Food – Page 12 – Sequim Daily Photo

Five

You see a small, private celebration here. Me, a few tools of the trade, and a cupcake from That Takes the Cake. A tradition. Cupcake. Candles. A pat on ones back.

I started blogging on Sequim Daily Photo five years ago today. That’s 1777 posts in case you’re counting.

I didn’t know the first thing about blogging when I started. I’ve missed some days. I’ve wondered why the heck I’m doing it. I’ve gotten to know some wonderful other bloggers and still mourn a couple who’ve passed away. I’ve taken a lot of pictures. But here I am. If nothing else, it’s a good excuse for a cupcake.

Summer serviceberries

Last spring I posted pictures of the abundant blooms of these native bushes here. Today’s shots are an update on what those blooms from the serviceberries have become. As we might have guessed from the masses of spring blossoms, we have a bumper crop of berries this summer.

Bushes are covered with berries. And though I haven’t always found them tasty in the past some of the trees are bearing pretty palatable offerings this year. I’m sure the local birds are grateful.

In season

Nearly everything is ripening early this year. Wild thimbleberries are no exception and this year they are abundant.

I love thimbleberries. They are very delicate berries with a flavor somewhat like raspberries. There’s a short window when they are ripe and tasty. The berries are a beautiful, velvety shade of red when ready. Their delicate structure doesn’t lend them to harvesting for typical berry goodies. Just pick. Eat. Repeat.

This is a favorite spot for finding them. And I’m not telling where.

Lavender time

Today begins Sequim’s annual three day Lavender Festival celebrating all things lavender. Most of our region offers good growing conditions for lavender and local crops range in size from a small backyard bush or two to large farms with hundreds of plants in dozens of varieties.

Most lavender growing operations are open to visitors during the festival and some offer entertainment, food, lavender education, and craft vendors. A downtown street fair fills in any gaps if you want to shop, eat, be entertained, and sniff lavender and lavender products all in one location.

Side note: If anyone’s counting, this marks my 1,750th post on Sequim Daily Photo. Time flies!

Seconds, please

Some decadence is memorable enough to warrant capturing for posterity. This one justified it: mocha mousse at the Dockside Grill. It followed an equally memorable – slightly more virtuous – seafood salad. Across the table was a pineapple cake that got good reviews, too.

Early harvest

I made my first pilgrimage to Greysmarsh Farm yesterday. Visions of fresh raspberries danced in my head.

I may have jumped the gun. There are raspberries ready for picking but it’s still early. Another week or two and they should be looking good if we have some sunny days.

Not everyone at the farm was a paying customer yesterday.

Berry season

Berry season started early this year. My favorite spot, Cameron’s, opened before the end of May and stopped selling pre-picked berries a week or two ago. Usually we’d be in the middle of strawberry season right about now. Raspberries are next and I think I’d better get in gear before I miss it all entirely.