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Artichoke Frittata

Artichoke Frittata

Spring is here in California! Rejoice and celebrate your love of the artichoke. Frost kissed from the cold and ready to eat steamed, braised or baked, eating these mighty thistles is something we look forward to every year as we bring them in to the…

Rigatoni with Salame Nostrano, Garlic Confit & Tomatoes

Rigatoni with Salame Nostrano, Garlic Confit & Tomatoes

This recipe, perfect for a cold winter’s night, is just what you want this weekend. And, you can have this delicious pasta dish made in less than 30 minutes. Pair it with a simple green salad with an easy balsamic vinaigrette and more bread to…

When Life Gives You Meyer Lemons….

When Life Gives You Meyer Lemons….

……Rejoice!

The Meyer lemon was introduced to the US from China in 1908. It is named after the agricultural explorer that gathered a clipping of what is thought to be a cross between a regular lemon and an orange tree.

How are they different from the common lemon? They tend to be on the smaller side, thinner and smoother skinned and more warm yellow than lemon in color. They are in season in February & March in Northern California.

What do we do with them? One of our favorite things is to preserve them for future use. Preserved lemon is a quintessential ingredient in Moroccan cuisine. And the soft, mashable, edible rind also works well with roasted chicken, chopped over charred broccolini or mixed into a vinaigrette. A good tip is to use them in places where you might use olives – they are salty, tart and fragrant and deliver a massive amount of flavor.

Easy recipe as follows: (use Approx. 2/3 cup salt for 2-3 pounds of lemons)

Clean Your Lemons
Cut and Salt Your Lemons
Have Your Jars Sterilized and Ready
Pack Your Jars
Finished Jars of Preserved Lemons

Meyer lemons also work beautifully in baked goods (poppy seed muffins, tarts, curds & trifles). And you can’t beat a homemade Meyer lemonade – virgin or spiked. Pass the vodka. Cheers!

Happy Valentine’s Day From BLC&K

Happy Valentine’s Day From BLC&K

Hugs & kisses from your favorite Sonoma county chefs…

A Warm Winter Tartine

A Warm Winter Tartine

Just because we take some time off the ‘kitchen’ clock in the winter, doesn’t mean we still don’t want tasty snacks at home. And…, it really doesn’t get any easier, or more satisfying than this. Follow along, thank us after. Start with a good loaf…