My Garden / Recipes

It’s that time of year again.  Around the 1st or 2nd week of October, I plant my garlic. But how do you know which bulbs you should save for your seed cloves? And then how do you know which cloves from those bulbs to plant? It’s easy, once you know what to look for.

Let’s get started!

What you’re looking for are your largest, firmest, roundest bulbs. Sure, save a few to give away as gifts, if you have some … Read More

I know, there are a bazillion salsa/salad recipes, so why do you need another one? Of all my dishes, this one NEVER fails to get rave reviews–no matter how fussy the eaters! There’s something about the combination of flavors that seems to make every mouth happy.  Even though it’s really just a tricked out Black Bean and Corn Salad, it’s been dubbed “Confetti Salad” at our house because it’s so colorful.

The great thing about this salsa is that you … Read More

I can’t really say Spring has sprung yet because we’re about two weeks behind where we normally are at this time. But it’s definitely springing!

My herb and perennials garden looks to have survived the winter in one piece. Read on to view my garden by the numbers.

1. Chives are growing.
2. Compost is being added to replenish nutrients.
3. If you like fresh herbs, Oregano is an easy perennial.
4. Be careful where you plant mint, as it gets pretty invasive. But

Been so busy with work, something had to give. Sadly, it was the size of my vegetable garden.

Something’s better than nothing…… Read More

With the holidays fast approaching, I’m  starting to dig through favorite recipes to get a jump on some of the cooking.

While it’s true that my cookbook tastes lean toward the East, as in Middle Eastern, Indian, Japanese…  I do have my old American standbys for everyday and not-so-everyday dishes.

For instance, I still have this Betty Crocker cookbook my parents gave me when I moved into my first apartment waaaay back when.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I … Read More

I’ve spent most of the morning pinching scapes off my garlic plants. And in case you didn’t know it, scapes are quite a delicacy — right up there with fiddlehead ferns in my book!

Both have a short window for when they’re available though. While I’m lucky enough to grab them fresh, straight from the garden, chances are that you can find them at your local farmers market right about NOW! If you do find some, here are two of … Read More