Pomegranate Meringues Cookies
I love meringue cookies. I’m always looking for some kind of simple, sweet treat that I can serve my family, and these are about as easy as it gets. Meringues look really decadent and fancy, but with just two ingredients—egg whites and sugar—they’re actually easier to make than even the most basic chocolate chip cookies. (They’re also a great way for me to use some of the many eggs my chickens lay every day.)
Lemon Almond Cake
This has become a Ranch Table classic recipe. My dear friend, Katie Hames, baked this for our Paella Gathering and it was such a huge hit that we have added it to a few more events.
Santa Rosa Plum Margarita
In the first week of August of every year, Santa Barbara celebrates Old Spanish Days Fiesta! It is a time when the town remembers its heritage and history. It has always been my favorite time in Santa Barbara. I began to be involved as a flower girl when I was seven and later danced flamenco in a company for many years. I was so lucky to be able to dance on the Mission steps, in the Courthouse Sunken Gardens and at in front of the de La Guerra Plaza where my ancestors once resided. I loved going to the parade, which is the largest equine parade in the United States and of course going to the Rodeo. Along with the dancing and horses, fiesta is not complete without good food and a margarita.
Classic Strawberry Jam
This is the most basic but a forever classic, strawberry jam recipe. I love making lots this season since the kids are huge fans and there is nothing like homemade jam ready and on hand. In the last Ranch Table Gathering my dear friend Katie and I showed some fun tricks of the trade.
Mulberry Summer Cocktail
This cocktail is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of summer. Mulberries have a short season, so these delicate long dark red berries are a delicacy for this region. I have found that they never last long at home, so when I get them I usually cook them into a simple syrup to preserve their flavor.
Marrow Bones
End of Summer Salsa
I love the feeling as summer draws to a close and fall begins. The mornings are cool and foggy, the kids are back to school, and the soft afternoon light makes things seem calm and quiet. But that’s not the case for every backyard garden and farm on the Central Coast. If these food plants had an emergency alarm, those sirens would be going off right now!