Preserving food is so much more than extending the year’s harvest. It’s a way to connect with the practices of our ancestors. No matter what part(s) of the world your cultural lineage descends from, your relatives preserved food in one way or another. As we begin to transition into the colder months, I channel that knowledge and dream of how my pantry will evolve throughout the harvest. As the cabbages in my humble garden begin to peak, I get excited thinking of all of the different flavors of sauerkraut I can create.

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Believe it or not, pepper was once more valuable than gold. In fact, it was used as currency as early as 1000 B.C. This favorite spice originated in southern India but now makes an appearance on spice racks and kitchen tables all around the world. While black peppercorns may be the most commonly used, we love having a variety of peppercorns in our culinary toolbox. They add different flavors (and colors) to anything they touch!

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Who doesn’t love a hot bowl of Tom Kha? I’m yet to encounter such a person. I first discovered this tasty Thai soup back in college at a local Eugene, Oregon joint. The trifecta of fresh and traditional herbs completely blew my mind. Lemongrass, Thai makrut lime leaves, and galangal root (where the “kha” in “tom kha” comes from) give this soup its incredible and unmistakable flavor. 

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One of my favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest is the abundance of fresh, organic produce. I make sure to visit the local farmers market weekly to take in the sights and smells that entice me to create delicious and nutritious meals. Of course I also keep my spice rack stocked with dried organic spices  so I can dress my veggies with a variety of flavors.  Read More

This Love Tea simple syrup is something special. With hints of cacao and cinnamon, this floral syrup is perfect for crafting unique cocktails or stirring into a cozy morning latte. It’s also an easy addition to sparkling or ice water: refreshing, with a delicate flavor that will mystify your friends!

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This blog was originally published in 2013. Because it's so popular, we decided to update it for you. Enjoy! 

If you love the aroma of toasty sesame seeds and the oceanic saltiness of seaweed, you might soon find this seasoning blend gracing your dinner table nightly. With just a flick of the wrist, this delicious combination of flavors adds a nutritive boost and subtle richness to just about any savory recipe. 

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I’ve always been a food fanatic. If the ingredients are high-quality and the fare freshly prepared, I typically like what’s on my plate. So it was with much dismay that I recently discovered I’m gluten and lactose intolerant. I’ve been experimenting with many substitutes for my favorite dishes at home and stumbled upon this combination, which doesn’t make me miss gluten or dairy one bit!

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Growing up in the Midwest in the 1980s, my family was the rarity – eating organic salads made with real (not iceberg) lettuce every evening. My trendsetting mom’s insistence on organic leafy greens at the dinner table instilled in me a lifelong love of veggies.

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In my household, with all of our food sensitivities, it can be hard to satisfy sweet tooth cravings. Vegan baked goods can often seem dry and bland, and my son has lamented a couple of times that all of the fun things have dairy. Tackling fun recipes within the framework of these limitations can seem overwhelming, especially for those of us who aren't professional vegan chefs! In the spirit of my own sweet tooth and with the hope to devise a truly yummy baked vegan treat, my partner and I experimented with this recipe using Mountain Rose Herbs ingredients until we found success.

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Soups are one of my all-time favorite things to cook. There is a meditation for me in the chopping, measuring and stirring that goes into making a wonderful pot of soup. Like many of us, I don’t always have the time to make soup from scratch. I’ve also chatted with many folks who are intimidated by making soups and broths—they have a hard time getting the seasoning right so the soup doesn’t taste like bland dishwater. Read More

 

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