• Food

    Lemon verbena iced tea

    One of the signature scents of summer has to be lemon verbena. I honestly think this is what sunshine smells like! Its lemony citrusy scent is energizing and invigorating. There is nothing quite like a giant cup of this cold refreshing lemon verbena iced tea after a long work day in the garden. Lemon verbena is a also packed with many health benefits which are honestly a bonus! Lemon verbena aids in digestion, stress reduction, decongestant, reduces bloating and is packed with antioxidants! There are so many other benefits it’s the kind of thing I want in my belly! This…

  • Food

    Homemade curly fries

    Fresh homemade curly fries on a week day night just hit different am I right?! I harvested these potatoes from the garden and really wanted to use them in a creative way and these curly fries did not disappoint! Guys go find that spiralizer that you have tucked away in a drawer from when you were trying to eat low carb, or is that just me? Any who- carbs are life so today we are making these delectable crispy, golden to perfection curly fries right at home. Topped with a little parmesan and parsley- craving some right about now! Dip-…

  • Garden

    Easy way to grow potatoes

    Need a hands off crop? Let me show you how simple it is to grow potatoes! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ bowl of potatoes whether they are mashed, fried or everything in between they are delicious! Potatoes are one of the most versatile root crops to work with. Feeling creative try my crispy and flavorful curly fry recipe! Where to buy potato seeds to plant? You can usually find potato seeds early in the season at your local nursery. Local nurseries are well stocked and there is plenty varieties to choose from! I’ve also bought some at big box…

  • Food

    Chiles rellenos (stuffed poblano peppers)

    Chiles rellenos is the one comfort food I can eat anytime of year! Let’s face it, anything that is stuffed with cheese has a lot going for it! BUT pair it with California grown poblano peppers that are slow roasted to perfection, it’s an exquisite duo! California is the leading agricultural state in the nation. California farmers are responsible for half the nation’s peppers. Pepper season is kicking into high gear in the next few weeks and there’s so much to get excited for! I’ll be eating my weight in fresh salsa and chips, jalapeno margaritas anyone? Pepper season runs…

  • Food

    Savory cauliflower steaks

    The savory cauliflower steak recipe you didn’t know you needed. This recipe is so easy but bursting with flavors, can we have a minute for the GLOW-UP cauliflower has had in recent years though! From “pizza crusts” to “mash potatoes” it’s become one of the favorite low carb options for many dishes. The uses for this mild vegetable are honestly endless and delicious! One of the reasons it’s so versatile is it takes on the flavor you dress it up with. In this simple recipe we will be using a variety of chili powders, garlic, olive oil, and spices to…

  • Garden

    How to grow peppers

    Are you looking to grow peppers in your garden this season? One of the great joys of gardening is to be able to grow all the unusual and heirloom varieties that are sometimes reserved for specialty stores and farmers markets. You would be surprised at how many varieties, colors, shapes there is! Spicy burn your mouth peppers, sweet snacking peppers, stuffing peppers. There’s a pepper for all your culinary needs. The best part? Growing them is not that complicated! With thousands of peppers to choose from the hardest part will be deciding which ones to grow in your garden! Which…

  • Food

    Sweet and spicy snap pea recipe

    When harvesting anything from the garden I really like to honor the fresh ingredients and use them in a way that highlights their flavor. This simple recipe does just that, it has been on repeat around here! This would be a perfect side dish to pair up with your choice of protein or to whip up when you want a quick lunch. I have been obsessed with tofu lately and it pairs up perfectly well with this sweet and spicy snap pea recipe! My family and I look forward to snacking on snap peas all year long! The garden is…

  • Garden

    How to grow sugar snap peas and snow peas in Zone 9b

    If I could pick one thing to grow year round, sugar snap and snow peas would be pretty high up on that list. There is just something so breath taking about growing it up an arbor and having all those pods hanging from the vines. Even more rewarding is to be able to snack on them and use in all sorts of delicious dishes. Like my sweet and spicy snap pea recipe! -Its finger licking good! Snap vs. snow peas? The biggest difference is the size of the pea and pods. Snow peas are flat and slender these are grown…

  • Garden

    How to grow calendula and it’s benefits!

    It’s easy to grow calendula in the garden for it’s medicinal benefits! I would even dare say calendula is quite possibly the easiest flower to grow from seed! It’s the beginning of April and that means it’s calendula season here in California. Blooms are lining walkways, empty fields and perfectly curated gardens are putting on a show. Calendulas will grow anywhere they have a little.. and I mean a LITTLE of what they need. Looking at their delicate petals you wouldn’t think they would be such hardy plants! Keep reading to learn how amazing this plant is and how to…

  • Garden

    Tips for first time gardeners

    As we approach spring, days are getting warmer and seeds start hitting the shelves. I thought it would be an ideal time to give some tips and advice for first time gardeners based on my experience. Just FIY new gardeners there is no going back. I know your first gardening season will be full of fun, pests, and what did I get myself into moments don’t despair. Every year you will get a feel for the garden, what works and what doesn’t. On your new garden adventure you’ll learn what you like to grow and those veggies that although homegrown…