Beauty of the Garden

Early mornings in this years garden plot have been so inspiring, my heart sings to be there, and I love to share the beauty. As the garden builds momentum, the glory of summer and how we can celebrate the earth right into our kitchens fills me with joy. I hope it does for you too….

Rustic squash, olive and cheddar galette … and the first snow of the season

Yesterday was beautiful … and bittersweet. The first snow of the season happened, in midst of the October eruption of golden leaves and fall prairie flowers.  The familiar changes are always, to me, a bit startling and therefore so entrancing, creating magical landscapes in the tiniest and grandest of details. The afternoon before I had…

Peach and Lavender Semifreddo with Elderberry Swirl

Summer = peaches. It’s that glorious time of the year. And oh man … …my first ever semifreddo (kind of a cross between ice cream and gelato) turned out so deliciously well … as you can see … This twist on a traditional Italian recipe celebrates classic dairy ingredients, plus, (*Colorado peaches*) and foraged elderberries,…

Feta Stuffed Squash Blossom Summer Casserole

It was magical in the kitchen today. And it all started in the cool morning garden. 🙂 Take a quick peek:     Then I had to celebrate with all the vegetables I brought home. As I said on my Garden Mandala post earlier today, “Point me to a garden plot in late February and I’ll…

Garden Mandala – a gratitude of bounty

Show me a garden plot at the end of February and I’ll be happy through November. July 30, 2018 So much to love How does Pachamama hold such beauty? Today: Rainbow chard, mixed lettuces, purple kale, blue lake green beans, burgundy beans, snap and snow peas and their greens, beets, squash blossoms, cucumber, and herbs,…

Slow Food Nations, Denver, Colorado: Food for Change

The energy was palpable and positive, generous and forward thinking – for both years of this marvelous festival SLOW FOOD NATIONS – 2017 and 2018. Mid-July these last two summers, hundreds of organic farmers, ranchers, brewers, chefs, food activists and more descended upon Denver’s Larimer Square for a grand, beautiful summit and cultural display of…

Reflections on #EatLocalChallenge : Day 21

Thanks to Slow Food International‘s 3 week #EatLocal challenge, I have become so much more connected to the community where I live, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. We live just east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, here, at 4900 some odd feet above sea level, in the north eastern part of the state. As…

Eat Local Challenge : Grilled Corn and Chevre Stuffed Poblano Chilies

Slow Food International’s Eat Local Challenge continues and I am getting caught up on my posts! Going to the Farmer’s Market down town Fort Collins, Colorado was even sweeter as I encountered this amazing mural just across the street. The autumn mood was definitely present and influencing my choices for dinner that evening. There’s a…