I admit it. I am a chocoholic. I love any kind of chocolate desserts. (and if you team it with peanut butter, I’m a goner for good.) My favorite desserts always seem to have chocolate in them. Even though chocolate has been touted as being a no-no when it comes to healthy eating, that opinion…
Red Cocktails are the perfect choice for both Valentine’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Christmas. But don’t stop there. I enjoy them all year long! Bloody Mary – Sangria – Strawberry Daiquiri…What do these drinks have in common? They are all cocktail recipes, all red, dramatic, and all so delicious. Razzmatazz Red – These Red…
Mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) are one of those trees that you either love or hate. They are considered by some to be “trash trees” because of their short lifespan. They also have weak wood, which breaks easily in high winds, and are vulnerable to disease. To make it worse, they are rampant spreaders, sending out…
Bees are extraordinary creatures. They move from plant to plant transferring pollen, making sure that the species thrives. They are so necessary in our gardens and it is a shame that their numbers are decreasing in part due to huge mega farming operations, loss of their habitats and pesticide use. One of the Fans of…
It is often said that happiness is a choice….a state of mind. Some people find it illusive but just look within and it’s usually there. Even the term inspirational happiness quotes just puts a smile on my face. Quotes and inspirational sayings are very popular with my readers so I am always on the lookout…
This recipe for barbecue pork spare ribs is an easy as them come. Just cook the ribs in the oven, then marinate with the sauce and barbecue on the grill. You can even cook them the day before and then quickly grill the next evening for a fast and easy meal. It’s Grilling Time! Try…
This recipe for salmon steaks with roasted vegetables is colorful and super healthy. Baked salmon is my favorite fish. I love the richness and color of the flesh and the flavor is so delicious. This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source or protein and potassium. Salmon Steaks with…
Earlier this year, I wrote about a test garden that I will be having in my back yard. I am using the garden bed to grow all sorts of things as test plants for the blog posts that I write. Some grow well there and some don’t like it at all, but everything gives me…
Japanese Silver Grass – Miscanthus sinensis – is a perennial plant that has variegated green and white striped leaves and huge plumes in the fall that stall well above the top of the plant. The plant can be used to hide neighboring views and completely cover a chain link fence. It also has lots of winter…
This asparagus and pepper stuffed portobello mushroom recipe is both healthy and impressive. You could serve it to a vegetarian by itself or a meat eater with a steak—and both would be equally happy. It is quick and easy to prepare and really filling. Portobello mushrooms have a large cap which is the perfect vessel…
Breakfast pastries are perfect for those mornings when you are in a hurry and looking for something easy to grab on the run. Sometimes I want a hearty breakfast and sometimes I just want something quick and easy. Coffee cakes, breakfast pastries made of oatmeal and other healthy fillings and muffins fit the bill just…
Growing vegetables is one of the true joys of summer for me. It appears the same is true of my Facebook fans, from the look of these vegetable gardens. One of my favorite things to do on my Facebook page The Gardening Cook, is to ask my fans to share their favorite photos from their…
These roasted red baby potatoes have a great blend of fresh herbs for perfect seasoning. Roasted potatoes are so yummy and go well with just about any main course protein. The roasting process gives the potatoes a nice outside crispiness and a warm and tasty center. I have fresh herbs growing in my garden year…
This round up features some of the best main course recipes for dinner. I have begun to notice that the majority of my recipes for this blog tend to end up as main courses. Sure, I love desserts just like anyone else does. But since I am normally watching my weight, I find that I’m…
Here are some of my favorite home decor ideas. These best home decor ideas range from simple decorating accents to complete kitchen make overs. There is something for all tastes here. My only requirement for an idea to land on this page is that it must be tasteful and it must inspire me to think…
Here are some more of my favorites. These best creative do it yourself projects range from simple gardening ideas to accent your outdoor space, to fairly complicated DIY tutorials for larger indoor projects. My only requirement for an idea to land on this page is that it must be tasteful. I also love projects that make…
Every now and then, it is fun to just let your hair down and enjoy a bit of gardening and cooking humor. These graphics and jokes are a way for us to lighten your day. Life should not always be too serious. The Gardening Cook agrees. So we have made a collection of some of…
Turning a compost pile can be time consuming and a bit difficult to do. The material can get very heavy and cumbersome to move around which is needed in order to change the organic matter into hummus. All vegetable gardeners know that composting is a great way to get organic fertilizer for your garden beds….
This delicious recipe for creamy broccoli and cheddar casserole is a side dish that I serve often at Thanksgiving. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, and cheddar cheese with eggs for a rich and creamy taste that my family can’t resist. Broccoli is the perfect vegetable to use in this dish. It has a mild flavor on…
Throw away that take out Chinese Menu. I have a tasty, and easy recipe for Turkey stir fry with colorful peppers and mixed vegetables that will make your favorite take out a thing of the past. I used to think that Chinese takeaway only came from a Chinese restaurant. This recipe shows me that this…
Planters near an entrance way are a great way to add pizzazz to a front door. But add some house numbers and a staggered planter and you will get some instant curb appeal to boot. I enjoy having plants on my front step and love to change them out with the seasons. This pretty planter…
I recently wrote an article that talked about a long list of weird things that you can compost which you might not have thought about. Today, I am going to discuss those things you should never compost. Vegetable gardening is greatly enhanced by the addition of organic matter formed by composting. If you enjoy growing vegetables,…
This recipe for Crock Pot Taco Chili is delicious and simple to make as well. There is nothing quite like lounging around on a lazy Sunday and then ending your day with crock pot recipes that have been simmering all day. A slow cooker is one of the best kitchen helpers out there. It allows you…
Hate junk mail? Turn this unwanted mail into garden mulch with this easy gardening life hack. All you have to do is look into your mail box and you will see how much junk mail you get on a daily basis. Junk mail is unwanted, wastes paper and other materials and ends up on our…
This beef stew with root vegetables is one of my favorite crockpot recipes. It has a rich gravy and the most tender beef ever! Many people enjoy stews in the fall when the weather is cooler, but I enjoy them all year round. My main reason is that I can cook them in my crock…
Composting allows me to add some organic matter to my garden, but the material often needs sifting. Instead of buying a compost sifter, I made my own DIY Compost Screen by using common plastic garden trays. These trays are readily available at most garden centers when you purchase a flat of seedlings. The come with…