemary
I don’t make this dish enough. Nowhere nearly enough. My medium boy reminds of this on a regular basis.
Continue reading Creamy White Wine Clam Sauce with Garlic and Rosemary