Colorado looking lush – July 2014

Herb Blurb July 2014

herb blurb julyAll the rain this spring has been wonderful for gardens and the great outdoors. It is so rare to see Colorado looking lush. Check out Hudson Gardens on south Santa Fe or the Denver Botanic Gardens featuring the Chihuly Glass Exhibit for garden ideas or just to enjoy the stunning displays. The Denver Botanic Gardens are now open until 9pm, so go after 6pm to beat the crowds. Bring a picnic and a camera and watch the sun set in a spectacular setting of flowers and art. Check their website at www.botanicgardens.org to make sure they are not closed for a concert. Or go to a concert and experience it all!

Now that summer is in full swing get up to the high country for the summer wildflower show, dazzling this year with all the snowmelt. Take a swim at one of the local lakes or pools, or just lie in a hammock with a great book and a cool drink. Heaven! Summer is a slackers paradise. Put down the to do list and get out there. Enjoy all the festivals, food and entertainment possibilities.

 

Upcoming Classes

Private cooking, crafting and garden classes, garden consultations and herb walks are available for you or your group or organization. Check www.chrysalisherbs.com for topics or call Susan at 303-697-6060.

 

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
clip_image004Monday July 7 – Sunday, July 14,  Crested Butte, CO,
www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com
970-349-2571,
[email protected]
A week of wildflower splendor and cool temps in the charming, historic town of Crested Butte, the official Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Lots of classes, hikes and beautiful scenery. I will be teaching a variety of cooking and herbal crafting classes. Check the above website for all the details and to register for classes. See you there! My classes will be under Edibles and Art classes.

 

Chillin with Summer Soups and Salads
clip_image006Tuesday, July 22, 6-8pm, Denver Botanic Gardens
$42 member, $47 non-member, Info and registration,

Cool down that kitchen with easy, delicious entrees for patio and picnic dining. We’ll make spicy Southwestern Chicken Cobb Salad, classic 7 Layer Icebox Salad, refreshing Arugula/ Watermelon /Feta Salad, cooling Carrot Ginger Soup and delectable Summer Melon with Basil soup. We’ll finish with a sweet. Recipes and full meal included.

 

Things to Do

A partial list of fun events around Denver and the state. Get out and experience something totally different! Check out www.denver.org for more possibilities and locations of fireworks for the 4th and www.scfd.org for free happenings.

 2nd Annual Colorado Lavender Festival – workshops, food, tours and all things lavender.

July 11 – 13, Memorial Park, Palisade, CO, festival website

 

Cherry Creek Arts Festival – one of the top arts festivals in the country. Amazing art, food, entertainment and people watching.

Friday, July 4 thru Sunday, July 6, Denver, CO, www.cherryarts.org

 

Scotsfest – parade, bagpipes, Celtic music, dancing and kilts.

Thursday, July 4 thru Sunday, July 7, Estes Park, CO

http://www.scotfest.com

 

43rd Annual Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale – such a deal for you!

Cherry Creek North Shopping District, Denver, July 17-20

www.cherrycreeknorth.com

 

Evergreen Jazz Festival – July 25 – 27. Evergreen, CO. Put on your black ensemble and listen to some great music. www.evergreenjazz.org.

 

Recipes of the Month

Chilled Tomato and Avocado Soup – serves 4clip_image010

  • 1 lb ripe tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • ¼ cup red onion, loosely chopped
  • 1/3 cup cucumber
  • ½ red bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1 tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 5-7 basil leaves
  • Dash of sugar
  • Dash of cayenne pepper, like it hot? Add a minced jalapeno pepper instead.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 avocados, peeled and cut into bite size chunks

Put all ingredients with the exception of the avocados in a food processor and blend. Divide avocados into 4 bowls, tops with soup and serve. You can also add croutons, cheese or cooked crabmeat or shrimp. Tasty!

 

Olive Cherry Tapenade – serves 8-10 as an appetizerclip_image012

  • 1 ½ cups pitted olives of choice, chopped fine. I like Kalamata.
  • 1 cup pitted fresh cherries or 2/3 cup dried cherries, chopped fine
  • 1 tbs basil leaves, stacked and cut with a sharp knife into slivers
  • 2 scallions, white part chopped fine
  • 1 tbs fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp capers (optional)
  • Crackers of choice
  • Manchego, goat, Irish Cheddar or other cheese of choice, sliced

Combine all ingredients with the exception of the cheese and crackers, let sit for at least an hour. Put a cheese slice on a cracker, top with tapenade and enjoy.

 

Ginger Lime Cooler – 12 servingsclip_image014

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbs grated, peeled fresh ginger root
  • 1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice

Bring sugar, water and ginger root to a boil, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Cover, turn off heat and let sit overnight. Strain and add lime juice. For each tall glass add ¼ cup syrup, top with ice and seltzer and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

 

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