Wednesday, September 26, 2012

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



Wednesday, September 19, 2012

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