What are adaptogens? Adaptogens are herbs that help us adapt to changes and stress caused by physical, biological, emotional, and environmental factors. They can assist in restoring balance within the body and help us defend against both chronic and acute stressors. One of my favorite adaptogens is astragalus. Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus) Astragalus is an adaptogenic […]

  Makes 3 to 4 dozen Fortunately, certain intrepid herbs can be snipped all year round, even under the snow. Thyme is one of those. • 1/2 cup butter • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 1/3 cups flour • 2 tablespoons freshly snipped lemon thyme 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. Beat the […]

Exfoliation is a vital part of a skin care routine that is often overlooked. When we experience dry skin, all the moisturizer in the world won’t help if you’re applying it to the flaky, dead skin. Exfoliating on a regular basis helps to slough off the dry, dead skin on the surface and get to […]

If your garden or local farmer’s market is bursting with herbs like mine is you are probably looking for new ways to incorporate all that goodness into your diet.  This summer salad is bursting with fresh herbs. Blackened Chicken on Caribbean Salad with a Jalapeno Lime Dressing Jalapeno Lime Dressing INGREDIENTS 1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and […]

Sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes, are powerful prebiotics that help maintain healthy digestive function. Ingredients: • 1 pound sunchokes • 2 cups rice vinegar • 1-1⁄2 cups white sugar • 1 teaspoon salt • 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric • 1 large clove garlic, smashed • 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne […]

Golden milk seems to be one of life’s great pleasures. The soothing color, spices and creamy texture are truly delicious. I like to use coconut milk to make this drink, but the milk is really just a carrier for the spices. You get to use whatever milk you enjoy best. The spices that go into […]

The cold winds and snow are upon us making it the perfect time for some warming winter beverages!  This time of year it is easy to forget to maintain our fluid intake.  We may not be as thirsty as in the heat of summer but that does not mean we should not keep up on […]

I recently received a wonderful book entitled, “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman and Beth Dooley. http://sioux-chef.com/ These 2 fabulous cooks are at the forefront of food in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. They are quickly gaining popularity for their use of fresh, local foods but what I love best about this book is its […]

Guest post by Grit Blogger Mary Murray Something new I’m cleaning with this year is a twist on an ancient recipe for Thieves’ Vinegar. It’s said this vinegar was used to fight the Black Plague, and while there are more than a few dust bunnies that need shooing away, trust me, the old farmhouse isn’t THAT […]

Guest post by Susan Belsinger from Grit. Susan Belsinger talks about why you should bake up herbal breads for the smell of home to warm you in fall and winter. Bake up Herbal Bread Recipes • Homemade Biscuits With Chives and Parmesan Recipe • Maple Scones With Lemon Verbena Recipe • Skillet Cheddar Cornbread Recipe • Steamed Bread Recipe […]