Rosemary has long been appreciated for its aromatic and medicinal qualities. It is rich in antioxidants and has been used to boost cardiovascular and digestive health. Studies have shown that rosemary helps to improve memory and may be beneficial in improving mental performance in elderly individuals.
This tasty sparkling water is a lovely way to enjoy the flavor, and potentially some of the health benefits of rosemary.
Continue reading “Rosemary Orange Sparkling Water”
Mint (Mentha spp.) is a well-known herb that is a common flavoring for gum, mouthwash, & toothpaste, as well as foods and beverages, like ice cream & tea.
If you have an established mint patch, you likely have an abundance of mint, and may be wondering how to utilize it. This sauce is super quick & easy to put together and is a tasty way to use fresh mint from the garden.
Continue reading “Mint Yogurt Sauce”
Hummus is a delicious Middle Eastern dip that is typically made with blended chickpeas and tahini. It pairs well with fresh veggies or pita bread, and is a great accompaniment to many different dishes.
Hummus is also a great source of plant-based protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. And it’s packed with nutrients, including iron, folate, phosphorus and B vitamins (Raman).
Another great thing about hummus, is that it goes well with many different herbs and spices, meaning you can easily customize it. In this post, I’ll share three different tasty variations of hummus. Continue reading “Homemade Hummus —Three Ways”
This pretty cocktail was inspired by beautiful Michigan strawberries and some gorgeous lavender that is currently blooming in my mom’s garden. It’s a tasty twist on the popular mint julep. The fruity, floral flavor makes it the perfect drink for enjoying with friends on a summer evening.
It is also a lovely way to preserve fresh strawberries while they are in season. If you like, you can make a big jar of this flavored whiskey to enjoy later. It’s certainly good for brightening spirits during colder months.
Continue reading “Summer Cocktail: Strawberry-Lavender Julep”
An abundance of fresh berries is certainly one of the best things about summertime in the Midwest. Many hot afternoons during summers I spent in Michigan were devoted to collecting sweet, ripe berries for eating and using fresh and for preserving to enjoy during the long, cold winter months.
This recipe round up features fifty-two delicious ways to enjoy a variety of summer berries this year. Below you’ll find some classic recipes you know and love mixed in with some fresh, fun recipes that just might become your new summer favorite. Enjoy!
Continue reading “50+ Ways to Enjoy Your Favorite Summer Berries”
Summer is in full swing in Michigan, which means fresh berries and herbs are available in abundance. I love to make various preserves throughout the season so that I have a few jars to give as gifts to friends & family and some wonderful treats to enjoy myself during the long winter months.
This delicious, unique simple syrup combines some of my favorite flavors of these lovely summer months. Blueberries are a familiar favorite and the addition of black currants and wild bergamot gives this syrup a tasty twist.
Black currants are not extremely popular, at least in this area, and can be a bit tricky to find. If you’re lucky, you might be able to get them at a farmer’s market or find a fruit farm that will let you pick them yourself. We are fortunate enough to have a great orchard nearby where we can pick these tasty berries. If possible, growing your own is a great option. If you can’t find black currants and still want to make this recipe, just substitute an equal amount of blueberries. The currants add a unique flavor, but blueberry-bergamot syrup is also lovely.
Continue reading “Black Currant, Blueberry & Wild Bergamot Syrup”
Summer is the perfect time to go camping or have a cook out in the yard with your friends and family. Cooking outdoors gives you a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and to add some delicious deep, smoky flavors to your food that are difficult to reproduce with your oven or stove top.
And what is a cook-out without condiments? This homemade barbecue sauce is a delicious alternative to conventional BBQ sauces that contain processed, artificial ingredients. It is smoky, sweet, and a bit spicy — everything a good BBQ sauce should be.
mama libélula 