From Farm to Jar: A Cross Continental Odyssey

This is a story of how berries from Dempsey Farms of St. Helena's Island, SC 

journeyed to western Los Angeles to become awesome Strawberry Jam.

The U-Pick strawberry field.

Severo gets his bag and bucket for picking.

Into the field with Mom and Severo.

Severo and his first berry.

Severo in the field.

I refused to pick berries. I sketched Severo in action instead.

Another action sketch.

"I'm done."

Hulling the berries for that night's Strawberry Shortcake and for freezing.

For freezing, berries are spread on a tray. After they are frozen, they are packed in a zip-lock bag.

During our trans-continental flight, the berries thawed, so I made Strawberry Freezer Jam.
THREE batches! So yummy!

Linking with Catherine's #SaturdayShareLinkup

We Went To NoHo and Ate

It was a Glutton get together with Guest Glutton Kim.
Kim was in town for business meetings. Severo Yelped our dinner choice. I got us organized! We were ALL hungry!

Dinner: Tacos Manzano, 11160 Burbank Blvd.North Hollywood, California 91601

King Glutton surveys his domain. All is well in the kingdom.
(Did not get closeups of his Tripas Taco or Chicken Mole Oaxaqueno)

Tlayuda with two meats: Chorizo and Carnitas

For me, Chile Relleno -- delicious!

Quesedilla with Carnitas. Kim was content.

Dessert: Republic of Pie, 11118 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA, 91601

What did we get?

You'll have to go over to the Dessert Safari to find out!

Pine Pining

I must share my latest enthusiasm: Bedrock Tree Farm fir products! [not a sponsored post]

My brother sent me a soap and the body lotion for Christmas and was instant pine love.
I ordered more!

Along with a bunch of soap bars (bulk discount), I got the shampoo and a Rose/Fir mini candle.

I haven't lit it yet, it smells heavenly! Maybe I'll get another to use as an air freshener for my car.

Packaged with my goodies was a little sprig of fir, a lovely touch.

If you like pine scent, I highly recommend this stuff.

Linking with Shelbee's #SpreadTheKindness

Kilawin (Filipino Ceviche)

Kilawin (Filipino Ceviche)
[recipe stolen from here]
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4lb of cubed tanigue or fresh white fish or 20 shrimp
• 1 thinly sliced red onion 
• 1 thinly sliced green chili 
• 1 tablespoon of grated ginger 
• 2 pieces of garlic
• Juice of 1 lime 
• 1/2 cup cane (or cider) vinegar 
• 1 tsp sugar
• some salt (used a few sprinkles)

INSTRUCTIONS

• Mix the fish with the other ingredients and keep in the fridge for 15 minutes.

So delicious! We had it over rice:

Severo says: Tastes just like Mom's!

Linked with Shelbee's #SpreadTheKindness