On Friday, July 8 starting at 11am, Jim (Executive Chef at CBK) and I will be doing our third cooking class together at the St. Helena Farmers' Market. We will be demonstrating a simple fish supper since there is always great fish and vegetables for sale at the market. Jim promises no exploding food processors after last year's craziness.

June's fried chicken special at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen (CBK) was a huge hit, particularly the chicken and waffle. For July, Jim is featuring "Smoke and Q." Look for 32-ounce bone-in BBQ beef short ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and local king salmon all from the Q. Wow, I'm hungry. How about you? 

 

For Pour-Off Pair-Off Fridays at Mustards Grill we celebrate the coastal shacks from around the country for the month of July. Clam chowder and lobster boil from the East Coast, shrimp etouffee and fried chicken from the Gulf Coast, mussels and Ribeye steak from the Pacific North West, and much more with wines to match. Click on the Pour-Off Pair-Off icon to see what's cooking each Friday. 

 

The blueberry bush in my home garden is bursting with fruit. For the  July recipe I offer a blueberry buckle that is a perfect seasonal dessert for a large family or a friend's gathering. It's great for breakfast too. 

I am staying close to home this summer. I will be visiting Echo Lakes (photo above) near Lake Tahoe for my annual week with the California Alpine Club. It's a week filled with outdoor activity, good food and wine in a beautiful setting.

  

Happy 4th and here's to your great summer.