blackberry breakfast . . .

Blackberries are in abundance this year here in the Pacific Northwest . . .

and I just can't seem to get enough of these babies . . .

Lately - I have been picking them daily . . .

and also asking my family to pick some more . . .

they all know that it is totally worth it . . .

especially when they see their favorite blackberry pie coming out of the oven . . .
add a bit of ice cream . . . and they are ready to pick some more!!

Around here we keep it pretty simple . . .

as all we really want to do is enjoy the freshness of the season!!

My husband is the one who makes pancakes around here . . .

and they are always delicious . . .
but when we add some wonderful blackberry syrup on top . . .

everyone is that much happier in our house!!

Hattie for one can't get enough of their sweet goodness . . .

it seems that seconds, and thirds, are always on the way . . .

for me . . . I also love a few berries with some really good yogurt . . .

so simple . . . yet so wonderful!!

Or sometimes . . .

I take an extra 5 minutes to mix it all together . . .

some good quality yogurt . . . a handful of blackberries . . . and a touch of sugar . . .

for some of the best blackberry yogurt around!!

Hattie absolutely loves the color . . .

and I personally like knowing that it is all fresh . . . and natural . . . and simple!!

But - my very favorite blackberry breakfast of all . . .

is homemade blackberry jam on toast!!

Because - it just doesn't get much better than that - seriously!!

Blackberry jam on toast is the very, very best!!!

(mine just happens to be gluten free)

you see . . .

great food does not need to be fussy . . .

just fresh . . . and simple . . . and good!!

 

All these blackberries just made our mornings a little sweeter . . .

Just wait until you see what we had for lunch at the office on Tuesday . . .

mmmmm . . . mmmmm

until next time . . .

. . . . . . .

food dreams and a kiss . . .
from my kitchen . . . to yours!!

xoxo - liz

island plums and blackberries . . .

u m m m m . . . u m m m m . . .

everything tastes a little better when it comes from the garden . . .

and this year - my little garden is happier than ever!!!

My daughter and I have been picking the fruit as fast as we can . . .

both plums . . . and blackberries . . .

they seem to be overflowing in our yard . . . and on our little island!!

 

I see it all over Facebook - my friends and neighbors all canning away . . .

making all sorts of things to bring out fresh when winter sets in!

Well - I have been a little short on time lately . . .

sooooo - I just keep popping these sweet things in my mouth . . .

and sometimes . . .
I throw a bag or two of them in the freezer for later . . .

The other day I was wishing I had more time to just play in the kitchen . . .

to make some yummy jams and such . . . like all those friends of mine . . .
thinking how much greener it is over there - on the other side of the fence . . .

and then - to my surprise . . .

a very old-fashioned thing happened . . .

a new friend down the street just dropped by with the most delicious

plum jam . . . and the most amazing chutney ever!! :)

It was such a sweet thing to do . . . and it truly made my day!!!

Needless to say . . .
we have been enjoying a little dollop here and there of this sweet summer sunshine . . .

on toast and such . . .

one sweet spoonful at a time!!!

And now . . . I just have one other thing on my mind . . .

I need to figure out what kind of dish I am going to make
to compliment that amazing chutney!!  H m m m m . . .

Thank you again Rick - you are a sweet and kind neighbor . . .
and it was such a thoughtful gift!!!

you are the BEST!!! :)

until next time . . .

. . . . . . .

food dreams and a kiss . . .
from my kitchen . . . to yours!!

xoxo - liz

ironstone kitchen . . .

I love good food . . . absolutely L. O. V. E. love it!!

I am not a food expert when it comes to cooking and baking and such . . .

in fact . . .

I am quite sure that some of my friends wonder what I am even doing writing a food blog! :)

On top of that . . .

I honestly don't have enough time in the day to watch all the food shows . . .

and read all the great cook books that are out there currently . . .

but what I do know . . .

is that I love fresh ingredients . . . simple recipes . . .

and time spent around the table with my family!!

I hope to share a little inspiration with all of you . . .
and from time to time a recipe here and there!

So . . .
here is to keeping it simple . . . fresh . . . and fun . . .

learning as we go . . .

until next time . . .

. . . . . . .

food dreams and a kiss . . .
from my kitchen . . . to yours!!

xoxo - liz