Blueberry Pudding Cake

This recipe was shared with me over 10 years ago by the camp host at Tuttle Campground.  She and her husband became very good friends while I worked summers at the park, and I think of her every time I make this recipe.  In my recipe binder, I made a note "The Best Ever" with 4 stars.  The method of assembly is a little different for this cake, but follow the directions and you will have a sweet, light cake on top of a smooth blueberry pudding when you're done. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Grandpa's Meatloaf with Roasted Potatoes

Last week, we had one of the best meals ever.  If you ask Mr. Wonderful, he might say that, yes it was good, but not the best ever.  After all, if was meatloaf.  But for this meal, you have to look beyond the delicious flavor, and appreciate where all the food in the meal came from... that's what makes it so special.  We had steamed green beans, fresh from the garden, roasted fingerling potatoes, fresh from the garden, and Grandpa's Meatloaf made with homegrown grass-fed beef, and topped with homemade ketchup.  Not every meal is so close to home, but I try and do my best to as cook as local as possible.  Your local farm stands will be open for a few more weeks.  What are you waiting for, make you and your family a local meal.

Eggplant Parmesan

Summer is winding down, and we are all making the final harvests from our gardens.  Here is a quick and delicious recipe for eggplant, if you were brave enough to plant any, let alone eat it.  The typical response when I mention eggplant is an not a positive one, but unless you've tried it, please don't judge.  And if you didn't grow any eggplant this year, pick one up at the local farmer's market or farm stand, and give this recipe a try. 

Salad Dressing

In an effort to be more aware of the food that we eat, I have started making salad dressings instead of buying them at the store.  This way I have total control over the ingredients that I use, and I can avoid all of the nasty additives, including but not limited to MSG, preservatives, and my personal favorite high fructose corn syrup.  If you haven't looked at the ingredients list on your favorite dressing, take a gander, I'll bet you'll be surprised at how many you don't recognize.  Take the time to make you're own salad dressings... they are healthier for you, and the flavor is amazing!  Here are two new ones, Parmesan Peppercorn, and Buttermilk Ranch, and don't forget about my basic vinaigrette (click here for link).

Cabbage Salad

With our  beef brisket meal (click for link) last weekend, we also had a simple cabbage salad.  This recipe is quick and easy, and a good way to use fresh produce from the local farmer's market... cabbage, peppers, and carrots.  Make extra because this salad can be frozen and enjoyed again another day.