• Basil,sage,dill,and thyme herbs on wooden board preparing for winter drying
    Garden,  Herbs,  Recipes,  Tips

    Growing Herbs

    When I first started out gardening I wanted to begin small with something I could manage. I was not very knowledgeable or informed yet on all the ins and outs of gardening, nor did I have the space for a large garden. So, I started with herbs. Herbs are an easy place to start. They just need a little sunshine, soil with good drainage and some room to grow. Herbs can turn ordinary meals into something special with a pinch of this and a bit of that and meals can be transformed.  I have planted herbs for a few years and they bring an interest to gardens which otherwise would…

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  • food-dinner-pasta-spaghetti
    Garden,  Herbs,  Recipes,  Tips,  Vegetables

    Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce

    Where the flavor starts… Italian cooking is not a quick process. It is a social event. The kitchen is the gathering place, and as I cook, there are wooden spoons flying around tasting my sauce. When I make tomato sauce, it slowly cooks 2-4 hours depending on the amount of sauce I am making. The house is filled with such a pleasant aroma.  The meal is greatly anticipated and enjoyed. As many Italian cooks declare “flavor in Italian dishes builds from the bottom up”.   True authentic cooking like my dad did started with lard as the base with finely chopped onion and any other vegetables like celery, carrot, or garlic.…

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