On today's show I walk you all through the procedure needed to make a nice apple cake. This is so easy and can be in the oven in less then 30 minutes. Reminiscent of typical French patisserie it's not too sweet and has great balance between crust, fruit and sweetness. A real winner. Make it gluten free by substituting your favorite gluten free baking mix or almond flour for a denser texture.
Nov 12, 2015•25 min
Today we focus on some simple comfort food; meatloaf (or meat balls ) with a mushroom sauce or gravy. It really does not matter if you make a meatloaf or meatballs, the mixture is created using the same technique just shaped differently. The sauce works with either shape of course. The sauce is rather easy to put together...a basic aromatic saute, some re-hydrated mushrooms some beef stock, sour cream, and seasonings. In the end you have a rich creamy gravy... almost like Swedish meatballs...yet...
Nov 02, 2015•29 min
Today I walk you thru one of my favorite French desserts; Tart Tatin. This amazing apple dessert is one you'll find throughout France. Basically an upside down apple pie with caramel and a simple buttery pie crust called Pate Brisee this dessert is easy to make and stunning to look at. It tastes best with tart, firm apples such as Granny Smith or other firm late season varieties.
Oct 30, 2015•31 min
On today's show I discuss making a roasted mushroom bisque with real sherry. This is a very simple recipe and only requires a short trip to a real liquor store.....NOT GROCERY STORE..to find true dry-aged Spanish sherry...or similar. A Vitamix is greatly recommended for recipes like this.
Oct 27, 2015•39 min
On todays show I share a new recipe for a roasted butternut squash and tart apple gratin, topped with a silky Gruyere laced Mornay sauce and a parmesan crumb topping. This is rather easy to make, but does take some preparation time to assemble before roasting. Mornay sauce is a compound sauce with made from Bechamel, a Mother Sauce, one of the 5 in French Cookery. These simple sauces can unlock many recipes and treats on a year round basis. **The Show cut out just before I finished....so....I lo...
Oct 21, 2015•42 min
Today I walk you through the process of making basked stuffed apples. Granny Smith or other tart apples stuffed with oats, almonds, raising, butter and other goodies makes for an excellent fall seasonal dessert. When you can find local apples that are only a few days or hours off the tree you're in for a real taste treat. Also, later in this show I kinds get off topic and rant about skinny jean wearing soft weak men. If you're offended....I'm not sorry.
Oct 13, 2015•33 min
Well I can't think of a more fitting topic in October then apple butter. Apple butter graces tables all across America and beyond each year, especially in the cooler months. Rather simple to make, it's ability to be used as an ingredient rather then a stand alone condiment is why I consider it a multi-purpose ingredient.
Oct 08, 2015•30 min
On todays show we discuss water and it's importance not only in economic emergency, but natural disasters and everyday life. You would be amazed bow many people do not store any water at all. I was one of them. But after power outages rendered our well useless and we had no water for 10 hours I learned my lesson. We now stock plenty of water and have several ways to purify water that we may need to "acquire" in nature from a stream, roof runoff, pond etc.
Oct 02, 2015•48 min
Today we discuss making a fabulous soup that is full flavored and features dried porcini mushrooms, le puy lentils and fresh thyme. This Simple soup takes about 45 minutes and uses simple ingredients yet yields a mushroom flavor that is unmatched. The French lentils are so tender and filling, perfect for a cool evening.
Sep 24, 2015•39 min
On today's show we continue the series we have been focusing on concerning preparing for the eventual economic collapse or system change we all will face when the charade is finally over. Part 5 is about raising animals on your homestead including ducks, chickens, goats, cows, beef cattle (did not mention pigs but should have) etc. I have owned cows, goats, chickens and been around cattle pigs and HUGE dairies for most of my life. While not the end all be all expert, I do know enough to be dange...
Sep 17, 2015•54 min
On today's show I go over making a tomato tart. Simple ingredients like garden fresh heirloom tomatoes, fresh rosemary, blue cheese and bacon...listen to find out how easy is it to create a simple yet elegant tart. Once a simple crust, pate brisee, is made that tart comes together rather easily. The secret is not overworking the crust and to use the freshest tomatoes you can get a hold of. When this tart cools off the flavors of these tomatoes with the amazing aroma of fresh rosemary and the tan...
Sep 10, 2015•31 min
On part 4 we discuss ways of growing and producing your own food. Activities like gardeing, planting trees etc. I cover: Seeds-why everybody needs back up Heirloom seeds...not hybrids Gardening....whay we do and have done in the past Row crops, potatoes, winter squash etc. Fruit trees such as figs, apples, peaches, pears Berry bushes such as blueberry, raspberry, blackberry I enjoyed this recording this show.
Sep 02, 2015•37 min
On today's edition I discuss some pantry basics such as keeping canned goods, paper products, baking supplies etc. I get a bit distracted from time to time but still provide much information you can use. We all need a pantry that is well stocked so that we DO NOT HAVE to go to the store each time we need something. A properly stocked pantry is a must for all homesteads....so let's work together and make it happen. I also started a contest for best pantry photo....winner will receive one free pou...
Aug 27, 2015•47 min
Today on part 2 of our series I dicuss the homesteading kitchen equipment I own or recommend. In all but one case I own or have owned everything discussed today. If you're a homesteader, having canning equipment, canning jars, a food processor etc. are all critical pieces of equipment. If you store grain having a grinder, both electric and non-electric are important considerations. As alwyas, acquiring these items without going into debt is the only way I advise getting them. Remember, these are...
Aug 25, 2015•44 min
On today's show I discuss in detail the storage of commodity items like rice, beans, grains, corn, etc. Also discussed is how to store them-what type containers, oxygen absorbers, mylar pouches etc. I give ideas on where ot find these items, which varities I recommend and how long these items can be stored.
Aug 20, 2015•44 min
On today's show I introduce a series we will be covering that lays out the current state of world economies and how an impending economic downturn will affect you. We will be discussing the following during this series of shows: Commodity Food Storage-rice, beans, pasta, grains, etc. Common Kitchen and Homesteading Equipment-what you need Storing Pantry Items-canned goods, condiments, paper products, baking supplies Seeds, Gardening, Fruit Trees, Row Crops Dairy Animals, Egg Layers, Meat Animals...
Aug 18, 2015•40 min
Today's show is strictly about Thoughtful Harvest Sauces, it's not a regular episode so if your not interested in behind the scenes business and food manufacturing stuff you might want to skip ahead to next show. I will be discuss our recent packaging change from glass jars to flexible pouches and the benefits of doing so. Also I talk about new equipment we used and how the packages sealed etc.
Aug 18, 2015•34 min
Today I discuss making a super summer dish; fried green toamtoes with a tomato peach jam....SPICY tomato peach jam. The addition of a cayenne pepper (or your favorite type) brings a special something to this great appetizer. In August tomatoes are at their best..and peaches are almost gone...so this is perfect time of year to make this. Frying green tomatoes is a tradition down south nad this cornmeal crusted pan fried version is the best IMO. The addition of an easy spicy tomato peach jam is pe...
Aug 10, 2015•24 min
On today's show I go over 5 ways to use the summer bounty of peaches many of us have right now. I'll highlight: Grilled peaches w mascarpone cheese and balsamic drizzle Sourdough Peach Clafoutis Habenero Peach Jam Salted Caramel & Lavendar Peach Cake Buttermilk Peach Smoothy. I love peaches and often can them as well as just eating from the hand. I hope these ideas inspire you too.
Jul 31, 2015•36 min
A few episodes back I suggested the use of probiotic rich foods like sour pickles, kombucha, sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt etc. On today's show I walk you thru the making of a delicatessen classic; the full sour dill pickle. These intoxicating little pickles can be found floating in wood barrels in many delis that appreciate old-world goodness. Sour pickles are made using just water, salt and aromatics and they allow natural bacteria to multiply and produce lactic acid to prevent spoilage. In the pr...
Jul 29, 2015•26 min
On today's show I celebrate my 300th episode and read a few quick thoughts from listeners. The main topic is the vinaigrette. This is something I want you all to try. It's simple, if you can find lacto juice, delicious and healthy too. It takes 1 minutes to make it and your salads and taste buds will thank you.
Jul 24, 2015•16 min
Today I provide a recap of my trip to The Colorado Rockies to visit with and help nurse Omi (my mother in law) back to health. My goal was to assist her immune system, which is being ravished by anti-biotics that are killing her lung infection, through the use of function foods, probiotics, lacto-fermented beverages, vegetables and dairy products. While I was not able to create any weight gain, I did manage to bring her appetite back and improve her spirits. All in all a great trip even though i...
Jul 21, 2015•48 min
On today's show I provide instructions so you can make a terrific summertime dish; rosemary & garlic marinated chicken with a berry coulis. This dish can be made with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, (personal favorite) or even pork tenderloin. The marinade leaves a delicious rosemary garlic flavor and the refreshing coulis is the perfect foil and balance to the dish.
Jul 07, 2015•30 min
On today's show I discuss the salts I keep in my pantry and give tips on how to use them. The proper use of salt is paramount to good cookery and even more important in the crafting of artisan foods of all sorts. I keep the following salts: -Morton Kosher Salt -Iodized salt (rarely used) -Maldon Flakes Salt -Grey Sea Salt, France -Himilayan Pink Salt This episode has been requested many times so I hope it's useful to you.
Jul 02, 2015•31 min
On today's show I discuss ideas for cooking with fresh spring peas. Unlike canned or frozen peas, which have their place, fresh spring peas are truly luxurious. Rather rare these days, fresh peas are amazing ingredients and a treat to cook with. I mention some very specific ways to cook with peas like a cilantro garlic pea cream sauce served over roasted halibut, curried peas, rosemary garlic peas over pasta and much more.
Jun 25, 2015•33 min
On Today's show I discuss how I make shrimp n grits, The grits have cheddar cheese and garden fresh chives along with some roasted red peppers. The shrimp were marinated, then grilled to perfection and placed carefully on the wonderful grits then adorned with a heavenly drizzle of the shrimp reduction sauce. When done the meal is a feat for the senses. All the elements to a memorable dish lie within this creation.
Jun 24, 2015•24 min
On today's show I dive deep on the reasons you would consider NOT buying pond or farm raised shrimp from overseas. When buying pond raised imported shrimp there are issues with in-humane labor practices that include slavery, terrible quality and lack of sanitation, plus the economic consequences of your dollars not going to your local fishermen. At the end of the show I detail a tasty shrimp recipe that you can find on the blog at Harvest Eating.com
Jun 17, 2015•42 min
On today's show I discuss the micro biome referring to your intestinal health. The trillions of bacteria that live in your digestive system are the key to a healthy life. They can prevent and even cure some disease and modern science and the pharma industry is hard at work unlocking what may be the biggest human health development ever discovered. You micro biome or gut has over 100 trillion bacteria that determine many facets of your life. I recommend the new book called Brain Maker authored by...
Jun 11, 2015•35 min
Today I talk about my top 4 tips for successful grilling. So easy if you follow them to produce great grilled chicken, steak, grilled pork or even grilled seafood. If you keep your grill hot, brushed, oiled and let the grill cook instead of flipping the meat every two seconds you will have great results. Charcoal grills are my favorite and I use lump charcoal instead of charcoal briquets, and never use lighter fluid. This podcast on grilling will help you get the most out of your Weber Kettle Gr...
Jun 09, 2015•48 min
On today's show I talk about my plans for using up produce we have growing. I na short few weeks there will be many vegetbles coming into the kitchen after being harvested. Having a plan and some recipe ideas BEFORE this occurs is the way to go. Try to envision the myriad ways you can use your upcoming harvest.
Jun 02, 2015•43 min