It's that time of year again!

My basil plants started late, but have gone absolutely nuts. I figure it's all thanks to the mix of Miracle Gro, sterilized cow manure, and top soil that they're planted in.  The plants have some leaves that are the size of tea saucers, so I couldn't wait any longer.  I mean, just look at 'em!

 It's no surprise that Wisconsin has an abundance of mozzarella cheese.  My tomatoes aren't quite ready yet, but I found some nice heirloom varieties at the local Piggly Wiggly.  A little garlic, some extra virgin olive oil, and I had a Caprese Salad fit for a king!

I will at some point add a balsamic vinegar reduction to the mix.  That will happen later, because I'm not exactly suffering with what I have already.  Well, that, and I already eated it...

If we didn't take risks...

None of us would ever experience the pleasures of things like dandelion wine.

The dogs and I sat in the grass some time ago, clipping dandelions and filling ice cream buckets with the flowers that others would rather douse with a healthy dose of herbicide. Several quarts later, my fingers were stained bright yellow - the same color as the interior of my big polyurethane primary fermenter after just one week. The results, however, are simply outstanding!