A few weeks back I mentioned I will try to show examples of backyard to table dishes that I make.  Since college I’ve found it prudent to grow some of my own food. I enjoy gardening but it’s also a matter of trying to ensure my own health. I meet a lot of people who [...]

I had goals going into the month of May and I have not met them. My goals were to get my husband to till up my garden and to get cool weather crops planted.. The weather and my belly have stood in the way. Up until last Saturday, we still had snow on the ground, [...]

Despite the continuous crappy weather, parts of my yard are starting to signify that spring is indeed here. Some of my bulb plants have risen from the Earth and the grass is starting to take on a greener hue, at least when it’s not covered with snow. I am anticipating the sprouting of my asparagus [...]

Talking with people lately I feel like a broken record. The weather sucks… The snow has mostly melted in our yard but the ground is still very frozen. In fact we have several Christmas decorations that are still stuck in the ground. Hopefully we’ll be able to pry them up this weekend. It’s getting a [...]

It’s been cold here in Minnesota, which is pretty much par for the course in February. However, March is just a week away and with it warmer temperatures are coming. I am a reporter by trade and so I receive a lot of press releases. In the last couple weeks press releases indicating warm weather [...]

It’s about this time every year I start really longing for warmer days. I have to admit I hate winter with a passion and it still boggles my mind that I chose to move north when considering colleges. However my husband and children are here and I like them. So Minnesota is where I will [...]

Yesterday while I was picking tomatoes I found a rabbit carcass in my garden. The body was fully intact but the head appeared to have been eaten off. I’m grateful to whatever predator made short work of the rabbit. I’ve come to loath those stupid things. In fact I have new found respect for Elmer Fudd. [...]

Every day my kids want to go outside and check on their pumpkins.This is the first time I have grown pumpkins and I will again simply because they bring my kids so much joy. My kids have delighted in watching little dark green balls turn into big huge orange pumpkins. My daughter frequently talks about [...]

Last time I wrote in this space I was preparing to tackle an artichoke. A reader suggested I steam it and then dip the petals in butter, so that’s what I did. I think I steamed it too long or perhaps the artichoke had just gone bad. It was mushy and tasted a bit musty. [...]

I am reading a book on nutrition for fun, I guess, and in it they rave about the nutritional virtues of the artichoke. So while I was at the super market today I picked one up. The problem is I don’t have a bloody clue what to do with it. Quite frankly I’m frightened of [...]