After this long, cold, exceptionally BLAH winter - I'm more than ready for a breath of fresh air. In fact, I am ready to spray paint our front yard bright green if Mother Nature doesn't start cooperating SOON. :) This lack of color seems to have taken over the inside of our house, too. ... Read More about Fun Throw Pillow Design Idea: Make It Personal
Blog
How to Make Light and Fluffy Potato Gnocchi
Whenever I hear someone say they don't like gnocchi, I wonder if it's because they've only had the dense, chewy flavorless lumps that occur when the dough is overworked. That's not how it should be. At its best, gnocchi is light and fluffy - and will literally melt in your mouth. One of the ... Read More about How to Make Light and Fluffy Potato Gnocchi
Fresh Basil Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts
Fresh Basil Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts is a versatile recipe you can use in so many ways. Try tucking some under the skin when roasting bone-in chicken breasts - or simply toss your favorite pasta, gnocchi, noodles or roasted vegetables in it. My personal favorite is to swirl a big spoonful on ... Read More about Fresh Basil Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts
Grilled Asparagus In Champagne Truffle Vinaigrette
Even though we are under a fresh blanket of snow… the calendar assures us that spring is, in fact, actually HERE. Okay. I'm just going to have to take their word on that. :) To help you keep the faith that spring is truly on the way - I thought I'd share this quick recipe for one of my favorite ... Read More about Grilled Asparagus In Champagne Truffle Vinaigrette
Choosing the Best Plants for Your Garden
Have you ever bought a really cool plant on impulse - only to find there is nowhere in your garden that really suits it? Guilty as charged here. I'm a bit of a plant collector myself and can usually "find" a good location for whatever I drag home… but there really is an easier way to choose the ... Read More about Choosing the Best Plants for Your Garden
4 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Vegetable Garden
Well, it's FINALLY that time of year again. Time to start finalizing your vegetable garden plans. Are you in?? I have BIG goals for our vegetable garden this year. (If you ask my husband… I always do!) :) This will be our second full summer in this house, so l am hoping to make lots of ... Read More about 4 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Vegetable Garden
Pecan-Crusted Goat Cheese with Mixed Greens
Adding pecan-crusted goat cheese wheels to this otherwise simple salad really kicks up the "elegance factor." As a result, this is a great choice for small dinner parties or other special occasions. Ingredients: Goat Cheese Wheels: 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped 1 log (4 oz) fresh goat ... Read More about Pecan-Crusted Goat Cheese with Mixed Greens
Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe (Lemon-Dijon Sauce)
Grilling salmon on cedar planks is a great way to slow roast this tender main dish while it bastes in its own juices. The result is a delicious, yet subtle smokey flavor that is out of this world. Some of the best cedar plank salmon recipes call for a little creative thinking while preparing the ... Read More about Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe (Lemon-Dijon Sauce)
Making Sense of Chicken Labels
Few things get me as riled up as what is going on with food labeling these days. Thanks to legislators who care more about catering to corporate interests than protecting the general public, it's tough to know exactly WHAT you are buying when you go to your local grocery store. [Putting soap box ... Read More about Making Sense of Chicken Labels
Your Trusty Garden Journal
Do you keep a garden journal? I do. I received a beautiful blank gardening journal several years ago as a housewarming gift. By now, it is well worn and coffee stained - and filled with little details about my beloved daylilies, hostas, and future plans. In short, it is filled with the subtle ... Read More about Your Trusty Garden Journal