Bouncing Around with Cherry Bounce

Our neighbor, Joan, told me she has wild cherry firewood for us from a tree she had cut down. We’ll sure enjoy the fragrant fires this winter. When we were kids, there was a huge wild black cherry tree in our postage stamp size of a yard. Every summer the tree produced shiny, black, tiny berries. We’d feast, spitting out inedible pits.  It got me … Continue reading Bouncing Around with Cherry Bounce

It’s the Berries: Strawberries for July 4!

As many of you know, each week I chat with Matt Swaimon the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio. Today we chatted about strawberries. Not mentioned specifically in the Bible, strawberries have a history that goes back over 2000 years. In Ancient Greek and Roman times, it was a wild plant, best known for its medicinal value. In fact, the ancient Romans believed that strawberries … Continue reading It’s the Berries: Strawberries for July 4!

Greek Beef Kebabs and Grilled Pineapple for Father’s Day

Greek Beef Kebabs Every year I have the same goal: to plant fewer vegetables so I don’t get overwhelmed during harvest. Obviously, by the photo here of grandsons Will and Jack putting in tomato stakes, that goal won’t be reached this year either. Along with over a dozen tomatoes, we’re planting several kinds of peppers, a trellis of cucumbers, 2 kinds of squash and my … Continue reading Greek Beef Kebabs and Grilled Pineapple for Father’s Day

Strawberry Pie like Famous Restaurants

As I was going through my notes from you, it dawned on me again that this site is a journal of sorts. Of your lives and mine. And it’s not just about food. In the process of cooking more and eating at home more during this pandemic, we’re realizing that eating together without having to rush out somewhere has its advantages.  We’re continuing to be … Continue reading Strawberry Pie like Famous Restaurants

Pass the Peas (7 Layer Salad w Peas) Please!

Today, as usual, Matt Swaim and I had our Thursday morning chat on the Sonrise Morning Show. The subject was peas. I’m growing peas and love them. PEAS Beans are mentioned in the Bible, and Biblical scholars believe peas were included, as well, since they are part of the pulse/legume family and were eaten during Bible times. 2 SAMUEL 27:28:  They brought him and those who … Continue reading Pass the Peas (7 Layer Salad w Peas) Please!

Peanut Brickle Cookies and Cindy’s Big Batch Oatmeal Cookies

First, I need to apologize. The peanut brickle cookie recipe was not correct. My oven was “off”, temperature wise and I hadn’t realized it until yesterday. Anyway, I revised and clarified the peanut brickle cookie recipe. Easy to make, easy to tote, easy and yummy to eat, the 2 cookies I’m sharing today are special. The first, peanut brickle cookies, is a family favorite. Not … Continue reading Peanut Brickle Cookies and Cindy’s Big Batch Oatmeal Cookies

Terrarium Mary Garden and Frittata with Herbs for Mom

Before I begin, I just found a lot of super information about plants for terrariums on The Spruce site – https://www.thespruce.com/great-terrarium-plants-847877 so check this out, too! Mary Gardens were started during medieval times and were usually gardens that were enclosed, often in monasteries.  I have always felt that an herb garden needs a statue of Mary, even before I had ever heard about Mary Gardens. … Continue reading Terrarium Mary Garden and Frittata with Herbs for Mom

DIY Herb Baskets for Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day will have special meaning for me, and maybe for you, too. It’s all about wanting to connect while still honoring the guidelines for sheltering in place. And herbs play a role here. Early in the day I’ll take some of my mother’s heirloom peppermint and plant it, as I do every year, at the cemetery by her and my dad’s graves. A … Continue reading DIY Herb Baskets for Mother’s Day

Hot Cross Buns and Quick Cherry Coffee Cake

This week on the Sonrise Morning Show I chatted with Matt Swaim about eggs and their significance in the Bible, especially during Easter. The 2 recipes, one for hot cross buns and the other for a quick cherry coffee cake are family favorites, and good baking projects while we’re all sheltering in place. I hope each of you celebrate these holy days and remember, it’s … Continue reading Hot Cross Buns and Quick Cherry Coffee Cake

Streusel Coffee Cake, Deviled Eggs for Easter

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