Spiced Pecans

Good as a snack, or as an ingredient in a stuffing or salad.
Yields 4 cups.

We are at the height of the season. Heirlooms are crazy good.

Also stonefruit as killer, IF you can find a place that does tree-ripened.



And last but far from least, melons returned last sunday, and this sunday we see the fabulous orange-fleshed melons, a hybrid of cantaloupe and honeydew

Johnson Oysters are crazy-cheap-- 6 bucks a dozen for smalls-- but incredibly dirty, and mild flavored (a.k.a. dull to some oyster fans). I'd recommend buying the preshucked jars, and frying them (though the extrasmall were ok raw.)

Hog island is a better choice for serving half-shell I think.

Okay, it's only tangentally realted, but... I woke up this morning to a stream of ants coming in from upstairs. After wiping away their little bodies with the sponge and drying the area, I put down a double-layer of cayenne pepper and chili powder. I had read about this little trick but had yet to see it actually work.

Well, several hours later, the ants have gone. Amazing. I guess they are as allergic to the chili as much as our charming hostess is....

okay, i think it's bitter melon... help me out here, kids!

anyone want bonus points?

can anyone name this veggie, and how to cook it?