A Southern Table: Buttermilk and Lemon Buttermilk Ice Cream

Buttermilk.  Buttermilk has always, always been around, like a trusty, reliable friend.  How can you cook without it?  Buying buttermilk in the south is a very different experience than in the northeast where I am.  Low fat and non fat buttermilk is the only types available in our local grocers.  I am good with low fat or 1% buttermilk but I am very lucky that I live in an area with small farms that provide produce, dairy, eggs, poultry and meats.  So when I run across a market that has fresh, local buttermilk, I grab it.

Baking with Grains: Cracked Wheat Bread

Sometimes if you want something, you just got to do it yourself.  Cracked wheat bread is one of my favorite types of whole grain bread and only on a rare occasion can I find it in my area.  So I either have to be satisfied with the occasional find or learn to make it yourself.  Then so be it, I'll make it myself. 

A Southern Table: Rhubarb Blackberry Crisp

Pies are big in the south whether it be the classic double or single crusted pie, cobbler, or fruit crisp.  A fruit crisp is a like a pie, but much easier.  When time is an issue this is my "go to" dessert.  No pie dough to make, instead a quick mixture of butter, flour, sugar and spices is combined and sprinkled over the fruit.  I also add oats and nuts which are optional but I never leave them out.  I think the oats and nuts make the crisp topping by giving more depth of flavor and the all important crunch. Usually it bakes during dinner, so after dinner a delicious, warm fruit crisp awaits.  Break out the essential vanilla ice cream and enjoy.

Taste of Philly: The Italian Market

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The Philadelphia Italian market began in the late 1880s and was organized in 1915.  They are the oldest and largest continuously working market in the US. It all started when Antonio Palumbo, an Italian immigrant, opened a boarding house for other Italians.  They came, they started businesses in the area and the rest is history, literally.

At first look, you might think what is the big deal with this market.  Right away you see venders selling produce that most you can find in your local grocer, probably cheaper along with a couple of hard-to-find items.  But if you are disappointed at first glance and walk away, you will have seriously missed out.  Seriously.

 9th Street and Washington Ave.,   Italian Market, South Philly, PA