tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17800129827576356712024-02-07T07:26:26.910-05:00The Suburban Hippie - she's one resourceful cookieMelinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-11704621211618119002019-02-02T19:24:00.000-05:002019-02-02T19:24:12.662-05:00An Abundant Kitchen Talk Notes and Resources<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfzyWlUuW_w8qp-TdA9jEsfaLSloWwTqbll2b29FdbmtgB6jRjuKEk2cdq6caI4omnlcg-lcXyu5o16nCs5TnfE-bQLObO3EbycYPeUyay7Q4kS_akUAch6bjJFstwvzCkj44k1-K8rg/s1600/IMG_20190202_131712_146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfzyWlUuW_w8qp-TdA9jEsfaLSloWwTqbll2b29FdbmtgB6jRjuKEk2cdq6caI4omnlcg-lcXyu5o16nCs5TnfE-bQLObO3EbycYPeUyay7Q4kS_akUAch6bjJFstwvzCkj44k1-K8rg/s640/IMG_20190202_131712_146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This Saturday's event at <a href="http://mydeadauntsbooks.com/" target="_blank">My Dead Aunt's Bookstore</a> was a successful and fun event. A big thanks to everyone who came out; it was great to see your smiling faces! I delivered a talk covering the basics of plant-based eating and we reviewed a few of the many vegan and vegetarian cookbooks from the collection that I had the opportunity to curate for the store. We also snacked on some samples of a few of the recipes from the cookbooks to inspire everyone to see what they could make at home. We covered quite a few resources, and I wanted to pull them all together for everyone to reference (plus a few more) . Even if you didn't have the opportunity to come to the event in person, you will find helpful information below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY12dstAlFGKF2emqdCMce0RiBPKBqab4J4MKaCK4cLp5TeeaO7fxkhAbbMoGa3Xtb3i4hLGGWXe6MF5QwtEM9IHOIbPCLbAgdr9KXQhfZOnl93ivSHodaeUGMK9sWR7y11OLMB8a8mmI/s1600/Recipe+references.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY12dstAlFGKF2emqdCMce0RiBPKBqab4J4MKaCK4cLp5TeeaO7fxkhAbbMoGa3Xtb3i4hLGGWXe6MF5QwtEM9IHOIbPCLbAgdr9KXQhfZOnl93ivSHodaeUGMK9sWR7y11OLMB8a8mmI/s640/Recipe+references.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<h3>
We sampled:</h3>
<b>Donut Holes</b> Here is a previous <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2013/06/its-time-to-make-donuts-and-new.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">blogpost</span></a> </span>I penned<span style="color: blue;"> </span>about this recipe which <span style="color: blue;">i</span>s from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anis-Raw-Food-Kitchen-Delectable-ebook/dp/B004HKIFRE/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548437264&sr=1-6&keywords=ani%27s+raw+food+essentials" target="_blank">Ani's Raw Food Kitchen</a> (I substituted both dried mango and apricots in the event batch)<br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Chocolate Brownie Bites</b> were <a href="https://deliciouslyella.com/2012/12/11/the-ultimate-energy-bites-vegan-gluten-free-dairy-free/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this recipe</span></a> from Deliciously Ella's blog (without hemp hearts, added cacao nibs) and also a version in her <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=deliciously+ella+cookbook&sprefix=ella+cook,aps,205&crid=2UTJJ1CEXEMWI" target="_blank">cookbook</a><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Jerk Spiced Tofu </b>- from the cookbook <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Grill-Recipes-Inspired-Flame-Kissed/dp/1558321276/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548437038&sr=1-4&keywords=vegetarian+grill" target="_blank">The Vegetarian Grill</a><br />
<br />
<b>Green Smoothie</b> - similar to this one from <a href="https://kriscarr.com/recipe/silky-green-smoothie/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Kris Karr</span></a>, subbing frozen pineapple and mango for the apple<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLqf6vaK6oLd2D2v3KOvqsYYs-num72Z305SCkLWVnJ_MbNAW4cH6TmXWpiKYKxJSgHCuheGdqvZ5q2zBdA9ssDs-EBpeGguPsl2AxMK0lpR5sARR_1P_RbYwqmxc9QMpmacUXCOxQj4/s1600/Cookbook+shelves+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLqf6vaK6oLd2D2v3KOvqsYYs-num72Z305SCkLWVnJ_MbNAW4cH6TmXWpiKYKxJSgHCuheGdqvZ5q2zBdA9ssDs-EBpeGguPsl2AxMK0lpR5sARR_1P_RbYwqmxc9QMpmacUXCOxQj4/s640/Cookbook+shelves+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1479033396"><span id="goog_1479033397"></span><br /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1479033396">Where do you get your protein on a plant-based diet?</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1479033396"><br /></a>
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1479033396">Movies about healthy eating</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1479033396"><br /></a></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1479033396">Books about healthy eating/plant-based diet</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: blue;">Cookbooks</span></a></span><br />
<span id="goog_1479033398"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-3555755881508629682019-01-26T18:44:00.000-05:002019-01-26T18:44:24.257-05:00Hot Lemon Ginger Tea <br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTneT5hYnIvojgBVkoPS3zrgCctD_Gw8OWDtXSBruu22HLyVEIDmvc3MtYBDl9rQb4ywTZVocEl5rLzOE2sdLzoPhsvdq_ybps3zqehliFsOe5AjHoMBth4iD_amnpuo0LJLI5RJB2n-A/s1600/Lemon+ginger+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTneT5hYnIvojgBVkoPS3zrgCctD_Gw8OWDtXSBruu22HLyVEIDmvc3MtYBDl9rQb4ywTZVocEl5rLzOE2sdLzoPhsvdq_ybps3zqehliFsOe5AjHoMBth4iD_amnpuo0LJLI5RJB2n-A/s400/Lemon+ginger+tea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This winter is starting off cold and damp for where I live this year. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to snuggle in with a good book or movie and a steaming mug. This tea has the refreshing tartness of lemonade with a slight tingle from ginger. This delicious beverage offers both comfort and the health benefits of vitamin C and antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting. If you prefer to avoid caffeine, you can use a decaffeinated green tea or choose an herbal tea like lemon, mint, or hibiscus instead.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hot Lemon Ginger Tea</span></h2>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ginger tea bag (I used Yogi brand)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 green tea bag (I used Celestial Seasonings brand)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 lemon, washed
and sliced</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweetener, to taste (maple
syrup, agave nectar, stevia, or any favorite sweetener)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1-2 slices fresh
ginger root (optional)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Boiling water</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large mug (at
least 10 oz), place the sliced lemon and a small amount of sweetener (I used dried stevia from my garden which is what those dark green flecks in the cup are plus a teaspoon of maple syrup). With a spoon, mash the lemon slices, sweetener and ginger (if using) together to release some of the juice and oil from the lemon. Add both a green tea bag and ginger tea bag
and fill the mug with boiling water. Let
steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags. Stir and adjust by adding more sweetener if desired. Enjoy!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wNI0ckiiozUlO5TRrlqB_iaVWPSFca-7BO4kdzr3MFbxniX4e9tLf3Rx9ys6sZTtIAfhM3X9AYCpOr7tmEtCtprpLO0vsH34A8Wx-BlV-q2D2u4akh-nMOROWCH-wUrMzhE6yKau-C0/s1600/Ginger+Lemon+Green+Tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1490" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wNI0ckiiozUlO5TRrlqB_iaVWPSFca-7BO4kdzr3MFbxniX4e9tLf3Rx9ys6sZTtIAfhM3X9AYCpOr7tmEtCtprpLO0vsH34A8Wx-BlV-q2D2u4akh-nMOROWCH-wUrMzhE6yKau-C0/s320/Ginger+Lemon+Green+Tea.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you liked this post, check out some other recipes found <a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-34113573549567706162018-12-28T15:02:00.000-05:002018-12-28T15:02:25.206-05:00Garden Highlights 2018<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeftNwZUIybXWtHNP-ei4i5r0ZaR0YHPCAEDVQVG65BsyZy-qdkSgB2wPypSbwIipLdN9QZKzIMuQFINDybowEFkuDqZEL7-nhj51gbIuvuGU7Bh6wsCdUvZ84973KXyGXM1cOoCIjnrI/s1600/2018+Garden+highlights+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeftNwZUIybXWtHNP-ei4i5r0ZaR0YHPCAEDVQVG65BsyZy-qdkSgB2wPypSbwIipLdN9QZKzIMuQFINDybowEFkuDqZEL7-nhj51gbIuvuGU7Bh6wsCdUvZ84973KXyGXM1cOoCIjnrI/s640/2018+Garden+highlights+title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have just celebrated the winter solstice in my part of the world, and the seed catalogs are already starting to turn up in my mailbox for the next planting season. Work and studies have kept me pretty busy, but I carved out a little time to put in a kitchen garden again last year. Digging in the soil, listening to the buzz of the bees, and working muscles little used while sitting at a desk helped slow time down for while while the stress melted away. This year had a cool and rainy start which delayed getting the garden started. I was so excited to see one of my fig trees develop fruit for the first time; however, because of the cool start, it was so late in the season that they didn't get a chance to mature...fingers crossed for next year. Although I wasn't able to have as much variety as some previous years, I was still able to capture a few glamour shots of the daily (sometimes twice a week) harvests. Before I turn to dreaming about next year's garden plan, I thought I'd share some of these highlights from my 2018 garden with you.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
2018 Garden Highlights</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c8LBJo5o1GkH1mxHZCUL0rMo7XCRxD8xVSblAE_cDJMxnCOsKhbIk6-uGCFAC522Q1gFFC1dq5ai-JP8gc5t-wjVtfASojVrXCpy27rmo7f-mv0CRcIf7QsgQCbD1jY9AEEHq6lfWIE/s1600/20180602_174512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c8LBJo5o1GkH1mxHZCUL0rMo7XCRxD8xVSblAE_cDJMxnCOsKhbIk6-uGCFAC522Q1gFFC1dq5ai-JP8gc5t-wjVtfASojVrXCpy27rmo7f-mv0CRcIf7QsgQCbD1jY9AEEHq6lfWIE/s400/20180602_174512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Early spring greens (chard, kale, spinach)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAtt0k9NkjKJahV277fZuB9sJI0Wk6GlJRqswJH1z4BUMXRe0JZud4XxF3Mo8ANc1FLVwjIu7wxUw7_E9DEdHjl6dwjgSKPFfNnlARiSs78xnAGgxdML68ZYdMKMIp_kkE54nrksQuZ4/s1600/IMG_20180602_115556_350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAtt0k9NkjKJahV277fZuB9sJI0Wk6GlJRqswJH1z4BUMXRe0JZud4XxF3Mo8ANc1FLVwjIu7wxUw7_E9DEdHjl6dwjgSKPFfNnlARiSs78xnAGgxdML68ZYdMKMIp_kkE54nrksQuZ4/s400/IMG_20180602_115556_350.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Makings of a strawberry and greens smoothie</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0V9Cf6A007ooCQXNphTsBnyP6cyvPM366KDY5cYtj5GyHDkz5yn6IacQx-OiZ2n1AUZuf0tzCDWMjcEb5Jb9eU3jdU-2VxMrK6TiIMfZ3_QlmTOzKvnzs513P0diHaiFWdCH_jSU9Nrw/s1600/20180704_092210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0V9Cf6A007ooCQXNphTsBnyP6cyvPM366KDY5cYtj5GyHDkz5yn6IacQx-OiZ2n1AUZuf0tzCDWMjcEb5Jb9eU3jdU-2VxMrK6TiIMfZ3_QlmTOzKvnzs513P0diHaiFWdCH_jSU9Nrw/s400/20180704_092210.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The wettest year on record helped produce these giant squash plants in this view of two of the raised beds in the front yard.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyub4uqMgwad8mV-Hm7eXpiz3okF2WieCyZUXqqgKbTG7N4fjMO7nFwcz-migE8nCtWimpjr6p7OlPfhWyKIk-re4ql8To4ha4QZ7IGKmnLmkzipfwR1m0Y1zhSFk3GliCrr71T40h3Hk/s1600/IMG_20180708_105349_179+%25282018-07-08T06_53_49.000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyub4uqMgwad8mV-Hm7eXpiz3okF2WieCyZUXqqgKbTG7N4fjMO7nFwcz-migE8nCtWimpjr6p7OlPfhWyKIk-re4ql8To4ha4QZ7IGKmnLmkzipfwR1m0Y1zhSFk3GliCrr71T40h3Hk/s400/IMG_20180708_105349_179+%25282018-07-08T06_53_49.000%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cucumbers, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, green, wax, and broad beans, peppers and basil</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86p04NfSrGfZJb3ZSFGYoE1J8RaiB1k5BVxMg_I3NHLwUCZcdx-ZRIDIeRwAt_CAj-YDlYrmhFDJ1-GrK1kSrbwE5nGIKQlhTe5egusyiY7XG0Jy1eM5e9CMVYbT4UFEEcBfR6jql67o/s1600/IMG_20180714_124442_050+%25282018-07-14T08_44_42.000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1581" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86p04NfSrGfZJb3ZSFGYoE1J8RaiB1k5BVxMg_I3NHLwUCZcdx-ZRIDIeRwAt_CAj-YDlYrmhFDJ1-GrK1kSrbwE5nGIKQlhTe5egusyiY7XG0Jy1eM5e9CMVYbT4UFEEcBfR6jql67o/s400/IMG_20180714_124442_050+%25282018-07-14T08_44_42.000%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Onions, shallots, cucumbers (green and Asian dragons egg), bell pepper, zucchini, ground cherries, green, wax and broad beans</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi595bngF_PhFkJpFT2L8JKAo5mtwGnIkG-iKFS7sDBB0tVp6qk1XqfHQ2gxSHV96HygFp0g7CWOJOW-QlXalA9KBqOwKggG4cXnSUSQhQwMaq8sDAYh2gvfHRpDjicNSl7rKNSFLLndjI/s1600/IMG_20180728_111152_317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="1489" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi595bngF_PhFkJpFT2L8JKAo5mtwGnIkG-iKFS7sDBB0tVp6qk1XqfHQ2gxSHV96HygFp0g7CWOJOW-QlXalA9KBqOwKggG4cXnSUSQhQwMaq8sDAYh2gvfHRpDjicNSl7rKNSFLLndjI/s400/IMG_20180728_111152_317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Onions, eggplant, cucumbers (green and Asian dragons egg), bell pepper, zucchini, ground cherries, green, wax and broad beans, tomato, and lima beans</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN9NlRJYZbVveXPNNbTu7vZjBv2TdIySnr6ul4JLHxqjNxRAnuLosx5aOGl4LNFg6_y0PjD9DHMOfjKgrSELHCsCBuG0UhzGiuKP03frFaxDioieAqu-VSOz0uSNNx7RjgzbAGX3tVUg/s1600/IMG_20180729_115921_687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="1563" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN9NlRJYZbVveXPNNbTu7vZjBv2TdIySnr6ul4JLHxqjNxRAnuLosx5aOGl4LNFg6_y0PjD9DHMOfjKgrSELHCsCBuG0UhzGiuKP03frFaxDioieAqu-VSOz0uSNNx7RjgzbAGX3tVUg/s400/IMG_20180729_115921_687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
French market carrots, Asian cucumber, tomatoes, red and yellow onions, shallots, and broad beans</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzAGByL6e1tBHdiSkAZe3Gyg1Qcv3-VQ1ZqyCNAeCajX2_JXLJzTAFeuyi_H-IKhu2CgwBzOcZfP4RXf2DM7rptnT2VieAnl1WZ6Ba3Rlw9dmQ1hMuYAhIAcKNJSc0BUdTkGX_UdQm6I/s1600/IMG_20180809_184856_154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzAGByL6e1tBHdiSkAZe3Gyg1Qcv3-VQ1ZqyCNAeCajX2_JXLJzTAFeuyi_H-IKhu2CgwBzOcZfP4RXf2DM7rptnT2VieAnl1WZ6Ba3Rlw9dmQ1hMuYAhIAcKNJSc0BUdTkGX_UdQm6I/s400/IMG_20180809_184856_154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cantaloupe, tomatoes, ground cherries, green, wax and broad beans, Italian sweet peppers, and lima beans</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjGOsVDtWpMUmvyNAoz5QgAicTW1nVC7xof2d-FRviEU26eqmrIUltNpf_s8UnQAEHp7Kvz8Rtp9hBOUL1Il0C1AxqRWm5wJaLJgOkNIVoTHM3TE1BBv7uRodJgJzRUyfZnyCUt89QMY/s1600/IMG_20180813_183131_977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjGOsVDtWpMUmvyNAoz5QgAicTW1nVC7xof2d-FRviEU26eqmrIUltNpf_s8UnQAEHp7Kvz8Rtp9hBOUL1Il0C1AxqRWm5wJaLJgOkNIVoTHM3TE1BBv7uRodJgJzRUyfZnyCUt89QMY/s400/IMG_20180813_183131_977.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cantaloupe and heirloom tomatoes</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1byFVxvj7H7t-CrjKeYh0PYWLRwEVQ8LcGcnak8TBZK5gV4CBMxOy5XxJq58ZFmhZiQ8zcxEOW4wuzcvON39CnHnmkVMe4TUgtgmcrEz71wgjeztzEQ5SVrXK2Hk3DFj4NYnxOUvvFCc/s1600/IMG_20180901_180815_477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1byFVxvj7H7t-CrjKeYh0PYWLRwEVQ8LcGcnak8TBZK5gV4CBMxOy5XxJq58ZFmhZiQ8zcxEOW4wuzcvON39CnHnmkVMe4TUgtgmcrEz71wgjeztzEQ5SVrXK2Hk3DFj4NYnxOUvvFCc/s400/IMG_20180901_180815_477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eggplant, Italian and bell sweet peppers, tomatoes, basil, cucumber, sage, and raspberries</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg4-3xfFhVbFvQ3l6BCLSQQLMUvDQU870_-4sS9dupUFMlp5k4pABSgjUok5otzOvY3Hxc5BPaihrMighqVIeZpQVdtD-BAQMdJeZ5HahI64ENHaUBcFQqhXxxHeTvjb-IXm8Zz_9L_8/s1600/IMG_20180908_174745_932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg4-3xfFhVbFvQ3l6BCLSQQLMUvDQU870_-4sS9dupUFMlp5k4pABSgjUok5otzOvY3Hxc5BPaihrMighqVIeZpQVdtD-BAQMdJeZ5HahI64ENHaUBcFQqhXxxHeTvjb-IXm8Zz_9L_8/s400/IMG_20180908_174745_932.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eggplant, bell and jalape<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6a6a6a; font-family: inherit;">ñ</span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">o</span></span> peppers, tomatoes, and sage</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ01r_EBs0SvmM1tnQc14OpG2sEbg9DuEpBkqf7OEUi5LK6GqL34rMRGGtGS0HT1W01b9_ytMi_vEVEAeZDbbD0tYAGXik8fKP4QhiFtvSK6HrV6dABf2JiQlk9qFjufcbA6iu5gYWJY/s1600/IMG_20181006_173713_209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ01r_EBs0SvmM1tnQc14OpG2sEbg9DuEpBkqf7OEUi5LK6GqL34rMRGGtGS0HT1W01b9_ytMi_vEVEAeZDbbD0tYAGXik8fKP4QhiFtvSK6HrV6dABf2JiQlk9qFjufcbA6iu5gYWJY/s400/IMG_20181006_173713_209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eggplant, jalape<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6a6a6a; font-family: inherit;">ñ</span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">o </span></span>and bell peppers, beets, carrots, tomatoes, and arugula</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnKvHljo9ZnMsrcNGNJs8jICYgdXxaLqEyAuIdA4pjmVjzoaoipA2cwCWYjJ8GBLe3PXoOBXBN3KlSP2VWcT629E0MMjUSZlmsmB5cVSQnm3kXnHlzMrA_NHNtJ_S6KQsaXWFnomlyzc/s1600/IMG_20180913_190003_326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="1591" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnKvHljo9ZnMsrcNGNJs8jICYgdXxaLqEyAuIdA4pjmVjzoaoipA2cwCWYjJ8GBLe3PXoOBXBN3KlSP2VWcT629E0MMjUSZlmsmB5cVSQnm3kXnHlzMrA_NHNtJ_S6KQsaXWFnomlyzc/s400/IMG_20180913_190003_326.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kale, chard, carrots, and sweet peppers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-27612096041248777652018-01-25T20:30:00.001-05:002018-01-25T20:30:09.412-05:00Kitchen adventure: Carrot cake cupcakes with lemon frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUw2XgYziu6XsG9HhXJpFlyqjO6D3-MnAOt8VK1bFceqb52djZcS2WMeQDamGo0J1crAJ82kXsDZtJoqqJi-whfLymw1zfHZamrNZT0x4FUbV1VgP2N9SJUp95qZS6f3Fi4i2NhTubAE/s1600/IMG_20171123_134907_102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUw2XgYziu6XsG9HhXJpFlyqjO6D3-MnAOt8VK1bFceqb52djZcS2WMeQDamGo0J1crAJ82kXsDZtJoqqJi-whfLymw1zfHZamrNZT0x4FUbV1VgP2N9SJUp95qZS6f3Fi4i2NhTubAE/s640/IMG_20171123_134907_102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carrot cake cupcakes with lemon frosting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Eating more whole foods is better for us, but sometimes you just want dessert. I have found a recipe for a cupcake that is moist and decadent without any added processed sugar, oil, or salt. It's a cupcake that you won't feel guilty about eating with its sweetness and moistness coming from fruit and the creaminess in the frosting from the healthier oils found in nuts. <br />
<br />
This recipe is inspired from a current favorite cookbook and blog, <i><a href="http://www.straightupfood.com/blog/cookbook/" target="_blank">Straight Up Food</a></i>, by Cathy Fisher. You'll find the <a href="http://www.straightupfood.com/blog/2012/04/22/carrot-cake-donuts/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">original recipe here</span></a>, and below is my version with all the changes I made incorporated.<br />
<br />
For the best results, make the frosting first, then put it in the refrigerator to firm up while making the cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Lemon Frosting</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lemon Frosting</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
9 pitted medjool dates</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 scant cup raw cashews</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">zest from 1/2 of a lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">¾ to 1 cup water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup chopped roasted chopped pecans (optional; for garnish)</span><br />
<div class="ERSInstructions" style="background-color: white; border-top: none !important; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<div class="ERSIngredients" style="border-top: none; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-transform: none; width: 354px;">
<div class="ERSClear" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions" style="border-top: none; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-transform: none;">
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Place the dates, cashews, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla into a blender. Add ¾ cup of water. If the water doesn't completely cover the dates and nuts, add just enough until it does. Set aside for at least 15 minutes so the dates and nuts can soften. If you don't have a high powered blender, soak for 45 minutes or more so everything can thoroughly soften to get a smoother consistency.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blend until very smooth, (Add a little more water if the mixture is too thick to blend, being careful not to make it too runny.)</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Transfer the frosting into a covered bowl, and refrigerate to cool and firm up while you are making the cupcakes.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Cupcakes</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1½ cups non-dairy milk</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">10 pitted medjool dates</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup pineapple chunks (I used fresh, but frozen or unsweetened canned would work)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup mango chunks (I used frozen, defrosted, and fresh would work too)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon baking powder</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon ground nutmeg</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">⅛ teaspoon ground cloves</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1½ cups grated carrots grated fine (2 medium)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Place the nondairy milk, dates, and vanilla into a bowl and set aside for at least 15 minutes (so the dates can soften).</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grind the oats into flour with a blender. Transfer to a medium bowl, and whisk in the cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Place the milk, dates and vanilla mixture plus the pineapple and mango in the blender, and blend until smooth.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stir the date mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Fold in the grated carrots and nuts.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is medium brown and a tester comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan and placing on a cooling rack, and c</span>ool completely before frosting. </span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frost with the prepared chilled lemon frosting. </span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep refrigerated.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2015/02/kitchen-adventure-sweet-potato-cake.html" target="_blank">Sweet potato cake</a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2014/05/vegan-baking-banana-walnut-muffins.html" target="_blank">Vegan banana nut muffins</a></span><br />
<a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2015/10/discovering-aquafaba-vegan-lemon-pound.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Lemon pound cake</span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2017/09/kitchen-adventure-waffles.html?m=0" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Waffles</span></a> (gluten free, vegan)</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSClear" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ERSNotesDiv" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="ERSNotesHeader" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: inherit; margin: 5px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-17205800188153592112017-12-27T17:58:00.001-05:002017-12-27T17:58:38.781-05:00Garden highlights - 2017<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1Sgn5jdb__K9oPnxPuLc_cxZKufAJ7kw7WLhvojq9Cob-XnIuVUNH2uMOkHYemS40IxPf1BV9wyY8Zfz1NkeIUohZEmONcmyTXClzidxaT90rehZK6BraEp3wcsDjtf73Cb9unyM1Ew/s1600/Garden+2017+heading2+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="413" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1Sgn5jdb__K9oPnxPuLc_cxZKufAJ7kw7WLhvojq9Cob-XnIuVUNH2uMOkHYemS40IxPf1BV9wyY8Zfz1NkeIUohZEmONcmyTXClzidxaT90rehZK6BraEp3wcsDjtf73Cb9unyM1Ew/s640/Garden+2017+heading2+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heirloom tomatoes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This year's garden was about compromise. Work and studies left me little time to nurture seeds from start to transplant, so I opted for heirloom seedlings from online sources and the local nursery. I was pleasantly surprised that the selection wasn't as narrow as I had feared. Happily, I was still able to stock the freezer with tomatoes of about half a dozen varieties for making soups and stews over the winter, and there was usually something available for harvest fresh from the garden on most days. Sadly, the basil was ready for harvest as I studied for a final and then was away on vacation. Because of this, I didn't get to stock up on homemade pesto this year, but I think the neighbors enjoyed the windfall. Another casualty to this year's weather was the garlic, which only yielded a few scrawny bulbs at harvest. On the plus side, I was able to deter the deer that like to nibble our green bean plants. This time, I tucked the bean seeds among the prickly leaves of zucchini plants, which the deer avoid. This seemed to have made our garden no longer on the equivalent of the deer's Zagat guide of best places to eat because they seemed to have been frequenting our neighbor's flowering bush instead. This year's gardening experience was certainly a bit pared down over the last few; however, I'll take it over not having one at all. The seed catalogs have arrived in the mail just as we're settling in for a couple of weeks of below freezing winter weather, so it's time to snuggle up to the fireplace and start planning for next spring.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Although I didn't get to share the progress throughout the growing season, I did manage to capture it in photos. Here are some of the highlights from the garden this year.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Kjj4IhXoeeDgckmmddKWlTs1K5jqUBUNbKnlLw3ym30mUf1pIi-uyuI4pYKGxNA3MOqf_YVKPO7T5me1HeMHLlXtIn6yx9aWdGbVtI3fdKptVwBS-XYgzVF1roGG6M-mZSECPTY-tTI/s1600/Garden+2017b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Kjj4IhXoeeDgckmmddKWlTs1K5jqUBUNbKnlLw3ym30mUf1pIi-uyuI4pYKGxNA3MOqf_YVKPO7T5me1HeMHLlXtIn6yx9aWdGbVtI3fdKptVwBS-XYgzVF1roGG6M-mZSECPTY-tTI/s640/Garden+2017b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers in an urn, a raised bed, a fig tree, zucchini and yellow squash</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHphF_rSGqt9gvqLCM8No8KemzOdIq3dMKMrkS2sXgRVVhlU8-pDJgreROHdWKaWBi6dJwsbTnl_S8To7mBnu5S6R2eRdTuJa9ZoFMwpk5uM42IUYLvFudkx0VaXMC0IwlMhuZ94-n7I/s1600/Garden+2017c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHphF_rSGqt9gvqLCM8No8KemzOdIq3dMKMrkS2sXgRVVhlU8-pDJgreROHdWKaWBi6dJwsbTnl_S8To7mBnu5S6R2eRdTuJa9ZoFMwpk5uM42IUYLvFudkx0VaXMC0IwlMhuZ94-n7I/s640/Garden+2017c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daily harvests</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyyJubuF3vV-L1K0B5s3XZBf8YjEqzM26Y8jhbDnIgBjBagVJICD3LgTo0hOfCyTpVZoqntYvHxPPiV06VJBtPvzIqulpTNTwamuOMxo7MqY1P05LTT9G3yQIM-wJVqcdlMnL5qFsl6E/s1600/Garden+2017d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyyJubuF3vV-L1K0B5s3XZBf8YjEqzM26Y8jhbDnIgBjBagVJICD3LgTo0hOfCyTpVZoqntYvHxPPiV06VJBtPvzIqulpTNTwamuOMxo7MqY1P05LTT9G3yQIM-wJVqcdlMnL5qFsl6E/s640/Garden+2017d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the flowers from this summer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYCAtu5i2fZfvTSKpZW98eSuvl6fzTShqaUxu6Ijy7N-Q7pKYkD9XhrZZ5ycRvbANwj46X61cb7r507jKpu9bNCj1ugv8E7bWaMOgPx9aOQs-FtOE77oAp4adXppht8qA-r9eC51PIXY/s1600/Garden+2017a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYCAtu5i2fZfvTSKpZW98eSuvl6fzTShqaUxu6Ijy7N-Q7pKYkD9XhrZZ5ycRvbANwj46X61cb7r507jKpu9bNCj1ugv8E7bWaMOgPx9aOQs-FtOE77oAp4adXppht8qA-r9eC51PIXY/s640/Garden+2017a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Swiss chard, Italian eggplant, tomatoes ripening on the vine, strawberries</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-26494264053433113822017-12-08T22:32:00.000-05:002017-12-08T22:33:14.419-05:00Easy chocolate superfood truffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuHmt7xmirgOvepJyEEJCfDB7KQHqVef-dbwr-COdvJX7VogbwlnvLIQZMFL9Y4OpuIQu3-bLdY5QjwvFjwcD_DgKfyYCa8nEwXNxF9nJY1ogBlFvegX8OKwaeRSZ5_GiOBQ_wj68Ouk/s1600/20170506_115405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuHmt7xmirgOvepJyEEJCfDB7KQHqVef-dbwr-COdvJX7VogbwlnvLIQZMFL9Y4OpuIQu3-bLdY5QjwvFjwcD_DgKfyYCa8nEwXNxF9nJY1ogBlFvegX8OKwaeRSZ5_GiOBQ_wj68Ouk/s640/20170506_115405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chia seed coated truffles with cacao nibs and cacao dusted truffles with dried cherries and pecans</div>
<br />
There are holiday treats everywhere you turn at this time of year. So that I have something that seems decadent without straying away from my healthy eating program. These little whole food bites are not only a decadent answer to a craving for something sweet, but they are packed with superfood nutrition and antioxidants found in raw cacao and maca powders, dried cherries, cocoa nibs and chia seeds. I like to keep a batch stored in the freezer because I like the chewy, caramel-like texture they take on from being frozen. These were my substitute for the Chunky candy bars that were in the office all during Halloween.<br />
<br />
These just take a few minutes to blend together in a food processor. They can be rolled into large marble sized balls or patted out into a pan and chilled for 30 minutes before cutting into fudge size squares. In either case, store in a sealed container between rows of parchment paper in the freezer for a more chewy consistency or the fridge for a softer truffle-like bite.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Easy chocolate superfood truffles</h2>
<div>
1 cup tightly packed, pitted medjool dates (approximately 12 large dates)</div>
<div>
3 Tbsp raw cacao powder (plus extra for coating balls)</div>
<div>
2 Tbsp chia seeds </div>
<div>
1 Tbsp maca powder</div>
<div>
5 Tbsp almond butter (or other nut or seed butter of choice)</div>
<div>
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (or other nuts of your choice - optional)</div>
1 cup rolled oats<br />
1/2 cup maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener of choice)<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract or powder<br />
1/4 - 1/2 cup add-ins of your choice (cocoa nibs or mini chocolate chips, dried fruit such as cherries, cranberries, coconut shreds, or diced apricots)<br />
<br />
Into the bowl of your food processor, put everything but the add-ins and process until smooth. This may take awhile, but be patient and use a rubber spatula to push down the mixture from the sides often. If the mixture seems too dry, add a few drops of warm water or plant based milk to help loosen the mixture. Once the mixture is smooth, add any desired fruits, nuts or nibs and pulse a few times to combine without breaking them up too much, or mix them in by hand. Take about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into a ball by hand, then roll in cacao powder, chopped nuts or coconut shreds. Repeat with the remaining mixture. These can be eaten right away or stored in the refrigerator or freezer between sheets of parchment paper. <br />
<br />
Makes about 12 - 16 treats.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-21541291744799388082017-09-10T17:44:00.000-04:002017-09-10T17:44:37.817-04:00Kitchen adventure: Waffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ1RI4Bt0JaC1TTDbCNSVXG_NdHlPhmVCvRpg-AWoH5n6UfzzLBP_-dfKhcyUex6TGUhu8JKR5r-nkQpLm5SvlYmGH63sFnc7SD5OJ1VnXgG0NMbnGWv0UxP70mLmM4Pr6HyL8FBi_zA/s1600/20170719_195653_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ1RI4Bt0JaC1TTDbCNSVXG_NdHlPhmVCvRpg-AWoH5n6UfzzLBP_-dfKhcyUex6TGUhu8JKR5r-nkQpLm5SvlYmGH63sFnc7SD5OJ1VnXgG0NMbnGWv0UxP70mLmM4Pr6HyL8FBi_zA/s400/20170719_195653_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I enjoy having breakfast for dinner when the weather gets cooler as it is now where I live. Sometimes, when I've had a really healthy substantial lunch, all I'll want in the evening is something to satisfy my sweet tooth, and waffles are just the thing. These waffles are light, but substantial because of the oats and bananas; and using bananas also eliminates the need for oil in the batter. Whether you eat them for breakfast or dinner, I think this recipe will become a favorite. <br />
<br />
<div class="m_-885699757327754502ERSIngredients" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Gentium Basic", serif; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 3px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">WAFFLES</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 1/4 cup non-dairy milk + 1 tsp white or apple cider vinegar</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 very ripe banana mashed</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">2 Tbsp maple syrup </li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1/2 cup rolled oats pulsed in a food processor until fine or oat flour</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 3/4 cups<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://minimalistbaker.com/diy-gluten-free-flour-blend/&source=gmail&ust=1505151400776000&usg=AFQjCNGpN5zhfO1QTAARfNnz6YSd3sH2lA" href="https://minimalistbaker.com/diy-gluten-free-flour-blend/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #247bbd; font-style: italic; text-decoration-line: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"> </a>white whole wheat (or all purpose) flour</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 Tbsp flaxseed meal</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">ice water as needed </li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502ingredient" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">Toppings - vegan butter or yogurt, maple syrup, fruit (fresh or thawed berries, diced apples or peaches), nuts, cacao nibs. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 3px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instructions</span></span></h3>
</div>
<div class="m_-885699757327754502ERSInstructions" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Gentium Basic", serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="m_-885699757327754502instruction" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Combine non-dairy milk and vinegar in a small mixing bowl and let set for a few minutes to curdle. Then add mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla extract. Whisk until combined and set aside.</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502instruction" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Add dry ingredients (flour, oats, flax meal, and baking powder) into a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502instruction" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix until well incorporated. If the batter is too thick, add a teaspoon of ice water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502instruction" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Let the batter set for 5-10 minutes while your waffle iron preheats, and add more ice water if the batter gets too thick. </li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502instruction" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">When the waffle iron is ready, generously coat with non-stick spray and pour in batter until nearly to the edges. Cook according to your preferred doneness. I like mine to be well done with crispy edges, so I cook until there isn't any steam coming from the iron. This takes about 1.5 times through on the highest setting on my waffle iron. Remove and place on a baking rack in a 200 degree oven to keep warm. Do not stack, but keep them in a single layer to keep crisp.</li>
<li class="m_-885699757327754502instruction" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Serve with desired toppings (I had blueberries and pecans), vegan butter and maple syrup. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the toaster for crisp waffles or in the microwave for softer ones. I double the recipe and put the extras in the in the freezer in a freezer storage bag. They will keep for a few months. </li>
</ol>
<div style="font-family: "Gentium Basic", serif; font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYvqzmH0srbZfGDTadfIFq1Hip4MyfpjftUMVZXxm10yzYHvxRfoQb-GpHBSDF7aWhCPfhOSTcN3-dK5Ysvfa1t_-TIfAqHUB_RiBX4i8B-y14eLdwlpJ7ptT3pz8q9wM5DcDrgWcIF0/s1600/20170719_203135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYvqzmH0srbZfGDTadfIFq1Hip4MyfpjftUMVZXxm10yzYHvxRfoQb-GpHBSDF7aWhCPfhOSTcN3-dK5Ysvfa1t_-TIfAqHUB_RiBX4i8B-y14eLdwlpJ7ptT3pz8q9wM5DcDrgWcIF0/s320/20170719_203135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Gentium Basic", serif; font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Gentium Basic", serif; font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-29709771020625796692017-06-28T22:52:00.000-04:002017-06-28T22:52:07.659-04:00Spring in the garden and a visit to a small farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1tm-TCV3WPHSKhadF8AWPEpmc6uS_t29P5TPhKz4ZlelDLd3nHXay2TPZikBJ5X6Yw5YDYHKkzEOxFyEGq9FSW3oUiY__fLZVoDJ7qJnVdrxzZT-D8QHaKepUNNRnvaOo0-asOvGb3Y/s1600/IMG_20170528_082930_571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1tm-TCV3WPHSKhadF8AWPEpmc6uS_t29P5TPhKz4ZlelDLd3nHXay2TPZikBJ5X6Yw5YDYHKkzEOxFyEGq9FSW3oUiY__fLZVoDJ7qJnVdrxzZT-D8QHaKepUNNRnvaOo0-asOvGb3Y/s400/IMG_20170528_082930_571.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This year, the garden got off to a slow start this year as we had a cool, often wet, spring. Because of my studies, I didn't have time to start plants from seed as I usually do. However, there are many more varieties of heirloom plants to choose from in local nurseries and by mail order than a few years ago. Although the harvests won't be as diverse as I'd like, I was able to get a variety of tomato, peppers, squash, eggplant, basil and cucumber seedlings. I also directly planted seeds for beans of all kinds, carrots, and greens. The last few years have provided enough garlic to last will into the winter months. However, the mild winter disagreed with my fall-planted garlic, so, sadly, I will not have a large garlic harvest later this summer for pesto making. I will be lucky to get half a dozen bulbs and will miss making a <a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2014/07/garlic-harvest.html" target="_blank">garlic braid </a>to hang in my kitchen. Each year's weather brings different successes and failures which is why I try to plant a variety each year - if one crop fails, hopefully, there will be plenty of something else. (We still have a couple of butternut squash left from the more than 20 from last year's harvest.) Gardening certainly makes me appreciate how much work goes into producing our food. <br />
<br />
Here are some photos of the garden during the last week of this spring. Now that the summer heat is on, things have taken off, so I'll post some updates again soon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wyfK2oOLQmA_rtYLTLCdKNwixMVPdCZVwE-CBBPohnLHwmmjxI8ZymDyA1wkwo_gy2rJB66RbixJmuk-lyzQVnWyzAs6QntLjHLC8cQ7Qu3MY0KQxXjQjuRd8NAiCHybQpx_sMY38AU/s1600/GardenSpring2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wyfK2oOLQmA_rtYLTLCdKNwixMVPdCZVwE-CBBPohnLHwmmjxI8ZymDyA1wkwo_gy2rJB66RbixJmuk-lyzQVnWyzAs6QntLjHLC8cQ7Qu3MY0KQxXjQjuRd8NAiCHybQpx_sMY38AU/s640/GardenSpring2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two of the garden beds with tomatoes, basil, and beans; a fig tree, and squash blossoms</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqffi4DBkPTZLC6ZhtNnZ7eqGcSklJ-OpAHxLjWePjuuzDz20WrjjZBdWt8TN7qtyZolxwOD_Tof2nKhOeXcpBVzJ_tpYPYkHXUJbhe8UJBAH1b0wRqI2vVRvLOebsPBuE_uvbx6Vfqk/s1600/GardenSpring2017a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqffi4DBkPTZLC6ZhtNnZ7eqGcSklJ-OpAHxLjWePjuuzDz20WrjjZBdWt8TN7qtyZolxwOD_Tof2nKhOeXcpBVzJ_tpYPYkHXUJbhe8UJBAH1b0wRqI2vVRvLOebsPBuE_uvbx6Vfqk/s640/GardenSpring2017a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of the flowers and ornamental plants tucked among the vegetable beds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Recently, we had a real treat in attending an open house of a friend and his wife. They have about 7 acres, and have been setting up a small farm. The chickens have the nicest coop I've ever seen with a cupola topped with a weather vane and a solar powered door to allow them easy access to the yard. There are two of the cutest baby goats that enjoy the run of the paddock and climb on anything they can, plus beehives and guinea hens. There is a puppy that is a working dog in training to protect them all, along with a few border collies (both theirs and ones they foster before they find a forever homes) for keeping things rounded up. A vegetable garden is in its first year with plans for a field of cutting flowers for the next. It was such a relaxing day spent in the fresh air and a bonfire to end the evening. We went home relaxed while the dogs were tuckered out from running in the fields. It has me dreaming of having a bit more land of our own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AjSthCRmDadGkattpRDKdjFmE3BFeoMMRjlwfjO8Vas-ex7zqbHr_ejZz-n1xWczIq9cTs1Kbf7IS8XGWYdOcHJyRI4zktRCGl8F-pScJMG470RGa6jKjptrIPmxmrYSX0OM-U3QY7Q/s1600/FarmSpring2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AjSthCRmDadGkattpRDKdjFmE3BFeoMMRjlwfjO8Vas-ex7zqbHr_ejZz-n1xWczIq9cTs1Kbf7IS8XGWYdOcHJyRI4zktRCGl8F-pScJMG470RGa6jKjptrIPmxmrYSX0OM-U3QY7Q/s640/FarmSpring2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Resources:<br />
Seeds and fig trees (planted 2 years ago) - http://www.rareseeds.com/<br />
Seedlings: http://www.territorialseed.com/ and http://www.rareseeds.com/<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-57918924280489186722017-05-04T18:59:00.004-04:002017-05-04T19:24:26.913-04:00Highlights from 2016<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyO7aYKRpndjbgkeSOImFcRViI0Yficusc79K6F0qPKHW6AyKd0283SHipYjvv_roD7dwIV4iAOCM4XXbOZ3qdE_0vrPgbuFqJQsdZIZj9ek8jm3656km8M6BUtRMNPDMwsFU37bstjpo/s1600/IMG_20160823_074216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyO7aYKRpndjbgkeSOImFcRViI0Yficusc79K6F0qPKHW6AyKd0283SHipYjvv_roD7dwIV4iAOCM4XXbOZ3qdE_0vrPgbuFqJQsdZIZj9ek8jm3656km8M6BUtRMNPDMwsFU37bstjpo/s640/IMG_20160823_074216.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Farm view - Rural Retreat, VA</div>
<br />
Well, they say it's better late than never...so, I'm finally getting to complete this post started many months ago. For me, 2016 was shadowed by my sadness over my mother's passing away in February of last year. I spent much of the rest of the year just taking things as they came as I realized that I wasn't going to be in control of things the way I usually like to be. As I incorporated the responsibilities of settling an estate into an already busy schedule, I had to come to grips with the reality that grief makes you move at a slower pace through life. I had to let some activities go in order to cope. Despite that, there was still plenty to celebrate during the year. The year was also filled with plenty of personal reflection, and I marked the end of the year by doing a look back to celebrate the highlights from 2016, picking a word and setting goals for 2017 as I have been doing over the past 10 years or so.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the highlights from 2016:<br />
<br />
I started and completed 1/4 of the coursework in a graduate school program in transpersonal psychology. This partial stack of school books in the photo below kept me busy during the year. My coursework has a large experiential component requiring a great deal of inner work. My personal meditation practice has become even more consistent as I explored a variety of both Eastern and Western techniques. I delved into a journey of self-discovery uncovering the mythologies of childhood and culture that are influencing me today, and immersed myself in discovering the science behind the powers of the human mind and the the mysteries of our dreams. I've included a resource list of some of the books I explored in class and some others just for fun in case you are looking for something to add to your reading list. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNZ6BQpuFLXf6d56p_W77ytHsL8LVYs1dGjbt56_WOdMx_tCaCYCkRp_JTMaVA0HDOxx5xqn9FY-HS7ZuhYfTDCV1kazzvTu9yV7tc90TX4zPVWrMwdeK2Pk2WXsKfBc6-_rCEqPmJ4E/s1600/20161204_115559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNZ6BQpuFLXf6d56p_W77ytHsL8LVYs1dGjbt56_WOdMx_tCaCYCkRp_JTMaVA0HDOxx5xqn9FY-HS7ZuhYfTDCV1kazzvTu9yV7tc90TX4zPVWrMwdeK2Pk2WXsKfBc6-_rCEqPmJ4E/s400/20161204_115559.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Because of my studies, the garden didn't get as much of my attention as I would have liked to have given it. However, the harvests still offered an abundance of fruits and vegetables plus beautiful flowers for bouquets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rX1aGp__G3w7s_o5q9-3Ul1WcfEAAHXwiATLKDieRNseQbPAOyORgJeKw5lnr37-EW3q5F047cTHnxymyvJK_xmOOa95Er1zkBboCHJ8HAFnGfG-EU8gm4KhMP1fSKkG__gw0qkU7oY/s1600/SH+veg+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rX1aGp__G3w7s_o5q9-3Ul1WcfEAAHXwiATLKDieRNseQbPAOyORgJeKw5lnr37-EW3q5F047cTHnxymyvJK_xmOOa95Er1zkBboCHJ8HAFnGfG-EU8gm4KhMP1fSKkG__gw0qkU7oY/s640/SH+veg+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCISYX-AZC8nxhyEaZvhjuD2JHOruzRPtyrAViTy-9ayXHCXoROMalrroA78UilRP-7a3NpjnJ7g5ke2YkWTXV4Fc_sXFIikXkmj5GVMzQvCTSo97hmdIuev_kXOxTHccA-Osd7A9Qak/s1600/SH+flower+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCISYX-AZC8nxhyEaZvhjuD2JHOruzRPtyrAViTy-9ayXHCXoROMalrroA78UilRP-7a3NpjnJ7g5ke2YkWTXV4Fc_sXFIikXkmj5GVMzQvCTSo97hmdIuev_kXOxTHccA-Osd7A9Qak/s640/SH+flower+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I attended a weekend program on intuition and dreams at a farmhouse called the Big House in Rural Retreat, VA. In addition to gaining new knowledge, it was a weekend of much needed rejuvenation, beautiful scenery, and making connections with a like-minded community. After the program, the road trip continued with visits to family in Kentucky and Indiana before heading home and back to work and my studies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzVSVepfDha4SdpcyT4hZhQzpNzZi3vrVURHspBrysh9d7IOZPRuXKwf0NjNkH5Bi-kIXrS-890N4A2uvj1rf1TLCa_5q7nxEOw1FGMyyRFgHRj7PgQzbg3IYCjQhHdUxvR0qX69T4O4/s1600/SH+Big+House+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzVSVepfDha4SdpcyT4hZhQzpNzZi3vrVURHspBrysh9d7IOZPRuXKwf0NjNkH5Bi-kIXrS-890N4A2uvj1rf1TLCa_5q7nxEOw1FGMyyRFgHRj7PgQzbg3IYCjQhHdUxvR0qX69T4O4/s640/SH+Big+House+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Big House in Rural Retreat, VA</div>
<br />
Other highlights for the year included:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikw9565noJ6J1TxIe0fVm1yPdn3rli0k5hyphenhyphenpzcjVPCWgbeKvpHfiaeSg9SdphxKDQwkX1SmDygwx36DOXI1lZ6ZeeuMqX0x7l-5kEnEMl2lTgALSCCUJN1sDUmZ5ZgU_zLSIOfZ0uVEc/s1600/SH+highights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikw9565noJ6J1TxIe0fVm1yPdn3rli0k5hyphenhyphenpzcjVPCWgbeKvpHfiaeSg9SdphxKDQwkX1SmDygwx36DOXI1lZ6ZeeuMqX0x7l-5kEnEMl2lTgALSCCUJN1sDUmZ5ZgU_zLSIOfZ0uVEc/s640/SH+highights.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
spending time with my brother and his family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a photography workshop with my favorite zen master</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
high tea at an historic inn with some of the ladies in the neighborhood</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a fun summer evening at a traveling carnival with a girlfriend and her family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
performing dance at a charity function</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a special night at the 10-year anniversary celebration of the release of <a href="http://www.kimberlywilson.com/hip-tranquil-chick-10/" target="_blank">Hip Tranquil Chick</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my husband taking me to a performance of <a href="http://www.lovelettersontour.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Love Letters</span></a> by Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a beautiful local Christmas light display</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
monthly volunteering with my son at the local food bank</div>
<br />
As I have done for many years, I completed Susannah Conway's <i>Unravelling</i> <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/2016/11/make-magic-2017/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">exercise</span></a> of reflection for the year past and set aspirations for the year ahead. Last year's word was IMMERSION, and that came about when I dove into my studies and also coped with being unexpectedly immersed in grief. For 2017, I have chosen AUTHENTIC as my word to explore as my knowledge and worldview expand with my studies. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of 2017 unfold and the adventures it might bring.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
Reading list:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ql3E9g" target="_blank">Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2p9pIpu" target="_blank">Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2qcu5i6" target="_blank">Personal Mythology: Using Ritual, Dreams, and Imagination to Discover Your Inner Story</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2oRnngj" target="_blank">Dream Solutions! Dream Realizations: The Original Dream Quest Guidebook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=resourcefulco-20&l=am2&o=1&a=160415036X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2qcJuip" target="_blank">Extraordinary Knowing: Science, Skepticism, and the Inexplicable Powers of the Human Mind</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2qkZePB" target="_blank">Meditation for Beginners</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2oC1WUE" target="_blank">Living Deeply: The Art & Science of Transformation in Everyday Life</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2oRnZ5B" target="_blank">When the Soul Awakens: The Path to Spiritual Evolution and a New World Era</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2pFaw5h" target="_blank">The Secret History of Dreaming</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ql3oqS" target="_blank">The Essential Edgar Cayce</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2oODeeK" target="_blank">Succulent Wild Woman - Dancing With Your Wonder-full Self!</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2oCqb4U" target="_blank">Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1m5vkDo1760_hwjnFjaKodf_OGbittb7Xzp2Q_XUufy7K6Ip1bYfM0o19b2n6qPUTHmCccwCMTOqXevb7f06jImA7PEmGtVtD4zEu97Akm1QC9-kpNlaiJAVdxq5tm7qz2WSC6xjwtk/s1600/IMG_20160611_100258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1m5vkDo1760_hwjnFjaKodf_OGbittb7Xzp2Q_XUufy7K6Ip1bYfM0o19b2n6qPUTHmCccwCMTOqXevb7f06jImA7PEmGtVtD4zEu97Akm1QC9-kpNlaiJAVdxq5tm7qz2WSC6xjwtk/s640/IMG_20160611_100258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rose in full bloom in my garden</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-34909848486366419512017-04-20T12:00:00.000-04:002017-04-20T12:00:00.637-04:00Spring in the garden<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAVVysGOn5NVNBkgiKGvKV4_56nQ_PDQiW-DePmc5CRZbo2J-Q7nggwLoS0cuG1euJEKAE8pk_-9edJgWDKUvwhC_P6nBoHWxLXkL2tISq6UmGrybrs5RfbuMpaTpuDSy1qC-uwjecOs/s1600/Blackbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAVVysGOn5NVNBkgiKGvKV4_56nQ_PDQiW-DePmc5CRZbo2J-Q7nggwLoS0cuG1euJEKAE8pk_-9edJgWDKUvwhC_P6nBoHWxLXkL2tISq6UmGrybrs5RfbuMpaTpuDSy1qC-uwjecOs/s640/Blackbird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spinach</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Uncovering the winter garden is always a surprise. Some years are better than others, but there is always something that makes it through the winter tucked under hoops covered by <a href="http://amzn.to/2ooAXrw" target="_blank">garden fabric</a> and plastic. This year, there is spinach, flat leaf and curly parsley, carrots, and a few onions. Of course, the mint always seems to survive no matter what happens, and there are always plenty of weeds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuartDhVB_Tr9paXAUfTnIUvOac0zvhz0ivYW13GeB6yaWPXDHJJSHc42EdFV-TikglrwbE0Crkfj1jpBqdWvzAz8flXPh9Ir_XYUEVVt9w0O_vz1dSDRVXu84RBIsE2EXc-vnr3T18q8/s1600/IMG_20170325_102514_641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuartDhVB_Tr9paXAUfTnIUvOac0zvhz0ivYW13GeB6yaWPXDHJJSHc42EdFV-TikglrwbE0Crkfj1jpBqdWvzAz8flXPh9Ir_XYUEVVt9w0O_vz1dSDRVXu84RBIsE2EXc-vnr3T18q8/s320/IMG_20170325_102514_641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spinach harvested for a salad</div>
<br />
Repairs have been made to the beds, and I'm looking forward to refreshing the soil in preparation for planting. This year, I'm trying a different mix to refresh the beds inspired by Jake Mace's soil mix <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u49nO1Wf1KY" target="_blank">video</a>. I'll be topping off the beds with a mix of compost, <a href="http://amzn.to/2o5DsTf" target="_blank">coconut coir</a> (a substitute for peat moss to help retain moisture and save the endangered peat bogs!), <a href="http://amzn.to/2oMUiFn" target="_blank">azomite</a> trace mineral dust, and <a href="http://amzn.to/2oXjTf5" target="_blank">worm castings</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This year, I didn't have a chance to start my own seedlings indoors because my studies in a graduate program and work have kept me busy. I opted to order some seedlings online (<a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/" target="_blank">rareseeds.com</a> and <a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/" target="_blank">territorialseed.com</a>), and I'll get a few more from the local garden center and health food store. Even just a few years ago, if you wanted to plant heirloom varieties, you had to start from seed. Although you can't beat the variety of heirlooms available as seeds, there are increasingly more choices being offered as seedlings these days.<br />
<br />
I look forward to sharing this year's garden adventures with you.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTTEZjhSS2iQiJHn0mnPzeljxB9Q3ZoGDixZB9NPqlDg8uY8cUKexxGR8WKvvAaanpHNvJh0vyVZ9GUdVkFfZZKEAjEJPCJDEb6VtAWkks7RidgXPO60A6-6PE1L0sN-U_ETnuvulE-U/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTTEZjhSS2iQiJHn0mnPzeljxB9Q3ZoGDixZB9NPqlDg8uY8cUKexxGR8WKvvAaanpHNvJh0vyVZ9GUdVkFfZZKEAjEJPCJDEb6VtAWkks7RidgXPO60A6-6PE1L0sN-U_ETnuvulE-U/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carrots, flat leaf and curly parsley survived the winter in raised beds under covered hoops</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-7867782920630630882016-09-09T19:19:00.001-04:002016-09-09T19:19:20.291-04:00Summer Harvest Salad<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqws1ds_wAoPPisGfhKOYPDx9pae8ZvOZSddREFxynQXrLbiibovYoCSZKIz_5mNrn9xjnxD6F6flTvH86z6RH2xrDR2KuVct863gZVT6_S48V8t4BYO0WRItMtENAbbZER4qW6O-VMgI/s1600/IMG_20160809_190153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqws1ds_wAoPPisGfhKOYPDx9pae8ZvOZSddREFxynQXrLbiibovYoCSZKIz_5mNrn9xjnxD6F6flTvH86z6RH2xrDR2KuVct863gZVT6_S48V8t4BYO0WRItMtENAbbZER4qW6O-VMgI/s640/IMG_20160809_190153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer Harvest Salad</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
As summer draws to a close and the warm weather fruits and vegetables are at their peak of ripeness, it is easy to create a colorful, nutritious dish with just a few fresh ingredients from your garden, local farmers market or produce section of the grocery store. This salad requires no cooking. It is a great dish for summer picnics or potlucks or when it's too hot to cook. This dish comes together in very little time because the season's best ingredients need very little to bring out their full flavor. With the addition of some grilled tofu, fish or chicken and some crusty bread, you have a light meal ready in no time.</div>
<h3 style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif;">
Summer harvest salad</h3>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
2-3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced<br />2 ears of fresh corn, shuck and remove kernels from cob<br />1/4 ro 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped<br />1/2 lemon<br />micro-greens or sprouts<br />fresh chopped herbs of choice (basil, thyme, mint)<br />sea salt and pepper<br />olive oil (optional)</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
Arrange the tomato slices on a serving platter. Sprinkle the corn kernels over the tomato slices. Sprinkle the onions over the corn. Sprinkle the chopped herbs over the onions. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Top with some micro-greens or sprouts. Squeeze the lemon over the salad and drizzle with olive oil (if using). Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1D48nb3dSs41PrzaTs52TH1suuuF8n3lwEa8CVEKuvzzQoK4ZiFAnzkXwzQEpD3RmFX0-ANvaD8mxMiIPP-XEEzbqnOWwkZR389kCxVim1L2cBdht551k1NwbT-uuP0JbcjnMjWBK9VE/s1600/IMG_20160731_115223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1D48nb3dSs41PrzaTs52TH1suuuF8n3lwEa8CVEKuvzzQoK4ZiFAnzkXwzQEpD3RmFX0-ANvaD8mxMiIPP-XEEzbqnOWwkZR389kCxVim1L2cBdht551k1NwbT-uuP0JbcjnMjWBK9VE/s400/IMG_20160731_115223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">
Harvest from my garden</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-22648662266653261382016-05-30T18:41:00.002-04:002017-04-22T12:32:09.684-04:00Kitchen adventure: Superfood granola<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5pDJrFux36KORq8MpvNgEfQJthBnctqr2PHwvpDB5XqO4ifnCIy-OYxODmrVELKKR7Ns1nIS9AOlR4HIrJ4ozsmV0Ggf0ziwfmLCXQ4gI2P53COWeoCfjZtmFS59AE4sYDnJE991mMM/s1600/Superfood+granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5pDJrFux36KORq8MpvNgEfQJthBnctqr2PHwvpDB5XqO4ifnCIy-OYxODmrVELKKR7Ns1nIS9AOlR4HIrJ4ozsmV0Ggf0ziwfmLCXQ4gI2P53COWeoCfjZtmFS59AE4sYDnJE991mMM/s400/Superfood+granola.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Granola with fresh picked strawberries, blueberries and cashew milk</div>
<br />
Store bought granola can be loaded with more sugar and fat than you'd like to start your day. This granola is packed with superfoods and sweetened with dates and dried fruits. The traditional oil is replaced with banana and tahini (or nut butter of your choice). This easy to make recipe works well for breakfast, snacks or dessert. This recipe was inspired by this original <a href="http://jennymustard.com/recipe-super-healthy-granola/" target="_blank">recipe</a> at Jenny Mustard's blog. Although the ingredient list is long, it comes together quickly. Feel free to substitute any of your favorite nuts, seeds or dried fruits that you like. <br />
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.65; margin-bottom: 34px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Superfood granola</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.65; margin-bottom: 34px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">12 large medjool dates, soaked and drained (save water)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 large ripe banana<br />½ cup tahini (or use almond, cashew or peanut butter)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 scoop (1 tablespoon, superfood green powder) optional</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 cups old fashioned oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup raw cacao powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup flax seeds<br />1 cup raw nuts roughly chopped, (I used walnuts and almonds for this batch)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8-10 prunes or dried mission figs, chopped (this batch had figs)</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 26.4px;">½</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> cup raisins or other dried fruit like cherries, blueberries or cranberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup goji berries (or more raisins)<br />½ cup raw sunflower seeds</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 26.4px;">½ </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">cup raw pumpkin seeds</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 26.4px;">½ cup</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> shredded unsweetened coconut<br />1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />a pinch of cardamom </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- In a food processor or blender combine drained dates, tahini, bananas, superfood powder and vanilla extract until smooth. If the mixture is too thick to process, add just enough date soaking water to make a thick smooth paste. <br />- </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.65;">In a large mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients and stir to combine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.65;">- Add the date mixture to the bowl and mix until all the dry ingredients are coated. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Spread the granola evenly on a parchment paper or silicone mat lined large baking sheet and press flat with your hand or back of a spoon<br />- Bake the granola for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown<br />- Remove from the oven, let cool thoroughly and break into bite sized chunks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Store in an airtight container.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you liked this post, you may like:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2012/09/cold-cereal-for-breakfast.html" target="_blank">Healthy cold cereal</a></span><br />
<a href="http://carrot%20cake%20granola/" target="_blank">Carrot cake granola</a><br />
<a href="http://overnight%20oat%20and%20chia%20seed%20pudding/" target="_blank">Overnight oat and chia seed pudding</a>Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-48699532771764118272016-05-08T10:07:00.000-04:002016-05-08T10:07:16.447-04:00Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyNufl4zknP8XKojY4SVl0mtlGwTn4mcH394wnqumFwbOB7iVJpeDisQuD3Va1lhEBue3g_YmQGCDcPXFSKzqn47ffRpUA0CKyxnqscGJYbX3FwN1I3lJ29WanL9iBT2eT0754sVY_iQ/s1600/20160508_092950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyNufl4zknP8XKojY4SVl0mtlGwTn4mcH394wnqumFwbOB7iVJpeDisQuD3Va1lhEBue3g_YmQGCDcPXFSKzqn47ffRpUA0CKyxnqscGJYbX3FwN1I3lJ29WanL9iBT2eT0754sVY_iQ/s400/20160508_092950.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother's Julia Child yellow rose blooming in my garden</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I contemplate Mother’s Day this year, it is with a bit of
sadness as it is the first one since my mother’s passing a few months ago. I still reach for my phone to text her ,“Mom,
you won’t believe what I just saw!” or to send a photo of an art project I’ve been working on or show
her the progress in the garden. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My lovely neighbor
gave me a beautiful yellow rose bush named after Julia Child for my garden to commemorate my
mother’s life. She gave it to me because
my mother liked yellow roses. She had no
idea that my mother and I watched Julia’s cooking show on PBS together for
years when I was growing up or that I endlessly watched the cooking channel with her the
last time I saw her when she could no longer get out of bed as cancer had sapped her strength. Any time I start to miss her, I only have to
look out the window and see the pretty yellow blooms open to the sunshine to
make me smile. I smile at the thoughtfulness
of my neighbor giving me a beautiful reminder of my mother. I smile at the memory of my father giving my
mother roses often: for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and just because. I smile for the times she and I spent enjoying
Julia Child’s cooking shows and sharing our love of culinary adventures in the
kitchen and at the table. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I can't call her this year to wish her a Happy Mother's Day, in my heart my mother is
forever holding my hand and encouraging me through the journey of life. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXT71eGcI7tL-dF-rL4f8hpb9j5MzImr4X7gRtYI_Hl4SJkz_zzJ6o-6CLN1mAjXGd4iCRlCxGFeoxEM7Mo7oM-6FPjjpVFk7UpxBqt4AhTEYAfzPv2lLHdU9XtSsm1lo7rwAKXJ4OyXM/s1600/img002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXT71eGcI7tL-dF-rL4f8hpb9j5MzImr4X7gRtYI_Hl4SJkz_zzJ6o-6CLN1mAjXGd4iCRlCxGFeoxEM7Mo7oM-6FPjjpVFk7UpxBqt4AhTEYAfzPv2lLHdU9XtSsm1lo7rwAKXJ4OyXM/s640/img002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me and my mom on a stroll in Hof, Germany</div>
Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-85653954893728197032016-01-03T18:42:00.000-05:002016-01-03T18:42:02.046-05:002015 in review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoLFnbAHVPiipXshl-J7q3qoj-QVdr-4NQCy4gwYjzt4L8C6lsCG5PGYo0Jg0dr3Ewd6dK6RgN5vcihG0baRbXOdc0vqUKz5baoOYJUm2mU8NSak-oXe4Q6Fh_3GkSUPzp_xEF-9DDVc/s1600/thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoLFnbAHVPiipXshl-J7q3qoj-QVdr-4NQCy4gwYjzt4L8C6lsCG5PGYo0Jg0dr3Ewd6dK6RgN5vcihG0baRbXOdc0vqUKz5baoOYJUm2mU8NSak-oXe4Q6Fh_3GkSUPzp_xEF-9DDVc/s640/thumb.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annual year end review workbook </div>
<br />
I can't believe that 2015 is over. It feels as though it went by in a whirlwind. In my annual tradition, I am ending the year with a look back to acknowledge the year's accomplishments and evaluate the misses and then set intentions for the new year. I find that the busyness of life means I don't always get to savor some of the accomplishments as they happen or don't take enough time to take a look at what didn't work and why so I can make corrections or be at peace with letting go. I know this doesn't work for everyone, but taking just a few hours for this makes me feel as though I am setting myself up to make the most of the coming year. This process helps me put things into perspective and it's interesting and rewarding to see what I was able to accomplish and how differently some things turned out from what I imagined. <br />
<br />
Last year's word was <a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2015_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">embodiment</a> and I dug deeper into a few topics and projects that I had been dabbling in for awhile to see where they might lead. I enjoyed my explorations which are leading to more changes ahead and my word for 2016 which is <i>transformation</i>. This is just the beginning of the changes to come, and I look forward to sharing them with you. <br />
<br />
Here are a few highlights from 2015:<br />
<br />
<b>Volunteering at the DC Food Bank </b><br />
My son and I usually volunteer at the DC Food Book once a month and we were able to make 8 times last year.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T_l8uMoxpl42rE1MKuq4-HAOvG5hY8-WbZvhMKKlvDyssdQo4A0dr3u-EjfnymkJl_9TBttLM9r51UZ_teP5_dl85BpE81bUjUYqcdsYj6BBL1IdMO1D-ODDrDgxgUuohWaccexdoQM/s1600/Food+Bank+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T_l8uMoxpl42rE1MKuq4-HAOvG5hY8-WbZvhMKKlvDyssdQo4A0dr3u-EjfnymkJl_9TBttLM9r51UZ_teP5_dl85BpE81bUjUYqcdsYj6BBL1IdMO1D-ODDrDgxgUuohWaccexdoQM/s640/Food+Bank+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Sorting food into bins 2. View into the warehouse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Road trip to an ancient forest</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A day trip to Beall Woods State Park in Illinois which is a forested area that has not been logged or altered and remains today pretty much as it was hundreds of years ago. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vCsiAytbMiwSqknVcmHAcukL9oUssVFt6b1QpEYQPNB2akpAuutt1t92mCzKxmzEPCMXVzQ4FCo9SVBx9QHq9pYAJwshwi4QFAmGvFcUBGqmfRDVZ0azRCpZjRRJL2HZbJfBVY8eMf4/s1600/Ancient+forest+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vCsiAytbMiwSqknVcmHAcukL9oUssVFt6b1QpEYQPNB2akpAuutt1t92mCzKxmzEPCMXVzQ4FCo9SVBx9QHq9pYAJwshwi4QFAmGvFcUBGqmfRDVZ0azRCpZjRRJL2HZbJfBVY8eMf4/s640/Ancient+forest+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Fall Craft Cornucopia with Hyattsville Aging in Place</b><br />
A great day of demonstrations and teaching crafts along with some of my neighbors who are also crafters and artists. I enjoyed teaching the participants how to make collaged gift tags.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2v01deAV8ndV-N9TTjnSaSVIxocK7IsdLsj3EhxGLK4AWo7WQrHL8wW1ileoCp-jv5YrV2S9IOYaXc-C-dOJovOzOgZEFvteIjnXQ6Mg6-ZGHEYxdCmivbAEEvhTUPW9PeOa4Bhv4qzs/s1600/HAP+Craft+Cornucopia+-+Nov15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2v01deAV8ndV-N9TTjnSaSVIxocK7IsdLsj3EhxGLK4AWo7WQrHL8wW1ileoCp-jv5YrV2S9IOYaXc-C-dOJovOzOgZEFvteIjnXQ6Mg6-ZGHEYxdCmivbAEEvhTUPW9PeOa4Bhv4qzs/s640/HAP+Craft+Cornucopia+-+Nov15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Starting in the upper left: 1. weaving demo, 2. felting wool, 3. some of the seniors group working on their needlework and sharing stories, 4. my table with supplies for making tags, 5. upcycled old t-shirt, 6. origami instruction, 7. wool for felting projects, 8. origami examples, 9. reclaimed t-shirts cut into strips ready for weaving, 10. weaving on t-shirt strips on a stick loom, 11. t-shirt weaving examples</div>
<br />
<b>Garden adventures</b><br />
Lots of hard work in the garden yielded abundant harvests and filled our freezer for the winter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75X0vR0gCVMMjK1VkPYANJTx1BPMyaup1gbgOB-1y5VXxIthYwBXeS7HvZkAbMNDifhXC2uB0Aw-JiAn25t7n1dvG5QD_2M4Huvd2754_uphFvekbF3-Z3eczhVVlSwEeN7DP_hmhtNk/s1600/Garden+collage+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75X0vR0gCVMMjK1VkPYANJTx1BPMyaup1gbgOB-1y5VXxIthYwBXeS7HvZkAbMNDifhXC2uB0Aw-JiAn25t7n1dvG5QD_2M4Huvd2754_uphFvekbF3-Z3eczhVVlSwEeN7DP_hmhtNk/s640/Garden+collage+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>Art exhibition at the Popcorn Gallery</b><br />
Two pieces of my mixed media collage were chosen for an exhibition using reclaimed materials.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROen_qJw7DNmt0nkuO05Tnr6aI3r31h0_jIaVLHUV8CRRN6VLre8LLZJ0_ffdKFSwltxYm8TGU3O8CCWsmAFOK6P0oGNoWJ-vcoQKYh1GXi-FDt11_oy7SdzZrQkoKkwQHhHWXNLx8ZY/s1600/Popcorn+Gallery+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROen_qJw7DNmt0nkuO05Tnr6aI3r31h0_jIaVLHUV8CRRN6VLre8LLZJ0_ffdKFSwltxYm8TGU3O8CCWsmAFOK6P0oGNoWJ-vcoQKYh1GXi-FDt11_oy7SdzZrQkoKkwQHhHWXNLx8ZY/s640/Popcorn+Gallery+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading and wishing you all the best in 2016!<br />
<br />
<br />
Resources:<br />
<a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=B.Nq_&m=3W8qVsgBIti.mhN&b=Yg1oJnG3H5rCuKCWQkBwvA" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Unravelling the Year Ahead</span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://zenhabits.net/yearend/" target="_blank">Zen Habits: The Practice of Year-end Reflection</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WcNZBoUCER87_eAddljSVVv0cIRNsBIi4Vx8ziI1gYDn0mG_Bb-RAx_2enSAYY1LJ-pwXVdLThdEkp-hW2Ud0YUCaBRuOt18rrBE7BhH9pnwhJAuKcKDc-Xc3jl5_O8tYEsiNCdXylw/s1600/20150730_193132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WcNZBoUCER87_eAddljSVVv0cIRNsBIi4Vx8ziI1gYDn0mG_Bb-RAx_2enSAYY1LJ-pwXVdLThdEkp-hW2Ud0YUCaBRuOt18rrBE7BhH9pnwhJAuKcKDc-Xc3jl5_O8tYEsiNCdXylw/s400/20150730_193132.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunflowers in the garden</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-43327581943973016692015-12-22T21:28:00.003-05:002015-12-22T21:28:22.998-05:00Mushroom Veggie Burger Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDax4ydOHG0cfLCZEtoH8WiCLMlwf-zwcpBrif_jJlTMJLU6tbJOywmTMWOPbbN0YIQG9hX2fh59MpScOQDA7CXhq4Z6m0lessLTeIOzJX07FOShd6tCHxpMvD-aXvLfWoR6ogxcqZ1Jk/s1600/20151021_182821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDax4ydOHG0cfLCZEtoH8WiCLMlwf-zwcpBrif_jJlTMJLU6tbJOywmTMWOPbbN0YIQG9hX2fh59MpScOQDA7CXhq4Z6m0lessLTeIOzJX07FOShd6tCHxpMvD-aXvLfWoR6ogxcqZ1Jk/s640/20151021_182821.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mushroom and eggplant burger on a whole wheat bun with garden fresh spinach, tomato and refrigerator pickles</div>
<br />
I love a good veggie burger and enjoy giving new recipes a try. The recipe in this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TABND8HXh58" target="_blank">video</a> was the inspiration for a burger that has become my current favorite. During the summer months, I even substituted eggplant for some of the mushrooms when the garden offered up an over-abundance. (The mushroom/and eggplant version is pictured here.)<br />
<br />
Here is my take on the original recipe:<br />
<h3>
<br />Mushroom Veggie Burgers</h3>
(makes 6-8)<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">1 pound mushrooms (white button or </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px;">portobellos</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">)</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">1 large onion, finely chopped</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">1/2 cup black olives, finely chopped</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">2 tablespoons Braggs amino acids or soy sauce</span><br />
2 tablespoons barbeque sauce <br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">1 cup cooked brown rice</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">2 teaspoons garlic powder or 3-4 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon smoked paprika</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">2 teaspoons ground cumin</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">1/2 to 1 cup rolled oats, oat flour or bread crumbs</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking burgers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">1. Process the mushrooms in a food processor until mushy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">2. Cook over medium heat in a skillet, stirring often until most of the water is cooked out. Put in a large bowl.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">3. Using the same skillet, stir fry the onions and peppers until wilted. Add to the bowl with the mushrooms.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">4. Add garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, Braggs, barbeque sauce, olives and brown rice and 1/2 cup of the oats or breadcrumbs to the bowl. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Mix well. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">6. If the mixture seems too moist, add more oats or breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">7. Shape into 6-8 burgers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">8. In a skillet heated over medium heat with olive oil, cook until browned on both sides, turning only once to keep from breaking apart</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">8. Serve on buns with your favorite burger toppings. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Thanks for reading!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2012/08/garden-harvest-and-eggplant-veggie.html" target="_blank">Eggplant veggie burgers</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2012/10/weekend-projects.html" target="_blank">Whole wheat sandwich rolls</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-20548237502387230622015-12-13T17:22:00.002-05:002015-12-13T17:22:43.430-05:00December Garden Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gxYsKRYXxd8aJ0VY9uLV6j4vM8Nh7Qgx5bnlewmUwqNMVmXRrh-XB8gAI_s3rasJtP3S08FDJRfKkN8Wsx4wlqSfXTugNjLBfFWYrurniIml5NyyqxLYlcl-ULach5YJCCejAUj3yAE/s1600/20151212_153558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gxYsKRYXxd8aJ0VY9uLV6j4vM8Nh7Qgx5bnlewmUwqNMVmXRrh-XB8gAI_s3rasJtP3S08FDJRfKkN8Wsx4wlqSfXTugNjLBfFWYrurniIml5NyyqxLYlcl-ULach5YJCCejAUj3yAE/s640/20151212_153558.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Giant bowl of mixed greens: rainbow chard, spinach, arugula and kale</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
At this time of year I'd normally be snuggled up in front of a cracking fire to write this post. However, this year, we've got the windows open and the warm weather feels more like late September than December. Whether it's because of global warming, El <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Niño or just a normal shift in weather patterns, we are enjoying harvests far longer than usual. Amazingly, the last of the summer peppers were just picked in mid-December! The hoop frame tunnels only have a layer of light garden fabric over them </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">instead of the usual layer of fabric topped by heavy plastic that is usually need to protect the fall and winter garden from cold weather. Here are a few photos of the late fall garden as we head into winter. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoH5vWkevU2vH-bPT6cVcPQpnm9qIPY3xvsaon3vridoWbfM_5GXO_LFmoWIHYgyCr0cfYFJEAn4gdsoTc8ctsnNXlynWnXU5Y9JK9Mrk0kushJDasvXLimwB409ytHdOu7b_clYpEvMQ/s1600/20151212_152026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoH5vWkevU2vH-bPT6cVcPQpnm9qIPY3xvsaon3vridoWbfM_5GXO_LFmoWIHYgyCr0cfYFJEAn4gdsoTc8ctsnNXlynWnXU5Y9JK9Mrk0kushJDasvXLimwB409ytHdOu7b_clYpEvMQ/s640/20151212_152026.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A view inside the fabric covered tunnel where collards, Swiss chard, beets, carrots, onion seedlings grow during the cool weather months</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWKKJv3kMF0F3t7EDsF_-sfJWoveUNZDuuVPlQBJZBkuS9ic2W0jX25SHpF7sTLDo1tj86JK84PH4XQYfzZfgKX1luehMES0SWiH3kOJjxE28k2eHmdDumkI4LubYo47VYur_1tbek9Q/s1600/20151212_152151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWKKJv3kMF0F3t7EDsF_-sfJWoveUNZDuuVPlQBJZBkuS9ic2W0jX25SHpF7sTLDo1tj86JK84PH4XQYfzZfgKX1luehMES0SWiH3kOJjxE28k2eHmdDumkI4LubYo47VYur_1tbek9Q/s640/20151212_152151.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A sea of arugula</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAz-jwRQLP3dcGtruBcylMMwkIvj3V3DwFa59hRbGWB9CCA5MvJ5jMTF07Jb7bsi9ws6i1LL58iTrlj5MOQOy50QUdwxz9VRoZnB48jcb1YLkfBUZbwthAnUHtxMhpuqa3qmeSUHVVRg/s1600/20151212_152307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAz-jwRQLP3dcGtruBcylMMwkIvj3V3DwFa59hRbGWB9CCA5MvJ5jMTF07Jb7bsi9ws6i1LL58iTrlj5MOQOy50QUdwxz9VRoZnB48jcb1YLkfBUZbwthAnUHtxMhpuqa3qmeSUHVVRg/s640/20151212_152307.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tender spinach</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zkrSzhyphenhyphenzxUOuxvOdYFAYYcU2DzJznipKKhJmdEJttKbV4QBboL2ZAyG-_ezdadbZb1Kx7t9QmYQiWbmFOI6niaKYECig_5ONJG-GxA-MxEncsQjTpmpPxBj54bCWz0-FSRHMTfP2Qzc/s1600/20151212_153122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zkrSzhyphenhyphenzxUOuxvOdYFAYYcU2DzJznipKKhJmdEJttKbV4QBboL2ZAyG-_ezdadbZb1Kx7t9QmYQiWbmFOI6niaKYECig_5ONJG-GxA-MxEncsQjTpmpPxBj54bCWz0-FSRHMTfP2Qzc/s640/20151212_153122.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Swiss chard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4HsRoynJnAnrrNZfrc7yw9Rw8WjLTRZiEKp0PWNbQxda7xHxr6BYYwBgJN2H87VGPH2USm4yBXUCyuoHWc7FcjuWJOaS_jvTVkGpVVzj8vDTGr4hHZc5d4HlFnYDeCIqzK5K_uoK6tM/s1600/20151212_155918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4HsRoynJnAnrrNZfrc7yw9Rw8WjLTRZiEKp0PWNbQxda7xHxr6BYYwBgJN2H87VGPH2USm4yBXUCyuoHWc7FcjuWJOaS_jvTVkGpVVzj8vDTGr4hHZc5d4HlFnYDeCIqzK5K_uoK6tM/s640/20151212_155918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last harvest of this summer peppers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank you for reading!</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-27962351979071019252015-11-10T15:26:00.000-05:002015-11-10T15:38:11.381-05:00Highlights from this summer's garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRvg1HeunbE93wI-b0g_wLZ6-FMtwDc7ogs8gdL-7BB9gg9dIW_fSSAozff4Cej0q6HWkNCeV-0-gWCaRKq0BM5o9oO4WPmCyKSOA7suw4NwEUhQH2LL66DPQyI6IK3vRgPfCusA_Smc/s1600/IMG_20151024_163950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRvg1HeunbE93wI-b0g_wLZ6-FMtwDc7ogs8gdL-7BB9gg9dIW_fSSAozff4Cej0q6HWkNCeV-0-gWCaRKq0BM5o9oO4WPmCyKSOA7suw4NwEUhQH2LL66DPQyI6IK3vRgPfCusA_Smc/s640/IMG_20151024_163950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of the summer garden is gone as the days have grown shorter and the temperatures cooler. Although the garden got off to a slow start because of a cool spring, production picked up and we were not disappointed with the variety in our harvests. Here are some of my favorite garden photos from this year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC3HQfEf1oxqeBwkt37YHMbu5D4_Yf7m2eKjwzf-2NmySycphAZeZy_F0uPLjtnDWJ3jBXPPJXcqA8wnFYW3N4pYe4VJzyyRIRrEiUJQxVlPJFP3bFk4mMOyKl-FTIRgUVR-VjxHcl78/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC3HQfEf1oxqeBwkt37YHMbu5D4_Yf7m2eKjwzf-2NmySycphAZeZy_F0uPLjtnDWJ3jBXPPJXcqA8wnFYW3N4pYe4VJzyyRIRrEiUJQxVlPJFP3bFk4mMOyKl-FTIRgUVR-VjxHcl78/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunflowers were abundant in the garden this year, and beautiful from both the front and back view.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MTNM6nbHkHS1obHrxrns4P1nM7P4yR0QKmIQ9sKIeHwNwzCfD7aplGfNWQ3K84HbR0DWEcG3NL_d1M2pWpx0KAuqOJPdnlGEEYWccbuE9KlgkWK1IJHH1cD5IdPyCQvH-n1t3GTi1hM/s1600/20150809_084752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MTNM6nbHkHS1obHrxrns4P1nM7P4yR0QKmIQ9sKIeHwNwzCfD7aplGfNWQ3K84HbR0DWEcG3NL_d1M2pWpx0KAuqOJPdnlGEEYWccbuE9KlgkWK1IJHH1cD5IdPyCQvH-n1t3GTi1hM/s640/20150809_084752.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Colorful lima beans</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1eBKt3Syo-A6ppSRiveMQzZwlyC_XCSrqZEq8e4ru9HNhdiBaZqyT89fMtLSiVNoUpeg8UCoq4SF1WqSC2nALIqkrAg3ul0aopN8EfGDxcb7Ld7jWSUNTKxAaKPZ6GsBmranMxbWrsw/s1600/20150815_182629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1eBKt3Syo-A6ppSRiveMQzZwlyC_XCSrqZEq8e4ru9HNhdiBaZqyT89fMtLSiVNoUpeg8UCoq4SF1WqSC2nALIqkrAg3ul0aopN8EfGDxcb7Ld7jWSUNTKxAaKPZ6GsBmranMxbWrsw/s640/20150815_182629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A day's harvest #1</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDxkDut_E0gO6naWFd7NvBGplPvJBE5gotHb_mRanqJ0QJ_Fl86FYv4OeYnYnO651UyAi7itoIp_-OS6MOKwp3hUvcQ4p5Ig31-uQocElOi_7FJAzFfPiwnLBDIRC1dHPY3eWnBwKnzw/s1600/IMG_20150802_114043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDxkDut_E0gO6naWFd7NvBGplPvJBE5gotHb_mRanqJ0QJ_Fl86FYv4OeYnYnO651UyAi7itoIp_-OS6MOKwp3hUvcQ4p5Ig31-uQocElOi_7FJAzFfPiwnLBDIRC1dHPY3eWnBwKnzw/s640/IMG_20150802_114043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A day's harvest #2</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIggkP5_IPwAw60LjknQzbOM32Jn4xXUYtJdw7N9xEyhmaEHQYgHlScATLUbo_On39boKl1bfU1pqMBZEPf0s8HJzZZ95rfnJpQE2_CDnC-ELSlqoVmfhDsxIgynMNYMYG4tav1p7XG8/s1600/IMG_20150808_105221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIggkP5_IPwAw60LjknQzbOM32Jn4xXUYtJdw7N9xEyhmaEHQYgHlScATLUbo_On39boKl1bfU1pqMBZEPf0s8HJzZZ95rfnJpQE2_CDnC-ELSlqoVmfhDsxIgynMNYMYG4tav1p7XG8/s640/IMG_20150808_105221.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A day's harvest #3</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEeQ5X75zJHWZrnJxxdVxus7YQdSkAHzss0_aLVekh2Y8BQGGrtV8AVfOqfRC3P7gYdDM_DGIuIJdVzH4q7G8ddLcBnwfwGmyOUywXTs2OT0dpO9xbNetp0eKVsluB6sTfZnDc7_56KM/s1600/IMG_20150809_102735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEeQ5X75zJHWZrnJxxdVxus7YQdSkAHzss0_aLVekh2Y8BQGGrtV8AVfOqfRC3P7gYdDM_DGIuIJdVzH4q7G8ddLcBnwfwGmyOUywXTs2OT0dpO9xbNetp0eKVsluB6sTfZnDc7_56KM/s640/IMG_20150809_102735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A day's harvest #4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TRJReVC8GGSqERIAFIo9-iLMRO86ReOjyV64OmIkHtmXiuc3SHyrIzWDzK3EmaBSUmfPNIu-wV3Fm5mJpOU0aUaNUA9sdDSZ7JvMB8pg8tcPV1Px30wXQp7Pu3Pk9-ozll-Q8lsx-lY/s1600/IMG_20151010_165114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TRJReVC8GGSqERIAFIo9-iLMRO86ReOjyV64OmIkHtmXiuc3SHyrIzWDzK3EmaBSUmfPNIu-wV3Fm5mJpOU0aUaNUA9sdDSZ7JvMB8pg8tcPV1Px30wXQp7Pu3Pk9-ozll-Q8lsx-lY/s640/IMG_20151010_165114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A day's harvest #5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7dar0hF3wMeJq26a6R9HqSBJ-XRTExnhgw5dlUTYHJaGLzemDrm5MlYakuHx9KAo4I7dzYE01mIJFlQpKv4iK7S6b6A7ABDy_KFsVgiJdtjTF67pKykDwQMJezYA49eRM7wy9SW5zwQ/s1600/20150809_101548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7dar0hF3wMeJq26a6R9HqSBJ-XRTExnhgw5dlUTYHJaGLzemDrm5MlYakuHx9KAo4I7dzYE01mIJFlQpKv4iK7S6b6A7ABDy_KFsVgiJdtjTF67pKykDwQMJezYA49eRM7wy9SW5zwQ/s640/20150809_101548.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soy beans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOIJzxoILxbDAX5or0TaAmW_yDqPJCTMkRMCLiy619K-tjG0gOvXCF0B9ocZwfhW8Ju8GB0crh7wSuM01OQDif4aIy3bLF4csE1gOEKwC6yGTSPaY5vl0K7yN0kFibJQVnXWezwlVsAE/s1600/20150809_094957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOIJzxoILxbDAX5or0TaAmW_yDqPJCTMkRMCLiy619K-tjG0gOvXCF0B9ocZwfhW8Ju8GB0crh7wSuM01OQDif4aIy3bLF4csE1gOEKwC6yGTSPaY5vl0K7yN0kFibJQVnXWezwlVsAE/s640/20150809_094957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Zinnia glamour shot</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-2481808313149775002015-10-05T13:09:00.003-04:002015-10-05T13:09:53.213-04:00Discovering aquafaba - Vegan Lemon Pound Cake<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0goVzFFLpimOtlrrR1su76vYOimbcms66W6PAm_KdadZ4HVYBimSbl21O3hcfXu5gTd71Ybi-O646d7scJcH6Us3Fwv9BMBEhd8FMZoVbJfz1mq1EA3FRa2fnghkXqoNzU3AHCRgSwU8/s1600/20150912_100513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0goVzFFLpimOtlrrR1su76vYOimbcms66W6PAm_KdadZ4HVYBimSbl21O3hcfXu5gTd71Ybi-O646d7scJcH6Us3Fwv9BMBEhd8FMZoVbJfz1mq1EA3FRa2fnghkXqoNzU3AHCRgSwU8/s640/20150912_100513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pound cake is a favorite dessert from my childhood, and every family seems to have a prized recipe. My Aunt Carolyn makes one of the best as does my friend Lisa. Now, how to make this delicious treat vegan friendly... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I was inspired by Popsugar's <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Healthy-Starbucks-Cake-Recipe-37186622" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">recipe</span></a> for a vegan version of Starbuck's lemon pound cake and research into <a href="http://aquafaba.com/" target="_blank">aquafaba</a> (canned chickpea water) as an egg substitute. Vegan baking can have mixed results as the chemistry isn't always quite right when you substitute for an ingredient like eggs, let alone all the dairy products in a recipe. The finished recipe can sometimes be quite dense and sometimes more soggy than the original version; usually still edible, but not always as satisfying as imagined. That being said, I've had mostly good success with my vegan baking adventures because I do so much research to learn from others' mistakes beforehand. I am happy that the aquafaba worked well and that I again have a great pound cake recipe for special occasions.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8g6dVET8rNuRAARnA4WZa6wHhnnUeUdWt1-XhYITLGqrAO1-th9nagUY-rMJY5DgX9J9rNoA0-LBX_EHsD1WhKroPFEHzNCG05YB-VlRqIQyv3KVRfoUjh3xAUoPYFK5DKu1agDtFDM/s1600/20150912_115929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8g6dVET8rNuRAARnA4WZa6wHhnnUeUdWt1-XhYITLGqrAO1-th9nagUY-rMJY5DgX9J9rNoA0-LBX_EHsD1WhKroPFEHzNCG05YB-VlRqIQyv3KVRfoUjh3xAUoPYFK5DKu1agDtFDM/s640/20150912_115929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Vegan Lemon Pound Cake</span></h3>
<div ingredients="" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
makes 12 slices</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Lemon cake:</b></span></span><br />
1 1/2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk<br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2/3 cup almond meal (ground raw almonds)</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 tablespoon baking powder</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #201f1e; padding: 0px;">
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #201f1e; padding: 0px;">
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 1/2 cup sugar</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2/3 cup oil (coconut, olive, canola)</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #201f1e; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2/3 cup aquafaba (water drained from canned chickpeas)</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Juice from half a small lemon (about 1 tablespoon)</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #201f1e; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">grated lemon rind from half a small lemon</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2 teaspoons almond extract</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #201f1e; padding: 0px;">
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Lemon Icing:</b></span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 cup powdered sugar</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #201f1e; padding: 0px;">
<span itemprop="ingredients" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Juice from half a small lemon (about 1 tablespoon)</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #201f1e; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">grated lemon rind from half a small lemon</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #201f1e; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 -3 teaspoons non-dairy milk</span></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350ºF. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lightly oil or spray a large loaf pan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the medium bowl add the milk, aquafaba, vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, grated lemon rind and mix well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make a well in your dry ingredients, pour in the wet and stir until just combined and fairly smooth. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, and bake for 45-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let sit for about 10 minutes before removing from the pan to cool thoroughly on a wire rack.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice and rinding for the icing and drizzle in just enough milk until you have a smooth icing that is not too thin. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drizzle icing on top of the completely cool cake.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll definitely be ready with this cake next spring when the strawberries are ripe in the garden to make a strawberry shortcake.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading</span>!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNZGwa8UtGhIH0FBt54Qce8UrKft1kJMKi-mDcxEzRugZIznbTXKblQdqWOeFZV3fnckpyPR-mJzxvgKd5HFZ6vC6KLsyd1_0yLJnK_m1OAQoJZsNk6gnmqILFkiArxNwgDgixzqglD0/s1600/20150912_121243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNZGwa8UtGhIH0FBt54Qce8UrKft1kJMKi-mDcxEzRugZIznbTXKblQdqWOeFZV3fnckpyPR-mJzxvgKd5HFZ6vC6KLsyd1_0yLJnK_m1OAQoJZsNk6gnmqILFkiArxNwgDgixzqglD0/s640/20150912_121243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-24529884362547627062015-09-12T10:16:00.001-04:002015-09-12T10:16:16.153-04:00Resource Library - when creativity needs inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXEfQ1PaThffFyPPv0bGM4yRpaVyPIaw-e91UnLzyQ_1PJVU6TPY8Bp6Iy-yCt0mbjbb_Eo_7VU3vIkmR0Pthr6rOx5OZPqUNOj6_G4jm1EPvoxFeVT8or8Ltbnq0hlkqo9moC07Rzs0/s1600/Bookshelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXEfQ1PaThffFyPPv0bGM4yRpaVyPIaw-e91UnLzyQ_1PJVU6TPY8Bp6Iy-yCt0mbjbb_Eo_7VU3vIkmR0Pthr6rOx5OZPqUNOj6_G4jm1EPvoxFeVT8or8Ltbnq0hlkqo9moC07Rzs0/s640/Bookshelves.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
Some of my tools for creativity: books, magazines, videos and art supplies<br />
<br /></div>
I'm always looking for a good book or website to get my creative spark ignited and get the next project going. Every room of our house seems to be filled with books of one kind or another, tablets with access to ebook selections, blogs and podcasts and the Internet have all become our endless library that is open 24 hours a day. My favorites are still books from second hand book shops, thrift stores, online used book sellers and <a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2012/10/this-weeks-sources-of-inspiration-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Book Thing</span></a> in Baltimore, MD. These provide me with frugal ways to keep my collection refreshed as well as an outlet to give retired selections a new home. There are so many options that I sometimes have a hard time narrowing down my choices so I have time to actually to read them all or create the projects they inspire, but I enjoy taking in as much as I can. <br />
<br />
I wanted to share some of my favorites with you so I created a <a href="http://resourcefulcookie.com/resources/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">resource library page</span></a> on the Resourceful Cookie website. You'll find my favorites cookbooks, gardening references, books on art techniques and inspiration of all kinds. I'll keep updatng it as I find new resources, so check back from time to time. <br />
<br />
If you have favorite books, movies or websites please share in the comments below. I'm always looking for something new to explore and share with others.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcsoFXGZNayEuh_T9njDKIBgBnltDHwBCt9cK6KffJZLorlkQPA-2Xu1kNisXMKGr24L3SwW4s6AT-Jiv62bwIJAW8TDdM6jl4tdkBJgobzpBVgkHYkgKwdA2Elgd-JEuc6ohkCiFk_U/s1600/IMG_20150622_102427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcsoFXGZNayEuh_T9njDKIBgBnltDHwBCt9cK6KffJZLorlkQPA-2Xu1kNisXMKGr24L3SwW4s6AT-Jiv62bwIJAW8TDdM6jl4tdkBJgobzpBVgkHYkgKwdA2Elgd-JEuc6ohkCiFk_U/s320/IMG_20150622_102427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-75489238869329366382015-08-09T15:44:00.001-04:002015-08-09T15:44:35.299-04:00Adventures in creativity: mixed media collage<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9b3OnuiGMy1Mj1ViY2arMs1Er4RsQKgasiCxgaKAxoFbtPRKCHDXGVdRI8SxPl89MCOMD8rY3StVtPaqeded3KM6AJ2MDQx70MYTQ-XQzbqlifBgQkV-ZILW_au2eDbJazrR0CjtOyg/s1600/Smithsonian+2015+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9b3OnuiGMy1Mj1ViY2arMs1Er4RsQKgasiCxgaKAxoFbtPRKCHDXGVdRI8SxPl89MCOMD8rY3StVtPaqeded3KM6AJ2MDQx70MYTQ-XQzbqlifBgQkV-ZILW_au2eDbJazrR0CjtOyg/s640/Smithsonian+2015+class.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My workspace during class time at the Smithsonian</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year has turned into one with a variety of unexpected creative adventures. I have been exploring collage and mixed media art in more depth. I am working on an online course, “30 Days of Collage” by </span><a href="http://www.stephanielevy.com/creative-e-courses/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stephanie Levy</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The course is filled with guest artist interviews and exercises to explore new techniques. Luckily, it is a self-paced course as it is looking like my 30 days is turning into what might be 300 days. The course officially ended in May, but I’m only about halfway through the material, fitting it in as I can. I really enjoy carving out whatever time I can to immerse myself completely making a mess while thoroughly enjoying the process.</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-e030b617-0f97-b088-317c-eb6225fdb842" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are a few samples of my completed assignments:</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiB6qO_Qp9xi497Rl6QRed8VJPti3sYliIR9iemtPWDK5OVYbf0Pxd1A-gJVk5rwxLMutzEjl4pK4YSWKl-69q4gq5jQ9xygqpq8kQvLGajsDK9wEolQ3Bmwa3r2cVYzpm5JqljxCAXU/s1600/30+days+of+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiB6qO_Qp9xi497Rl6QRed8VJPti3sYliIR9iemtPWDK5OVYbf0Pxd1A-gJVk5rwxLMutzEjl4pK4YSWKl-69q4gq5jQ9xygqpq8kQvLGajsDK9wEolQ3Bmwa3r2cVYzpm5JqljxCAXU/s640/30+days+of+collage.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pieces completed as exercises in the 30 Days of Collage course</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had been enjoying my online class so much, I started looking for a classroom experience. I found the 6-week "Collage and Mixed Media" class taught by </span><a href="http://www.marciewolfhubbard.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marcie Wolf-Hubbard</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> offered at </span><a href="https://smithsonianassociates.org/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Smithsonian Associates</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I had no idea that the Smithsonian had so many classes from cooking to art to science. It’s very inspiring to enter the museum education center deep under the museum buildings and peek into the open doorways to see everyone working at easels and tables concentrating on learning their craft. My class is made up of about a dozen students from novice to professional studio artists. It is so exciting to watch our different interpretations and applications of the lessons we learn. So far, I only have a few projects completed with lots of others in various stages of completion as I'm finding this more an exercises in learning technique than making completed pieces. Here is a sampling from my class work:</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis70c2IdRulLPCt8xINIi_AxjpFZQcOIbA8dnL7-vFHBPdyZNajOKCwPYulbZEuUWj2Zev3vvIU_7cIoEL2feuklgeeLr7OMlRztVPO4cD3ZCaBOXDYFeut0LRYub2fVeuVC9IqoUYx3c/s1600/Smithsonian+2015+class+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis70c2IdRulLPCt8xINIi_AxjpFZQcOIbA8dnL7-vFHBPdyZNajOKCwPYulbZEuUWj2Zev3vvIU_7cIoEL2feuklgeeLr7OMlRztVPO4cD3ZCaBOXDYFeut0LRYub2fVeuVC9IqoUYx3c/s640/Smithsonian+2015+class+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
Smithsonian mixed media class work</div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And finally, my </span><a href="https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/17060" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2015 mixed media sketchbook</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from </span><a href="https://www.sketchbookproject.com/" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Sketchbook Project</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that will reside in the Brooklyn Art Library has been digitized and can be viewed here. The sketchbook is currently on a mobile national tour and will be back in Brooklyn, NY in the fall. If you ever end up in New York City, you can take a subway ride over to Brooklyn and check out the sketchbooks in person. In the meantime, you can see them all online. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mYFG-OlpFsdYzIqHmynbrG_1_lqhjggXdZXuukvvKd__SMm7xo-ut8yd1dAlKCUh2fQDetkB1bdGRgbeoUwRJMOy0FGGkvcIofKIAyaVPaUhbL4o1VRkaZOH9LkvSir_4qhyqBf7xGw/s1600/sketchbook+cover+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mYFG-OlpFsdYzIqHmynbrG_1_lqhjggXdZXuukvvKd__SMm7xo-ut8yd1dAlKCUh2fQDetkB1bdGRgbeoUwRJMOy0FGGkvcIofKIAyaVPaUhbL4o1VRkaZOH9LkvSir_4qhyqBf7xGw/s200/sketchbook+cover+2015.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mYFG-OlpFsdYzIqHmynbrG_1_lqhjggXdZXuukvvKd__SMm7xo-ut8yd1dAlKCUh2fQDetkB1bdGRgbeoUwRJMOy0FGGkvcIofKIAyaVPaUhbL4o1VRkaZOH9LkvSir_4qhyqBf7xGw/s1600/sketchbook+cover+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/14409" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">2013 SKETCHBOOK</a></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/11834" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">2014 SKETCHBOOK</a></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/17060" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2015 SKETCHBOOK</span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2015 Sketchbook cover</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have always had a passion for creating things by hand, and I’m really been enjoying this journey into mixed media. I can’t wait to see where it leads.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading!</span></span></div>
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-33952745522077602442015-07-19T18:13:00.002-04:002015-07-19T18:13:32.358-04:00Mid-summer garden tour<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WCOhfwbCRIpy1l468hr3u1LQPMat9GAbOrLcfCF3CxLlVb-hUrMQdK8TzPuduKlq_kmxRdsiES-qe_nqc16mNGoO9Kj685kCkmcdKzWixe86qzBSkmXoVYGXcljEC0NPMGJ1_b0OMX8/s1600/20150628_125454+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WCOhfwbCRIpy1l468hr3u1LQPMat9GAbOrLcfCF3CxLlVb-hUrMQdK8TzPuduKlq_kmxRdsiES-qe_nqc16mNGoO9Kj685kCkmcdKzWixe86qzBSkmXoVYGXcljEC0NPMGJ1_b0OMX8/s640/20150628_125454+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Raspberries, blackberries, string beans, potatoes, garlic scapes</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why is it that the day that I have time to do some much needed work in the garden, it is supposed to be the hottest day of the summer so far? So I was outside at 7am trying to get done before the sun could do me in, but there was no escaping the oppressive humidity. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year’s garden seems to be taking its sweet time to produce. We had a late warm up for spring other than a brief abnormally summer-like hot couple of weeks early on and the heat now returning full blast. We’ve had more rain than ever, recording the wettest June in the DC area in recorded history. To further confound garden success, there has been a noticeable decline in the bee population and the flowers just don’t seem to be getting pollinated. The foliage is beautifully lush from the rains, but fruit production so far has been lighter than in the past years. This just makes me more aware how difficult it would be if we needed to produce enough food to be self sufficient. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09MUF4XRTKpHErnJB83OxsuQZzJyD303sWDdy7WBMA4JlKAeiEbws64sHPmRadPC4owBpZO6KnojKZ7KxPS1pxlSkDVLs9MtVkMzYjfoY9yfGo-fr_1GJD2gWibTz84KwunYlaLAO0Bg/s1600/Midsummer+garden+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09MUF4XRTKpHErnJB83OxsuQZzJyD303sWDdy7WBMA4JlKAeiEbws64sHPmRadPC4owBpZO6KnojKZ7KxPS1pxlSkDVLs9MtVkMzYjfoY9yfGo-fr_1GJD2gWibTz84KwunYlaLAO0Bg/s640/Midsummer+garden+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Views of some of the raised garden beds: 1 - eggplant, soybeans; 2 - tomatoes; 3 - squash, popcorn</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The season still has plenty of time to unfold through July, August and into September. I’m holding out hope that harvests will be more abundant in the coming months. In the meantime, I spent time getting the last spent plants from spring cleaned out and then planting for late summer and fall harvests. Out with the straggly overwintered and spring plantings of peas, kale, collards, cilantro and lettuces that had bolted. In went seeds for carrots, onions, a second crop of soybeans and lettuces that don’t mind a little heat. </span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope you enjoy these few highlights from the garden this year:</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fruit and vegetable harvests</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho5k2R69DUa5n92t6uY4W8dErMclUATnfpu3CyQr23V7YN0i3l1OVRwau14d5yJqOU6iotfxpvNEjaGT_zV1JskkZYrAyCWwRRCvAmor94aW0TpxDkMJ9xVEiKOr96d7GYjnHnVNSrOk/s1600/IMG_20150701_193133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho5k2R69DUa5n92t6uY4W8dErMclUATnfpu3CyQr23V7YN0i3l1OVRwau14d5yJqOU6iotfxpvNEjaGT_zV1JskkZYrAyCWwRRCvAmor94aW0TpxDkMJ9xVEiKOr96d7GYjnHnVNSrOk/s400/IMG_20150701_193133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eggplant, cucumber, patty pan squash, garlic scapes, basil, pineapple mint tarragon, garlic, green, purple and wax string beans</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666669845581px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vEJGlksHu_uPWN3lypIXxqff-bzxo1Q8GT7hj0jlOb-wxqWmbs-CuoyH1bMt-MmgipWxKpc0rWLBFZ9e_1Gvte2zmi3kuWkb1jWpvf-6vNR_7MMQ9z5G8kcrkoivR4jFjRCbxsFgWX0/s1600/IMG_20150716_223933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vEJGlksHu_uPWN3lypIXxqff-bzxo1Q8GT7hj0jlOb-wxqWmbs-CuoyH1bMt-MmgipWxKpc0rWLBFZ9e_1Gvte2zmi3kuWkb1jWpvf-6vNR_7MMQ9z5G8kcrkoivR4jFjRCbxsFgWX0/s400/IMG_20150716_223933.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eggplant, tomatoes, heirloom squash, green and purple string beans, Asian long and Asian broad beans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg049n9dVIKtvpzBofadpY7YlCI-TRXzLNMClczsT6SDY7wSOtaaCYpdvBfVabi3Vt6X7Ga7oQuL1F966bKtd68uCtLNBNDkacaGajjf7ZQhtY4kse4xv2CjwsrJB0TmREZXHYZBDFuf5k/s1600/IMG_20150705_123530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg049n9dVIKtvpzBofadpY7YlCI-TRXzLNMClczsT6SDY7wSOtaaCYpdvBfVabi3Vt6X7Ga7oQuL1F966bKtd68uCtLNBNDkacaGajjf7ZQhtY4kse4xv2CjwsrJB0TmREZXHYZBDFuf5k/s400/IMG_20150705_123530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Garlic</div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666669845581px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Flowers</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoYyalgNJ7VviRKi_q4UvAVakl76WeoGYsXxxmOoNlD472l8KRsTHWb-uwDTlVcRue_IPgw9fEhSAfnFTY-wMCeO98s6FxddpeCm7lmWSDrZz-gRloiimUpciKnKQcOytkc5_SZRVmSM/s1600/20150621_083525+-+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoYyalgNJ7VviRKi_q4UvAVakl76WeoGYsXxxmOoNlD472l8KRsTHWb-uwDTlVcRue_IPgw9fEhSAfnFTY-wMCeO98s6FxddpeCm7lmWSDrZz-gRloiimUpciKnKQcOytkc5_SZRVmSM/s400/20150621_083525+-+cut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rose </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmRrPShGHi4CCdmH9brK-u_LZCzsRUTt4M7lO4ucSJfKUcyaIR0rhY6lDfO1zS6f5AmDytq_I2m7P2DlQqbiK5FfyjoZ5Qvw-XbRIyQvmPwQx_-jfAObQqerHOhBvJ84-5Ks1j38qt5s/s1600/IMG_20150711_165329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmRrPShGHi4CCdmH9brK-u_LZCzsRUTt4M7lO4ucSJfKUcyaIR0rhY6lDfO1zS6f5AmDytq_I2m7P2DlQqbiK5FfyjoZ5Qvw-XbRIyQvmPwQx_-jfAObQqerHOhBvJ84-5Ks1j38qt5s/s400/IMG_20150711_165329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zinnia</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WILy5bMcUAUkgJhM3JdVqjJHOjH9lQ0C2qfkqzWuUn5aBV9ZWf6VfRSypAQyboBcnnQ8e2d92-qyxkj0qHW6Y8dsBMcEHvr0VJ34q9Qj5GaOHi0__8ukWDvJPSagNugBvx9TyrlocHw/s1600/IMG_20150713_223437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WILy5bMcUAUkgJhM3JdVqjJHOjH9lQ0C2qfkqzWuUn5aBV9ZWf6VfRSypAQyboBcnnQ8e2d92-qyxkj0qHW6Y8dsBMcEHvr0VJ34q9Qj5GaOHi0__8ukWDvJPSagNugBvx9TyrlocHw/s400/IMG_20150713_223437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hydrangea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh7uFygbf-PpV5d1-sNhPEQyCq8Wh8Zs06ZMRqELjH-ZPq9Us0rdH48PK3Ox7BSLRELRUxsXLZstYSwvOFzS9SlQBsX4XjB84nOWC4n9_1D8Q_BGRtGVgcSmbMW5MnQUuwRz3_dznPjE/s1600/IMG_20150713_221723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh7uFygbf-PpV5d1-sNhPEQyCq8Wh8Zs06ZMRqELjH-ZPq9Us0rdH48PK3Ox7BSLRELRUxsXLZstYSwvOFzS9SlQBsX4XjB84nOWC4n9_1D8Q_BGRtGVgcSmbMW5MnQUuwRz3_dznPjE/s400/IMG_20150713_221723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunflower</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-75882437274161718302015-06-21T13:16:00.003-04:002015-06-22T20:46:03.979-04:00Kitchen adventures: Vegan parmesan sprinkles <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDZ2Z-g19fVySG91QYmNfiiYx5dOj6Ig5JeJhyphenhyphen8UpLV0RaxhpKqpazRNGgqPe9jILqC8dnzAUk0f5xdbK84O77GawR_VesWn79Sj9OSaftaB_g1ltnEMuzrfwxRN6rj_d9EpG9gJp3Cg/s1600/20150621_115046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDZ2Z-g19fVySG91QYmNfiiYx5dOj6Ig5JeJhyphenhyphen8UpLV0RaxhpKqpazRNGgqPe9jILqC8dnzAUk0f5xdbK84O77GawR_VesWn79Sj9OSaftaB_g1ltnEMuzrfwxRN6rj_d9EpG9gJp3Cg/s640/20150621_115046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vegan parmesan sprinkles on popcorn</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I'm always looking for creative ways to pack more nutrition into any recipe but still have it taste great. I'm always grating veggies into my recipes to replace some of the fat; like finely shredded zucchini or carrots into muffins, pancakes and waffles. I also add a handful or two of spinach or kale to any smoothie without it changing the flavor but providing a vitamin and fiber boost.<br />
<br />
Another thing I like to add to boost nutrition is spirulina. It has been around in health food stores for quite a while, but is becoming more widely known as "superfoods" are gaining popularity. It is a blue-green algae that is packed with nutrients. Below is an infographic explaining the benefits of spirulina, and you can also learn more <a href="https://nuts.com/cookingbaking/powders/spirulina/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCMUbfyXCQEBGHFVeLEUwoa2aw9qYS_Uz0_17hjolK17uNFh-XE7QrlhZ7pK3x315MH5hEO6QMJstu-BwQpDxDigHXPjZun_R-L3SZBr_zSE5lTXx0NMiy8uGQJbykvkdUrYcjbZl6ao/s1600/Nuts_Spirulina_v04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCMUbfyXCQEBGHFVeLEUwoa2aw9qYS_Uz0_17hjolK17uNFh-XE7QrlhZ7pK3x315MH5hEO6QMJstu-BwQpDxDigHXPjZun_R-L3SZBr_zSE5lTXx0NMiy8uGQJbykvkdUrYcjbZl6ao/s640/Nuts_Spirulina_v04.jpg" width="344" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Add some to your favorite homemade salad dressing or smoothie like in this smoothie bowl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtP5TYpCxNbLHsYfucN57IB5J92xYagIiAesY5H2cSAxhyphenhyphenoGqkFIeCGS1zZVpluW4Uwae7lzibAt-AVS1WWGulGPAYIkWIiCfhn1CECpyZgpK3KGcfnBH0jMzULllIzVTHsJzRLYpWRE/s1600/20150621_090226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtP5TYpCxNbLHsYfucN57IB5J92xYagIiAesY5H2cSAxhyphenhyphenoGqkFIeCGS1zZVpluW4Uwae7lzibAt-AVS1WWGulGPAYIkWIiCfhn1CECpyZgpK3KGcfnBH0jMzULllIzVTHsJzRLYpWRE/s400/20150621_090226.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This bowl contains a spinach, raspberry, frozen banana and coconut water smoothie enriched with spirulina that is topped with granola, coconut, raspberries and drizzled with fig syrup. Fantastic for breakfast or a snack.</div>
<br />
Here's another tasty way to give spirulina a try as pictured at the top of the post:<br />
<h3>
Vegan parmesan sprinkles</h3>
makes approximately 1/3 cup<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast<br />
2 tablespoons ground hemp seeds<br />
1 teaspoon spirulina powder<br />
1 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika<br />
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional)<br />
<br />
Put all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.<br />
To serve, sprinkle over pasta, popcorn, soup or salad. <br />
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.<br />
<br />
I hope you give it a try.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-14407681055979847422015-06-03T22:38:00.000-04:002015-06-03T22:38:12.968-04:00Kitchen adventures: easy breakfast bowls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8-LioGyitT_T88mClmBgdIIRXERLiYX13kptn3pJyEqhjH4ltMvowJ_LlwtDtUKnHUZdwtOSRpqzZqdzkaMPHU-RPZusOZDz8gHqFJtH7f1vsyYjuW5Mdyu78uhs8i7aeq2V-c9x8yM/s1600/IMG_20150527_200821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8-LioGyitT_T88mClmBgdIIRXERLiYX13kptn3pJyEqhjH4ltMvowJ_LlwtDtUKnHUZdwtOSRpqzZqdzkaMPHU-RPZusOZDz8gHqFJtH7f1vsyYjuW5Mdyu78uhs8i7aeq2V-c9x8yM/s640/IMG_20150527_200821.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Freshly picked strawberries and greens become a breakfast smoothie bowl</div>
<br />
Breakfast doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to put together. Using what you have on hand can make a hearty healthy breakfast in no time. I love mixing lots of different textures in my bowl for a satisfying start to the day.<br />
<br />
Here are two different bowls of goodness that don't really need a recipe and can be put together quickly with ingredients you have on hand:<br />
<br />
<h3>
Smoothie bowl</h3>
A favorite is a smoothie bowl like the one pictured above. The base is a thick fruit and vegetable smoothie (whatever is your favorite blend).. This one the smoothie is made from greens, strawberries, protein powder, almond milk, frozen bananas and maca powder. The toppings are fresh strawberries, chia seeds, homemade granola, cocao nibs, hemp seeds and a drizzle of agave nectar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMPpnTPyFKFhtNZ_U1ZlNRF5NN2OTMP8xAQdNI9Es5t1vT5U0DGLd-8gLkK9Cd86fbdkpCbcMMM1cgDskFCPPziTx4BAn9NjA_PK1unKsVViDp-FsryCesvn_0OKwjJ7_xobvPj1Pa6s/s1600/IMG_20150603_075600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMPpnTPyFKFhtNZ_U1ZlNRF5NN2OTMP8xAQdNI9Es5t1vT5U0DGLd-8gLkK9Cd86fbdkpCbcMMM1cgDskFCPPziTx4BAn9NjA_PK1unKsVViDp-FsryCesvn_0OKwjJ7_xobvPj1Pa6s/s640/IMG_20150603_075600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hearty oatmeal</div>
<br />
A more traditional breakfast is oatmeal. This one is dressed up with some of my favorite toppings.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Oatmeal bowl</h3>
<ul>
<li>oatmeal (either cooked oats or raw soaked in almond or other milk overnight)</li>
<li>top with your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, sweetener and milk</li>
</ul>
<br />
The bowl pictured above is oatmeal cooked with cinnamon, flax seeds and vanilla extract. The toppings are blueberries, pecans, chia seeds, unsweetened coconut and a drizzle of maple syrup<br />
<br />
Here are a couple of other quick breakfasts from previous posts:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1780012982757635671&pli=1#editor/target=post;postID=6733417970684460299;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=postname" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Green Smoothie</span></a><br />
<a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2012/08/raspberries-for-breakfast.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Overnight oat and chia seed pudding</span></a><br />
<a href="http://resourcefulcookie.blogspot.com/2013/11/sweet-potato-mousse.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Sweet potato mousse</span></a><br />
<br />
Having a good breakfast doesn't have to take too much time to put together to keep you fueled to tackle your morning.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtnw_HWgYIfXM5vkZSI9g-trXK6EN3S0bTDOK1EoTvQWVH1EiGXeHnAOvzrQcsaRR1tURvshNz4jjCR3b1mcNnXVohjGtv-uqxl8FUSvzA-d7yEiX218r1xRVkGsqXH2NyL-t7TZl6kA/s1600/20150506_182845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtnw_HWgYIfXM5vkZSI9g-trXK6EN3S0bTDOK1EoTvQWVH1EiGXeHnAOvzrQcsaRR1tURvshNz4jjCR3b1mcNnXVohjGtv-uqxl8FUSvzA-d7yEiX218r1xRVkGsqXH2NyL-t7TZl6kA/s400/20150506_182845.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-6950736734441085092015-05-26T21:13:00.000-04:002015-05-26T21:13:55.795-04:00Spring garden update<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hfqW_eKw1T30jTz3ASg-DN2ooCbOZls8cLSXtHQmFXkZ1t3gfpJV-MfdfWvQWRUXOeIM_HtkwSNA743SzRTGltbfagYOvrRw-i5ZB6wyVkceDcrxKTHUVI5p0eaGTJuFedLWSR14n1U/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hfqW_eKw1T30jTz3ASg-DN2ooCbOZls8cLSXtHQmFXkZ1t3gfpJV-MfdfWvQWRUXOeIM_HtkwSNA743SzRTGltbfagYOvrRw-i5ZB6wyVkceDcrxKTHUVI5p0eaGTJuFedLWSR14n1U/s640/087.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Swiss chard</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a late start, spring is finally underway. The seedlings have been planted in the outdoor beds with just a tray of cabbage seedlings left to grow for another week or so before they are moved outside. Here are a few photos of how things are shaping up so far. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjor-dwdocy5m3rxb8yCKlr0brqTebezyTfqLSmNN8n4kUBPdXD9f4CEgZdO5cb9VXW3BkL53y8i18ww3XFjuVGHoYDfMTb7V6W9GqAisNenRm6WebzjACODG5LItBdySedSD8VxQFlisw/s1600/Garden+fruit+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjor-dwdocy5m3rxb8yCKlr0brqTebezyTfqLSmNN8n4kUBPdXD9f4CEgZdO5cb9VXW3BkL53y8i18ww3XFjuVGHoYDfMTb7V6W9GqAisNenRm6WebzjACODG5LItBdySedSD8VxQFlisw/s640/Garden+fruit+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rhubarb, blackberries, strawberries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuB7_9WQCUmeCLUi1PTNVvOmz1_yw4hQ828KRFTvEr539MlQvJ4Jy-Vzoh23zxHASb8wXgZYhV6mPJ98sAKwow2eqUNbdGeJ6Lk_asLidUsfqTEbilEk_HLfUuJnEDDqVbWdLcXZzrhuc/s1600/Greens+Spring+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuB7_9WQCUmeCLUi1PTNVvOmz1_yw4hQ828KRFTvEr539MlQvJ4Jy-Vzoh23zxHASb8wXgZYhV6mPJ98sAKwow2eqUNbdGeJ6Lk_asLidUsfqTEbilEk_HLfUuJnEDDqVbWdLcXZzrhuc/s640/Greens+Spring+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kale, butter lettuce, Asian stir fry mesclun </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCXi66L1EHBM30GhA2JWEzt2y2HXgy5y9EBQ4P_mOzNXi5w333MH0jJlY_hkhHiF1hFRTiyH5NakeGDkbncVNsDvTbGK7-NrYpnqbkCftiOtaK8x1A_u_y0jYZo2xoys-MN8x3ozubp0/s1600/Spring+Beds+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCXi66L1EHBM30GhA2JWEzt2y2HXgy5y9EBQ4P_mOzNXi5w333MH0jJlY_hkhHiF1hFRTiyH5NakeGDkbncVNsDvTbGK7-NrYpnqbkCftiOtaK8x1A_u_y0jYZo2xoys-MN8x3ozubp0/s640/Spring+Beds+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peas, squash and cucumbers, garlic, green beans and tomatoes</div>
<div>
<br />
I'm looking forward to sharing the garden with you as it continues to grow. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglanXMi4SBW7R3yKe_eQqLPSP4qeGLqc5_XjLQX3uktpEM3YaFye9dnVo5TdttyqbHlgnHsxBmaxjaNEcy7LgQevKeNccYbV00vxBpgZP2qHsFdyMO1o_9I9Nhu9m7_yAHm5wmXdNUC1U/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglanXMi4SBW7R3yKe_eQqLPSP4qeGLqc5_XjLQX3uktpEM3YaFye9dnVo5TdttyqbHlgnHsxBmaxjaNEcy7LgQevKeNccYbV00vxBpgZP2qHsFdyMO1o_9I9Nhu9m7_yAHm5wmXdNUC1U/s640/070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peony</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1780012982757635671.post-79205301662588373862015-05-17T12:21:00.004-04:002015-05-17T12:24:23.727-04:00Potato vegetable fritters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j8iDWL4MGgkdkQ3DT5xxbR7ajp2g9D6ivFF_8u016Ft-iVCk5qj09B8spellNgAC-TL_v1GQuvIG31DT30igsaqnVRbh-TRYsjrc0cIfStFGKEuFGb4vDn1qxjPC1E7Rrppawi9taVc/s1600/20150515_065429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j8iDWL4MGgkdkQ3DT5xxbR7ajp2g9D6ivFF_8u016Ft-iVCk5qj09B8spellNgAC-TL_v1GQuvIG31DT30igsaqnVRbh-TRYsjrc0cIfStFGKEuFGb4vDn1qxjPC1E7Rrppawi9taVc/s640/20150515_065429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Potato vegetable fritters</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spring gardening season is in full swing. After a full day at the day job and trying to squeeze in some gardening before dark, dinner prep time gets squeezed. Not wanting to fall back on takeout or prepared foods, we have been eating simple, but very tasty meals. We adapted this <a href="http://chefinyou.com/2012/08/zucchini-potato-fritters/" target="_blank">original recipe</a> for zucchini potato fritters to what we had on hand and increased the recipe to nearly triple so they could be our entree with a salad and to have leftovers for lunch the next day. These little fritters were quick to prepare and tasty so will surely make repeat appearances on our menu.</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-433b03c4-628e-99c3-a538-35a09df83402" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</div>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Potato vegetable fritters</span></b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">makes approximately 15</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add salt and pepper to taste. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roll about ⅓ cup of the mixture into a ball and then flatten to make a small patty. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have time, allow the patties to rest in the refrigerator to firm up for about an hour or freezer for 20-30 minutes. (We didn’t have time and our potatoes were room temperature, so we cooked them right away, but if you are using freshly cooked hot potatoes, some cooling will be necessary to prevent the fritter from falling apart.) </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and coat the bottom with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cook the patties without crowding until golden brown on each side. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drain on a paper towel and serve with your favorite sauce like ketchup, bbq, marinara or sweet and sour,</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 medium sized potatoes, cooked and grated or roughly mashed (removing the peel is optional)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2-3 zucchini or yellow squash, grated</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 carrots, grated</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ onion, chopped or grated</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1-2 cloves, garlic, minced or grated</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ cup peas (frozen or fresh)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½-¾ cup whole wheat flour (more or less depending on the moisture in the vegetables)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp baking powder</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ tsp dried thyme, ground sage, ground rosemary or your favorite herbs (optional)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">sea salt and pepper to taste</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">oil for cooking (we used olive oil)</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">( I used a food processor fitted with a small shred disk to grate the cooked potatoes squash, carrots, onion and garlic , one after another into the food processor bowl.)</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Put the grated vegetables into a large mixing bowl. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add in the peas, ½ cup flour, baking powder, herbs and mix well. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add more flour if needed to make a very stiff batter (if it is too soft, these will fall apart when cooking). </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are also a great leftover grab and go snack right out of the refrigerator.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you are inspired to still make simple homemade food even when time is short. Your health and your tastebuds will benefit.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading!</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINK6erWhUSLSailxXIfzo1Xyfe-9CyWL4w0K8v1kyZ60L22NFkvpVLUgCRZNdiSKeWuEVRc6IHirr8Wb7f4vWknxJVTnyrvVZmt0PSGJ13ReQx7yhcgjVecXVZJlsWb0D1rV3tE2UAuc/s1600/20150510_164241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINK6erWhUSLSailxXIfzo1Xyfe-9CyWL4w0K8v1kyZ60L22NFkvpVLUgCRZNdiSKeWuEVRc6IHirr8Wb7f4vWknxJVTnyrvVZmt0PSGJ13ReQx7yhcgjVecXVZJlsWb0D1rV3tE2UAuc/s640/20150510_164241.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Salad greens picked fresh from the spring garden</span></span></div>
<br />Melinda Parkhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09566499990267904148noreply@blogger.com0