Oh gosh, I had so much fun doing my first Zoom presentation for the Boone County Arboretum’s Annual Tea with Josh, Nicole, Stephanie, Donna, and Kris last night. Log onto to their site to see just how lovely and productive this community arboretum is. There may be time for you to bid at the silent auction, too. My talk was about the 4 seasons and … Continue reading Boone County Arboretum Annual Tea Recipes
This week Matt Swaim of the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio, and I chatted about artichokes. Part of the thistle family, an appropriate passage can be found in Gen 3:18 “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.” In Bible times, the tender leaf and young, undeveloped stalk were eaten, as well as … Continue reading 2 Artichoke Dips for Super Bowl!
The pandemic continues to influence how and why we entertain. The “why” is easy — that’s called nurturing and we all need that. The “how” is the harder part — following guidelines so we stay healthy. Maybe you’ll celebrate the New Year like we are doing, another smaller gathering. No matter, entertaining will still go on. So I’m sharing 2 tried & true recipes again. … Continue reading Foolproof Holiday Beef Roast and Cranberry Goat Cheese Spread
Each week I chat with Matt Swaim on the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio. Today we talked about the legend of Victorian manger herbs and I also shared a fun gingerbread cookie recipe for the holidays. The one shared today is from neighbor, Erin Phillips. Check this site out for another, softer version from daughter-on-law Jessie. Both are yummy! So let’s talk about the … Continue reading Victorian Manger Herbs, And a New Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
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
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
When we were on vacation with my family, hummus was one of the snacks that was brought out when we just wanted a little something to nosh on before dinner. Not the most inexpensive deli item, hummus is unbelievably easy to make at home. And roasted red pepper hummus? Got you covered there, too. Just in case you have roasted red pepper left over, stir … Continue reading Homemade Hummus and Pimento Cheese Dips
Today Matt Swaim of the Sunrise Morning Show/Sacred Heart Radio, had a fun chat about the origin of monastery gardens. Genesis 2:8-10. “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden…” The ancient monastic community gardens were patterned somewhat after the Garden of Eden. Monasteries of ancient times were physically separated from the outside world by walls and roofed structures. They were laid out so … Continue reading Monastery Garden Herbs and Dipping Oils
As I write this column, we are still sheltering in place. And thinking about Easter. Maybe you are, too. Instead of our annual Easter brunch and egg hunt, we’ll be celebrating on a smaller scale. Yet there’s still much to feel blessed about. Just take a walk outside. Check out the beautiful wild violets and blooming forsythia. (They both make lovely jellies.) Trees are bursting … Continue reading Streusel Coffee Cake, Deviled Eggs for Easter
Today on the Sonrise Morning Show, Matt Swaimand I chatted, as we do every week about Bible foods & herbs. Today the topic was pretzels and also beer. Here’s the ancient history of these foods eaten during Lent in olden times, plus some super recipes. PRETZELS: The pretzel has a deep spiritual meaning for Lent. In fact, it was the ancient Christian Lenten bread as far … Continue reading DIY Soft Buttery Pretzels and Cheese Beer Dip
About Eating 