Coffee on Deck: I Take Mine with Honey
One of the nice little perks of my work is good, and frequent, coffee. Whatever time it is when I go to a perspective client’s home to consult with them about our custom decks and outdoor additions, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, I’m often welcomed with an offer of coffee. This is never a problem, as I really enjoy the brew. I have memories going all the way back to early childhood of going to my grandparents’ home for a weekend breakfast or brunch, and bring served “coffee milk” made with coffee, sugar, and milk, while the adults drank[...]
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Enjoy this seasonal favorite in the comfort of your own home! Serves 2 2 tbsp. canned pumpkin ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice + more to garnish freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp. sugar 2 c. whole milk 2 tbsp. vanilla extract ¼ c. espresso or strong coffee whipped cream optional: 2 oz. coffee liqueur or rum In small saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper - to taste, for 2 minutes, or until hot. Stir continuously. Add sugar and stir until becomes a bubbly, thick syrup. Whisk in milk and vanilla and warm[...]
Grilled Chicken with Brother John’s Peach Pineapple Habanero Sauce
Ingredients 4 chicken breasts 1 c. sugar ¼ c. apple cider vinegar 1/4 c. pineapple juice 1/4 tbsp. lemon juice 1/4 tbsp. cornstarch (mixed with a bit of water to create a slurry) 1/4 medium to large pineapple roasted and chopped 1/4 medium onion finely chopped 1/4 red pepper finely chopped 1 and 1/4 peaches finely chopped 2-3 habanero peppers, roasted and finely chopped Directions Create a simple syrup in a large pot by whisking the sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, and lemon juice over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil for[...]
Cool Summer Fruit Soup
Serves 4 Ingredients 2 c. Ripe cantaloupe cut into chunks 1 Ripe large peach, peeled and cut into chunks 1 c. Freshly blended peach nectar (or canned) ½ c. White Zinfandel (or ½ c. peach nectar) 2 tbsp. Freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 c. Fresh or frozen raspberries Sugar or other sweetener Fresh mint sprigs Directions Fresh Peach Nectar Start with soft, ripe, fragrant peaches. Submerge peaches in boiling water until skin loosens. Remove peaches from hot water and submerge in ice water. Once peaches cool, peel and remove pits and cut into chunks. Liquefy peaches with water (2:1 ratio)[...]
Gazpacho Soup with Beer and Jalapeno (Vegan)
A tangy, chilled summer tomato soup with extra punch from your favorite light craft beer. (Serves 4) Ingredients 4 c. diced red tomatoes 1/2 c. chunk baguette or sourdough bread 1 tbsp. olive oil 2 tsp. salt 1/2 green pepper, seeded and diced (about 1/2 c.) 1/2 English cucumber, diced (about 1 c.) 1/4 c. red onion 1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped 2 tbsp. lime juice (or juice of 1 lime) 1/2- 1 jalapeno, diced, depending on desired heat level 1/2 c. beer freshly ground pepper to taste cilantro leaves, to garnish Directions Place all ingredients, except pepper, cilantro,[...]
