Author: Charmian Christie

From the Archives: As the Barrel Turns, Episodes 13 to 19

From the Archives: As the Barrel Turns, Episodes 13 to 19

I’m on the road again this week and thought I’d fill the void with a fast forward revisiting of the semi-popular and pun-filled serial, As The Barrel Turns. This oddball bit of Sunday silliness was a huge departure from my usual posts but a hell 

From the Archives: As the Barrel Turns, Episodes 7 to 12

From the Archives: As the Barrel Turns, Episodes 7 to 12

I’m on the road again this week and thought I’d fill the void with a fast forward revisiting of the semi-popular and pun-filled serial, As The Barrel Turns. This oddball bit of Sunday silliness was a huge departure from my usual posts but a hell 

From the Archives: As the Barrel Turns, Episodes 1 to 6

From the Archives: As the Barrel Turns, Episodes 1 to 6

I’m on the road again this week and thought I’d fill the void with a fast forward revisiting of the semi-popular and pun-filled serial, As The Barrel Turns. This oddball bit of Sunday silliness was a huge departure from my usual posts but a hell 

Fresh Tomatoes with Balsamic Vinegar

Fresh Tomatoes with Balsamic Vinegar

I can’t believe I didn’t think of half the tomato dishes people suggested yesterday, especially since Summer Fest ended with tomatoes. Given my mental lapse, I’m quite surprised how polite you all were with your suggestions. Not one of you put “Doh!” in your answer 

Tomatoes from my garden

Tomatoes from my garden

I grew these. I. Grew. THESE. Sure they’re a bit late, but they’re fresh from my garden with tons more to come. And despite a summer of neglect, they’re nearly perfect. Not a bug bite, not a speck of mold. Just ripe, firm tomatoes. And 

Mocha Ice Cream

Mocha Ice Cream

This is the dessert that helped salvage last week’s birthday fiasco. It’s rich, it’s mocha-y, it’s almost like a truffle. It can stand on its own as a decadent treat, or elevate a mediocre cake to the realm of greatness — providing you like the 

Humble Pie

Humble Pie

No photo today. I had hoped to wow you with stellar shots of what my friends dubbed the Pound of Butter Cake — a Paula Dean concoction layered with impossibly rich buttercream. And yes, the recipe takes a whole pound of butter. As you can 

Gadget Review – Pampered Chef Measure, Mix & Pour

Gadget Review – Pampered Chef Measure, Mix & Pour

This was another one of my late-to-arrive birthday presents. Clearly I need new glasses. Despite the tell-all name, Measure, Mix & Pour, I initially thought this was a milk frother for my morning latte and blithely demonstrated to everyone at the table how it works. 

Double Berry Crumble Squares

Double Berry Crumble Squares

She doesn’t know it yet, but Julie Van Rosendaal is my new BFF. I loved her Grazing snacks, but the Double Berry Crumble Squares from her book, One Smart Cookie, sealed the deal. Delicious and with only 1/3 cup of butter for the whole pan?