Monthly Archives: September 2011

Good Years

Today is my 30th birthday! I’m grateful for: -Parents who are loving, supportive, and committed to education. -The lessons I continue to learn from my confident, feminist Mom and my active, outdoorsy Dad. -A smart and sweet brother who is one of my best friends. -Nick, for sharing adventures with me and always being excited […]

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Gretchen - Cheers to you! What a nice post and a lovely family.

Gretchen - Cheers to you! What a nice post and a lovely family.

rachel @sweettarte - Happy Birthday! Welcome to 30 :)

rachel @sweettarte - Happy Birthday! Welcome to 30 :)

Alanna - Happy Happy Day, Ms Gemma!

Alanna - Happy Happy Day, Ms Gemma!

Nupur - Happy Birthday! I hope the years to come are full of good things and good people just like the first 30!

Nupur - Happy Birthday! I hope the years to come are full of good things and good people just like the first 30!

Anita - Happy birthday, and thank you for sharing some of your journey with strangers. (Not to mention a carrot/bean recipe which has become a staple here!)

Anita - Happy birthday, and thank you for sharing some of your journey with strangers. (Not to mention a carrot/bean recipe which has become a staple here!)

jenny - happy bday!

jenny - happy bday!

kickpleat - Happy birthday & hooray for 30!!

kickpleat - Happy birthday & hooray for 30!!

Vera - This is so beautiful. Calm and quiet as a full moon. Happy birthday, Gemma :)

Vera - This is so beautiful. Calm and quiet as a full moon. Happy birthday, Gemma :)

Gemma - Thanks Gretchen, Rachel, Alanna, Nupur, Anita, Jenny, kickpleat, and Vera!
I had a lovely birthday. Thanks for sharing it with me.
-Gemma

Gemma - Thanks Gretchen, Rachel, Alanna, Nupur, Anita, Jenny, kickpleat, and Vera!
I had a lovely birthday. Thanks for sharing it with me.
-Gemma

Zucchini Turmeric Pickles

Like many of you, early fall is my favorite time of year. I’ve unpacked extra blankets and sweaters, started to visit our local apple orchard on a nearly weekly basis, and I’m taking every opportunity to spend time outside before the daylight hours fade. The last few weekends have been been full of visitors and […]

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Jackie - What a pretty pickle ;)

Jackie - What a pretty pickle ;)

Bill - My sister got married at Allerton a few years ago. Gorgeous gardens there. Sounds like a nice visit.

Bill - My sister got married at Allerton a few years ago. Gorgeous gardens there. Sounds like a nice visit.

Hannah - Gemma, how long do these last since these are quick pickling? Is it worth water bathing them to make them last longer?

Hannah - Gemma, how long do these last since these are quick pickling? Is it worth water bathing them to make them last longer?

Gemma - Thanks Jackie!
It was a great visit, Bill. Such a special place. I bet it was a beautiful wedding location.
Hi Hannah, They last about two weeks in the refrigerator. You could definitely process them in a water bath, but you will sacrifice some crispiness (as with any pickle). If you know you won’t finish them within a week or two, I think that would be a great approach.

Gemma - Thanks Jackie!
It was a great visit, Bill. Such a special place. I bet it was a beautiful wedding location.
Hi Hannah, They last about two weeks in the refrigerator. You could definitely process them in a water bath, but you will sacrifice some crispiness (as with any pickle). If you know you won’t finish them within a week or two, I think that would be a great approach.

Peach Coffee Cake

How is it that I never seem to realize the days are getting shorter until the first cool September day? Suddenly the sunlight looks a bit warmer on my bike ride home from work, summer flowers are few and far between, and neighborhood gardens are bursting with tomatoes and zucchinis. I’m one of the most […]

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Irene - Holy crap this looks good! Clearing my weekend schedule to bake.

kickpleat - Love unfussy cakes like this one! And your photos are gorgeous. As for the shortening days, it’s kind of killing me. But we’re having a bit of a heatwave over here in the PNW which is good because summer heat only started here August 1st. Finally, summer in September. I’ll take it.