Mesquite trees are common all over our Far West Texas area, and across the entire Southwest. It’s one of the most common desert shrubs out here, and grows easily in the semi-arid areas of the Chihuahua, Sonoran, and Arizona deserts. Bees love mesquite trees, too. The mesquite tree was a means for survival. Indigenous peoples to our region likely used the mesquite tree for everything from soothing the digestive system to use as an anti-fungal and antibiotic, to making bows, arrows, and sewing needles with the wood from the tree. Historically, the dried pods and seeds were milled (ground into … Continue reading Mesquite trees – useful for more than just barbecue wood

At this point in the summer, I had high hopes of sharing the wonders of my advanced lazy gardening skills, and stories of the bounty we’ve reaped while growing our own food at home. This time last year, I had … Continue reading If at first you don’t succeed, just keep planting more seeds

I recently made a culinary confession on social media. Isn’t that the way you’re supposed to share your deepest feelings these days? In this covert research effort, I knew I was going to face a certain scrutiny from friends and family, and prepared for the worst. I was pleasantly surprised. My confession: I like Spam. Spam as in ham in a can. My husband does not share the taste for canned meats with me, so I haven’t had any Spam in many years, although we always have it in our pantry. You probably have some lurking in your pantry, too. … Continue reading Spam – do you love it or hate it?

  Do you have fruit trees that have produced more than you can eat? Are you overwhelmed with fruit, and don’t want it to go to waste? Do you have a source for fresh fruit, plucked from the tree, and … Continue reading What do you do with an abundance of fruit?

Lately, I’ve been the grateful recipient of yellow summer squash, green zucchini squash and wonderful cucumbers from friends whose gardens have overfloweth with the vined treasures. I grew up loving squash and zucchini, cooked and raw… my husband, on the … Continue reading Stealthy (and healthy) ways to serve up some summer squash

Pemmican is thought to be the ultimate survival food of the 18th and 19th centuries. Have you heard of pemmican? It’s a concentrated, nutritious food that was invented by the North American Plains Indians, and can be made today, likely … Continue reading Pemmican: the original protein bar and ultimate survival food

A reader recently asked me if I ever wrote about Native American inspired foods. My first thought was, “Of course! Especially after we went to Gila that summer…” and then I remembered that time was flying and I wrote that … Continue reading A step back in time in the wilderness of New Mexico

I recently bought an item online that I never would’ve considered purchasing before… powdered heavy cream. I was looking for shelf-stable milk, because I like having extra milk on hand for cooking. We don’t consume much fresh dairy in our … Continue reading Powdered heavy cream now has a place in our pantry

Today, July 2, is the anniversary of the day that America’s freedom was voted into action. On this day in 1776, the governing body of the 13 colonies, known as the Continental Congress, voted in favor of freedom from England. … Continue reading Kitchens and meals have changed a bit in 244 years

Several years ago, I asked the question, “What’s the deal with mail-order meals?” and began a quest for an answer. At the time, I was hoping for some inspiration and new ideas for meals to throw into my mealtime repertoire. … Continue reading Mail-order meal kits can bring new inspiration to mealtime