Every year I learn a little more about greens and flowers I once considered weeds that are actually wild edibles. As I am far from an expert, I tend to stick to wild edibles that are easily recognized with no look-alikes with unpleasant side effects. Before consuming anything from nature, be positive of its identification.
Rhubarb is a completely understated and under-appreciated vegetable. Consumed raw, it’s pretty horrifying. But rhubarb stems, prepared correctly, are absolutely deliciously tart; particularly when paired with a complementary fruit. Apples and strawberries are both fantastic and sweet counterparts.
When the crocus emerge and bloom it is without a doubt Spring. Ours have been blooming for about ten days now, so naturally I’m already feeling behind. I keep glancing out the windows at my garden, which is temporarily housing our chickens while we build a larger coop.
After the cruel trick of snow that Mother Nature played on the first day of Spring, I thought it would be nice to share a couple of my recipes for bright and cheerful dishes.
My mother has a recipe for banana bread that we have been using my whole life. The only times I ever see my mother use a cookbook, it is a well-loved and handled English recipe book.
During the Winter months, I am generally inspired by recipes that are simple and convenient. I am a huge fan of “low and slow” cooking recipes that put themselves together over the course of the day. And Crockpots; I love my slow cooker.
I tried to deny the onset of Winter this week by integrating many fresh and canned veggies from this past garden and pick-your-own season into my cooking schedule. After gifting many of my jams and jellies for Christmas this year, I decided to crack open the freezer and use some of the frozen fruits that I had prepped and premeasured into ready-to-use quantities. I had an abundance of farm-fresh peaches waiting to be canned once inspiration struck.
I proudly conquered homemade butter this week. I’ve been reading over and over that it’s so easy to make and have been determined to give it a shot. And the rumors were true. All it takes is a carton of full-fat heavy whipping cream and a mixer with a whisk attachment.
With all this talk of snow, Christmas commercials on television, and shops setting up for the holidays, like most people, you’re probably already starting to feel the spirit of the holidays. And it’s right about time with this week kick-starting the holiday season by giving thanks.
This past week basically centered around our son Grayson. It was his third birthday and we celebrated with a party over the weekend for family and all his little buddies.
I love spicy food. Not the kind of spicy that leaves you teary-eyed, wounded and begging for mercy. But a good heat that leaves your lips tingling for little while afterwards.
I think that Summer time is mistakenly labeled the time of year when fresh produce and vegetable gardening are at their best. Who can forget a tomato fresh picked from the vine and sprinkled with a little salt; still warm from the sun.