DIY Cranberry Orange Vodka: Oh Yes! And Doggie Biscuits

I had an executive culinary decision to make today. Requests for my clone of Wms. Sonoma peppermint bark are flowing in again. I honestly thought this cult favorite had made the rounds of our kitchens. I’m assuming there’s some newbies on board who want to make it. Then again, some requests are from readers who’ve been with me a while. So be patient — the … Continue reading DIY Cranberry Orange Vodka: Oh Yes! And Doggie Biscuits

Story of Shepherds and Magi and Fun Edibles for Holidays

This morning Matt Swaim of the Sonrise Morning Show and I chatted, as we do every Thursday, about Bible foods and herbs. Today it was about the shepherds and magi who came to honor Baby Jesus. This passage is in Luke: There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And look, an angel of … Continue reading Story of Shepherds and Magi and Fun Edibles for Holidays

Small Batch Broccoli Souffle Casserole

It’s happening to us, and most likely you, too. A smaller gathering for Thanksgiving. So here’s a small batch recipe of our favorite broccoli casserole. The bonus is that it can be frozen and baked, covered for some of the time, and baked a little longer than if you’re making it fresh. This is the casserole I chatted with Annie Mitchell on Sacred Heart Radio/Sonrise … Continue reading Small Batch Broccoli Souffle Casserole

Matt Swaim’s Minestrone Soup

October is the month of the rosary. One of the most popular mysteries is the Luminous mysteries. They focus on the life of Jesus and the work He did from the time He was baptized to offering the first Eucharist. A most recognizable event is when Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana. It was the first miracle Jesus performed. Jesus and his … Continue reading Matt Swaim’s Minestrone Soup

Chorizo Nachos with Homemade White Queso

 Photo credit kitchn.com Today, Matt Swaim from Sacred Heart Radio’s Sonrise Morning Show and I talked about the upcoming All Saints and All Souls Day and how they relate to a secular Halloween.   When was All Saints Day first instituted? Lots of legends abound about the beginning of All Saints Day. From what I can gather, though, way back in the 800’s the Pope … Continue reading Chorizo Nachos with Homemade White Queso

Artichokes in Curry and Salad

Today on the Sonrise Morning Show Matt Swaim and I talked about artichokes. Artichokes:  Gen 3:18 “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.”The artichoke is a domesticated variety of the wild cardoon (I grow cardoon in my Bible section of the herb garden). It looks very similar to an artichoke plant. The cardoon … Continue reading Artichokes in Curry and Salad

Pucker Up with Vinegar

Homemade herbal vinegars Today on the Sonrise Morning Show I chatted with Annie Mitchell about vinegar – yes, vinegar has ancient Biblical roots. Jesus was given “sour wine”/wine which had turned to vinegar, when he was suffering on the cross. (John 19). The range of vinegars we have today is unparalleled – from cider to clear to wine to balsamic to herbal and more. When … Continue reading Pucker Up with Vinegar

A Poem about an Apron – Do you have a Favorite?

You should have seen me picking vegetables yesterday. Well, then again, I’m glad you didn’t. I was on my way to check the berry patch and thought I’d check the veggies, too, thinking I’d get a few ripe ones. After picking through rows of tomato, squash and cucumbers, I was wishing I had on a big, old fashioned apron instead of the tank top I … Continue reading A Poem about an Apron – Do you have a Favorite?

3 Ingredient Strawberry Ice Cream

I had a request to share this recipe – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this while training housewares employees at Macy’s. This was always a favorite! THREE INGREDIENT STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM  Use sweetened frozen strawberries. So easy, and pretty, too. Recipe can be doubled. Ingredients 12-16 oz. frozen sweetened strawberries, thawed 1 to 1-/4 cups whipping cream, unwhipped (1 cup for … Continue reading 3 Ingredient Strawberry Ice Cream

Yellowneck Caterpillars: Have you seen these?

Friend and colleague Joe Boggs, from the Ohio State University Extension shares photos and timely information about these creepy caterpillars. Yuck!Jul 23, 2020 Jim Chatfield sent a picture on Tuesday of a group of middle-instar yellownecked caterpillars (Datana ministra) devouring leaves on a witch-hazel (Hamamelissp.) in Secrest Arboretum. Yellownecks feed in groups, sometimes called “colonies,” numbering 10 – 30 individuals throughout their development. The colonies tend to … Continue reading Yellowneck Caterpillars: Have you seen these?