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Learning How to Watercolor with The Mint Gardener
This was a four hour workshop hosted by Ciderpress Lane and taught by Sarah Simon, The Mint Gardener. The workshop consisted of three parts; 1. Floral Design, 2. Learning how to watercolor, and 3. Connecting with other workshop attendees while enjoying appetizers, drinks, dessert & coffee. It was a gorgeous fall afternoon to enjoy the workshop in the Ciderpress Lane orchard. This post will focus on the second element of learning how to watercolor. Each attendee was given a watercolor workbook that includes 25 beginner-friendly projects on premium watercolor paper (written and designed by Sarah Simon, The Mint Gardener), Stoneground Paint Co. watercolor palette that has 24 different colors, and…
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How to make Black Sesame Ice Cream
I first had black sesame ice cream in Vancouver, Canada at a Japanese BBQ restaurant – I immediately loved the unique flavor. I didn’t think to make the ice cream at home until a few years ago and now I think my recipe is just right to share with all of you. Serves 6. Ingredients: Step One: Put the heavy cream, milk, black sesame paste, and black sesame powder in a large saucepan on low-medium heat. Whisk to combine all of the ingredients until warmed and steaming, ~ 5 minutes. Take off the heat and let cool for at least 10 minutes (this is very important, in the next step…
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Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Pickles
Many of us are enjoying a bounty of harvest from our vegetable gardens or visiting farm stands this time of year. I recently picked up some pickling cucumbers from one of my favorite farm stands in the area and decided to make up a sweet and spicy pickle recipe – they are refreshing, crunchy, and have just a little bit of kick to balance out the sweetness. These are great as a snack, on burgers, or to give as a gift. Makes 2 quarts (one quart is 32 oz.). Ingredients: Step One: Put the water, sugar, kosher salt, and apple cider vinegar in a medium saucepan on the stove and…
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Farm Fresh to Favorite Recipes: Cherries
My family has been going to Door County, Wisconsin since my Dad was a teenager (late 1960’s) and we enjoyed visiting my grandparents cabin right on the water every summer until it was sold 50+ years later. Door County has so many special memories for our family – my parents went on their honeymoon there, I went for the first time when I was just weeks old, sleepovers on the screened in porch and bike rides with my grandparents, endless time spent swimming, waterskiing, and exploring the area. This is where my Mom asked us to spread her ashes, Pebble Beach will always be a place we cherish. This past…
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How to make Raspberry Jalapeño Jam
This jam is delicious served on a cracker with cream cheese or goat cheese – the perfect snack or easy appetizer if you are hosting a dinner party. It also makes an excellent addition to a charcuterie board or hostess gift. Makes 10 jars. Ingredients: Step One: Prepare your jars- they should be clean with new lids and bands. Step Two: Add the raspberries, minced jalapeño peppers, lemon juice, and sugar to a large saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add the liquid fruit pectin and return to a boil. Boil 1 minute, watch carefully as it can boil over. Step Three: Pour a…
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Asian Salad with Marinated Chicken & Toasted Ramen
This salad is a summer staple in our household – it’s easy to make and a nice light summer evening meal. Adding the marinated chicken is optional – I add chicken if I want a meal instead of a side salad. My daughter gets SO excited when I make this salad because it’s her favorite and it reminds her of her Grammie Kelly, my Mom made this all the time. Serves 4. Ingredients: Step One: The night before you plan to make the salad (or at least a few hours before) make your marinade for the chicken – combine 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1/2…
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Tallulah Rose Flower School: My Immersion Course
I spent the past week participating in a 5 day immersion course with Tallulah Rose Flower School hosted at a local flower farm, Petal and Pitchfork. My inspiration for taking the course was to explore floral design & try a variety of arrangements to help me determine if this is something I would consider pursuing as a secondary or side career in the future. Floral design has always brought me so much joy and I love to bring the beauty of nature indoors. This post will summarize my experience and what we did each day as part of the immersion course. Day One Introductions: We started the course off with…
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How to Make Thai Panang Curry
For many years I attempted to make Thai food at home and every time it was an epic failure – I just couldn’t come close to matching the Panang curry at my favorite Thai restaurant. Finally I took a Thai cooking class with my husband and learned the right brands to buy and the technique for making Panang curry at home. After 15 months of trial and error we have finally perfected the curry – it’s as close as I am going to get to my favorite restaurant. Serves 6. Note: You’ll notice a list of specific ingredients (see photos at the end of the post, many of which are…
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How to Make All Natural Cleaning Solutions
If you are a close friend or family member of mine you know how much I love a clean and well organized home. Earlier this year I started experimenting with all natural cleaning solutions and I am surprised how well the below cleaning solutions work for keeping our home sparkling clean. I also like that I am no longer purchasing throw away plastic bottles each time I need more cleaning supplies. Win win! One common ingredient you’ll find in all natural cleaners is vinegar. I was a bit hesitant at first since I’m not a huge fan of the smell but I don’t even notice it when I add citrus…
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My Flower, Fruit & Vegetable Garden Plans: 2024
I am really excited about this growing season because I have the most space I’ve ever had to grow – 14 beds in total + my landscape beds in front of the house. I am branching out and trying some new to me varieties in three different categories; flowers, fruit, and vegetables. Flowers Fruit Vegetables
