The Kitchen Garden – 2021 in review

Kitchen Garden is the new Secret Garden Originally an unexceptional collection of grass and shrubs, The Secret Garden was a fenced area just outside my back door intended to provide quick access to herbs and salad veggies. A year of observation proved my plan needed modification and the space earned a new name, The Kitchen Garden. January 2021 - Sheet mulching the grass away Goal number one - grass, the bane of our planet's existence, had to go. In lieu of renting a tiller or... Continue reading

More Kitchen Window Gardening

I've been growing sprouts in a sprouting jar for years and learned of sprouting leafy vegetables in containers in the window last winter, but I never knew about this until I caught it on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't wait to try it out. There are a number of varieties of vegetables that will continue to grow even after you've devoured most of what you brought home in your grocery bag. Who knew? It's a great way to stretch food dollars and get the satisfaction of micro-farming... Continue reading

Easy Vegan Chili

Winter is upon us! On a cold evening, there's nothing better than a bowl of hot chili. As I am a non-red meat eater and my eldest daughter a vegan, we've altered the old chili standby to suit all members of the family. Melissa can dive in without worry, and the carnivores in the household will never know the difference. It looks and tastes like a regular ground beef chili. It is easy to make, hearty, and will take the chill off your bones! Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30... Continue reading

Nasturtium Salad

This is not a flower arrangement. Out on the deck, I have a big washtub full of nasturtiums. They are bright and cheery, and every morning I'm greeted with a big burst of color. The best part, however, is that these lovelies make a tasty addition to salads and sandwiches. The large round leaves fit perfectly between sliced cheese and sandwich meat. Cut the leaves into slices and add to your salad mix and then garnish with the flowers. It is beautiful on the table, nourishing for the body,... Continue reading