What do you do with a bushel of fresh, juicy, peaches? Make peach cobbler of course!!! And you freeze, make peach ice cream, milkshakes, yogurt. . . . . But today is about the cobbler. My mom gave me her recipe when I was just starting my family; and, it has been a family staple ever since. If you are in the mood for an incredible peach treat, here is the recipe for you!
This year my plum tree produced a bumper crop and I have been trying lots of new recipes as a result. Yesterday, I tried a plum pie recipe that was so well received that within 24 hours it was completely gone! I would say that is a vote of approval. The lemon zest in the crust really kicks things up a notch and turns this pie into something special. It will also fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg which is wonderful to wander into during the day. 🙂 So, if you would like a dessert that marries tart and sweet– this one may be for you!
Lets get to it!
I love having tea in the conservatory first thing in the morning. Especially when the tea of the day is such a nutritional powerhouse to get me started on the right foot. Nettle tea, spruced up with some spearmint I couldn’t resist this morning, is an unsung hero of the herbal world. Care to learn more? Continue reading
Recently I was thrilled to find my Japanese Plum tree had produced a bountiful harvest. There is nothing quite like harvesting good organic food that I know is going to taste wonderful, be at its prime in nutrients and flavor, have no pesticides or harmful chemicals, and that has come from a tree that my family and I have planted ourselves. Continue reading
As winter descends we may find our homes invaded by uninvited guests. Peppermint essential oil is a powerful and safe ally in preventing or interrupting the onslaught. The scent that is so delicious to us sends them running for the hills! Simply soak (approximately 5 drops) a cotton ball with high quality peppermint oil (quality counts) and place in the right spot. What is the right spot? If your problem is mice it is best to act preventatively. The cotton balls are most effective when placed at possible points of entry or protectively around items you don’t want them getting into. As a preventative measure they significantly reduce chances of an infestation even starting. No stress, no poisons, no moments of “ick factor.” After the rascals are in your home its a bit more challenging. The peppermint soaked cotton balls are still powerful but they won’t make the mice leave the home. There are still many “non peppermint” places to hide. They can be used as a protective hedge around whatever you don’t want them accessing. Encroachment stopped! As for ants and cockroaches simply place the balls in any paths or where activity is noted and voila! They will retreat to sweeter smelling adventures. Here’s to safe and effective natural remedies!
Changes in season are exciting and full of promise. They can also provoke allergies and sinus flair ups. I hate waking up with the tell tale sore throat, ear ache, and mild cough that undermines the rest of my day. Continue reading
I have struggled with severe GERD, ulcers, and esophageal scarring most of my life. Of course the foods I love the most also wreck the most havoc. Coffee, heavily spiced foods, wine, and my beloved jalapeno peppers leave me struggling through heart burn and worse. While heart burn is uncomfortable, I am more concerned with the long term damage unchecked GERD creates. For me, a holistic approach–including herbal strengthening of my digestive system — has resulted in greater freedom, fewer side effects, and a stronger digestive system than experienced before. Continue reading
I have a insane ability to imagine every conceivable “wrong” that can occur in my life and my blood pressure responds accordingly. This natural hard wiring plus the high pressure of “type A” Northern Virginia and raising four teenagers means I had an intimate relationship with anxiety and sleepless nights. With all the demands that face us, I bet most of you can relate to struggling with stress and trying to calm your mind and relax your body. I was incredibly grateful to discover a healthy, non addictive, anxiety remedy/sleep aid that is all natural and easy to grow/make. Continue reading
Compost is a gardeners’ dream. Black and loamy it sifts gently and easily through the fingers yet with enough time–can turn even the most unworkable soil into perfection. Watching the rock hard clay of Northern Virginia turn into workable soil that breaks apart and allows water to drain makes me break into my “happy dance.” In addition, good compost provides almost every conceivable nutrient/mineral that plants need to thrive; and, that will eventually be transferred to us when they grace our plates. Chemical/artificial fertilizers are often devoid of the trace minerals plants need and do nothing to improve the soil. They are also are derived primarily from nonrenewable sources including fossil fuels which are bad for the planet. This is compounded by the fact that chemical fertilizers tend to “run off” quickly and easily which necessitates multiple applications. Finally, over time these repeat applications can create a buildup of toxic substances in the soil such as arsenic, cadmium, and uranium that get taken into the plants/fruits/vegetables we are growing. I am not a fan of ingesting these substances. Yuck! Especially when there is a natural alternative that strengthens the soil, our plants, and our bodies without poisoning the planet or our health. Continue reading
The simple green avocado. . .it is pretty, but certainly not as glamorous as it’s more “blingy” siblings–such as bright and colorful berries, dragon fruit, or pomegranate. Yet, it nourishes at a cellular level; and, it tastes smooth, refreshing, and delicious on the palate. Avocados differ greatly in size and because of this they differ in exact measurement of “how much per fruit equals x number of whatever vitamin/mineral.” Any fruit will also differ nutritionally dependent on how/when it was harvested; but, you can rest assured that adding a little avocado will give great nutritional benefits in a small package. Continue reading
Sabrina Gallimore 