If you are Gen X, you might have been introduced to coffee through International House Coffee mixes back in the day. The metal tins of powder had a rather weak flavor, yet we loved it if someone's mom had it in her kitchen. It was a forbidden treat for sure. My Mom did not buy… Continue reading Pantry Staples: Mocha Cinnamon Coffee Mix
One Pot Chicken Basil Pasta
This has been a "fun" week. Our stove decided to have issues. We bought the stove back in January, brand new. It was the same stove we had bought for our previous home. Since we don't have propane or natural gas at this house, I chose the induction stovetop this time. Well, yay me. I… Continue reading One Pot Chicken Basil Pasta
6 Weeks Out To The First Frost
Here in Shenandoah Junction, WV, it still feels like summer. It will be 90° this afternoon. But there are the tells that fall is coming. We are starting to get spells where the night temperatures are in the 50s. In the morning, it isn't hot outside right away; once the sun rises, it takes much… Continue reading 6 Weeks Out To The First Frost
The 39 Green Pea Cycle
Even as we enter our 16th month in the Shenandoah Valley, I still expect Western Washington to grow. Slowly, I am adapting and learning. One area is fall planting. Last year, the garden was only partly built at this time point. Because of that, I planted some crops very late - to even have anything… Continue reading The 39 Green Pea Cycle
Pumpkin Spice Syrup and Latte
I created this set of recipes for my previous recipe website, and this recipe dates back to 2015. It was part of a series, "The Natural Barista," and I feel like these recipes deserve a second look. Most latte/coffee syrups use shelf-stable preservatives, and this version also includes real pumpkin. If you like a PSL,… Continue reading Pumpkin Spice Syrup and Latte