Kitchen Home News

Mint about to become a mojito.   The early summer heat has given way to rains and cooler weather.  Today was nothing but on and off torrents of water.  It's leaving the gardens, grass and wilds greener than normal for this time of year.  But then "normal" isn't really something you can gauge anymore.  I live in an area that is considered semi-desert, but it has not lived up to its name for quite some time. My plans for the solstice tonight included a midnight mugwort harvest in the garden as well as a simple ritual by candlelight in the darkness of the yard, but the soggy weather has thwarted those appointments.  I made a nice dinner for my parents last night with some lovely solar-themed food and mojitos with mint from the garden - so that little delight will have to count as my Litha celebration. The rains do bring a respite from the flurry of activity of the past two weeks.  Trying to keep up with the herbs that need harvesting and either drying, infusing or tinctu

"Mine is the month of roses; yes, and mine The month of marriages!  All pleasant sights And scents, the fragrance of the blossoming vine, The foliage of the valley and the heights. Mine are the longest days, the loveliest nights; The mower's scythe makes music to my ear; I am the mother of all dear delights; I am the fairest daughter of the year." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow How strange that where there were blossoms a moment ago, there are now cherries.  Where there was spinach just reaching for the sun, there is now an empty row after the grand harvest. The days blaze by and the rains have left good, rich growth, and now the sky clears and the sun heats up The Valley.  Each morning starts with a walk through the garden beds, weeding here and there, picking this and that.  Making mental notes: dry the peppermint for tea before it gets too leggy in the heat...tincture the skullcap...the mugwort is looking good - she'll be ready to harvest soon...   There is a sage-pi