I apologize for my long absence. Having a baby, starting a new company and adjusting to life with 2 small children at the same time has been hectic, to say the very least. In my absence I have been learning how to slow down and enjoy all the many blessings I have in my life, even though some parts of it are far from perfect. Through some personal struggles my resolve has become even stronger to ...
Buckwheat & Yogurt Pancakes with Apples
This is a healthy, made from scratch pancake. The nutty taste of buckwheat pairs perfectly with tangy yogurt and sweet apples to create a hearty breakfast pancake, topped with good quality butter and maple syrup, it is a treat the whole family will enjoy. I admit it has been a while since I’ve made pancakes from scratch. King Arthur Flour brand has a deliciously convenient line of gluten free ...
Needle Felted Nisse/Tomte/Yule Elf
Nisser, Tomten and Yule Elves are associated with Scandinavia, the winter solstice and winter holiday season. They are known as gift givers, but not the same way as Santa Claus – although like Santa, it is important that you are nice to your Nisse! Nisse can be your answer to Elf on the Shelf for the Yuletide season, if you are a folklorist like me. I first encountered the Nisser when I lived ...
Delicata Squash with Savory Pork Stuffing and Balsamic Syrup
This is literally the best time of year to showcase seasonal eating. When the world is tired of hearing of pumpkin spice everything, I am still reveling in the fact that so many people are conscious of bringing seasonal foods to the table this time of year. From apples pies and cider, to pumpkin lattes and muffins, I love it all. For me the real star of the season is winter squash. There ...
Cilantro to Coriander, Edible From Leaf to Seed
Coriander is the seed of an annual herb in the Apiaceae family, of which the leaves are known as cilantro. The entire plant is edible and is well loved for the citrus flavors it imparts to the dishes of various world cuisines. It is also known as a folk charm to promote love and well being. What is my favorite thing about growing cilantro? A fall crop of coriander seeds! This is a plant that ...
Preserving the Harvest: Herbal Vinegars, Not Just for Salads Anymore
Herbal vinegars are a delightful way to preserve the harvest and to add vibrant flavor to all your favorite dishes! Harvest season is in full swing right now. Nights are getting cold and it is time to pull everything from the garden that could be damaged by frost. There are many herbs that are somewhat cold hardy. Even here in northern Vermont, I can still see the green of winter savory, thyme ...
Grilled Millet Flatbreads with Sesame Seed and Kombu Seaweed Sprinkles (Gluten Free, Vegan)
My favorite gluten free bread baking cookbook is Gluten-Free and Vegan Bread: Artisanal Recipes to Make at Home by Jennifer Katzinger and I especially like her various sandwich bread recipes. Usually I make the Soft Millet Sandwich Bread and a couple of weeks ago, I had mixed the bread dough, preheated the oven and was all ready to slide my bread in, when I realized my oven had shut off and ...
The Quickest, Most Efficient Way to Dry Herbs, Using Only Solar Power, is In Your Car!
Hello friends, today I want to share with you my favorite way to dry herbs! This is peak herb harvesting season. It seems that everyday when I go outside, there is something prime for picking. I don’t always have a lot of time to tend to the herbs once I have picked them and so my fall back method is always drying them for later use! Dried herbs are wonderful for teas, both for their health ...
Chamomile, A Hearth Keeper’s Friend
DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional health care provider, herbalist, nor homeopath. I am just a person who has used and researched these integrated therapies for close to 20 years and I use them on myself and my family and have had excellent results. Please read the safety precautions of each herb before ingesting, or consult a health care provider. Who is a Hearth Keeper? It is ...
Scotch Eggs with Curry Mayo To Celebrate Spring! (…and how to boil the perfect hard-boiled eggs)
The weather is definitely turning. We went from two months of sub-zero temperatures into the mid 30’s (almost a 70-degree change), literally overnight! The snow is melting and there is a definite shift in the air. Many of our spring celebrations like the Spring Equinox (Ēostre, Ostara), Easter and Passover are just around the corner and I for one am ready for a change of season! Long held ...
Infuse Your Life with (more) YUM. YUM is the stuff that feeds not just our bodies but also our spirits. Offering simple recipes and tips, life hacks and tools and little pleasures to infuse life with more of the Good Stuff, the YUM.