Late summer is my favorite time of year. Mornings are brisk, but it warms up by mid-morning. Leaves are beginning to turn colors, but they are still on the trees. But my favorite thing? The aroma of chile peppers. If you live in the southwest United States, chile roasters are a common sight at farmers’ […]
Peach Ginger Butter
Peach season is my favorite fruit season. And if you are lucky enough to live in an area where peaches are grown (or if you have your own peach trees), you know what it is like to bite into a peach that is perfectly ripe. The flesh yields slightly to the pressure from your hand, […]
Cloth Napkins: A Step Towards Sustainability
When you gather friends or family for dinner, how do you set your table? Do you have a set of dishes you use everyday or perhaps a ‘good’ set that you save for special occasions? Besides the dishes, glasses (or cups), and silverware, do you set out napkins? If your answer is yes, do you […]
Farmers' Market: What are 2nds?
I have a love affair with farmers’ market. These weekly events provide a vast array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, wines, breads, eggs, and canned goods offering the very best of the season from early spring through the fall. With very little effort, it is easy to compose a meal from a single pass through […]
Juice It: Fresh Produce in a Glass
Summer continues to tick down the weeks. Temperatures have dropped. School has started. Sunburns have faded. Trees in the high country are blushed with fall hues. And if you garden… you are overrun with fresh produce. Yes, this is a prolific time of year. Many of you have pulled out the canners, sterilized your jars, […]
Argh! Weeds! A True Confession
As someone with a horticulture degree, I understand that weeds are just a part of gardening. They come up every year, whether they are wanted or not. Their presence mars the lawn and they compete for water and space in my vegetable beds. Each week, weeding appears on the list of regular yard/garden maintenance. But […]