Mid-summer Blueberries

So, what's been going on over the last three years, you might ask. Well, I'd answer, I fell in love with a man who I first met when we were kids. On the other side of the world. Long story.

So I left the West side of what's-left-of-America and moved to the Boston area, as he had the better job over here. And now I live on the East side of what's-left-of-America. It's very green, in all interpretations of the word, which I appreciate immensely.

I've been working in tech, and doing some jewelry/metalwork when I have a chance. But I'm missing the food photography and may be dangling my toes back into it. We'll see!

Here are some amazing blueberries I just picked from the backyard. Happy summer!!

Julia Child's Cherry Clafoutis

Well, I was SO not going to waste my beautiful local cherries that I purchased a few days ago. So I thought maybe some beautiful jam, a cherry pie, or...? Then I remembered my fave! I dug up the Julia Child clafoutis recipe, huzzah!! It's a recipe that you think might be difficult, but really it's not so much. Your fingers get a little stained from all the juice, but it's a small price to pay for the custard-y heaven that is clafoutis. Julia's clafoutis. Nom.

Here's a link to the recipe on Food.com - http://www.food.com/recipe/julia-childs-cherry-clafouti-239454?photo=361982

Gewürztraminer Baby...

Ooh! A wine grape with an umlaut! 

Found some charming, blushing Gewürztraminer grapes while hiking around the vineyards the other day. Which got me to thinking, does Gewürztraminer pair well with anything besides fish? I've rarely had the wine, as I'm just not too much of a fish/seafood person.

What? It pairs with Asian foods? What? Pairs with a ham and gruyere tart? Whoa nelly. Well, I guess I have a new wine to explore!

Food &Wine has all the deets right here.

Fresh Orchard Apricots

"Perfectly imperfect" is one of my favorite sayings recently. Case in point, take a look at this just-picked apricot. Notice the dents, scars and divets peppering it's delicate skin. Tiny little battle wounds. But bite open the fruit, and the darned thing is ripe and juicy and tastes freaking delicious. Mmmm... perfect.

Prickly Pear Fruit Harvest, Saratoga, CA

Is prickly pear cactus the next superfood? Mayo Clinic says... maybe so! http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prickly-pear-cactus/AN02193

Still Life with Argentine Pears

Seriously, after photographing these Argentinean beauties in my new house/studio today, I'm thinking that Argentina is calling! I always wanted to explore the San Rafael, Mendoza area. Maybe a small journey next spring for their grape harvest?

And someday, SOMEDAY, I'd love to purchase a little Finca there and grow some lovely malbec and cabernet grapes. And photograph them, of course!!!