Winter Solstice Blessings, Love … and Pfeffernusse

From my hearth to your heart Winter solstice is a time of love. Speak it, think it, be it, do it. Let it shine! Stay filled with Light in this time of darkness. And while you’re at it, it’s a lovely time to bake some cookies. Pfeffernusse Besides being one of my favorite cookies to pronounce,…

Tempeh and Wild Mushroom Stroganoff

Stroganoff….. with a little twist. I’ve been making this recipe for years. At times, in restaurant and guest ranch venues, it has been made with elk or venison. This recipe is a crowd pleaser. And rich, earthy fragrances fill the kitchen. What more could you ask for? 2 pkg. traditional tempeh, cut into thin slices 8…

God is in the Details ~ and the Christmas Pears

God – Goddess – Creator – Holy Spirit – Allah – Universal Light – is definitely in the details. However you perceive the life force, the movement of this un-nameable essence flows throughout everything. I pray we are moving towards that time when we realize we are all believing in the same thing. And let go of the…

Leek Gratin with Asiago Jarlsberg Mornay Sauce

Late fall and winter actually become easier to bear when it’s finally snowing, and just beautiful to be outside! What eases the early darkness of this season even more for me is, coming back indoors, watching a fire in the fireplace, and – let’s face it – the amazing foods of the season! Freshly pulled leeks are…

Bee Heaven, Elderberry Syrup, and a Sunrise Smoothie

When I first visited this amazing Paonia, Colorado home in July of 2011, and was taken into the back yard, I fell in love. The grape bower made of old tree limbs, with a shady alcove to sit underneath -looking out at a rich garden plot beyond. And the towering bushes framing the garden, were loaded, LOADED with elderberries….

Chipotle Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese

When the temperatures dip below zero for over a week straight, the spice factor of dishes made in my kitchen spikes way up. And isn’t this as it should be? With a dish of chipotle smoked cheddar mac and cheese set on the table, everybody warms up and starts feeling lively again. This recipe, as you…

Beet Chips with Kosher Salt and Rosemary

The temperature was -4 early this morning, with a very thin, fine powder of new snow over all. The garden is buried, with my popcorn and cranberry garland from the holidays swinging forlornly from some branches out back. Sweet juncos, a chickadee or two, and flickers will soon be flitting about in spite of the frigid…