Good things from Cory's kitchen - and yard

Good things from Cory's kitchen - and yard Hello, my name is Cory. My day job is being a teacher, but I like to bake, cook, and garden.

I wanted to start a page where I could share the good things I make and/or help grow.

Pickled Roasted Bell PeppersI start by charring, sweating, and then skinning sweet red, orange, and yellow bell peppers ...
09/21/2025

Pickled Roasted Bell Peppers

I start by charring, sweating, and then skinning sweet red, orange, and yellow bell peppers (along with roasting some cloves of garlic). I then cut them into strips and can them in one of the most unique pickles I've ever done: this not only has the usual vinegar, salt, and herbs, it also has some white wine in there for an even brighter and deeper flavor.

These are great on a soft Italian roll with some cold cuts, but you can also fill that roll with a grilled Italian sausage link and scatter them on top.

One of my favorite things to do is to drain them for a while and top my homemade pizzas.

They are more expensive than my regular canned pickled peppers, but the extra work involved and the extra ingredients in the pickle give them a flavor that simply pickling cannot. If you try them I bet you'll agree that they're worth it.

$10 for a pint jar.

Nellie the Blue JayI have several blue jays that come by my yard all year long, but there's one in particular that stick...
09/20/2025

Nellie the Blue Jay

I have several blue jays that come by my yard all year long, but there's one in particular that sticks out.

I am not sure if it's a boy or a girl, but I call him or her Nellie. Nellie as in "Nervous Nellie" because this little bird is quite cautious.

It all starts with lots of calls from the trees that line my back fence. Lots of calls. Pretty soon I'll see Nellie flitting from branch to branch in that way that blue jays have.

Then it's on down to the bath. More calls. A feint to get into the bath. Then a hop back out to the edge of the bath, maybe even back to the trees. More calls.

Then a jump down and into the water, couple quick splashes but nothing serious so a lookout can be maintained. More calls, a jump out.

More calls. More looking around.

Then another quick dip. And repeat a couple times more before flying up to the security of the trees to fluff and shake out.

I included some various blue jay pictures I've been collecting below. Thought you'd enjoy. Not sure if they're all Nellie, but they're all cute, especially the one mid bath.

Enjoy!

Gluten free or gluten-filled raspberry squaresThese gluten free raspberry oat squares are built on a layer of buttery sh...
09/19/2025

Gluten free or gluten-filled raspberry squares

These gluten free raspberry oat squares are built on a layer of buttery shortbread, a just-right tart raspberry filling with both jam and raspberries, and then topped with a struesel made with more butter, brown sugar, pecans, and oats.

One bite and you'll love them.

Do you (or are you able to) eat gluten? Don't worry, I also can make these with regular wheat flour. The ones in the picture are gluten free, but the gluten-filled will look about the same.

I sell them in a single 8x8 sized batch and can cut into as many squares as you like.

Pro tip? When you get them, individually wrap in plastic, put in a zipper-top bag and freeze. Take one out about 30 minutes before you want a snack and enjoy!

Lucky $13 for an 8x8 pan's worth --with or without gluten

Happy to meet or drop off in Sterling. Message me here and we'll figure it out.

Gluten free and gluten filled pumpkin praline pie (or regular pumpkin if you prefer)Have a hard time deciding between pe...
09/19/2025

Gluten free and gluten filled pumpkin praline pie (or regular pumpkin if you prefer)

Have a hard time deciding between pecan and pumpkin pie? Now you don't have to choose! A pumpkin praline pie gives you both in the same slice.

Of course, if you want straight pumpkin, I can do that too. :)

For Thanksgiving (or earlier if you wanted) I'm offering a pumpkin praline pie. Here's the kicker though. This isn't just any pie made from canned pumpkin.

I'm making the filling from homegrown sweetmeat heirloom pumpkins. If you're curious, I attached a picture of one from my garden--they're big with a little paler flesh, but still as dense and sweet as a sugar pumpkin. I think there's a notable difference between canned and homemade. That's why I like to make my own pies from either homegrown or store bought sugar pumpkins.

As the squash matured, I harvested, roasted, and pureed them. Then I portioned into pie-sized amounts and froze.

The pie filling is a soft and warmly spiced custard which, for the praline version, I top with a pecan praline topping (pecans and dark brown sugar are the main ingredients). You get the best of both worlds: a rich squash colored custard topped by a crunchy toasty pecan topping.

The prices are:

--9" pumpkin praline pie $25. If you want a gluten free crust add $3.

--9" pumpkin pie $20. If you want a gluten free crust add $3.

If you aren't a fan of pumpkin but want a pie made from something else with a buttery, flaky, and crisp gluten free crust, let's talk.

I have a limited amount of roasted homegrown squash, so if you want a pie, don't wait! Let me know and I'll start a list.

Message me here if interested. Happy to arrange pickup or drop off in Sterling.

Homemade hamburger or hot dog bunsThere's nothing quite like homemade. I know you can get hamburger buns cheaper elsewh...
09/18/2025

Homemade hamburger or hot dog buns

There's nothing quite like homemade. I know you can get hamburger buns cheaper elsewhere, on a per bun basis, mine are about twice the price.

But, what you get when you pay extra is real butter. You get no preservatives or chemicals. You get a hamburger/hot dog bun that isn't cotton fluff which comes apart when you put the burger and toppings on. Lastly, you get one that was made within a recent time to when you eat it!

These also make great buns for sandwiches. One of my favorites is to cook some frozen chicken tenders, put down some mayo, some relish, lettuce and tomato and make a chicken sandwich.

$10 for a dozen. I can also do half and half if you'd like: half hot dog, half hamburger. They freeze well too. Just wrap them individually and you can take out as many as you need for any given meal or event.

Message me here if you're interested. I am happy to meet or drop off in Sterling.

Homemade strawberry vanilla jam.When strawberries were at their peak in the stores, I gathered some up and then turned t...
09/18/2025

Homemade strawberry vanilla jam.

When strawberries were at their peak in the stores, I gathered some up and then turned them into strawberry vanilla jam.

Nothing too fancy: fruit, sugar, just enough real vanilla to hint at its flavor while not hitting you in the face, and some pectin.

It's soft and spreadable even at fridge temps.

$6 for a half pint jar (with a $1 credit on your next order if you bring it back).

Message me here and we'll arrange drop off/pickup in Sterling. With enough lead time and some patience, I can also meet you anywhere along I-76 between Sterling and Commerce City.

Decorative pumpkinsMy daughter went to a pumpkin patch last year and came home with a decorative yellow and orange strip...
09/17/2025

Decorative pumpkins

My daughter went to a pumpkin patch last year and came home with a decorative yellow and orange striped pumpkin.

She and I collected the seeds as a project to do together. This last Spring we planted them out and have watched as the little baby pumpkins grew.

I am not sure what kind of genetics turned the orange and yellow pumpkin into this funky, knobby one, but I like them!

She and I are selling the decorative pumpkins off her vine for $5 for the big ones, probably do less for the smaller ones (we'll see how the season goes--as you can tell there are some still "in process").

The one in the picture is representative of a big one. It's about 5.75 pounds, about 11" tall (stem included), and about 6.5" in diameter at its widest.

It's well cured so it should last a while. There are some others that are also cured and can be harvested. Some are still growing and should be ready.

Message me here if interested. Happy to meet or drop off in Sterling.

Salted Cantaloupe JamThis jam is not for toast or PB&J's! More savory than sweet, this jam is made to be put with savory...
09/17/2025

Salted Cantaloupe Jam

This jam is not for toast or PB&J's!

More savory than sweet, this jam is made to be put with savory items. The ingredients are salted cantaloupe, sugar, lemon, and pink peppercorns. While it is sweet, there's a lot more going on here: a nice taste of salt and fruit to balance out the sugar with occasional bites into a peppercorn for that little bit of heat (with its own fruit tones).

Next time you break out the charcuterie board, next time you warm up some brie (or other similar soft) cheese to spread on water crackers, get this out. It will add some sweetness to the savory without making your savory items taste like they're topped with candy.

$6 for a half pint jar. I will give you a dollar credit on any future purchase if you return the ring and jar.

Happy to meet or drop off here in Sterling.

Gluten free sourdough boule.I do not use any commercial yeast in this bread. I make it with only the wild starter I hav...
09/16/2025

Gluten free sourdough boule.

I do not use any commercial yeast in this bread. I make it with only the wild starter I have cultivated up here in Sterling. The difference will be notable. Wild starters have more than just a one-note sour flavor. Sour is there of course, but you'll note more flavors.

Outside of starter, gluten free bread flour, and salt, the only other ingredient in the recipe is time. There is simply no substitute for taking your time with bread.

If you like, for extra heartiness and chew, I can add a seed or grain soaker to the loaf. The loaf pictured here has some toasted oats in it, but I can add sunflower seeds, brown rice, a gluten free grain blend, quinoa, or others. If you have a suggestion, let's talk!

$17 for a flour only loaf, an extra $1 for a soaker. A flour only loaf is about 2 pounds 3 oz, a loaf with a soaker comes out to about 2 and a half pounds.

Please be patient if you order this bread. Depending on the number of orders, it may take a minute to revive my gluten free starter and strengthen it to where it can be baked with. Your patience will be rewarded!

Send me a message here and we will arrange pickup/delivery within the Sterling area.

Charred onion relishI start with red onions and give them a good char in the oven. I add in chopped cucumber and spices...
09/16/2025

Charred onion relish

I start with red onions and give them a good char in the oven. I add in chopped cucumber and spices.

Slightly sweet, a little hot, and just a little taste of the char on the onions make this a great addition to hot dogs and burgers.

You can even make your own burger sauce by combining some ketchup, mayo, relish, and salt. Great on burgers, but also great to dip fries in!

For a quick dinner, I like to cook up some frozen chicken strips, put them on hamburger buns with cheese, mayo, and a spoonful of this relish for a fast and delicious sandwich.

$6 with a $1 credit on your next order if you return the jar and ring.

Amaranth Nut Energy BarsThese are nutrition and energy-packed powerhouses. I take the amaranth that I grew this year, p...
09/15/2025

Amaranth Nut Energy Bars

These are nutrition and energy-packed powerhouses. I take the amaranth that I grew this year, pop it on the stove, and mix it with (get ready it's quite a list) puffed brown rice, coconut, pistachio, craisins, cashew, and oats.

Then I mix honey with almond butter and stir that in. The whole mess goes in an 8x8 pan and then I cut it into 8 bars.

Think Rice Krispie treats, but grown up. You get the sustained carbohydrates from the amaranth, brown rice, and oats, along with the protein from the amaranth and the nuts.

What's best is that the flavor is great. Crunchy and mildly sweet, with just a touch of sour from the craisins. I especially like the craisins with the semi sweet chocolate on the bottom. Nice combo.

The recipe makes 8 bars, each about 2"x4"x1/2" and 2.5 oz. I can do them two ways: I can leave them as-is with no chocolate, or I can take and dip the bottoms in chocolate to gild the lilly. P.s. I temper my chocolate so that it will have a shine and snap like a chocolate bar does.

If I have some in stock, singles are $2.75 each with chocolate, $2.25 without. A full pan is $20 with chocolate, $16 without.

Happy to meet for pickup or drop off here in Sterling. Message me here if interested.

Enjoy some bird pictures. There is one from a summer trip along the birdwatching route off HWY 14 between Sterling and ...
09/14/2025

Enjoy some bird pictures.

There is one from a summer trip along the birdwatching route off HWY 14 between Sterling and Ft Collins: a little meadowlark watching us watching him.

Then some fun ones of a little robin's day at the bath. They are quite fastidious in their bathing and thirsty too. If you look carefully at the one caught mid-splash, you'll note its little nictating membrane came up.

Lastly a couple different shots of grackles. One making his call in the bath and a different one taking off from my little bird patio.

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