Buy Amaryllis Now for Holiday Bloom

Friend and garden expert Ron Wilson talked about Amaryllis and why you should buy them now (hint: I takes 6-8 weeks to flower!). So here’s what Ron has to say: This week’s plant pick definitely gives one of the best holiday and winter ‘flowering’ shows of all the holiday plants.And, it makes a great Christmas gift for anyone. So why is this our pick for this week?Because … Continue reading Buy Amaryllis Now for Holiday Bloom

Jim’s Stuffed Roasted Pumpkin

Jim Reinhart, an Indiana reader, is one of the best home cooks I know. He sent me this unusual, pretty and very yummy recipe, adapted from a magazine. A super way to use leftover turkey and gravy. Ingredients 2 small pumpkins or l bigger pumpkin 2 cups wild rice blend, cooked  1/4 cup dried cranberries 1 shallot, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons celery, … Continue reading Jim’s Stuffed Roasted Pumpkin

Pistachios during Bible Times and Pistachio Crusted Chicken

Today when Matt Swaim, Sonrise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, chatted about pistachios (Genesis  43:11 when Jacob sent his sons with money and food gifts for the Egyptian leader, who was Joseph), I realized how much I love this eating this nut, especially when it’s in season during the holidays here. Did you know that legend says the Queen of Sheba demanded that all … Continue reading Pistachios during Bible Times and Pistachio Crusted Chicken

The Tale of 2 Brittles (Nut, that is!)

After my presentation at a recent women’s’ conference, a participant asked if I could help with a nut brittle recipe.  “I had a slightly spicy pine nut brittle in New Mexico and would like to make it but with regular nuts,” she said.  Now I’ve made brittles on top of the stove and in the microwave, and since the lady didn’t specify, I’m sharing both. … Continue reading The Tale of 2 Brittles (Nut, that is!)

Honey Roasted Almonds, Country Fair Kettle Pecans

I had a somewhat desperate message on my phone machine from a reader who needed my recipe for honey roasted almonds. “I can’t remember if you shared them in a class or in the paper. I’m having a party this coming Saturday and can’t find my recipe!” “No worries” I told her. That recipe has made the rounds both in print, my cable show and … Continue reading Honey Roasted Almonds, Country Fair Kettle Pecans

Fall Color May Mean More Than Just Autumn

From friend and colleague and garden expert, Ron Wilson. Take a look! Gardening Tips From Ron Wilson RON WILSON Oct 10, 2019   I received a call recently from Miguel Preza, the Integrated Pest Manager for a local nursery about the onset of early fall color. He said something very helpful, “If the tree or shrub looks different than the others, take a closer look. … Continue reading Fall Color May Mean More Than Just Autumn

Photo Tutorial How To Prepare Pumpkins, Squash

Check out our red truck in the field with Farmer Bruner gathering pumpkins and squash. I like to poke them with a fork, microwave for a couple of minutes, pull them out with mitts, let cool and then peel or cut. My friend, Matt Swaim, cuts off the bottom of butternut squash and then stands them up to peel. No microwaving needed. Like spaghetti squash? … Continue reading Photo Tutorial How To Prepare Pumpkins, Squash

Pasta with Butternut Squash and Sage

Gourds are mentioned in the Bible in several places.  Lots of different types of wild gourds abounded in the Mediterranean region. Some were edible, some were not.  In 2 Kings 4:39, when Elisha had his people around him, one of his servants put a gourd into a pot of stew. In Jonah 4:6-10, the gourd is identified as the plant under which Jonah found shade. … Continue reading Pasta with Butternut Squash and Sage

Spicy Sausage Chili

Sometimes having to use meat by the “use by” date inspires me to try something new. That’s how this farmhouse sausage chili recipe came about. I had a pound of pork sausage that had to be used and the outdoor temperature dipped to the low 40’s. Perfect timing.  Maybe you’d like to try this sausage chili for that Halloween party. Rewarm in the slow cooker.  … Continue reading Spicy Sausage Chili