The Uncommon Pickle Episode II

The art of pickling began 4000 years ago in India. I join the artisans of The Uncommon Pickle as they continue the pickling tradition. Watch as they share their pickling secrets of organic produce, purchased from Temescal Farmers Market in Oakland, CA. Also, find out the latest happenings from The Uncommon Pickle on Twitter. Music in this episode by SentinelDream.

Canvas Underground Dinner

Join me as I cover Canvas Underground Dinner created by Chef, Peter Jackson. He is part of the Ghetto Gourmet Guerilla Dining Network in the Bay Area. This event was called "Opera & Pickles" because it featured both, in his 4-course meal.

Bacon & Lemon Verbena Scones

You just can't go wrong with a savory scone that includes bacon! I was very inspired by my local uncured rustic bacon from Prather Ranch Meats. Also, I had been enjoying tea from my  Lemon Verbena plant. This deciduous bushy plant is Native to many countries in South America. Fortunately for us today, it can be grown as far up as Canada.


The taste palate is unwavering in its desire be "wowed". The Lemon verbena herb is a potent, sharp, fresh burst in your mouth. In my test kitchen, I tried different fresh herb combinations (chives and thyme, marjoram, marjoram and chives, and other combinations) with the bacon. Of course, my husband was very delighted to try them all.


Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit 


Ingredient List

1 cup of flour
2 Tablespoons of softened butter
2 Teaspoons of baking power
2 Teaspoons of salt
1/4 cup of whole organic milk
1/4 cup of  herb ~ Lemon Verbena
6 strips of thick cut bacon

Firs, cook bacon until it is crispy. I like to take the bottom of a jam jar to break up bacon into little bite size pieces. Second, chop herbs. Third, sift flour, baking powder, salt, into a medium mixing bowl.  Fourth, add melted butter and milk. If mixture is too dry, add a splash of milk. Gently mix with mixing spoon, making sure to add bacon and herbs as you go.  Fifth, with your hands, knead the mixture right in the bowl quickly. Do not over knead. 

Finally, take dough in your hand and mold into shape, placing on the cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned. Let them cool, then eat warm. I would definitely serve them with a side of butter and a pickle. In the above picture I used a pickled cherry, by The Uncommon Pickle (found in the Bay Area). This recipe makes four scones but can be doubled to make 8 scones. Happy Fall and warm evenings with loved ones!  

The Uncommon Pickle Episode I

I join the creators of The Uncommon Pickle as they shop for organic produce from Temescal Farmers Market in Oakland, CA.  Also, find out the latest happenings from The Uncommon Pickle on Twitter. Music in this episode by Milosh, a Canadian artist. Song "The World."