Sweet, nutty, and wonderfully creamy when cooked, kabocha squash deserves a place in the fall kitchen alongside butternut squash and pumpkin. Sometimes called Japanese pumpkin, kabocha has dense orange flesh with a flavor somewhere between sweet potato, chestnut, and winter squash. Its natural sweetness works just as well in savory dishes as it does in …
Category: Seasonal
Jul 18 2024
Spiced Pear Preserves: A Taste of Autumn in a Jar
There’s something magical about the aroma of spiced pears simmering on the stove, isn’t there? It instantly transports me to crisp autumn days, with golden leaves crunching underfoot and the promise of cozy evenings ahead. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for Spiced Pear Preserves that captures all those warm, comforting flavors in …
Jul 18 2024
Homemade Spiced Apple Butter
Slow-cooked apples, warm cinnamon, brown sugar, cider, nutmeg, and cloves transform into a thick, silky spread that tastes unmistakably like autumn. Homemade apple butter is deeper and more concentrated than applesauce. The apples are cooked until completely soft, blended smooth, and then simmered uncovered until much of their moisture evaporates. As the mixture slowly reduces, …
Jul 18 2024
Spiced Plum Jam with Cardamom & Allspice
Ripe plums, warm cardamom, a hint of allspice, and fresh lemon cook down into a deeply colored homemade jam that captures the rich fruitiness of late summer and early fall. Plums make especially satisfying jam because their skins contribute beautiful color while the flesh softens into a glossy, spreadable preserve. There is no need to …
Jul 01 2024
Watermelon Feta Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Cold, juicy watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a bright honey-lime dressing make this one of the easiest summer salads you can put on the table. The combination works because every ingredient brings something different. Watermelon is crisp and sweet, feta is creamy and salty, mint adds cool freshness, and lime supplies the acidity that …
Jun 20 2024
Celebrate National Pollinators Month: Vital Contributors to Biodiversity & Agriculture
June is an exciting month for nature enthusiasts and environmentalists. It marks the annual celebration of the National Pollinators Month. This month-long event is dedicated to recognizing the vital role that pollinators play in the ecosystem. The National Pollinators Month is not only significant to biodiversity and agriculture, but it also provides an opportunity to …
Jun 14 2024
How to Learn Anything with Focused Practice
In June, it feels that summer will last forever. The next few months stretch out in front of us and as the weather heats up and plants burgeon in gardens and in the wild, a feeling of possibility closes around us. The days are longer, kids are out of school, and we remember that we …
Jun 11 2024
Discover the Best Beach Reads of 2024 for Your Summer Escape
As summer approaches, the quest for the perfect companion to accompany lazy seaside afternoons becomes paramount for avid readers everywhere. Beach reads, with their enthralling narratives and engaging prose, transform ordinary sunbathing into immersive journeys. Recognizing the importance of selecting the best beach reads to enhance one’s summer escape, the following compilation goes beyond mere …
Jun 03 2024
Discover the Hidden Gems: Michigan’s Top 10 Beaches for Your Perfect Summer Getaway
With its vast coastline along the Great Lakes, Michigan is a haven for beach lovers. Whether you’re seeking peaceful solitude or exciting activities, the state offers a wide variety of beaches to suit every preference. From the stunning sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the picturesque views of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, …