Balsamic Beet Salad – Fresh Herbs, Toasted Walnuts, Feta Cheese

Balsamic Beet Salad with Golden Beets

Balsamic Beet Salad Made with Golden or Red Beets Tossed in Balsamic Herb & Garlic Dressing

Until a few weeks ago, roasting was my preferred way to cook beets. (Actually, the only way I cooked beets.) I’d not heard of nor considered steaming beets. Though, steam them I did. To my surprise, the steamed beet Continue reading Balsamic Beet Salad – Fresh Herbs, Toasted Walnuts, Feta Cheese

A Menu for You Celebrating July 4th and Summer, Too

A Menu for You Celebrating July 4thEnjoy Classic Guacamole to Veggie Burgers to Red, White & Blue Potato Salad and More

Here are some early summer favorite recipes in a menu for you celebrating July 4th and summer, too. Whether you celebrate by yourself this year or with a family member or two or with friends, make something wonderful. Continue reading A Menu for You Celebrating July 4th and Summer, Too

Slow Roasted Cherry & Grape Tomatoes Intensify Tomato Deliciousness

Cherry & Grape Tomato MedleySlow Roasting Makes Good Tomatoes Great – So Easy, So Sweet, So Flavorful

Unless greenhouse grown, peak tomato season in Montana is at least a month away. (Though, it does look like it may be sooner for my dwarf Sweet & Neat Tomato plant, which already boasts 50 tomatoes in the process of ripening.) When life gives you good tomatoes, Continue reading Slow Roasted Cherry & Grape Tomatoes Intensify Tomato Deliciousness

Versatile Vegetable Soup – A Template for Cooking with the Seasons

Versatile Ingredients for Vegetable SoupVersatile Vegetable Soup Recipe for Customizing A Great Pot of Soup as You Like It All Year Long

Use this stress-free recipe as a template for making a big batch of richly flavored vegetable soup. Use the template to customize the ingredients to suit your taste, according to the season, and what’s in your pantry, refrigerator or garden. With this Continue reading Versatile Vegetable Soup – A Template for Cooking with the Seasons

Homemade Umami Rich Vegetable Stock – Savory Deliciousness

Ingredients for Umami Rich Vegetable StockHomemade Umami Rich Vegetable Stock Makes the Best Soups, Stews, Grains, Sauces and More

Up the savory deliciousness of your soups, stews, grains, sauces and more with umami—the fifth taste of savoriness—when you make Homemade Umami Rich Vegetable Stock. I’ve been making this stock since last September. Using the vegetable trimmings I save in a bag in the freezer Continue reading Homemade Umami Rich Vegetable Stock – Savory Deliciousness

Thanksgiving Checklist for an Organized Almost Stress-Free Feast

Roasted Delicata Squash Quinoa Arugula

Tips, Techniques and Plant-Centered Recipes for Appetizers, Desserts, Mains, Salads, Sides. . .plus, the Best Braised Turkey, Too

Thanksgiving on your mind? Fear not, there’s plenty of time to get organized for one of the best, and certainly most delicious, holidays of the year. Here’s your Thanksgiving Checklist to assist you in planning your menu, shopping, prepping and cooking an almost stress-free feast. Continue reading Thanksgiving Checklist for an Organized Almost Stress-Free Feast

Mushroom Celeriac Leek Ragout with Creamy Baked Polenta

Mushroom Celeriac Leek Ragout IngredientsComforting, Satisfying, Umami-Rich Mushroom Celeriac Ragout Spooned Over Soft, Luscious, Baked Polenta

After a few warm and comforting bites, it became obvious that cold weather had met its match. Each bite so satisfying, so luscious, so nurturing. Mushroom Celeriac Leek Ragout with Creamy Baked Polenta now tops my list for our “forget-the-turkey” Thanksgiving dinner. Continue reading Mushroom Celeriac Leek Ragout with Creamy Baked Polenta