Stinging nettles, more commonly called nettles, grow wild in most parts of the US, popping up in woodlands, rich soils, partially shaded areas, and along river banks. Although there are many different species, they all have similar health benefits. But that’s not all they have! Nettles are known for the…
I probably use cumin more often than any other spice in my cabinet, except salt and pepper. It’s one of my favorite flavors, and if you look through my herb pantry, you’ll find both ground cumin and cumin seeds. Cumin is also an ingredient in curry powder and garam masala,…
Although the smell of Madeleines conjured up volumes of memories for the French author, Proust, it’s the smell of cinnamon that brings back good memories for me. Mmmmmm… who else out there ate cinnamon toast for breakfast when you were a kid? And what about homemade cinnamon rolls? We sprinkled…
When we vacationed one year in Costa Rica, it seemed like every dish contained cilantro, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner. In fact, it is very easy to eat almost the exact same menu for all three meals. Here’s a photo I took of our typical Tico (Costa Rican)…
Depending on where you live, you might feel like me this winter–cold! Maybe that’s why I’ve been cooking more with cayenne pepper than normal. It warms my tummy and all the way down to my toes! Of course, brandy might do the same thing, but did you know that cayenne…
When I think of summer, I think of all the varieties of basil and the way they add complexity to just about any recipe. Basil is the perfect complement to those vine ripe tomatoes from the garden and fresh mozzarella, which I combine to make delicious Caprese salads throughout the…
Have you ever wondered about the difference between anise and fennel? I know I have—especially when you look at the seeds. They look and taste very similar, but they come from entirely different plants. Let’s start with anise, which presents us with even more confusion. Anise seeds , or pimpinella…
Tis the season… for sunburns! We all know that aloe is great for any kind of burn, including sunburn. It’s soothing for bug bites and basically any skin irritation. That’s why it’s called “The First Aid Plant.” Fresh is best, so buy a little plant to keep in your home. They’re…