For the March Charcutepalooza challenge, I corned a tongue, then made dainty little Edwardian tea sandwiches with them. Pinkies up!

The sweetness of apple tames the fiery slap of habanero peppers in this versatile jelly.

Several weeks and many massages later: Hoshigaki, from my basement

Yuzu kosho is a Japanese condiment of yuzu zest, chili peppers and salt. Use it to wake up your sushi, not bludgeon it.

Got extra pizza dough and toppings from last night’s dinner? Try a little wake and bake.

Bitter and tannic when fresh, hachiya persimmons wizen and mellow after a few weeks of drying … and massaging.

A simple mix of cucumbers, mint and seasoned rice vinegar, waks up lamb: Cold vs. hot; bright vs. earthy; crisp vs. chewy; herbal vs. gamy.

Noyaux give your apricot a haunting almond flavor … due to cyanide. But in small quantities, it’s delicious, not deadly.

A fresh, springy snap pea salad. Savor the peaness. Wait, that came out wrong.

Strawberry jam with balsamic and black pepper. You know you want some.

Green Goddess dressing: A San Francisco classic, and a versatile player in the kitchen.

Wine made as it was in the time of Jesus, distributed on a local scale and in reusable containers. This is Kool Aid I can drink.

White pizza — a regional taste of upstate New York and a pizza dough from the yeast whisperer.

Trust my great aunt — the Sopranos Family Cookbook is a source of authentic Italian-American recipes, like giambotta.

I have made butter. Behold my amazing powers.

Skip the boring burgers for the Fourth — have a clambake!

Kanom krok, Thai street food enjoyed at the Hillcrest Farmers Market in San Diego

Strawberries. Chocolate. Do the math.

What happens when you mix Girl Scout cookies and bourbon? Why, a Thin Mint Julep, of course.

Spare yourself the green beer and go for a hardy NorCal brew with hints of citrus, elderflower and Humboldt County.

How do you endure the dreary days of winter? Break out the rum and get your tiki on.

Water is surely the next major crisis, but to hear my husband, you’d think it was ice. Crisis averted.