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 … [Read more...] about Let There Be Quiche
The Natural Healing Garden
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 … [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 … [Read more...] about Memorable Camp Meals
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, … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Herb Garden
Experiencing Culinary Delight
Culinary Delight: Noun. Definition: Any food dish that is simply delicious. As a young girl in the ‘70s, I had so many wonderful food experiences. I remember going to restaurants in North Chicago with my Nana and Poppy. One restaurant that always created culinary delights was “Scotty’s,” a fine … [Read more...] about Experiencing Culinary Delight
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 … [Read more...] about Kids Love the Kitchen
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 … [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 … [Read more...] about Transitioning into the Empty Nest
Autumn Cooking with Comfort
Autumn invites us to celebrate the foods that create savor and spice. That’s because when we begin a new season, our bodies make a shift and we sometimes have to help them along a little bit. Hot foods and spices trigger the release of endorphins—the natural chemicals that trigger feelings of … [Read more...] about Autumn Cooking with Comfort
Serving Summertime with Basil
It’s no surprise that basil is a summertime staple in our catering recipes – with a warm and spicy flavor, basil is an ideal pairing for sweet or mild recipes. Basil is a common herb in most of our kitchens, but did you know that besides tasting good in our chicken and pasta dishes, it can be … [Read more...] about Serving Summertime with Basil
