Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Foodstuff Miscellany

  • With spring upon us gardeners, it's time start hitting up Starbucks for their free used coffee grounds. Sunset Magazine sent a batch to a lab for analysis. They learned that the grounds offer phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and copper and release nitrogen into the soil as they decompose. Sunset suggests digging or tilling the grounds into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. They're also great to add to compost for a nitrogen boost. If you go to Starbucks on March 15 between 10 a.m. and noon, you can get a free 12 oz. cup of their premium drip coffee. Yes, free!
  • The talk of Point Loma is the new Trader Joe's in Liberty Station. It's a big barn-like store with wide aisles much easier to navigate than my haunts in Hillcrest and La Jolla. It's just off Rosecrans at Womble Road.
  • Next time you're at Great News for a class or to buy cookware, head to the back of the store and check out the oils, vinegars, rubs, spices and chocolates. I couldn't resist a bottle of the Stella Cadente Blood Orange Oil, made with cold press extra virgin olive oil (the meyer lemon version is also amazing). I love to roast shrimp, so I sprinkled it on the shrimp along with a little salt before roasting the shrimp at 425 degrees for six minutes. Stunning. I also picked up a bottle of 30-year aged Columela sherry vinegar. If you want one even older, try the 53-year aged Amontillado by La Espanola. On the shelves is also Ina Garten's line of Barefoot Contessa products.

No comments:

Post a Comment