Heidi's makes the world's best jam

Got a jar of Heidi's Organic Raspberry Red Chile Ginger jam for Christmas and it's already empty. I'm all about balance when it comes to food, and this exotic combo hit the mark beautifully.

The chiles provided a kick, but nothing too hot. The ginger was subtle. And the raspberries tasted like a summer afternoon. KA-Pow! Take that lousy winter weather.

I just went online (Heidi's Raspberry Farm.com) and ordered three more jars, but if anybody has spotted this New Mexico-made gem around Seattle, please holler. I'm not sure I can face getting out of bed on a dark drizzly morning knowing my cupboard is Heidi-less.

Is there another contender for world's best jam? Let's hear about it.

Coming right up...

This week's review is of Preservation Kitchen in Bothell, which, no, has no connection to New Orleans, even though you wouldn't be alone guessing that, especially since the logo features a Fleur de Lys, symbol of the Crescent City. (I'm talkin 'bout New Awlins, Ya'll!)

Can you guess what the dish is, pictured above? Bet you cannot because it's pretty darned novel: goat cheese fritters in a honey-lavendar "soup". Sweet or savory or all of the above? Definitely one of the most original creations I've had in a while.

The beautiful venue is located in the spot that was once home to Gerard's Relais de Lyon. Here's your pre-review tip: Get in there! Tout suite!

Just back from a home-cooked Christmas vacation

Had such a wonderful trip to New Mexico, where my sister and her man, Greg, spoiled us with home-cooked meals like the hoecakes, country ham and sauteed apples pictured above.

After a day of skiing at Taos, we visited friends from Memphis who had moved out to this hauntingly beautiful, wide open place, and were treated to Dave's homemade pizza.

Later, we ate tamales Christmas eve and a huge hunka roast beef on Christmas Day, twice-baked potatoes and Caesar salad on the side. I can't remember the last time I went a week without stepping foot in a restaurant, and I was back on the job shortly after the plane touched down in Seattle. 

Wonder if there's anywhere in this fine city I can score some hoecakes and country ham? Nah, didn't think so. There's really no place like home for humble fare like that.

What about you? Did you get enough to eat over the holidays? Starting to think about resolutions to eat less/exercise more come 2009? I was interviewed about dieting a couple of days ago, and said -- tongue planted firmly in cheek -- that I planned to cut back on deep-fried bacon come the first of the year! 

Let it snow: Part II

So, a few inches shuts down the city of Seattle. But a few feet in Spokaloo? No prob for that plucky place. (Official motto: The biggest city between Seattle and Minneapolis. Unofficial motto: At least we're not Tacoma!) That pic was taken Thursday morning in my BFF's front yard.

I remember epic dumps while living in the Inland Empire, where people would cross country ski around town. One winter, we couldn't even see the top of the car because the snow banks were so high. A white Christmas was almost always assured.

It was all those years of dealing with snow that taught me the value of having a well-stocked pantry. I can cook for a week without going to the store. So, what's in your cupboard?

Let it snow?

It's not the snow, it's the ice!!

No sign of any trucks spreading sand on the slippery streets of Seattle, but I set out on foot and found a bunch of "closed" signs.

Ten Mercer offered a warm welcome, and a fabulous serving of curried mussels. A German riesling and the company of a good friend (did I mention there were presents involved?) and all seemed right in our frosty world.

Looking forward to 2009

Just heard from Trevor Greenwood, formerly with Via Tribunali, who is on a team working to open a new place in Wallingford.

"Cantinetta will be a neighborhood pateria emphasizing Tuscan culinary traditions, authentic hand-made pasta and seasonal ingredients from the state of Washington," he wrote in an e-mail. "Our lead chef is Brian Cartenuto and our sous chef is Morgan Brownlow."

Cantinetta is scheduled to debut Jan. 3 at 3650 Wallingford Ave. N. 

Phone 206-632-1000 for reservations for six or more.

Cannot wait to take my friends Dan and Mary Pat there, as those lovebirds spend at least a month each year in Florence. Ciao baby!

Love those holiday traditions!

Got together with Bridget for our almost annual cookie baking marathon. This time, we did Martha Stewart's gingerbread and Aunt Minnie's sugar cookies. I have no idea who Aunt Minnie is, grabbed it from AllRecipes.com. 

Decorating those sweet things is tons of fun, though I feel humbled in the company of Ms. B and Claire, who give snowmen scaves and packages fluttering ribbons. Gorg! My strategy is to put as many sprinkles on as possible.

Do you have Christmas cookie traditions? I sorely miss swapping cookies in Spokane with MP, Holly and Sandra. Nobody makes date pinwheels like SBB! And Holly is a true cookie artist. I also feel deeply nostalgic thinking back on the many years I went to holiday Mom/Daughter tea parties at Kate's house. That's the trouble with traditions. They leave a big hole when they go away.