Mexican Mint Marigold is a superstar in my garden, given its poise in this oppressive summer heat and its many culinary applications. Its lush green foliage and its ample flavor contributions to our meals buoys my spirits at least 6 days each week. Sometimes even 7 days! You might be thinking, What? Marigold? Like the…
Beet and Carrot Soup with Mexican Marigold
Reasons I love this soup! I got to use the chicken broth that Mom sent home with me last weekend. They have a flock at their house, and one of her roosters got on her bad side. So, she cooked it. Thanks for sharing, Mom!! She makes her broth with only salt, pepper, rooster, and…
Baked Beet Veggie Burgers
This recipe is adapted only slightly from Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything Vegetarian recipe for Hearty Winter Vegetable Burger. I used half walnuts for almonds, simply because Mister ate most of our almonds. And, as with many other general food categories (greens/herbs/beans), I find that nuts are largely interchangeable with variable, but delightful results….
Thai Basil Stir Fry
Thai basil is a tender perennial herb that is typically grown as an annual in Central Texas. Thai Basil is a pretty plant, too, with purple flowers and gorgeous green foliage. Its leaves are a little spicy with a mildly sweet undertone that some people compare to licorice. I agree that it does taste a…
June in the Garden
New Plantings Tatume Squash-June 24 The already-planted squash is not producing as hoped and may succumb to the dreaded Squash Vine Borer. So, I planted the last 14 seeds in a different location. Tatume squash is a favorite at the house because it generally produces well in spite of the heat and borers, and has a…
Lambsquarter Frittata
Lambsquarter is delicious. It is often overlooked or even eradicated as a weed. But, just because it’s wild doesn’t mean it isn’t lovely and perfect. It’s leaves are small and have a powdery, silver look. That powdery bit is salt that the plants uptake from the soil! I love salt. So, score 1 for lambsquarter!…
Fig and Honey Jam
Recently, our dog walks have been elevated as a result of the fruit of the moment: figs. There are 2 trees on our regular walking route in central Austin. Since these trees get a lot of foot traffic, though, I’m careful to only snatch a quick snack fruit to make the dog walk a…
Souper Simple Zucchini Soup
I recently made a trip to my parents’ house and they gifted me with many of their garden treasures. Among them was zucchini! I have never had good luck with zucchini here in town, as the vines always succumb to those evil squash vine borers, and so this is a real treat. Squash pairs perfectly…
Figs are ready!
Where to find them Figs are one of the few things that makes summer in Texas feel like there is still good in the world. They are sinfully sweet, but not actually sinful. And, while a purist may not consider figs a forage food since most varieties do not grow wild, they have been grown…
Slow-Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce
This tasty sauce is adapted from Jack Bishop’s Slow-Roasted Tomato Sauce from his cookbook, Vegetables Every Day. I added a few more tomatoes and way more basil, because…BASIL! This recipe used homegrown Little Mamma Roma tomatoes, which I think are the best tomatoes for sauce making. They grow in clusters and have always produced nicely…