Every year I tell myself - plant less basil. But then spring rolls around and I think I can’t possibly have too much fresh basil, can I? And so the seeds get planted and my excitement rises as I pinch my first fresh leaves. Oh, the aroma of fresh basil! The plants start slow, but by July I just can’t keep up. ...
Simple Food
Chickweed Recipe – Chickweed Pesto
Chickweed is a great-tasting weed that offers plenty of flavor and nutrition. Making chickweed pesto is a great way to enjoy this early spring weed. Chickweed - A Simple Nourishing Weed Traditional cultures looked forward to taking in the fresh green plants erupting in the early ...
Simple Hearty Winter Breakfast – Crockpot Barley with Apple
If we are forced to drag ourselves from bed, especially on a cold and dark winter morning, wouldn’t it be nice to rise to the smell of apples and cinnamon? Entering the kitchen with a wholesome, healthy, tasty meal all ready to warm and energize you for the day ahead? This simple hearty winter breakfast with barley and ...
How to Use Roses as Food and Medicine – 6 Rose Recipes
Healing Medicine of the Rose Roses as Food and Medicine for Physical, Spiritual, Emotional Healing Exquisite, graceful, alluring, the rose is associated with sophisticated beauty and love. But the rose is much more than an ornamental flower adored for its heady aroma. The healing medicine of the ...
Lemon Balm Recipe – Lemon Balm Cookies
Lemon Balm Uses Lemon balm is a delightfully aromatic culinary and medicinal herb. With a fresh lemon aroma and flavor, lemon balm can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and makes an attractive addition to any garden. A member of the mint family, lemon balm is easy to grow and can tolerate both sun and shade and ...
Blackberry Season and Five Easy Recipes
Blackberries are a sweet summer berry and endlessly versatile. Learning to enjoy seasonal foods, we have found freezing fresh blackberries to be a wonderful way to preserve the freshness of summer to enjoy all year long. Freezing fresh seasonal blackberries is really very simple, and I ...
Best Foods to Grow to Save Money When You Don’t Have a lot of Time
Many of us want to grow our own food because we enjoy eating homegrown and we want to reduce our food budget. But we also don't have a lot of time or energy for keeping up with a large garden, plus the harvesting, canning, and preserving. This is a simple list of the best foods to grow to save money when you ...
5 Mouthwatering Morel Mushroom Recipes
This is a guest post presented by Craig Scott at Everything Backyard If you enjoy gardening and mushrooms, Everything Backyard has a Complete Guide on How to Grow Morel Mushrooms. You can read it HERE. And growing your own mushrooms is a great addition to your garden, especially if you don't have a lot of time. ...
Strawberry and Rhubarb Recipe – Strawberry Rhubarb with Mint
Strawberry and rhubarb recipe - what a lovely combination - red, ripe strawberries, tart rhubarb, and mint. This makes a great topping for oatmeal, yogurt, ice-cream, cake, or as part of a strawberry-rhubarb cobbler or crisp. Strawberries and rhubarb signal the start of summer season, and using strawberry ...
Nettle Recipe – Nettle Quiche
Nettle has been used as food, medicine, and fiber for hundreds of years, and this humble weed is incredibly nutrient-dense with a lot to offer. The flavor of nettle is similar to spinach, making it wonderfully versatile. Nettle quiche is a great way to enjoy the flavor and nutrients of nettle. Wild Nettle I first ...
How to Make Violet Syrup
Violets are blooming, announcing the arrival of spring! But violets are more than just a pretty flower. The leaves and flowers are tasty, nutritious, and a traditional remedy for conditions like dry cough, bronchitis, asthma, and skin conditions like eczema. Herbal syrups are a fun way to enjoy medicinal herbs, and ...
Real Food Valentine Treats – Paleo, Vegan, and Dairy-Free
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt ~ Charles Schulz Indulge with real food valentine treats. These 9 decadent recipes offer vegan, paleo, gluten and dairy-free choices. Indulge yourself and share the love! Real Food Valentine Treats Food Smart Mom shares ...
Seeking Joyful Simplicity is about living your best life after 40. I write about using a holistic approach combining herbal remedies, nourishing foods, and self-care to reduce overwhelm, manage our weight, and enjoy more vibrant health in our 40's, 50's, and beyond.