Thanksgiving Menu Planner – Free Menu Planning Printable

It’s time to pick your poison! This Crow’s Blood Drink is a red Halloween cocktail which is made even more gruesome by the addition of a lychee eyeball garnish. This Halloween champagne cocktail is a seasonal variation of the classic champagne cocktail, which dates back to the 1800s. The drink traditionally consisted of a sugar …

Ornamental Indian corn is found in many homes as a rustic Thanksgiving decoration. But what is Indian corn? Another name for Indian corn is flint corn because the kernels are so hard. It is also called calico corn because of its colors. It is one of the oldest varieties of corn and has been grown by …

Fall is the time for decorating with Indian corn. These colorful ears of ornamental corn (also known as flint corn and calico corn) have been around for centuries. Indian corn is a natural element that can be used in fall decorations. I especially love the texture that Indian corn adds. Ornamental corn is available in many …

It’s time to learn how to cook garlic with this easy roasted garlic recipe. The roasting process bring out the garlic’s natural sugars, producing cloves which have a deep, mellow and slightly sweet flavor. While some recipes can benefit from the sharp bite of fresh garlic, roasted garlic has a more nuanced flavor that enhances any …

This recipe for scallops with white wine sauce is perfect for an elegant dinner party or date night meal. The dish is on the table in less than 20 minutes but tastes like you spent hours making it! The scallops are gently seared and served with a sauce that combines butter, white wine, garlic and …

If you grow irises, you’ll get to the point when dividing them becomes necessary. There are four telltale signs that will let you know when it’s time for transplanting iris.  If you notice fewer blooms, overcrowded clumps, and rhizomes pushing out of the soil, these are indications that your irises need more space to grow. …

Peeling garlic is one of those time consuming, but necessary kitchen tasks we always wish was easier. Below you’ll learn how to peel garlic fast, with the four garlic peeling hacks ranked in order. These four methods will change the way you look at peeling garlic. Any kitchen hacks that save time and make tasks …

If you love beautiful perennials, you’ll probably have some irises growing in your garden. This may prompt you to wonder “When do irises bloom?“. The answer to this question varies. Iris blooming season can be any time from late winter to early fall, depending on the type you grow. Ironically, irises can be one of …

Learn how to grow irises with our handy guide. This popular flowering plant is an early spring bloomer, which is easy to care for. Irises have showy flowers and are popular in cottage gardens. They come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. They are deer-resistant and attractive to both birds and butterflies. With more than …

You might already know how to freeze lemon juice but what about the zest? If you find yourself wondering “Can you freeze lemon zest too?”, you’ll be excited to know that you can! Not only can you freeze lemon zest, but the process of freezing it is easy and will give you flavorful citrus zest …

If you have too many lemons, you may have wondered “Can you freeze lemon juice?”. The answer is yes, and luckily, freezing lemon juice is easy! It’s always tempting to buy lemons in bulk instead of individually, because it’s so much more cost effective. However, if you’re not careful, you can be left with a …

Sedum rubrotinctum is a showy and colorful succulent plant that looks great in rock gardens. Also called “jelly bean plant”, and “pork and beans plant”, this succulent is easy to care for and makes a great addition to any succulent collection. This low-growing plant has plump, bean-shaped leaves with red tips that intensify under sunlight …

Direct composting, also known as trench composting, on-the-spot composting, or in-situ composting, is an effective way to recycle organic waste by using it directly in your garden. Traditional composting requires you to collect organic material in a compost bin or pile and then wait for it to decompose before using it in your garden. On …

How to stop avocados from turning brown is a common concern for anyone who loves this creamy, nutritious fruit. As most cooks know, once avocados are cut, they will quickly turn brown. This happens because avocados contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which will cause them to oxidize and darken when they come in contact with …

 Growing butternut pumpkins in a home vegetable garden is easy to do. This versatile vegetable is delicious and packed with nutrients. Butternut pumpkin is a type of winter squash, which means that the skin is hard and the fruit can be stored for several months after harvest. It is planted in spring and harvested in …

This collection of cocktails containing amaretto will please anyone who loves the flavor of almonds. Whether you prefer a drink that is sweet, creamy, tart, or tropical, amaretto can seamlessly blend into a variety of cocktails, adding its signature nutty taste. Many amaretto-based recipes require just a few ingredients, making them easy to whip up …

This recipe for salmon with mango salsa is refreshing and super quick to prepare. The dish pairs perfectly baked salmon with a vibrant salsa that is full of summer’s best produce. The juicy sweetness of mango, the crispness of fresh corn, and the creamy texture of avocado unite to create a salsa that is sure to …

If you are looking for an easy-to-grow vegetable, ranking second in popularity after tomatoes, try growing green beans. Green beans are also called French beans, string beans, and snap beans. They come in two types – bush beans and pole beans. Snap beans are a great vegetable for beginning gardeners. Even kids can get involved. …

Green beans are a popular vegetable garden plant, second only to tomatoes in popularity. However, before you decide to grow them, it’s important to understand the differences between pole beans vs. bush beans. There are many varieties of green beans, but all can be categorized into one of two ways: bush beans or pole beans. …

Loaded baked potatoes (AKA twice baked potatoes and stuffed baked potatoes) are the ultimate comfort food. If you love them as much as my family does, these variations on loaded baked potato recipes are sure to please. Cooking potatoes this way – baking them first, then scooping out the potato filling and adding other flavors – …

These vegetarian twice baked potatoes are a favorite in my house. We love the texture and taste that comes from potatoes cooked with this technique. Twice baked potatoes are a cross between a normal baked potato and a creamy potato casserole. The potato is baked and then, when it has cooked, you scoop out the …

What are portobello mushrooms? This question may pop up for people new to gourmet cooking, or those seeking healthy diet options. Portobello mushrooms belong to a family of mushrooms known as Agaricus bisporus, which includes portobello, cremini, and white button mushrooms. When left to grow, white button mushrooms will spread out and develop a large …

This recipe for vegetarian stuffed portobello mushrooms has been adjusted for a meatless diet without sacrificing any of the delicious taste of a meaty dish. I love portobello mushrooms in just about any dish that calls for mushrooms. They are hearty, filling, and just delicious. The next time you want something different for dinner, instead …

Do you want to make your backyard both eco-friendly and enchanting? These solar outdoor lighting ideas can turn a plain space into a wonderland at night and don’t need electricity to work. Solar lighting is energy-efficient, easy to install, and adds a magical touch to your outdoor space. It’s the perfect way to light up …

This recipe for stuffed eggplant with ground beef uses small eggplants that hold the fillings perfectly. The individual-sized servings are colorful and the look is the ultimate in comfort food recipes. The dish is packed with nutritious ingredients that will tempt even the fussiest of eaters. It’s a tasty way to encourage kids to try …

Are you hosting a cocktail party and looking for the perfect drink to impress your guests? Look no further than this exquisite Toasted Almond Cocktail. Amaretto is one of my favorite liqueurs. It is a sweet almond-flavored Italian liqueur made from a base of apricot pits or almonds, (or sometimes both.)  When Amaretto is combined …