Growing up on an Arkansas farm, one of the things we raised were broiler chickens. My summers were spent “walking chickens” for our neighbor’s farm and our own farm as we fought the Arkansas heat to keep the birds cool and prevent heat stress. “Walking chickens” is walking slowing through the broiler houses gently stirring […]
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 […]
Farmer’s Markets, full of fresh greens and root crops, are opening around the state for the spring and summer season. The beautiful spring weather that encourages us to spend our Saturday mornings at the market also makes us want to spend more time outside playing and less time inside cooking. This spring frittata is the […]
After years of being terrified of beets, I finally gave in and tried them. A friend had us over for dinner and started the meal with a delicious roasted beet salad with arugula, goat cheese and toasted walnuts. It was fantastic, and I’m so glad I gave into peer pressure to try them. Beets are […]
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 […]