Foodie Friday: Grilled Asparagus, Spring onions, and Bacon Berry Vinaigrette

March 15, 2013
By Patrick

Spring is in the air and all the wonderful vegetables that come along with it are starting to pop up at local farmer’s markets. It’s time again to pick up some of the various selections that are starting to make appearances. Spring is a great time to love food, and play on the natural flavors and textures without too many heavy spices coming into play. Gathering your friends and family for lunch on a beautiful spring day, in my opinion, is absolute bliss.

This week I wanted to share a grilled Spring Onion and Asparagus dish that I love to prepare this time of year. It has all the things you could ask for in a healthy, spring delicacy. This recipe is meant to be shared, so cutting it in half for a smaller gathering or doubling it for a big party should be no sweat. Enjoy!
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Foodie Friday: Hearty Beef Stew

October 19, 2012
By Patrick

Some of the greatest dishes of fine cuisine are also the most basic. Don’t get me wrong, as a chef and avid foodie, I do enjoy the finer things. My life would be rather uneventful without the occasional foam or gastrique sauce but I am talking about comfort food that sticks to your ribs and sustains you through the cold, seemingly endless winter days. Among the classics such as chicken soup, curry, pot roast and split pea, who could forget good ol’ beef stew.

This hearty classic has always been one of the first things that comes to mind when I think of this time of year. Stews are ancient and primal, containing all the components of a balanced meal, cooked in one pot. In tough economical times this is a perfect option for a family of any size as it is inexpensive and easily adaptable to the ingredients that you have on hand. Got more carrots than celery? No problem! Just work with what you have, the result will be a hearty meal that will warm you and your family in more ways than one.

Here is my recipe for beef stew. It’s a basic recipe and, as usual, I encourage you to make it your own. Remember, a recipe is only a guideline. Enjoy!
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Foodie Friday: Your Freezer, Canning and You: Tips for Surviving the Winter

September 28, 2012
By admin

Happy harvest season, everyone! It’s a season full of produce: sturdy squashes, apples and pears, and hearty greens. Unfortunately, as healthy as they are, some of these options can be a little harder to grab-and-go, or use to cook a fast dinner; then once winter sets in, it gets a little harder and more expensive to find fresh produce. Before you dive back into your pantries for the store-bought canned goods or the freezer aisle of the grocery store, consider some ways you can save some money, and flavor, while still having a wide array of healthy options ready to use right at your fingertips.

The freezer — and cans! — are not the enemy. But there are some fantastic ways to utilize the last days of those bountiful fresh herbs and produce to have delicious meals for the winter, and ways to make your dry goods more convenient. Here are some satisfying steps to delicious, healthy eats and some domestic self-satisfaction without wasting food or taking a big hit to your wallet. I’m good with freezing; I’ll defer to the experts for canning!
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Foodie Friday: Organic gardening with Seattle Tilth

July 20, 2012
By Patrick

Celebrating the simple joy of warm, sweet, fresh-smelling air, eating together in the evening air, and BBQ. That’s what summer is to me!

After getting up at the crack of dawn and spending all day working in my yard, I relish the feeling of satisfaction that I get at the end of a long summer day. My favorite summertime memories include standing with a cool beverage in my hand, with the tiki torches flickering and the smell of the grill teasing my nostrils as it sears and roasts my dinner to perfection.

But what fun is grilling without a beautiful, chemical-free yard in which to enjoy it in? Our yards are our personal, little corners of the earth and, I don’t know about you, but I like mine to be green in more ways than color.

Browsing through the Brown Paper Tickets website, I came across some great events that will help you find the best ways to maintain your yard in the greenest way possible during the yard work season. Seattle Tilth has a bunch of really cool classes that range from sustainable land care courses to gardening and more. They’re exactly the thing we need to get informed about better summer living through sustainable, organic yard care.

Organic Gardening 101
Edibles in your Landscape
Harvest the Rain From Landscapes to Cisterns

You can view all of the great events that Seattle Tilth has to offer on their Producer Page!

In the spirit of the season I also included this BBQ rib recipe. Enjoy!
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Food & Drink >

Foodie Friday: Grilled Asparagus, Spring onions, and Bacon Berry Vinaigrette

Foodie Friday: Hearty Beef Stew

Foodie Friday: Your Freezer, Canning and You: Tips for Surviving the Winter

Foodie Friday: Organic gardening with Seattle Tilth

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