Hello and Welcome to Sweet Basil & Blackberry! This blog was created out of my love for cooking and my recent fascination with food photography. What cooking and baking knowledge I possess, is credited to my mother, grandmother and several aunts, who for the most part created dishes by “adding a little of this and a little of that.” Over the years I have struggled following traditional recipes, but this is my effort to recreate some of the most memorable dishes from family and friends. My hope is that you will find something here that may inspire and comfort you, and maybe cause you to chuckle! Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to contact me!
For as long as I can remember my mother has called the day before my birthday to recount what she did before my birth. The story is always the same, she spent the day picking blackberries, making jelly and preparing for her little bundle (me). My mother is honestly the best at jelly making than anyone I know, she learned from the best. I imagine my mom and grandmother side by side cooking, straining, and canning on a hot summer day. My grandmother would cook the juice and sugar until 2 drops (not 1, not 2 1/2) would fall from the wooden spoon. Then it was perfect!! I suppose that it’s no wonder I came out of the womb loving anything blackberry! (except for seeds, I’m working on that) I look forward to that phone call each year and hope the tradition never ends!
Laura
photo by Vegar Abelsnes
Love this Laura! Looking forward to many more recipes and photos.
Thanks Kelli! I’ve really had a lot of fun and I’m learning so much!
I’m finally here! Beautiful beautiful – And I can’t WAIT for your lemon bar recipe! xoxo
Thank you Elizabeth!!!
This is great Laura! Just heard from dad that you had launched a blog. Love what you’ve done so far and look forward to more great recipes and photography.
Thank you Gayle! I appreciate you stopping by!
Way to go big sis – love it!!!
Thank you, little sis
Laura,I always knew you were creative,artistic, and a great cook,butyou have blown me away with your blog. The recipes are so good and diverse,and the pictures are beautiful. I am soooo proud of you!!!!!!! The ginger cookes are delish, with the crystalized ginger. Love,Mom
Thank you sweet mommy!!!
Love you
What a great job you have done! As someone who has never been very skilled in the culinary arts, I appreciate the simplicity of the recipes and love the pictures. Thank you so much! I had the pleasure of working with your mother for several years…one of the kindest and most vibrant ladies I have ever known! Enjoyed her singing showtunes…made the most stressful days tolerable.
LaDonna,
Thanks for your kind words!! Memommy has an unlimited supply of show tunes!!!
Laura