Kevin Lee Jacobs

Gardening, Recipes & Home Décor Tips

July Flower Arrangement

Designer Erin Brady stopped by the house yesterday, with buckets of freshly-snipped stems in tow. Her mission? To produce a large, lavish July flower arrangement for the rusted cast-iron urn that resides on my entrance hall table.  Erin used only flowers and greens acquired from her own  garden (plus a...
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July Flower Arrangement

Rustic Peach Galette

Oh, how I love peaches. I love them in a lattice-top pie. And in a colorful summer salad. They are delicious too in a Rustic Peach Galette! This very dessert appeared in my kitchen yesterday, and someone -- I won't name names here -- ate all but one narrow slice...
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Rustic Peach Galette

Video: French Radish Sandwich

Got radishes in your garden? Then do what I've learned to do, and turn the humble pink or red roots into a Classic French Radish Sandwich. Radishes require nothing more than sweet butter, coarse salt, and a crusty baguette to make them sing. Check out my video recipe for this...
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Video: French Radish Sandwich

A Virtual Garden Tour

Can you get away for a moment? I'd love to offer you a virtual garden tour of my Kitchen Garden. After weeks of cold, wet, and downright- dreary weather, the veggies and flowers there are finally singing "June is Bustin' Out All Over." I hope you know that Broadway song....
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A Virtual Garden Tour

Cucumber and Mint Sandwich Recipe

For me, nothing says "Summer's here!" quite like a Cucumber and Mint Sandwich. This British classic is deliciously cool and  refreshing to eat during hot, sticky weather. I make the sandwich in the traditional manner, with good bread, good butter, English cucumber, and freshly-snipped mint from my garden.  Need a...
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Cucumber and Mint Sandwich Recipe

Marinara Sauce for Fish or Pasta

I know that most people associate Marinara Sauce with pasta. Historically, the sauce was intended for fish! Marinara translates to "marine," or what the online dictionary defines as "Of or relating to the sea." In any event, I make this ruby-toned condiment just as our southern Italian friends do: quickly,...
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Marinara Sauce for Fish or Pasta

Mango Salsa

Last weekend, Mr. Fox and I ordered "Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa" at a local eatery. The salmon was good, but oh -- the salsa! It was savory. And sweet. Also, it was lit with just a spark of jalapeno heat. I couldn't wait to reproduce this colorful condiment in...
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Mango Salsa

Botanical Cocktail: The Rosemary Greyhound

What’s pink, perfumed, and deliriously delicious? Me, after I’ve showered, shaved, and shampooed. Then there’s the Rosemary Greyhound! Here’s the video (and printable) recipe for this botanical cocktail, along with its fascinating backstory: Click the play arrow above to watch me make -- and taste-test -- a Rosemary Greyhound. Historical...
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Botanical Cocktail: The Rosemary Greyhound

How to Build a Tomato Trellis

Want to build a tall/tan/handsome tomato trellis on which your indeterminate varieties can cheerfully grow? I have good news for you! The trellis in question is very easy to make. The only tools required are a hammer and some wine. I mean twine. My favorite trellises are the "Tee-pee" and...
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How to Build a Tomato Trellis

French Asparagus Tart

Earthy asparagus...sun-dried tomatoes...zingy lemon zest...there's nothing about this springtime tart that isn't wonderful. Ready for a taste? Below is the recipe in video format. Farther down is the recipe in printable format. Somewhere in the middle is a link for … [Read more...]

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How to Make and Blind Bake a Tart Shell

I've said it before and I'll say it again: a tart is only as good as its crust! The crust I trust for both savory and sweet tarts is good ole Pâte Brisée. Here's the fail-proof way to make, shape, and "blind"-bake this chic French pastry dough: Click the "play" arrow … [Read more...]

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April 2019 Garden Walk

Here in New York's Hudson River Valley, spring has officially sprung. Now the air is warming, the trees are leafing, and the gnats are flying into the mouths of everyone who happens to talk (or yawn) while walking. And speaking of walking...would you like to see what … [Read more...]

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Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Pie (No-Bake!)

My favorite finale for a spring or summer dinner party? Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Pie. Here's the video how-to and printable recipe for this light and refreshing make-ahead dessert: As mentioned, I originally published this recipe in June of 2013. Check out these … [Read more...]

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A Dog, A Treat Puzzle, and Mr. Fox

The great thing about a treat puzzle? The gadget can keep a pooch occupied for 10-20 minutes. In the following video, you'll find Ms. Avery working hard to "solve" the Orbee Tuff Snoop puzzle. And as an added bonus, you'll meet Mr. Fox! Avery leaped into Fox's arms in … [Read more...]

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Tamale Pie

I love this Tamale Pie! I love the sweet buttermilk cornbread topping. I love the savory filling. I love the speed with which the pie comes together (just 30 minutes from start to finish). Hungry? Make the pie for dinner tonight. Earlier this week, because many of … [Read more...]

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10th Blogiversary Giveaway/Winner Announced

Update: Random.org selected comment #797 from Meryl J. Congratulations, Meryl! Send me a note to receive your spring-green mixer! Happy first week of spring, which also coincides with my blog's anniversary! This week, because the snow is melting and the grass is … [Read more...]

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Pork Tenderloin Sheet Pan Dinner

On March 18, I posed the following question to my Facebook friends: "Looking ahead to my next video, which recipe would you like to see: A Tamale Pie -- or a Sheet Pan Dinner?" A tamale pie is a drama queen. Mine cried bitter tears when it learned that the sheet … [Read more...]

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My 10th Blogiversary!

Here's a shocker: I started blogging ten years ago today. Ten years! And now, a gazillion posts and one cookbook later, I'm ready to hang up my hat. Maybe I'll retire to Florida and take up golfing. Maybe I'll sit on a park bench and yell at the clouds. Just … [Read more...]

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