A few days ago I got the editor’s version of my cookbook for review.  This is the copy that is just before the final go to print copy.  This is the last time I will see it before it is published.  My editor said that it will be in stores in September.

It feels very odd.  I always wanted to write and have a book published, and now I have.    My brain, working the way that it does keeps telling me that this doesn’t count because it is a cookbook and not a “real book”.  You know, with characters, and plots, and themes…

Whatever.  I don’t listen to my brain half the time anyway.
The cookbook is put out by Adams Media, and is part of their Everything series.  Mine is Everything Cookies and Brownies. Three hundred recipes and 600+ pages of cookies, brownies, and bars.  The publisher website is here, but the books will be widely available, I saw that series in the local Barnes and Noble.

WOW.  Maybe I will get to do a book signing?

Anyway, I will let you know as it gets closer.  Some of the recipes will be familiar to you from the pages of Baking Delights, like chocolate chip cookies, orange chocolate chip cookies, etc.  Some I just haven’t made for the blog…yet.

I am WAY excited.
Image: SXC

Decades ago people used to live, work, shop, and die in the same communities that they grew up in, or nearly so.  Exotic fruit like oranges and bananas were a rare treat, and the first fresh vegetables of Spring were a panacea for all that ailed you.  It is interesting note that these first green edibles of Spring are also high in iron and vitamin C,  nutrients that many people would have become low in during the winter months.  Once again, God knew what He was doing.

Spinach, dandelion greens, kale, chard and the like are all easy to grow, easy to harvest, easy to fix Spring greens.  They grow in almost any part of the country, even in a container or window box, so there is no excuse not to have something.  Eating locally is not just popular, it is an important, if not one of THE most important ways to protect the environment. and in this economy it saves you money.

Let’s get real.  The slimy green stuff that slithered off the cafeteria lady’s scoop and onto your tray in fourth grade was not a vegetable.  The government still isn’t sure what it was but genetic testing has proved that it bears no relation to a vegetable.  If you are still using that old excuse then you must stop immediately.  Or else.

This is spinach, but you can use any green in the dish at all.  Clean thoroughly by immersing in cold water, draining well, and then immersing again in fresh cold water.  Shake to get as much of the water off as possible.  Cook for the shortest time possible and eat as quickly as possible for absolute addictive green-ness.

Wilted Spinach Salad

• 1 lb spinach
• 1/2 lb peppered nitrate free bacon
• 2 onions, peeled and chopped
• 1 clove elephant garlic, peeled and sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons organic olive oil, extra virgin
• 1  teaspoon French gray salt or 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• pinch of cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 3 drops Louisiana Hot Sauce

Fry bacon in a pan until crisp.  Remove from pan and set aside to drain on paper towels or other absorbent surface.

Heat the oil back up and add the onion and garlic. saute until softened, about three minutes or so.  Do not brown.  Whisk in the balsamic vinegar,hot sauce,  sugar, salt, and pepper, and taste.  Adjust seasonings.  Pour hot dressing over the spinach and toss well.

Garnish with parmesan shavings, chopped hard boiled egg, or whatever pleases you.

Serves 6