Juniper has been used since ancient times for its cleansing properties. Used to purify temples and protect from witches, today the smoke from juniper branches is used in sweat lodges. It is said to cleanse the air of bad energy and make it easier to commune with the spirits. The berries are highly aromatic and […]
Chicken Tortilla Soup 4-6 servings For a vegetarian version replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and the chicken with black or pinto beans. 2 tbs olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 jalapenos or milder peppers of choice, seeded and minced 1 large can whole tomatoes, hand-squeezed to a pulp […]
Spicy Chickpeas are a great snack. 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1 tablespoon olive oil teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne or milder pepper of choice salt and pepper to taste Put chickpeas on a paper towel and let them dry out. I sometimes just leave them overnight. Preheat oven to […]
Our Homemade Boursin Cheese is easy and delicious! 2 garlic cloves, finely minced 8 oz butter – room temp 16 oz cream cheese, room temp 4 tbs freshly grated Parmesan Salt and pepper to taste. Fresh or dried herbs of choice. If fresh they should be minced. I like chives, marjoram, thyme, basil, dill, red […]
2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 egg, beaten Dash of Worchester sauce 2 cups lump crabmeat, drained and cleaned of all shells drops of sriracha, to your taste (optional, can also use Tabasco) 2-3 chopped scallions 1/3 cup bread crumbs (equals 4 slices), I like panko Butter and […]
I love the holiday season for all the long-treasured activities. The sumptuous array at the Christmas Eve appetizer party, the Nutcracker Ballet, the zoo and botanic garden light displays, and the lighting of the Yule log. Count your blessings, not your deficits, get out there and celebrate! Instead of succumbing to the annual onslaught of […]
Spend a fun morning crafting enchanting gifts to delight friends and family.
Sage is a savory seasoning for poultry, pork, winter squash, pear and apple dishes, cheeses, stews, and chowders. Antiviral and astringent, sage has long been used as a healing herb. Sage leaf rubbed on unhealthy gums will help tighten and disinfect. Sage tea is a delicious remedy for sore throats, will help with menopausal hot […]
My favorite way to have green beans. 2 cups fresh green beans, cleaned – (stem tip snapped off) 3 garlic cloves minced ½ cup chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons butter Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Steam beans until tender but still slightly firm. Remove from steamer. In the same saucepan, heat butter until melted, […]
Simple and delicious! homegrown tomatoes, sliced slices of fresh mozzarella to alternate with tomatoes fresh basil cut with a sharp knife into ribbons extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling balsamic vinegar reduction coarse salt and pepper Alternate the tomato slices and fresh mozzarella on a serving plate. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle lightly with balsamic reduction […]
Slow Roasted Tomatoes Preheat oven to 275. Cut fresh tomatoes into wedges and place in a bowl. Season with a pinch of sugar, olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs of choice and minced garlic. Toss gently. Place tomatoes on a rimmed cookie sheet in a single layer and drizzle with any leftover oil. Roast 2 ½ […]
Roasted Peppers Wash peppers. Place directly on grill over high heat, turning until all sides are charred. Enclose in a bag or a covered bowl and let steam until cool enough to handle. Once cooled remove skins and seeds. I just peel off with my hands and scrape out the seeds. To roast peppers inside, […]