lperry

I bought a quart of damsons today at the Annandale farmer's market. I was planning on jam or chutney, however, various web searches kept yielding references to homemade damson gin. Immediately following nearly every recipe is an anecdote relating how wonderful and irresistible the stuff is (both overindulgence and hangovers are frequently mentioned). So, because I am unfamiliar with this particular product, and I'm also wondering if I should invest some damsons in this particular project, I was hoping that someone here knew more. Anyone?

I will probably end up ordering them. I always try to buy things locally first, but it seems like this one is hard to find in most places. Thanks for the recommendations.

Are the Angostura Orange bitters still MIA? I got a heavy sigh and a head shake from the kid at the Virginia ABC yesterday along with the comment that someone else had just asked for them. Since I was next door, I figured it was worth a shot.

A Southside made with Bombay Sapphire and mint from the yard. Delicious.

I know Dairy Queen had this when I was a kid, because it was my favorite. Mmmmmm. Algal smooth soft serve and that crunchy wax shell.

I'm thinking that's a bad idea. (She said, grabbing the car keys to head to the store...)

Cheese-its and Cheetos. If I buy them, I know I will inhale them, so if I have a serious craving, I'll buy a little bag. That way I don't feel deprived, but I also don't overeat.

We had a couple of friends from Richmond come up for the game last night. It was fun to see someone have a half-smoke for the first time - she was not expecting it to be spicy and claimed that the name gave her no such indication. Plus, we actually played well and won! OK, it was against the Reds again, but still. Go Nats!

I wasn't trying to question your gardening skills, I was mostly trying to find out a good place to buy interesting fruit plants. The good news in the garden this week is that somebody forgot to tell my one sugar baby watermelon vine that it was for small spaces. It has spread over three meters in all directions and has three ripening melons and more little ones all through the vines. Happiness is an unexpected bounty of watermelons.

That's a little disheartening. For some reason, I was under the impression that they did pretty well here. Did you buy the bushes locally or through a catalog? We have decent air circulation in the yard since we took out a bunch of old shrubs, and a storm gave us some unexpected new sunny areas that I want to exploit. I may end up sticking with blueberries and raspberries.

I'm starting to plan what types of fruits I want in the yard, and I am seriously considering currants, both red and black, and maybe gooseberries too. I want to plant things that I can't otherwise find around here. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations after having grown them?

I have no business making anything since I have so many jars already in the cupboard, but there is a little bit of shelf space. We went to Johnson's Berry Farm, and the berries were so wonderfully flavorful and tart, and then the peaches at the market were so nice with that red blush. And everyone knows it isn't summer unless you are putting food in jars. So blackberry peach preserves are macerating in the fridge.

I've bought pickling salt at Grand Mart. It shows up periodically by the other salts, and I grab it when I see it.

Kind of low and bushy with thick stems, tomato-ey leaves, and typical nightshade flowers. Every now and then you can get a fruit on one and it will look like a tiny tomato. Although it's best not to eat it. I'm jealous of all the people that got a jump start with greenhouses or grow lights. I'm impatiently watching those tiny green tomatoes. This week I'm going to start preparing the beds for fall greens.

A Missionary's Downfall. I made it mainly because of the name, but it turned out to be a nice, cool, refreshing summer drink.

We picked up tacos at the On the Fly cart a couple of weeks ago and took them inside in the little baskets they gave us. We didn't have a problem. I have been told that they won't let you take in opened water or drinks, but sealed ones are fine. It all may depend on who takes your ticket and what kind of mood they are in.

We found that they are pretty good right out of the oven, but they deteriorate in both flavor and texture as they cool. We let one sit one night while we ate a box of popcorn. Won't do that again.

I was there a couple of years ago and some friends and I went to Pikayo. The decor was post-modern-feather-boa and the food was quite good. I don't remember what I had (sorry), but I do remember that everyone at the table was pleased with both the food and service, and there was also a nice selection of wine. It was an enjoyable meal. For a fun and inexpensive meal in Old San Juan, there is a little hole in the wall Venezuelan restaurant that has fantastic arepas and other criollo food. I think it is actually called "Arepas", but it is instantly recognizable because it is painted the colors of the Venezuelan flag. I work in Venezuela, so I have a soft spot for the local food, and this was very good.

Because if you don't choose, you don't get to argue. And arguing is almost as much fun as eating cake.

Exactly. Cake stands alone as the pinnacle of pastry perfection. I foresee a caramel cake in my future. Better go find that bag of While Lily.

The fact that you need a thread to discuss that pie might be better than cake only illustrates the innate superiority of cake as the standard by which all pies are measured, and inevitably come up short. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Cake.

Mojitos with Ron Flor de Caña Four Year Extra Dry and mint from the garden. Tastes like summer.

I'm jealous! My shelves are too full so I am required to eat things before I can make any more.

I like the vegetarian tacos at On the Fly. The little bar near our section was closed, and we didn't wander to any of the big ones. I'll try that next time we go extra innings. Thanks!

We had that problem too. No drinks, even! And they want people to stay? That said, my mango sorbetto in the first inning was really good.