At a gathering earlier this fall some people were astonished to hear that I had a good fig harvest this year. A good harvest for my fig tree is around twenty to thirty figs. I now live in Pennsylvania--not the best climate for figs--but like many of my fellow "diegos" I have found a way …
coffee blossoms
There are a couple of blossoms I could write about all the time, our twins, but I don't want to bore you. 🙂 So, let me tell you about some other blossoms in this cook's life. About three years ago, a lady I worked with got me a coffee plant (Coffea arabica) for my birthday. It …
sweet weeds
There are very few empty lots, roadsides or poorly kept yards that don't have Japanese knotweed growing in them. This weed is one of the most powerful invasive species in the U.S. and it's incredibly difficult to get rid of. It's a tough weed all the way around. Its roots will grow under your sidewalk …
a little gardening update
A few of you have been asking me about my garden. For those of you that don't know--I like to garden as well as cook. I find it very relaxing and I truly believe that nothing tastes better than when it comes from your garden. This year I broke ground for a new garden spot. …
brew and bees–not really, but close enough!
As a fan of the East End Brewery and beekeeping, I thought this was great news. I can't wait until the East End Brewery makes a honey beer with honey from accross the street. From the January 2010 Burgh Bees newsletter: The City of Pittsburgh has granted a lease to Burgh Bees for a block-long …
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yinzer torte — linzer torte made with local quince
This is my second winter in Pittsburgh, and like many new comers to the 'Burgh, I quickly fell in love with the beauty of the changing seasons that you can so distinctly observe in the city. Fall is perhaps my favorite season--it's not so warm anymore and my vegetable garden is at its peak. Nice …
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winter beet salad
Those who know me know how much I enjoy gardening. We had a long fall, but it's almost December and gardening in Pennsylvania is pretty much done. A few root veggies were still in the ground in my garden: little baby carrots and a few beets that at this point weren't going to grow much …
hungry honey bees
Apiculture has always fascinated me. I find bees very intriguing, and honey is a favorite of mine. I have a pear tree in my backyard and a few pears have been gathering on the ground around the tree. Bees, hornets, wasps and the like have been all over them. Somewhere I've read that honey bees …
urban farming: beekeeping
On Tuesday, August 25, I went to a Burgh Bees "Beekeeper Meet-up" on the North Side. I originally discovered Burgh Bees at the Phipps Garlic and Tomato Festival, which is a special event during the regularly scheduled farmers market that happens on the lawn at Phipps Conservatory every Wednesday. Based on the quick conversation I …
Dinner with Daniel 