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.”
Topo Chico Inspired Mineral Water for Home Carbonators
There are plenty of other mineral waters out there, but for my money, there are none quite like Topo Chico. For those of us living outside of their distribution area, (or those of you who just love a good DIY project) you can mix your own Topo Chico-inspired mineral blend that will make hundreds of bottles… for about $25 in ingredients.
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!
Smoking Your Own Gourmet Finishing Salt
Smoked finishing salts are a fun way to add a unique and flavorful touch to your dishes.
The main downside is the cost… smoked salts tends to be marketed as artisan products and can get pretty spendy. Fortunately, if you already have a grill or smoker, smoking your own salt at home is inexpensive and super simple!
‘Enchanted Forest’ Pine Pitch Perfume
In aromatherapy, the resinous aroma of pine pitch is known for its uplifting and invigorating qualities, helping to improve mood and reduce stress. I can vouch for this effect… the smell of pine pitch makes me SO happy!
And while my precious pine tar is amazing for topical conditions like warts, splinters and all sorts of inflamed, irritated skin, it’s incredibly thick and sticky and just doesn’t lend itself to dabbing on your pulse points.
So I decided I needed (NEEDED) to make myself a pine pitch perfume.
A Look at Squalane as a Solvent for Extracting Oil-Soluble Plant Constituents
This post is the result of a burning question I had about squalane’s effectiveness as a menstruum. Try as I might, squalane herbal infusions rarely had anywhere near the vibrance of color I would get from my other infusions using oils like olive oil or tallow. Sometimes they stubbornly remained crystal clear, begging the question(s): Is the squalane actually extracting anything? Can it be infused with plant constituents for use in skincare formulations? Inquiring minds want to know!
Chili Crisp Vinaigrette
Love Fly By Jing Chili Crisp Vinaigrette but put off by the canola oil? Try this easy-to-make copycat recipe that captures the complex, savory umami, tangy acidity and spicy heat of the original. This stuff is good on ALL the things.
