One of my favorite cooking tools

I am a big fan of grilling. This past summer we added a smoker grill to the family.  The Big Green Egg Smoker Grill is a dream when it comes to grilling.  The BGE is basically a giant ceramic oven.  It uses lump charcoal and comes up to perfect grilling temp in about 20 minutes.   The result is even grilling, smoky flavor and moist, perfectly cooked tri tip. 

Sweet Tomato Jam

Tomatoes are sweet and abundant right now.  I have been waiting to try this recipe that I found in a new book Gathering of Friends.  It is simple.  Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet, add 4-5 (or more) sliced tomatoes.  I used Roma's.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and 1/8 cup sugar.  Cook until the tomatoes begin to melt. Flip and repeat.  I cook mine until they are really close to jam.  Serve on a sliced baguette with a shmear of cream cheese.  Delicious. 

What's for dinner

Monday - Taco Salad
Tuesday - Slow Cooker BBQ Beef + Corn from Farmer's Market and Tomato Salad
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Skewers
Thursday - Truckee Thursdays means working until 8...soup, panini and watermelon
Friday - Off to a baseball tournament for the weekend...menu will include grilled burgers one night and fajitas and grilled shrimp tacos the next.  GO MUCKDOGS.

The view

My Sunday morning ritual...a cup of coffee enjoyed outside on the deck.  A view of the forest and all is right in my world.

Garden in Bloom

This is what 600" of snow and a lot of moisture will do for a high Sierra flower garden.  Everything is in bloom at once and looks gorgeous. With no help at all from me.  Perfect. 

Blueberry Crumb Cake for Breakfast

Blueberries are abundant right now in the store and at the Farmer's Market.  I had about 4 cups to use up or freeze and found this recipe for Blueberry Crumb Cake from one of my favorites...the Pioneer Woman.  Easy to make, moist and delicious. 

Happy July 4

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Safe July 4.