Make a Watermelon Basket
Labor Day is usually the last hurrah for summer barbecues and picnics. Make it special by carving a watermelon basket. It makes such a pretty presentation, and fruit salad is an easy, refreshing treat for the last hot days of summer. It is quite easy to make, but be sure to plan ahead with your carving steps. To make it easier, check out my step-by-step instructions with photos. The design is only limited by your imagination, so feel free to experiment to suit the theme of your occasion. Watermelon is the popular choice for baskets, but other melons will work equally as well... Read more
Oatmeal Brownie Crunch Bars Recipe
Peanuts and oatmeal lend crunch and fiber to these rich brownies. I prefer dark chocolate chips, but you may substitute candy-coated chocolate pieces for a little color and added crunch. They are quite rich, so you may wish to cut these smaller than usual. Other types of nuts are also an option. Feel free to experiment. Brownies are always a crowd-pleaser, and these do not disappoint... Read more
Plum Jam Recipe
Plum jam is not as readily available in most markets as are other flavors. This is plum season, so take advantage of the many plum varieties and make your own jam with this simple and easy recipe. You may use any variety of plums or mix and match varieties. This makes 4 pints, so you will have enough to give as gifts, if you can bear to part with any... Read more
Plum and Prune Recipes and Cooking Tips
Yes, indeed! Prunes are simply dried plums. I don't know why prunes have such a bad connotation to the younger generations, but a few years ago, the prune industry banded together to change the perception of the general public by essentially re-naming prunes to reflect their true origin and marketing them as dried plums. Check out the many plum and prune recipes, such as Plum Jam, Chicken with Vermouth Prune Sauce, Sweet Potato and Leek Gratin, and more... Read more
