We all celebrate our individual cultures and family food traditions as a major part of the holidays. Growing up, Grandma Scardine would prepare fresh pasta and Brajoile (pronounced Brajole) with the Thanksgiving bird. The tenderness and flavor of the meat with the fresh sauce was amazing! Garlic and parsley would get stuck in our teeth. At Christmastime, we would have fried calamari and the sauce would include “the rings of calamari also.” I remember watching Grandma while the onion and … [Read more...] about Savoring Holiday Traditions
Goods from the Garden
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
Defining Culinary Teamwork
Growing up in our family, there were roles we each took as meals were being prepared. Opening cans of tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup was exciting for me, for my mom was going to make “Goulash,” a common casserole with ground beef, elbow macaroni and other fine ingredients we had in the refrigerator. Our family called it “Shitabowla!” Pronounced Sheetabowla. I am chuckling as I am writing this. Growing up, I wanted to take on roles in the kitchen to help with the family meals. I also … [Read more...] about Defining Culinary Teamwork
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
Nominations Being Accepted for Prescott ATHENA
The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was beyond bright, fiercely determined and a tireless champion in the battle for women’s rights. She also was a recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, which honors exceptional individuals who have achieved professional excellence, contributed time and energy to improve the quality of life for others and helped individuals – particularly women – realize their full leadership potential. Bringing the spirit of the ATHENA program here, Quad … [Read more...] about Nominations Being Accepted for Prescott ATHENA
Mother’s Day Herb Garden
[/perfectpullquote]I am a wife, mom, daughter, sister, “grammy” aunt, cousin, friend and boss. I am also a trustworthy friend, passionate about God and a strong leader. I am a Culinary Specialist, a Certified Herbalist and have a passion for herbs and nature. I am also on a “hormonal journey.” Yes, I just turned 56 years young! Balancing the roles and responsibilities of marriage, motherhood and business has been overwhelming. I have loved sharing with fellow moms, friends and mentors to … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Herb Garden
Kids Love the Kitchen
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved every moment where I could be side by side with my grandmother, Betty Scardine, or watch 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 made some amazing spaghetti sauce. Upon having my own children, the joy of watching them create part of the family meal or a snack is so heart-warming. Raising two children and … [Read more...] about Kids Love the Kitchen
Honoring the Spirit of Giving
I was introduced to a small group of women by my friend, Brandi Jex. A fellow Prescottonian, dear friend and health professional, Brandi played a song by Jason Mraz called, “Wise Woman,” which featured the following lyrics: “She’s a real wise woman with so much love to give - She gives so much ‘cause she stays in touch with what her truest nature is, Yeah, she’s a wise, wise woman, woman, woman She keeps my mind open, mind open, yeah She’s a wise, wise woman, woman, woman She keeps her heart … [Read more...] about Honoring the Spirit of Giving
Holiday and Winter Herbs
We all celebrate our individual cultures and food traditions as a major part of each holiday. Herbs are a natural and normal part of my focus, as our company includes herbs in our recipes and specifically, winter holiday cooking. Adding herbs, fresh or dry, enhances the flavor of food as well as offers health benefits. During these crazy times, we can all use as many healthy options to keep our immune systems in tip-top shape. Herbs can be consumed in teas, soups, broths, stews and … [Read more...] about Holiday and Winter Herbs
Transitioning into the Empty Nest
In 2010, my oldest daughter, Lindsay, packed up her little Toyota Corolla and headed off to California to create a life for herself. I wept for months. She was the first to leave the nest. My youngest daughter, Stephanie, left the nest in 2014 with a short drive to Prescott Valley. This wasn’t as difficult as Lindsay’s move. I knew Stephanie was close, and it was comforting. Fast forward to present time, we have three wonderful grandsons with our daughters and their families. For an extensive … [Read more...] about Transitioning into the Empty Nest
