SOLDIER TOAST

Do you ever cut your toast up into thin slices, a la the Brits, in what they call 'soldier toast' fashion?  I think they got this darling, silly name because they look so cute and soldier-like, all lined up in a row on the plate or a true army stuffed into a little cup, as I've done here.  Either way, solider toasts are perfect for dunking into a runny egg yolk or mopping up jam from your plate.  

It's just a little thing, but changing the way we see our usual foods makes an experience new and sparkly. 

SOUTHERN TREASURE: RODDENBERRY'S CANE PATCH SYRUP

Do you want to know about the best thing to put on pancakes?

What blows the standard Maple crisp clear out of the water?

What makes your mouth and tummy go, 'ooh la la, hot damn!'

Why did i never know about this stuff before our pancake breakfast on Sunday, with a Southern friend?

I must make up for lost time by ordering some of this rich, robust, earthy-flavored, sauce of heroes  . . .

God bless the internet!

Have you heard of this darn good syrup?  From poking around a little bit, I can deduce that this product is made from cane syrup, water and sugar -- but the sum is truly greater than the parts!!  It's a taste of Southern magic, related to, but better than molasses.

It would be GREAT on a slice of cornbread -- it was lovely on the pancakes.  Thanks Pamela!

WILD RAMPS: GET THEE TO A FARMER'S MARKET

Have you ever tasted a wild ramp?  They are deliciously plump, earthy, skinny little things -- sometimes called "wild leeks," they are the new key to my vegetarian heart.  They plump up with flavor when sauteed and merry well with white wine, butter and olive oil (what doesn't go well with those three things, really?).

I was lucky enough to do a shoot with Timothy this past weekend, the Chef at the coziest, dreamiest little restaurant in Portland, DOC.  It was a great reminder of the beauty of Spring and that people cooking in Portland still get so jazzed about the heartbreaking produce that comes from our local soil.  Timothy artfully composed one of the freshest tasting risottos I've had in many moons, more to come on that over on The Kitchn.

For now, just get yourself a bunch of ramps, dice them fine and sprinkle them all over everything -- you'll be glad you did!

Oh, and don't fret, D is back and so are my vegetable-loving ways.  A girl can only survive so long on chocolate bars, strawberries, peanut butter toast and fancy tea -- although I did enjoy testing the waters of this diet.

5 REASONS TO WEAR GOLD SHOES ON YOUR FEETSIES

1. they will make you grin every time your gaze drifts downwards.

2. strangers will rave and ask you about travels to foreign lands, assuming you bought them across the globe.  they will smile when you reveal that they hail from Forever 21, one of the happiest stores on Earth.

3.  you will be inspired to twinkle, twirl and dance upon sporting the golden shoes.

4.  when scrubbed clean, they make a fine vessel for champagne guzzling.

5.  they are silly.  and the more silly objects one can sport, the better.

Thanks Shelby for your modeling skills!