In ancient China oyster mushrooms were sent as a gift to friends and family. The jewelry maker in me couldn’t resist adding the pearls… The graceful appearance of the bloom of the oyster mushroom hooked me at the Green City Farmer’s Market. I wondered if I could roast them to keep the whole mushroom together? … Continue reading
The Green City Farmer’s Market in Chicago is full of surprises in early Spring…things I don’t notice other times of the year, when the colorful fruits and vegetables capture my eye and imagination. Popcorn on the cob? My young audience was incredulous. In the microwave? The hardest part is harnessing our impatience. The aroma extends … Continue reading
Crispy, chewy, toothy texture with an echo of ginger! Smart snack-attack food, appetizer or main meal star. “According to folklore, the magic words “Open sesame!” came from the sesame seed pod—which bursts open when ripe— and that when the gods created the world… they drank sesame seed wine! Black sesame seeds contain about 60% more … Continue reading
“Help me help myself.” Maria Montessori’s quote is the inspiration for this recipe… and the Gluten-free Bisquick® box. How’s this for a contented look on a kid? Anthony, age eight, prepared this meal on his own with a little guidance and he also made the broccoli and cauliflower recipe posted earlier, but we snacked on … Continue reading
The Lion roars. A time for reflection. Release the past… through the looking glass. And forgive everyone. Trim and star and keep it simple. Dear Santa, I can explain. Continue reading
Evocative. Stacked. Still on the stalk. Roast Brussel Sprouts on the stalk? And after they’re roasted? A fantasy base for an appetizer tree. But…the Reality Tree!!! Easy to topple and your guests could cut themselves removing the sprouts. But if perseverance prevails… Roasted Brussel Sprout Log With Maple-Lime Glaze 1 Brussel Sprout Log, cut off … Continue reading
Broccoli is a super food, packed with nutrition and very few calories. Cauliflower it’s country cousin seems to “pale” by comparison. More subtle in flavor— but full of it’s own virtues. Healthy? Add a garlic mist to the cousins kiss and I’m talking Super foods. With or without cranberries this Wreath of Health is easy … Continue reading
Tara called and said, “Jump on a train, we’ll try some new recipes and enjoy my garden. We’ll start with Spring Rolls.” I’ve never made Spring Rolls. Alongside the flowers in planters… Tara planted herbs, which we used in the spring rolls. Tara did the cooking. I took pictures, ate, talked, listened and learned. First … Continue reading
To celebrate Summer, her beautiful garden and her Leo birthday, Flora gives a Garden Party for her friends, varied as the flowers in her garden. A gargantuan effort of a party bursting with sunshine, guests, flowers, umbrella-tables, wine and food. “What can I bring?” “A fruit salad would be wonderful and would give us a … Continue reading
Is it the groceries, the garden or the beach? Which one gets my attention today? Do you think I’m going to let the groceries get me— never? But the garden? The garden keeps me from the beach. Each morning I peruse the yard picking up stray papers, sticks, mini-branches from critters frolicking the night before—and … Continue reading
Italian Handful 