Bohemia: Feast for the Eyes

Tucson's Bohemia Artisans Emporium dubs itself an art bodega, and the name is more than apt. I spent a wonderful weekend afternoon browsing the local arts and crafts in this lovely shopping environment. The shops offer everything from colorful furniture to bath products to cards to clothing to glassworks. Many of the items have a sense of humor! The emporium's policy is to mainly support Tucson artists. Bohemia is certainly a cheerful, attractive venue in which to display their work.

If you want to go:
2920 E. Broadway
Tucson, AZ
Phone: 520-882-0800

Casa de los Ninos in Tucson

Casa de los Ninos is a nonprofit organization that works to provide care for abused childen infant to 11 years old. You can help by donating to or visiting the Casa de los Ninos Thrift Store at 1302 E. Prince Road. One of the biggest thrift stores in Tucson, Casa de los Ninos offers an impressive array of gently used clothing, furniture, games, books, art, and household wares.

For more information:
http://www.casadelosninos.org/

Making Prickly Pear Sorbet

Prickly Pear Cactus grows throughout the United States. Right now, Tucson is awash in them. Pick the fruits from your plants when they are very red or maroon, midsummer through October.






To remove the spines from the prickly pear fruits, put them in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Discard the spiney water! Pick any spines out of your poor hands.





Cut about six shells lengthwise. Remove the pulp from the fruit's shells. Add the pulp and seeds to a blender with 1/2 tablespoon of lime and syrup (1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water boiled to thick consistency in a saucepan).







Blend!


Pour the pulp through a colander or strainer to remove seeds. Pour the mixture into a pan, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for six hours.

You may want to stir the mixture a bit so it has a nice fluffy consistency. When ready, spoon the prickly pear sorbet into some cheesy cactus glasses and Enjoy!

FREE Tip: For Prickly Pear Margaritas, just add tequila.