After weeks of being knocked flat by a hideous virus, we’re finally back among the living—and let me tell you, I’ve never been more grateful! My husband was off on a golf trip, and while he’s never one to stand in the way of my projects, something about having the house all to myself lit a spark. Or maybe it was just the sheer joy of feeling human again. Either way, I got a wild hair and went on a domestic rampage. I’m talking projects galore, one after the other, until even a trip to the grocery store felt like a grand adventure. Here’s just a little peek at the industrious whirlwind that’s been my last few days

If you grow chives, you probably have a riot of chive blossoms right now. Whatever you do, don’t let them go to seed! Once that happens, the plant gets the message to slow down, and the stalks will turn tough—not what you want when you’re aiming for tender, slender stalks all summer long.

Instead, pick those blossoms and put them to good use—in salads, soups, and especially in this gorgeous lavender chive blossom vinegar. I learned this trick from a favorite YouTuber, and it’s as easy as it is pretty.

Here’s how:

1. Gather your chive blossoms (garlic chive blossoms work, too—use whatever you have).

2. Give them a rinse and let them air dry.

3. Tuck them into a clean glass jar.

4. Pour in white vinegar until the blossoms are fully covered.

5. Store the jar in a dark cupboard for 1–2 weeks.

6. Strain out the blossoms.

The vinegar will turn a lovely lavender hue and have a bright, oniony tang—perfect for summer salads. I plan to use mine in potato salad and deviled eggs all season long. (The dark blue/purple flower in the photo? That’s borage, just in case you’re curious.)

I made jam today—which is a good thing, because despite making loads of jam last year, we’re down to just one lonely jar of plum. We even called our favorite ollalieberry farm in Watsonville to check on their picking dates, but they said the berries won’t be ready until mid to late June. 

Today’s jam adventure started when my son gifted me with some mulberries. I’d never tasted a mulberry before—mildly sweet, with a fig-like richness and a hint of raisin. For the jam, I followed the liquid Certo package directions for a “three berry” jam. The result? Delicious! I think it’ll be perfect on morning toast, but I’m especially excited to serve it alongside a cheese plate—Manchego, I’m looking at you.

Certo isn’t cheap, but I found the best price on Amazon. If you spot it on sale at your grocery store, grab it—you’ll thank yourself later.

Postscript: My son tried the jam and liked it, but said it tasted more like strawberry. So… he’s bringing me more mulberries and requesting a pure mulberry batch. Looks like the jam pot and I have another date.

 

Compound butters may be the most rewarding task in the summer kitchen--easy, beautiful, tasty and practical. Try a pat on a slice of toast, a savory muffin, a baked potato or use to finish a sauce or saute just about anything. Here's the recipe: Gather herbs, wash, air dry and chop. Choose your fav combinations, then add herbs to softened butter. Refrigerate, and when firm, shape into logs, press leaves onto the logs for optional decoration, wrap in wax paper, label and freeze. Today's combos are basil and garlic, nasturtium and oregano, chives and chive blossoms. 

I've started a new needlepoint pillow and have my eyes on a few more patterns. I have a totally crazy idea that I will make enough needlepoint pillows to use for my outdoor seating. That means I will need 12 and even I think that is an impossible task, but one can dream! I know they will fade in the sun so it means I'd only get to put them out when we have parties. Totally impractical, but an idea I cannot get out of my head. I have used Ehrman Tapestry kits before and I love them so much. They come printed on canvas with a colored chart for extra help, all the wool tapestry yarn you need and even a needle.

Here are some random flower arrangements that made me happy this week. The above is a mix of pink David Austins that are so fragrant I kept them next to my bed. The yellow is Graham Thomas, also David Austin, and this one I'm keeping on the patio to enjoy while I needlepoint.

We'll be picking tomatoes soon, but the basil is ready to harvest.

After not testing a pattern in ages, I recently signed up to test two pullovers. One is this charcoal black one below for Carter, due in June, and a pale blue colorwork sweater for me due in August.