One of the best things about having a garden or visiting farmers markets is observing the seasonal flow of fruits of vegetables. Early in the season, the markets are overflowing with green onions, spring peas, bok choy and turnips – lots of turnips. The last time we planted turnips in the garden, we’d eat them […]
Blueberry season in Arkansas is here. The season generally extends from mid-June through July, and I do my best to support the efforts of our U-Pick blueberry farms by filling my freezer with berries and my pantry with blueberry and blueberry-habanero jams. I usually make a batch or two of dried berries to use in granola, as well. […]
I discovered a new way to prepare and serve strawberries – roasted. Experimenting with roasted strawberries produced some amazing concoctions: roasted strawberry shortcake, roasted strawberry ice cream sauce, and of course, roasted strawberries on a spoon. It’s a unique strawberry flavor. But my favorite creation to date is Roasted Strawberry Dressing. I love pouring this […]
Strawberries and Bald Knob go hand-in-hand. Strawberries were once the primary agricultural crop for Bald Knob and earned the town the title of “Strawberry Capital of the World.” It was estimated that Bald Knob was producing enough strawberries to fill 100 boxcars each season by 1916. The strawberries were shipped all across the country. The […]
You’ve picked your strawberries or bought them at an Arkansas farmers market, now what do you do with them if in your excitement you grew A LOT of strawberries or bought 20 pounds? Here are some tips for preserving all that strawberry goodness and not wasting a single bite of their succulent, natural wholesomeness. STRAWBERRY […]
Strawberry season is in full swing in Arkansas. The soil in central Arkansas is especially good for growing strawberries and flats are popping up in farmers markets and roadside stands throughout the state. Strawberries are versatile. I love to make sauces for chicken and pork using Arkansas-grown strawberries as a base, slice them and put […]
After a long winter of hearty stews, meat and root vegetables, I long for a fresh salad. Salad greens and herbs are among the first things sprouting in the garden, so early spring is the best time to start enjoying fresh salads. I love cooking with herbs, and basil is probably my favorite herb. Basil […]
The prime season for Arkansas berries has arrived, and I couldn’t be more ready. Arkansas strawberries are highly regarded for their sweet flavor and beauty. Along with blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, those strawberries are typically in season from late April or early May through July in our state. Even though many of these fruits are […]
Arkansas farmers markets are pitching tents and setting up tables to sell locally-grown produce and plants. Spring is in full swing! A favorite of mine to buy at the farmers market is honey raised by local beekeepers. My son prefers honey to jam on his peanut butter sandwiches, and I love to fold it into […]
Arkansans are passionate about their tomatoes, peaches and, especially, their strawberries. I may be doubly so. It seems that I wait through all the days of autumn, winter and most of spring for that first strawberry to ripen on the vine. One crate of fresh berries soon becomes two, then three or more. There will […]