Jicama Mango Salsa Fresca My mama used to give me chilled slices of jicama when I was a kid. Back then, I used to pronounce it “jee-ka-muh"—only as an adult did I learn that I had been butchering this sweet juicy tuber’s name. I had no idea it was a latin name, thus should be … Continue reading Jicama Mango Salsa Fresca
Companion Planting: Friend or Foe
As an organic home gardener, I am always researching and learning from successes and failures. I make mental notes and log what I've learned from current and past trials and errors, in preparation for my next seasonal garden plot! That prompted me to create my own comprehensive (or as much as I can) companion planting … Continue reading Companion Planting: Friend or Foe
Haricot Vert Tofu Crumble
Haricot Vert Tofu Crumble If you are a huge green bean monster, you will fall in love with haricot vert and never look back. Haricot vert is French for "green bean" (Haricot=bean; vert=green) and the variety is slender and far more tender than the American variety you see in the grocery store. This recipe makes … Continue reading Haricot Vert Tofu Crumble
Edamame Super Greens Sauté
Edamame Super Geens Sauté Edamame are young soy beans that have been harvested before they have ripened or hardened. You can purchase them shelled, still in the pod, fresh at the farmer's market or frozen. I have never seen my local grocery stores carry them fresh. I like to keep a package or two in … Continue reading Edamame Super Greens Sauté
Blueberry Zucchini Bread
HAPPY 2018, everyone! It has been a long hiatus since I've posted recipes! I have been testing out and creating many new recipes, but in 2017 another creative venture took up most of my time. I was attempting to do what many artists, designers, and photographers do: "Project 365." My goal was to create (e.g., draw, … Continue reading Blueberry Zucchini Bread
Beets and Feta Salad
Anyone out there love beets as much as I do? During winter I was a fixated on these royal beauties. I made borscht twice and this salad twice. It may be a bit late in the year for those that garden like myself, but luckily there's probably a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's near you! … Continue reading Beets and Feta Salad
Leeks and Cremini Quiche
I cannot believe how easy it is to make quiche! 🙂 Quiche is one of my favorite dishes; I can have it for any meal or snack. Add a side salad or fresh fruit medley of nature's seasonal goodies, and I am good to go! Though this was an overall easy dish to make, I was … Continue reading Leeks and Cremini Quiche
Cucumber and Cauliflower Salad
If you are swimming in cucumbers from your summer garden, then you're in luck! All my plants died in the scorching heat. 😦 For you lucky prolific gardeners out there, this is a great summer salad recipe to help use all those fresh cucumbers! I've been alternating between kale salad (my go to!) and spring … Continue reading Cucumber and Cauliflower Salad
Fresh Peach Salsa
Oh the dog days of summer are upon us where I live! It dawned on me the other day that our sweltering summers are the equivalent of the freezing winters our northern counterparts endure. We just stay indoors down here because we can't handle going outside. In fact, I'm so inactive during summer that I … Continue reading Fresh Peach Salsa
Spicy Black Bean Burgers
If you’re a pickytarian and won’t eat much meat, but are in dire need of protein, you may like this delicious recipe! Beans and legumes are a great source of protein and fiber, without the fat or sugar! One cup of cooked black beans provides about 15g of protein and 15g of soluable fiber. I once made white-bean … Continue reading Spicy Black Bean Burgers
Slow-Cooked Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are an edible mushroom with medicinal properties. They are mainly in Asian cuisine and are very fragrant. They are the 2nd most popular mushroom in the world, right after the standard white button mushroom! Dried shiitake mushrooms have more flavor and aroma than their fresh counterparts. Dried shiitakes are rehydrated by letting them soak in water for several … Continue reading Slow-Cooked Shiitake Mushrooms
Veggies and Chicken Meatballs Soup
I hear a cold front is blowing through most of the US and that most of us are either bogged down from major allergies and/or a cold. This yummy recipe is quick and easy, thanks to some fairly common ingredients you probably already have in your refrigerators and freezers. Lucky for me, I happened to have … Continue reading Veggies and Chicken Meatballs Soup
FEEDING FIDO: SAFE OR TOXIC FOODS FOR DOGS-2nd Edition
Way back in July 2013 I shared a post about my sweet dog's weight issues and the healthy diet I put him on. His name is Mochi and he is about to turn 6! Yay, Happy Birthday, Mochi! I have a printed version of the 1st edition on my fridge; it has been very helpful. … Continue reading FEEDING FIDO: SAFE OR TOXIC FOODS FOR DOGS-2nd Edition
Lemon-Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Lavandula, more commonly known as "lavender," is a flowering plant that belongs in the mint family. The exceptionally fragrant and versatile flowers are used in medicines, aromatherapy, bath and home products, and food. When used as an essential oil, it has anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties and has a calming, soothing effect. The sight and smell of lavender always make … Continue reading Lemon-Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Lavender Culinary Recipes
Lemon-Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting INGREDIENTS 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 8 T butter, softened (1 stick) 1 tsp grated lemon zest 2T lemon juice 1 ½ tsp dried lavender buds. Ground ½ tsp vanilla 2 1/3 cup confectioners sugar INSTRUCTIONS Mix cheese, butter and sugar in a food processor or mixer. Add other ingredients until … Continue reading Lavender Culinary Recipes
