News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

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News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

Survivor Stew, a recipe amended from the book “Recipes for Adventure,” allows you to pack a home-cooked meal for a campout. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: Make campouts a homey culinary treat

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem May 23, 2015

It’s been said the best part of camping is the memories. My family loves to camp, but the hassle that goes into getting everything there, and back, is frustrating. Remembering everything from dish soap...

Sugar Coffee & Tea in Leucadia offers a variety of drinks, including mochas. (Photo by Troy Orem)

Sugar Encinitas: A coffeehouse where everything’s nice

Debbie L. Sklar February 20, 2015

Need a little sugar with your coffee? If you’re in search of a signature cup of coffee minus the corporate setting, Sugar Coffee & Tea might just be up your alley. You won’t see any corporate...

You can preserve and use jalapeno peppers in several ways, from dried and powdered to candied. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: Today’s hot topic? Creative uses for jalapenos

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem February 8, 2015

When you buy produce in bulk, you have to get creative. This is especially true when you buy 17 pounds of something which is used sparingly, such as jalapenos. My husband likes his food ultra-spicy,...

Homemade pickled carrots are a way to introduce the vegetable to children. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: Homemade pickled carrots make a tasty treat

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem December 16, 2014

It’s always been my challenge to take a vegetable someone in my family doesn’t like and discover how to change their mind via an interesting recipe. I call them gateway recipes. For instance, I introduced...

Cheeseburger twice baked potatoes is a potato recipe that freezes well and makes a wonderful light dinner alongside a salad or a fulfilling lunch. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: Putting up with potatoes

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem November 18, 2014

There is a domestic urban myth that potatoes don’t freeze well. Most everyone I know is under that impression, and is amazed when I tell them otherwise. With the holidays upon us, and potato sales at...

Kegs at Arcana Brewery in Carlsbad, which is celebrating its second anniversary. (Photo by Layla Marino)

Brew Review: Carlsbad’s Arcana marks anniversary with seasonal offerings

Layla Marino November 10, 2014

October was a huge beer month in San Diego County. The Hop Highway, a proliferation of breweries running from Escondido all the way to the coast, is gaining fame not only for its IPAs, but for craft beers...

Butternut squash can be a family favorite in dishes such as macaroni and cheese. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: Butternut squash a sign of the season

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem October 8, 2014

This week, I’m heading to the farmers market for a 50-pound case of butternut squash for $12. I buy in bulk to get a lower price, but since I only have a family of four, I must get creative. Thankfully,...

Eggplant, like zucchini, can work well in muffin recipes. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: Eggplant — it’s what’s for breakfast

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem August 30, 2014

My children ate eggplant for breakfast this morning. Mothers everywhere should be in awe of this feat. Of course, your kids — even the picky ones — will eat eggplant for breakfast, too, if you make...

An entire watermelon can be preserved in several jars, which can last for a summer treat all season. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: Use your melon — preserve it

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem July 16, 2014

Summer is in full swing, and that means experimenting with my dehydrator. I have two dehydrators, and they will be running all summer and fall. With this versatile kitchen tool, I preserve fruits, vegetables,...

Grinding and freezing meet is a helpful way to plan meals ahead. (Photo by Peter Albrektsen via stock.xchng)

Preserved Home: Nothing wrong with the daily grind when it comes to meal helpers

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem May 31, 2014

Convenience foods make dinner easy on a busy night, but they are pricey, not always healthy, and rarely taste decent. I decided to make my own variety of frozen meal helpers that are healthy, taste fresh...

One way to use frozen fruit is cobbler. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: Got fruit? Cobble together a treat

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem April 29, 2014

The two areas I struggle with domestically are laundry and pie crust. While I make my own laundry soap, I don’t bother to sort by color, and I haven’t tried to figure out what gets washed in cold or...

Homemade sauerkraut is a great pantry staple, and it’s easy to make. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey-Macklem)

Preserved Home: No need to pucker over sauerkraut

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem March 28, 2014

I grew up on canned sauerkraut, but homemade is just much better, and a lot less expensive. You can add caraway seeds to the cabbage during fermentation, afterwards, or not at all. Homemade sauerkraut...

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