I spent the morning with my friends Al and Christl, planning which garden products we’d be adding to the bulk order our gardening club places. More accurately, Chirstl was helping me figure out what I’d need.

Just as we were winding down, Al came into the room with a tiny glass filled with a brilliant red liquid. “You should try my raspberry brandy,” he said, and put it down in front of me. You have to love a host who gives you brandy before noon!

It was lovely — fruity but not cloying — and he sent me home with a bottle of it. I’ve said it before. Everyone needs friends like Al and Christl.

You might also enjoy:

1. Al’s raspberry brandy I ate two meals, neither at home — very unusual.  Al’s brandy is an excellent fallback position....
2. Strawberries! Courtesy of our friends Al and Christl.  I know I always say this, but everyone should have friends like Al and Christl....
3. Garden envy If you come here often, you’ve heard me mention our friends Al and Christl. Besides being our friends, they’re the people we want to be when we grow up. They’re...
4. Gift asparagus Our friends Al and Christl grow beautiful asparagus.  It’s purple, thick-stalked, and tender.  I steamed it, and adorned it with nothing but a little butter, salt, and pepper....
5. January recap It was exactly a month ago that I committed to eat at least one item each day that was hunted, fished, gathered, or grown. I haven’t bored you with the...