Orange Cantaloupe Sorbet

I am really excited to tell you that I am guest posting over at Cookin Canuck today!  

I know, you are probably confused because I just told you that I am so busy these days that I barely have time to post here, but I committed to posting for Dara before I realized how busy I would be - and you know what? - I am so glad that I did, because Cookin Canuck is one of my favorite blogs, and Dara is a genuine person with a kind heart.  I love her food because she always has recipe ideas that are exciting and fresh, great how-to tips, and photos that are lovely.  

So when she asked me to share a recipe with her readers, I knew I wanted to make something using seasonal ingredients that was different than something I had made before.  Last summer, I had seen a lot of recipes for watermelon granitas and some melon sorbets, but I had never tried it myself.  Since melons are at peak season right now, I thought it would be perfect to blend sweet summer citrus with ripe and juicy cantaloupe to make a sorbet that was bursting with flavor.  

After I made it and took one refreshing bite, I was completely in love with the taste - it was sweet, but in such a complex way because of the natural flavor of the cantaloupe and fresh orange, plus some added sugar... and a little Cointreau. (You know me, I can't resist adding a little liqueur to my sorbet.) 

Be sure to head over to Cookin Canuck to get this easy recipe, to see lots of step-by-step photos, and to get my 'how-to' tips for picking the best cantaloupe!

And last but not least, don't miss out on my Urban Cheesecraft DIY cheese-making kit giveaway!  Urban Cheesecraft takes the guess-work out of making cheese by providing everything you need.  

Enjoy the week, and stay cool!

Pea Tendrils... Have you Tried Them?

Have you ever tried a pea tendril?  Until just this weekend, I had never tried one, and I would venture a guess that I am not alone.  Even if you have never even heard of a pea tendril, feel no shame.  When I was quickly browsing the farmer's market, dodging renegade rain droplets, I spotted these and I had to ask the grower, "Hey what are these???"


So what exactly are pea tendrils? 

Blood Orange and Pomegranate Cupcakes

Life has been busy these days.  Between getting sick, entertaining visiting friends, and working long hours to prepare for a big presentation at work, I feel like February has flown by.  Winter is quickly coming to a close and spring is right around the corner.  But, winter isn't over yet, and that means that here in San Diego, beautiful citrus is still plentiful.   

At the markets, local farmers are still sharing sweet Cara Cara oranges, large Ruby Red and Oro Blanco grapefruits, and popular Meyer Lemons.   But it's the tart Blood Oranges that I really can't resist.  

From the outside, blood oranges look just like any other orange.  You might be lucky enough to spy an blood orange by a slight blush on the rind, but not always.  Usually the dimpled skin the color of late-afternoon sun belies the crimson flesh that is characteristic of this citrus.  I am powerless to resist the hidden beauty of the blood orange, so when I decided to create a cupcake for the POM Wonderful cupcake contest, there was no question that I wanted to work blood oranges into  my recipe.