Mint-Infused Honey (Plus a Mocktail Recipe!)

There’s nothing quite like fresh mint. It’s chock full of benefits all by itself, but paired with raw honey it becomes a therapeutic (and delicious) powerhouse!

Got Garlic Scapes?

I just love garlic scapes! They add visual interest to a vegetable garden with their whimsical, Dr. Seussian spirals. But while they look charming and I’m always a bit sad to cut them off, removing the curly green stalks dramatically improves the development and flavor of the garlic bulbs forming below the soil. There’s another reason to remove the scapes… They’re delicious! ♥

Garlicky Sunchokes with Lemon Butter

Sunchokes are crunchy, nutty and mildly sweet and tend to take on the flavor of whatever you cook them with. To me, they resemble a cross between a potato and a water chestnut, so we use pretty much any way we would normally use water chestnuts or potatoes. You know… “Boil ʹem, mash ʹem, stick em in a stew.”

Ethical Wildcrafting

Wildcrafting, sometimes simply called ‘foraging’, refers to the practice of harvesting plants and herbs from their natural habitats for medicinal, culinary, craft or spiritual purposes.

Reciprocal wildcrafting is a perspective that emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world, viewing wildcrafting as an opportunity for mutual exchange and benefit.

In other words, making an effort to give back as much as we take.

Prepared Horseradish with Dandelion Vinegar

If you ran out and got yourself a big ol’ pile of horseradish roots after reading last week’s post, now what? What do you do with them?

Make some prepared horseradish, of course!

Why & How to Grow Horseradish

At first encounter, horseradish’s intense spiciness might seem overwhelming, but with repeated exposure, its complex flavors can be truly appreciated. The initial heat gives way to a slightly sweet and tangy undertone, adding depth and character to dishes. Its sharpness can be invigorating and add a lovely ‘kick’ to a variety of culinary creations.

Horseradish tends to have a “love it or hate it” reputation, but for those willing to embrace its bold flavors, it’s an acquired taste worth acquiring!

Wise Traditions & Homemade Sauerkraut

Diet plays a vital role in the composition of our gut’s microbiota terrain and, consequently, shapes the immune system. Consuming fermented foods such as sauerkraut naturally supports microbiome diversity, which not only helps to maintain proper digestive function and a healthy metabolism, it directly affects our health and mood.

*Real* Marshmallow Root Marshmallows

The first recorded use of marshmallow as a sweet preparation was in ancient Egypt around 2,000 B.C., where they combined marshmallow root with honey to create a delicacy that was reserved for royalty and gods.

In the early nineteenth century, Fresh confectioners created the predecessor of the modern marshmallow: a sweet merengue called Pâte de Guimauve (paste of marshmallow), which was made from marshmallow root, sugar, egg whites and sometimes gum Arabic.

Buzz Buttons 🐝

At a recent herbal apprenticeship class, I was introduced to Acmella oleracea, also known as spilanthes, buzz buttons or the “toothache plant.”

Spilanthes is a frost-tender tropical plant and not remotely native to northern climates, but it can be grown as an annual in most growing zones given enough sun and water. With unusual looking yellow and red gumdrop-shaped flower heads, spilanthes can be a visually striking addition to a flower or herb garden.

‘Putting By’ Fermented Garlic for the Winter

It’s that time of year again! Temperatures are finally starting to cool off a bit and leaves are getting their first red and gold tinges, signaling that summer is on its way out the door.

At my house, that also means it’s time to load up on our favorite culinary flavoring, medicinal herb and vampire repellant: fermented garlic.