Real Food by Real People
We interrupt this recipe blog to announce that we have two new additions: a white Silkie and a black bantam Cochin. {Photo: White Silkie and black bantam Cochin. The Black Australorp (in the background) considered for two seconds raising these babies, but changed her mind.} The short story: We tried hatching 7 fertile eggs (shipped to us from Rush Creek Pampered Poultry) under our broody hen this Spring, but they all failed for one reason or another (mostly human error … [Read more...]
We all have a past life, don't we? Or is it just me? Every now and again, I think about my past life. I lived in Oregon. It rained a lot. I was (mostly) miserable. And I was convinced I had nothing in common with the food growin', chicken totin' hippies that looked like mop dogs and smelled of patchouli. Probably because I was miserable. {Photo: Cilantro in the RGB garden.} God, that was a lifetime ago. Now, look at me. I grow food. I keep chickens. I make cheese. They … [Read more...]
Let's call this post: How to impress your house guest with a scrambled egg breakfast. ... My spring garden pot with Tuscan kale and purple basil. The husband went out of town this weekend so a girlfriend stopped by to keep me company. In actuality, I begged her to sleep over because I didn't want to be home alone all weekend. The fine print: she's six months pregnant and needed a low sugar breakfast. In other words, no scones, no muffins, and no breakfast cake. … [Read more...]
It's been almost three months since two toddlers showed on our doorstep and I became a Parent. Most of time, I don't really think about the transition. But then there are nights like tonight; I was late getting out of the office, starving, cranky (because I was starving)... and all I wanted to do was get in the car and go out for sushi. Like we used to. I billed ten hours today and my feet were throbbing. It took everything I had to wear my heels into the market and pick … [Read more...]
Hi folks! I apologize ahead of time for the photo album you're about to scroll through, but I attended a food blogger's retreat this weekend, and I had such a pleasant time that I needed a place to park my photos. That way, when I get a little lonely later, or need some inspiration, I can come back here and remember how inspired I felt after sitting in this beautiful space with beautiful people for a couple of beautiful days. The Big Traveling Potluck at the Plateau Edge … [Read more...]
It was bound to happen: My first-ever catering fail. About two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to cater sweets for a corporate baby shower. The guest of honor (pappa-to-be) met me at my car to help me unload, and then wheeled in the boxes of cupcakes. The time: 9:45 AM; fifteen minutes to spare before the event was due to begin. Neither of us saw the "lip" the bridged the gap between the parking structure and the sidewalk. Like popcorn on a hot tin skillet, the … [Read more...]
Let's talk about Salmonella for a minute. You can't tell by looking at an egg whether or not it contains Salmonella (a bacteria that is the number one culprit in foodborne illness). Further, chickens carry the bacteria in their bodies and pass it to the forming egg yolk and whites while the egg is forming in the ovaries. Additionally, chickens can pass bacteria to the (porous) eggshell when the egg is laid. Therefore, simply washing an eggshell before consuming it raw or … [Read more...]
One of my very best friends lost her Weimaraner this morning. Unexpectedly. He fell ill and she watched him go. When Gen told me Grey was gone, I sat on a bench, and I cried. I cried for Gen. I cried for Grey. And then I hugged my own girl so tight I thought she'd pop an eyeball. And she let me. Britta photo-bombing my afternoon project. And I'm okay with that. I looked back through old photographs today, and found a beautiful one of Gen and Grey, taken right here on my … [Read more...]
About a month ago, I had the privilege of meeting Chef Johnny Prep while he was in town to teach local kids how to eat healthy. Johnny brought with him (from Michigan via checked luggage) not one, not two, but THREE different soups for us to try. One of them was a delicious New England style clam chowder. The twist: using andouille sausage instead of bacon, and adding corn and mushrooms. When I asked him for the recipe, he was kind enough to reply: … [Read more...]
Saturday morning, I fought eight aisles of parking lot traffic to score a front-and-center spot. And it was shaded. (!!!) I used every American dollar I had on me to buy two types of hummus, garlic dip, strawberries, and lemongrass. (The lemongrass was $1.50 for a bunch the diameter of a baseball. For those uninitiated, that's a freaking steal.) After I ran out of cash, I found myself cruising through stalls looking for vendors who took credit cards. (My car was resting … [Read more...]
I'm an event hostess, recipe developer, Instagram addict, recipe curator, and travel junkie.
The Rustic Garden Bistro is my journal of edible projects. I work with what's around me, lots of colors, bold flavors, and opposing textures. I'm tickled when I can rely on my edible garden and backyard chicken eggs. And I'm happiest when the people I serve call it a success!
Thanks for stopping by; it's great to have you here!
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