Potatoes! I have grown them! Back in April, I noticed that a potato in my kitchen was starting to grow eyes. I don't know what made me think to do this, but I decided to cut the potato up into about 6 or 7 small pieces and stick them into the dirt in one of the containers on my balcony. In less than a few weeks, I noticed that the potatoes had started to sprout! I was thrilled that my expiriment had worked, but I also had no idea what to do next. So, I just let them grow! I w

It may technically still be summer, but this last week has felt pretty chilly around where I live. The chill in the air doesn't mean that I can't take advantage of all the late summer produce, though! Last weekend my parents sent me home with some of their homegrown tomatoes and peppers and I was able to nab some squash blossoms from the farm, so I decided to make a summer soup with baked and stuffed squash blossoms to bring some extra freshness to the soup. This recipe is re

As you might have guessed based on my recent blog posts, one of my favorite things about summertime is all of the exciting fresh produce. It seems like every time I open my eyes this time of year, I see something that I want to cook with. Recently it was the cherries that caught my eye when I was at the farmer's market where I live. I've always loved cherries, especially when baked with flaky pastry. But this year, I really wanted to figure out a way that I would be able to e

Rhubarb is one of my favorite spring/early summertime things. It's best known mixed with strawberries and while that is super yummy, that's not why it's my favorite. I love it for it's tartness that can be made into something either savory or sweet. This unassuming stalk can be used to bring an unexpected zing to just about anything, and since it's harvest season is so short I find myself eating it with nearly everything this time of year. This year, I decided to see if I cou

Summer solstice is one of my favorite days of the year. It marks the official beginning of summer, and is the longest day of the year (as opposed to the longest night of the year during winter solstice). Because of the long daylight hours, this solstice lends itself to amazing outdoor parties, and serves a great time to reflect on the power of the sun. I think it's a perfect time to have gratitude for all the energy that has gone into growing food, not only because the sun pr

Last week at my local farmer's market, I spotted something I hadn't seen all season: shishito peppers. Before a couple of years ago I had never heard of these lovely little peppers, but ever since a friend introduced me to them I have had eagle-eyes wherever I think they may pop up. Sometimes I can find them at my local Whole Foods, but I have never seen them at the farmer's market until this year. I think one of the reasons they are becoming easier to find is that they are s

Here in Colorado, the end of picnic season is nearly here. I'm determined to take advantage of the last of the nice weather before the cold comes, and this weekend is the perfect time for it since it is a holiday weekend. Picnics don't have to be a complicated thing. They can easily be an impromptu gathering of friends, and are also a great way to clean out your fridge and pantry: Cheese, radishes, peaches, water kefir or bread are all great things to share with friends at a