I like the rhythm of the seasons in my home and garden, especially when it comes to preparing foods. I try to eat seasonally whenever possible so you will find plenty of recipes with rhubarb, strawberries and asparagus in the spring. One of my favorite strawberry recipes is a pie-like dessert that we call Strawberry Pizza Dessert. Originally I made this in a medium size spring form pan but overRead More →
I am crazy about little flying critters like bees, birds and butterflies. They provide such joy to the garden, spreading pollen and cheering me with chirping and buzzing. However, it is a little too early for massive amounts of bees and butterflies in my neck of the woods. So this time of year I like to make my own flying beauties to spread some smiles. How to make paper butterflies:Read More →
My husband and I made it through the snowiest and seemingly ‘longest’ winter on record in our part of Eastern Washington without getting any major illnesses. Now as the weather is starting to warm, the spring flowers are blooming and it’s time to work in the yard…I have come down with a cold. Unbelievable. One of the things that I like to prepare when anyone is sick with a cold,Read More →
I have wonderful friends who are always sharing great ideas. Last summer one of those friends shared that she was growing a salad bowl. She was not filling a salad bowl with greens instead she was growing her salad in a bowl. A huge outdoor metal bowl to be exact. Spinach, kale and a variety of lettuces filled her bowl. The nice thing about growing your greens in bowls isRead More →
Not long ago I saw some beautiful pictures of Butchart Gardens in the spring. They reminded me of a wonderful trip that my husband and I took to Victoria BC a number of years ago. I had a good laugh when I remembered the breakfast that we enjoyed at a quaint downtown restaurant. We ordered a large platter of Bubbles and Squeak and set about to devour it. About halfwayRead More →
The gifting season is almost here…Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation and Weddings. It seems like the gift list is never ending and I’m always trying to come up with fun and unique ideas for gifts. I enjoy giving gifts from my garden although not every gift that I give is garden related. I do try whenever possible to slip in a garden inspired idea from bouquets to meals. However, early springRead More →
Rhubarb is one of my favorite spring garden plants. It is a perennial that comes up each year like clockwork. Those little shoots that begin poking out of the ground early in the season will be a wonderful addition to your spring meals. It is easy to grow and it is so wonderful to see those plants bursting with fresh green leaves when nothing else is growing in your garden. Read More →
On those busy spring nights when you are running between your job, Little League and working in the garden, it is nice to throw a quick casserole together and in the oven. This chile relleno casserole has been a favorite in my family for many years and it’s very easy to prepare. You can serve it with some brown or white rice on the side, along with a tossed saladRead More →
There is still a chill in the air, in the early morning hours of a new spring day. However, there is also the promise of the days to come as the first birds of the season begin to call out. The early crocus and daffodils begin to poke out of the ground. The changing of winter into spring is a slow but steady process. Spring tip toes into this wonderfulRead More →
Don’t you love the idea of a retreat? Oh to leave the stress and concerns of life, even for a short while. Just to breathe again and find the little things that will bring a smile to your face. This blog was born out of my desire for a break, a retreat away from the stresses of life. Pinecone Cottage is my place to get away from it all. IRead More →