I like to collect things… a minimalist I will never be. My husband and I joke that we are “optimalists,” which often closely resembles the opposite of minimalism. When we made the move from the Hill Country to Fort Davis, … Continue reading Cast iron cookware – it gets better with every use
My dear friend, Elaine Harmon, often leaves books at my doorstep. She has a true knack for finding the perfect treasure and matching it with a happy new home. A few weeks ago, she gifted me with a copy of … Continue reading Cookbooks from friends are such a treat
I ordinarily buy onions in bulk in the large sack. I cook with onions every day, but try as I might, I usually don’t use up the onions before green sprouts start emerging from the bulbs. Our last trip to … Continue reading When life sprouts your onions, stick them in the dirt!
In an effort to stay out of the stores as much as possible, I’ve started baking lots of bread at home. This is unusual for me, because I’ve never been the bread-baker in the house… that’s always been my husband’s … Continue reading Sourdough vs. yeast – what you knead to know
Today is the first day of spring. Can’t you just feel it in the air? Even with all the crazy uncertainty going on around us right now, it’s still the first day of spring. New life is happening all around … Continue reading Today is the perfect day to plant some seeds
Saint Patrick’s Day, next Tuesday, March 17, is the feast day of of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. He was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland … Continue reading Do you know why St. Patrick has his own day?
In the midst of cold and flu season, it’s never a bad idea to have certain items in your pantry to help you stay well. I’m no expert or health coach, but I’m proud to say that haven’t had a … Continue reading Home remedies – make it yourself and feel better faster
In my recent genealogy research, I’ve focused on my father’s side of the family that were early settlers in the colonies we now call America. I’ve found a number of ancestors that fought in the Civil War, on both sides … Continue reading Hardtack – the bread that lasts forever
After last week’s chocolate candy-making column, I thought it might be helpful to talk a little more about the differences in cocoa and cacao today. I love making chocolate at home using ingredients with names I can pronounce like, “cocoa,” … Continue reading Almost everything you ever wanted to know about cocoa and cacao
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, a day traditionally filled for many with hearts, cards, flowers and candy. Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world, second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards purchased, checking in at about 145 million cards. … Continue reading Valentine’s Day… hearts, cards, flowers, homemade candy
