Waste Not Want Not and Give Alms

It’s interesting that in observing Lent, those of us who are Catholic, remember that this is also the time to give alms – donate to our church community if we can. Here’s some fun recipes that you can make at home and are perfect for Lent. By using some leftovers you can create another, tasty meal, and hopefully give what you save. Check out the … Continue reading Waste Not Want Not and Give Alms

Two Way Lentil Soup: Vegan or Not

Lentils: They can be frugal or fabulous. We grew up with the frugal version: brown lentil stew on meatless days. Friend and cookbook author Triset De Fonseka uses red lentils in her Sri Lankan dals. I’ve enjoyed the fabulous, too, like pan roasted salmon on a bed of black/beluga lentils.  Out of all the lentil recipes that folks make, though, lentil soup is at the … Continue reading Two Way Lentil Soup: Vegan or Not

Chocolate Zucchini Bread and Classic Z Bread

Whenever I mention sharing my “best of” recipes – the seasonal ones that have become cult favorites, there are several that get requested this time of year. Rated high on the list are zucchini bread recipes (after all, ’tis the season…) In particular double chocolate zucchini bread and classic zucchini bread. So I’m sharing both for you. The first recipe is for “chocolate zucchini bread/cake.”  … Continue reading Chocolate Zucchini Bread and Classic Z Bread

Shrimp Scampi with Garlicky Spaghetti and Wilted Spinach

Sometimes you have to be a bit lenient with recipes. Like use them as a guide, not set in stone. Shrimp scampi is one of those. A little more of one ingredient, a little less of another. It’s all about going to taste. That’s why the recipe I’m sharing gives you leeway. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take away. I tossed … Continue reading Shrimp Scampi with Garlicky Spaghetti and Wilted Spinach

Shish Tawook with Fresh Herbs

Grilled Shish Tawook with fresh vegetables and herb mop“Shish” means skewer and “Tawook” means chicken. Today Matt Swaim, Sonrise Morning Show, chatted about Father’s Day and St. Joseph, who was Jesus’ earthly father. Sunday is Father’s Day so I hope you honor all of the dads in your life. This recipe reminds me of my own dad, who would take pieces of lamb, put them … Continue reading Shish Tawook with Fresh Herbs

Summer Watering Tips

Home > Plant Care > In the Garden Blog > Gardening Tips > Summer Watering Tips From colleague and garden expert, Ron Wilson of Natorp’s nursery, another timely tip for summer. SUMMER WATERING PLANT TIP During the heat, you need to make sure to check your plants often. Always check your plants each time before you water. Physically and visually check to make sure water is needed by pulling the mulch aside to … Continue reading Summer Watering Tips

Why are my tomatoes turning black?

From friend and garden expert, Ron Wilson/Natorp’s Nursery. Home > Plant Care > Why are my tomatoes turning black? The common gardening question, “Why are my tomatoes turning black?” The answer is Blossom End Rot. Blossom End Rot usually occurs earlier in the season, due to up and down temperatures, poor plant establishment, wet spring, and tapers off as the season progresses and plants become better rooted and weather adjusts.  It … Continue reading Why are my tomatoes turning black?

More Yummy Asparagus Recipes w Roasted Red Peppers, Arugula and More!

Thanks to Gary and Pat A., listeners to our Sonrise Morning Show for asking about a recipe for asparagus that I talked about with “red sauce”. I think what they are referring to is the recipe with asparagus and roasted peppers (red, yellow, orange, whatever….). So here it is and I hope this is what Gary and Pat want! I’m also including the other recipes … Continue reading More Yummy Asparagus Recipes w Roasted Red Peppers, Arugula and More!

Spring Stir Fry: DIY Universal Stir Fry Sauce

“Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold, pease porridge in the pot 9 days old.”  My garden peas have pushed through the soil, still tiny but looking strong. For some reason, that childhood rhyme came to mind, so indulge me!  Peas are really a lovely seasonal vegetable, so when they’re abundant, peas are in my meal rotation a lot.  These legumes are good for you, too. … Continue reading Spring Stir Fry: DIY Universal Stir Fry Sauce

Diner Style Salmon Patties Amid a Winter Storm

As I write this column, another winter storm is predicted. I took a photo of the outhouse when I went outside to feed the “girls”/chickens. All I can say is, I’m sure glad we’re living today and not years ago when all along our country road, outhouses were essential.  So were cook stoves that used wood as fuel.  I guess what I’m getting at is … Continue reading Diner Style Salmon Patties Amid a Winter Storm