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  • in Fruit Vegetables, Prepare

    Five Ways to Cook Pumpkins

    Pumpkin preparation2

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    Cooking with pumpkins is one of my favorite fall traditions, and over the years, I’ve learned there’s so much more to it than just pie! Homegrown or farmers’ market pumpkins—especially varieties like ‘Sugar Pie’ or ‘Winter Luxury’—are naturally sweeter and creamier than the giant carving types. After harvesting my own pumpkins each October, I like […] More

  • in Fruit Vegetables, Prepare

    Seven Ways to Cook and Serve Okra

    Okra with tomatoes and garlic

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    Okra is easily cooked and served. Okra has a rich, sweet earthy flavor. The flavor is similar to eggplant with hints of asparagus and artichoke.  The peak okra harvest season is mid to late summer.  How to choose okra Kitchen Helpers from Amazon: How to store okra How to prep okra for cooking How to […] More

  • in Prepare

    How to Handle Hot Peppers Without Burning Your Skin

    Jalapeno pepper seeds

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    If you’ve ever cut a hot pepper and accidentally touched your face or eyes, you’re probably familiar with the intense burning sensation that can follow. As a passionate gardener who has grown everything from Jalapeños to Ghost Peppers, I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to handle these fiery fruits carefully. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, […] More

  • in Legumes, Prepare

    All About Dried Beans — Growing and Cooking

    MIxed dry beans

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    Dried beans are cooked and served in many ways–in salads, soups, casseroles, stews, and chilis. Dried beans can be served alone or as a side dish with meat or pasta or rice. Dried beans are commonly boiled and then sometimes baked or refried. Dried beans are beans whose seeds are dried and shelled after reaching […] More

  • in Legumes, Prepare

    Five Ways to Quick Cook and Serve Snap Beans

    Green beans

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    Fresh, tender snap beans have a delicate flavor that is delicious eaten raw or just lightly cooked. Both the immature seeds and seed pods are edible. Green beans are snap beans, but snap beans can also be yellow, purple, and splotched in multiple colors. The peak season for fresh local snap beans is late spring […] More

  • in Legumes, Prepare, Recipes

    Shell Beans Serving Tips

    Beans cranberry

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    Shell beans are any members of the legume family that are shucked or shelled. All beans grow in pods. Shell beans are cooked and served after they have been shelled. The pod is not eaten. Shell beans include black-eyed peas, cranberry beans, fava beans, and lima beans. Shell beans are also called shellies, shellouts, shelly […] More

  • in Legumes, Prepare

    Five Ways to Cook and Serve Fava Beans

    Fava bean salad

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    The fava bean—which is also known as the broad bean, English bean, Windsor bean, and horsebean–can be eaten fresh or dried. As fava beans mature, their flavor grows increasingly starchy and strong. The smallest beans—less than the size of a small fingernail—are the sweetest. The outer skins of medium- and large-sized fava beans have a […] More

  • in Bulb Vegetables, Prepare

    Six Ways to Cook and Serve Leeks

    Leeks fresh sliced1

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    Leeks can be steamed, braised, grilled, and poached. You can also make leek au gratin and leek-potato soup. The flavor and fragrance of leeks are more subtle, delicate, and sweeter than onions. Three delicious ways to prepare leeks Here are three delicious ways to prepare leeks with simple instructions: Creamy Potato-Leek Soup Ingredients: Instructions: Braised […] More

  • in Breakfast and Brunch, Prepare, Recipes

    Sweet Potato Pancakes Recipe

    Sweet potato pancake1

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    Serve sweet potato pancakes with bacon and eggs at breakfast or as a side dish with chicken or ham at supper time. These pancakes aren’t too far a cry from sweet potato pie but just enough. And they aren’t the boiled and mashed sweet potatoes you serve alongside turkey and mashed potatoes. Maple syrup or […] More

  • in Prepare, Stalk Vegetables

    Tasty Ways to Cook and Serve Celery

    Celery sliced

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    Celery can be eaten raw or cooked. Celery brings texture and a mild flavor to salads, hors d’oeuvres, soups, stuffings, stews, and stock. It can be steamed, braised, or sautéed and served as a side dish. Celery tastes best when it comes to harvest in cool weather, late spring, or in autumn. How to choose […] More