Recent Posts

pole bean sprouts

French Pole Bean Sprouts

I planted french pole beens from seeds that are from Renee’s Seed Company, an awesome local seed company. In this short time lapse video the pole bean sprouts are 12 days old. Amazing how fast they grow once the break the surface of the dirt!   Growing seeds in 6 […]

lidia basianich ad

Lidia Bastianich at Santa Clara University

Last night (March 7, 2017) I had the opportunity to see Lidia Bastianich speak at Santa Clara University. Lidia has a successful career as an author, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and beloved Public Television host and chef. Lidia Bastianich spoke with two Santa Clara University employees. They were Dorian Llywelyn and Jeffrey Bracco.   […]

stir fry vegetables

Stir Fry Vegetables with Tofu

This stir fry vegetables dish is fairly quick to make. I use a wok for cooking this dish. You can use any vegetables that are in season. It is early March so I’m using what I bought at the farmer’s market this week. Serves 4  

seed packs in basket

Planting Vegetable Seeds Indoors

  It’s late winter, and here in northern California it’s time to start planting vegetable seeds for a spring garden. These seeds are planted indoors initially. I used seed trays and flats that I saved from plants I bought at the garden store last summer. You can also purchase seed […]

garlic with garlic press

Cooking with Garlic

When cooking with garlic, did you know that if you press or chop garlic and let it rest for 10 minutes before cooking that it significantly increases many of its health benefits? Garlic is part of the allium family of foods. Other allium foods are onions, shallots, leeks, shallots and […]

lentil tomato soup

Lentil Tomato Soup

It’s still cold and rainy here in Santa Cruz. Soups seem to hit the spot on these cold evenings. Here’s a recipe for Lentil Tomato Soup, lentils simmered with healthy vegetables and mushrooms. It has a subtle tangy flavor. Serves 6–8 Here is the concentrated tomato paste and Braggs Liquid […]