Ever since I was a little girl, I loved every moment where I could be side by side with my grandmother, Betty Scardine, or watching my mom prepare the family dinner. Growing up and being the oldest of seven children, I gravitated to creating the culinary experience for my family. My father was the master BBQ king and I have great memories of watching over his shoulder while cooking Italian sausage, ribs, steaks, chicken and burgers on the grill. On the side were foil pouches with peppers and … [Read more...] about Kids Love the Kitchen
Goods from the Garden and The Natural Healing Garden
Celebrating Cilantro
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L) is part of the Apiaceae family, which contains 3,700 species, including carrots, celery and parsley. All parts of the plant are edible, but people most commonly use the fresh leaves and dried seeds in cooking. Cilantro has been a part of global cuisine for hundreds of years. Did you know that cilantro is a good source of antioxidants? Using cilantro to flavor food may encourage people to use less salt and reduce their sodium intake. Preparation and … [Read more...] about Celebrating Cilantro
Celebrating the Hand Pie
Amazing Pies of Prescott, Arizona is our upcoming concept of celebrating all things pie. Sweet pies, savory pies, pizza pies, hand pies and more. Our staff has been focusing on amazing recipes and tastings to showcase to our community. One item that will be offered daily will be our hand pies. Much of the world calls hand pies meat pies or pasties (PAS-ties) and traces their origins back to at least 19th-century England, where they were a convenient lunch for Cornish tin miners. So, what … [Read more...] about Celebrating the Hand Pie
Infusing Culinary Herbs into Healthy Oils
As an herbalist and culinary specialist, I truly enjoying celebrating with culinary herbs. They are good for you, easy to use and they enhance the overall flavors and style of food. Infusing your favorite herbs into healthy oils is a great way to top your baked potato, fresh salads and dressings, pizza, roasted veggies, sauces, pasta and more. Dipping fresh bread into your infused oils is also a great way to enjoy the amazing flavors. One of our team members, Chef Charles, created a … [Read more...] about Infusing Culinary Herbs into Healthy Oils
Elevating Summer Cuisine with Fresh Herbs
I love combining fresh, seasonal ingredients to create amazing dishes. Fresh herbs can transform the most basic cooking into something elevated and full of fresh summer flavors. During the next couple months, herbs are in abundance at the Prescott Farmer’s Market, local grocery stores and even back yard and kitchen gardens. Cilantro, basil, parsley, dill, arugula and mint are my favorites and are included in many of the recipes that are created at Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events. … [Read more...] about Elevating Summer Cuisine with Fresh Herbs
Cozy Soup for Fall
It’s about to be soup season. The leaves are changing to beautiful and vibrant colors. The crispness in the air invites us to curl up with a comfy blanket and enjoy our favorite bowl of soup. Healthy and nutritious, soup is a natural and healthy option that can be prepared in various ways: with vegetables, meat, chicken, or even legumes and rice. The vegetables added to your soups contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The broth and water added help keep you hydrated. For detoxing, … [Read more...] about Cozy Soup for Fall
Let There Be Quiche
My Grandma Betty Scardine was my family cooking instructor. I would watch her every move as she would shift from the upstairs and basement kitchens. I loved how she took the simplest ingredients and created wonderful dishes and culinary memories. I can recall watching Julia Child, the famous American cooking teacher from France. I loved how she created the most amazing dishes and introduced the French cooking techniques as I watched her on the family television. Her skillful and often comical … [Read more...] about Let There Be Quiche
Memorable Camp Meals
It’s summer and time to get your camping on. The North Central corridor of Arizona becomes a destination for families, friends, church groups and community organizations to enjoy the tall pines as they experience camping under the stars. I have great memories of camping with my family as a young girl. I was able to experience family camping at Lake Shafer and Twin Mills Campground in Indiana as well as many hidden spots in Arizona. Firepits, lakes, creeks, hiking trails and boating are my … [Read more...] about Memorable Camp Meals
Using Summertime Herbs
'Tis the season to create the culinary celebration of summertime herbs. Enjoy the season of all your favorite herbs while you are out shopping at the Prescott Farmer’s Market, Watters Garden Center and local markets. Herbs bring a delightful flavor as well as medicinal properties. Some of my favorites include dill, tarragon and thyme. Please do not disregard mint, basil and cilantro. I have spoken to those in the past. Dill A unique herb that loves the summer sun, dill has a similar … [Read more...] about Using Summertime Herbs
Harnessing the Power to Not Give Up
Have you ever heard someone say that they grew up with strong family values? I have to say that I did. They were a bit unusual, however. My father, a blue-collar man, always instilled the power in my siblings and me to press on and give it our best. Whether it was with school, sports or jobs, my father always demonstrated a can-do mindset and that neither giving up nor failure was an option. Thankfully, I have found that as an adult, I am grateful for his leadership in our family. Now, we … [Read more...] about Harnessing the Power to Not Give Up