October slid in, still warm during the day, but only for a few hours in the middle of the day. Tolerable heat. Some days in the 60s, which feel so good. The first frost came early. We had multiple light frosts before the month ended. But none truly were killing frosts. The Basil survived them,… Continue reading October In The Garden
The First Frost Came Early
Even if you know your growing zone, your actual predicted "first frost date" can vary based on your microclimate. We are in growing zone 7a; our predicted first frost date is October 21st, but it will come by October 31st. This year it came early, on the evening of October 17th/early morning of the 18th.… Continue reading The First Frost Came Early
The Countertop 360 Freeze Dryer
We have had a Harvest Right Large freeze-dryer since 2022 and have used it extensively. Often in ways I wasn’t expecting. If you’d like to see all our posts on creating shelf-stable food, check them out here. This fall, Harvest Right announced an all-new freeze-dryer, designed from the ground up. It wouldn’t be big; it… Continue reading The Countertop 360 Freeze Dryer
Bacon Cheddar Scones
When my oldest was tiny, and I was far too young, I worked as a vendor at our island farmers' market. I was selling herbs, soap I made, vegetables...and I often made scones. Back then, before the state I lived in messed it up, if you made "safe" baked goods, you could bring them to… Continue reading Bacon Cheddar Scones
Sodapop’s Chocolate Cake
The Outsiders is still read in 9th grade, as it has been since I was a Gen X teen. My youngest is in 9th grade this year, a freshman, and his Lit class is reading it. They offered extra credit for baking Sodapop's chocolate cake over the weekend. Alistaire and I baked it together, took… Continue reading Sodapop’s Chocolate Cake