Stinging Nettle is a wild plant that actually stings. It has a “peach fuzz” protectant on her leaves that keeps predators away since the plant has no barriers and is out in the open air, growing in marshy cool weather in between other cultivated plants. It is a nuisance to …
The best mushroom risotto, and it just happens to be vegan! Rich, creamy and bursting with mushroom flavor, you’d never guess this savory dinner was diary free. Recipe Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil 1-3/4 pound assorted fresh mushrooms chopped 1/2 cup chopped shallots (about 2 shallots) 3 garlic cloves, minced …
It’s fun to create your own drinks but I am even more excited to showcase my own creative garnishes from my urban garden. Twigs, berries and herbs spark great conversation when displayed in a twinkling glass! I had fun garnishing this great tasting margarita and my daughter Kristin came up …
It is December and Basil is out of season. What to do? Arugula, of course! Arugula has a savory yet bitter and nutty taste and pairs well with fresh garlic and walnuts/pine nuts. Just because Basil is out of season, it doesn’t mean one can’t make a pesto. Recipe (Serves …
Recipe: 2 fresh artichokes with stem still onEnough water to fill the bottom of the pressure cooker just up to the shelf insertJuice from ½ lemon Splash of wine (use wine you’ll be serving with dinner)Minced garlicHerbs (use style of herbs you’re using in the main course)1 Tsp minced onion …
Hearty bone broth meals jampacked with nutrients! Use prepared broth (see my blog on my mushroom broth or bone broth recipe) or vegetable to prepare sauces, gravy, stews, soups or single servings of broth only. These are two simple soups you can prepare. Once you get the hang of it and …
Squash blossoms this week were extra-large with hulls so wide you could move in furniture. I had fun stuffing them with soft goat cheese infused with herbs and for a surprise bite, I added a 2-inch slice of prosciutto! For this very reason it is important to have a well-stocked …
Special occasion bouquets are as traditional as weddings themselves. They are used to distinguish special guests of honor, bridesmaids, family, and mothers. In this case, these wedding bouquets were for three sisters of the groom. I personally created and designed these for my son, Austin’s, wedding. I included succulents (3) …
Mint, edible flowers, open face wondrous sandwiches, tablescapes of banana leaves and poppies all under one beautiful tent celebrating a new baby—another new addition to our family! Congratulations (to my daughter) Kristin and welcome Baby Christian Oak Cooper! Even the name Oak evokes incredible meaning; first exemplifying nature, strength, and his family …
Summer is a time for cleaning, home repairs, and remodeling. That said, there can be lots of dust and grime around as is my current situation. I’ve prepared four of my favorite cleaning oils, along with natural-cleaning agents used long before our synthetic ones. Vinegar is tried and true for a very …