I love FISH! But I am definitely intimidated by cooking fish. Hubs loves fish, you can see my dilemma.
So I thought of those cedar planks I had seen at The Fresh Market. This may be my best shot at decent grilled salmon. With cedar plank in cart, I set out for salmon. On recommendation from the fish monger, I also grabbed some fresh fennel, an orange and a lemon as well as all the ingredients needed for my favorite Pesto recipe. Continue reading “Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon & Braised Fennel”
Trying out a new recipe, and something I’ve never made before, a gratin. This recipe seems simple enough and I’ve got a 3 pound bag of Russet potatoes, so here we go! Continue reading “Potato & Fresh Thyme Gratin”
Since discovering the ease of making my own seasonings and rubs, I have rarely purchased a store-bought packet. Continue reading “Better than Store-Bought Chili Seasoning…”
On Saturday the girls, (me, my Mom and my niece) spent a beautiful afternoon at the Lewis Ginter Plant Sale. Lots to see and purchase from trees to veggies, herbs to orchids.
Local farms and nurseries were out in full force
.
Radical Roots Farm and Tricycle Gardens are familiar faces offering beautiful organic veggies, fruits and herbs.
Urban Backyard Edibles were also at the plant sale, offering a variety of services and beautiful raised beds. Raised beds are great for renters or folks that are into small scale gardening. Raised beds are also great for “square foot gardening“.
When growing indoors, it’s best to plant herbs with like sunlight needs. This information is commonly found either on the seed packets or on the plant stakes in the seedling container.
Again, I have to say that I have the best results when starting with seedlings
, but you may prefer to start from seed. I use a rich organic soil and plant in medium-sized pots since the herbs have some serious roots that like to spread out. I am partial to clay pots, but with clay pots you need to water a little more frequently than with plastic or glazed ceramic pots because the clay absorbs the water.
Lowe’s, Wal-mart and Southern States all have a good selection of organic soils to choose from and varying price ranges. You may want to also consider a good organic plant food to supplement the nutrients that these plants would normally draw from the ground soil. I use Miracle-Gro Organic Potting Soil and Plant Food. I have gotten really great results and this brand is very affordable and easy to find.
I have potted my summer kitchen herbs!!! There is nothing like snipping a handful of fresh herbs for dinner or any meal for that matter. The kitchen window, if it gets some good light, is a perfect place to start a small herb garden.
I have found that I am not the best at starting from seed so I tend to purchase seedling from the local farmer’s market or even Lowe’s for that matter. A little tending, some good organic potting soil, a little water and you have got yourselve an herb garden.
Sweet Basil, German Thyme, Cilantro and Rosemary are my favs and really do quite well in full to moderate sun and in containers. So aromatic and each taste so good when added fresh to a meal.
Below is a list of some of the most commonly used “cooking” herbs:
I also enjoy having some mint on hand for iced tea.
Cook Something! RVA 