• Food

    Roasted Tomato Soup

    With all the recent snow, it’s time for a clean comfort food recipe that’s satisfying and relies on pantry staples you can stock up on before the next storm. Since whole peeled tomatoes are packed at the point of peak flavor, they are reliable throughout the year and preferable during the months when garden grown ones are still months away. Roasting them increases their sweetness. Just make sure to reserve their juice as this will be added to the soup as well. For a vegan version, substitute vegetable stock and use olive oil instead of the tiny amount of butter. Pure tomato goodness is the best way to describe the…

  • Strawberry arugula salad
    Food

    Arugula Salad with Strawberries, Heirloom Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

    Edible flowers make this salad as beautiful as it is delicious, though they are a finishing touch that can be skipped when not available.  Fortunately, we are so early in the growing season that you can plant seeds now and pick flowers from the garden rather soon.  In the meantime, farmers markets and shops often sell edible pansies, violas, and other varieties, and these tips will help make sure you’re enjoying them safely. With or without colorful petals, the recipe below yields a light and fresh salad tossed with a tasty vinaigrette that’s perfect for enjoying under sunny skies.  The peppery flavor of arugula pairs well with sweet strawberries and…