Christmas Cranberry Jam: A Festive Holiday Spread
Food Mediterranee Van Maris Food Mediterranee Van Maris

Christmas Cranberry Jam: A Festive Holiday Spread

I couldn’t make all these jams for Christmas gifts without creating a Christmas jam! For Jewel of the Sea, one of our horses at Rumsar Ranch, I knew I wanted something red to complement Lulu’s Strawberry Rhubarb Jam (her baby’s pairing).

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Apple Cardamom Jam: A Warm and Fragrant Preserve
Food Mediterranee Van Maris Food Mediterranee Van Maris

Apple Cardamom Jam: A Warm and Fragrant Preserve

Jam-making is a new project I started this year using produce from around the Ranch. This Apple Cardamom Jam is one of my latest creations. It’s warm, subtly spiced, and incredibly versatile—a perfect addition to your pantry or holiday gifts. Here’s how the recipe came together and why I think it’s a must-try recipe.

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Apple Butter: A Cozy Fall Project That Almost Didn't Work
Food Mediterranee Van Maris Food Mediterranee Van Maris

Apple Butter: A Cozy Fall Project That Almost Didn't Work

Apple butter is one of those recipes that sounds simple, but as I learned, it’s all about patience—and a little trial and error. This was a first for me, inspired by my sister’s suggestion to try making it with the apples I’d picked.

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Hot Honey: Sweet Heat in Every Drizzle
Food Mediterranee Van Maris Food Mediterranee Van Maris

Hot Honey: Sweet Heat in Every Drizzle

By the time I started making hot honey, my collection of preserves was growing out of control. Strawberry rhubarb jam, yellow plum jam, onion jam, relish, peach bourbon jam—you name it.

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Peach Bourbon Jam: Sweet, Smoky, and Perfectly Balanced
Food Mediterranee Van Maris Food Mediterranee Van Maris

Peach Bourbon Jam: Sweet, Smoky, and Perfectly Balanced

Peach jam is a timeless favourite, but this Peach Bourbon Jam adds a bold twist that makes it unforgettable. Sweet peaches, a hint of bourbon, and fragrant vanilla come together in a jam that’s not just delicious but also versatile enough for breakfast, baking, or even an elegant dessert topping.

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Strawberry Rhubarb Jam: A Sweet-Tart Taste of Summer
Food Mediterranee Van Maris Food Mediterranee Van Maris

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam: A Sweet-Tart Taste of Summer

When I first ventured into the world of jam-making, I started with a classic: Strawberry Rhubarb Jam. Its sweet yet tart flavour felt like the perfect gateway into the world of preserving, and it was a natural choice since I already knew what it should taste like.

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UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE: MACARON VS. MACAROON
Paris, Food Mediterranee Van Maris Paris, Food Mediterranee Van Maris

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE: MACARON VS. MACAROON

When it comes to desserts, Paris, and the world offer many options, but two names often cause confusion due to their similar-sounding names – Macarons and Macaroons. Although these treats have some similarities they differ in terms of taste, texture and origin. Lets unravel the secrets of these delicacies and discover the best places to find Macarons, in Paris.

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PASTA E TIRAMISÙ
Dear Caroline, Rome, Food Mediterranee Van Maris Dear Caroline, Rome, Food Mediterranee Van Maris

PASTA E TIRAMISÙ

Mamie arrives today! But I’ve got a full day before she lands. Today is my first cooking class in Italy. I am so excited! I have my outfit picked out and I’m going to get to use my knives! Everyone told me I was crazy to bring them with me, but look who’s laughing now!

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BERLIN EATS
Berlin, Food Mediterranee Van Maris Berlin, Food Mediterranee Van Maris

BERLIN EATS

When choosing a destination there are few things that are negotiable. Food is one of those things where if it’s bad it can ruin a trip. Here is a list of places I ate while in Berlin. Some good, some so so, some great.

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5 KITCHEN ITEMS THAT ARE A WASTE OF SPACE AND MONEY
Food Mediterranee Van Maris Food Mediterranee Van Maris

5 KITCHEN ITEMS THAT ARE A WASTE OF SPACE AND MONEY

During the pandemic it seemed like every other week there was a new kitchen trend that went viral. Sour dough, Dalgona Coffee, Banana Bread, you name it, it had its 15 minutes. Many new and exotic kitchen appliances also became trendy and most were overpriced, space-guzzling items that, in my opinion, no one should have in their kitchen.

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