Recipe - Boursin Stuffed Snow Peas

This recipe is for making your own Boursin, and then stuffing into snow peas. It is an excellent appetizer that will knock socks off your guests.
Boursin
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp fresh dill, minced
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives

Blend together all ingredients till smooth.

Split snow peas down the string side, stuff with Boursin.

You can also garnish with nasturtium, basil or chive flowers for a wonderful presentation.

Recipe - Quinoa Fiesta

I love quinoa, its an ancient sacred grain of the Incas. A quick note, always be sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking, it has a icky tasting surface coat that easily rinses off.

1 cup raw quinoa
2 cups water
1/8 tsp salt
3 shallots, minced
1/2 sweet green pepper, seeded, finely chopped
1/2 sweet red bell pepper, seeded, finely chopped
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced and drained
1 to 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Rinse quinoa thoroughly, I use one of those fine sieves so it doesn't get all over. Bring the water to a boil, add salt and quinoa, bring back to a boil. Once it comes back to boil, cover, reduce heat so it simmers slowly, cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
While thats happening, saute the shallots and peppers in the olive oil. Mix into the quinoa and right before you are ready to serve, stir in the drained water chestnuts and cilantro.
You may need to add just a touch more salt, but check it first to see how it tastes.
Enjoy!!!

First day of Spring!!

Ahh, the first day of Spring! Today holds so much promise, of snow melting, seeing the first robin, feeling that warmth of the sun on your face....Happy first day of Spring! The seedlings are doing well, its time for some of the tomatoes to be moved into 6 inch pots. They will love their new homes I'm sure! Some of the herb seedlings did not transplant too well, I have learned that my lavender really got ticked off going into larger pots and is still sulking, a few days after. I hope that they will respond to my loving care. Thankfully the parsley, bells of Ireland and spinach seedlings were far less grumpy.
Tomorrows forecast says 8 inches of snow very possible. I'm keeping my fingers crossed....

Spring sunshine!

Today is a gorgeous day, the sun is shining and it must be about 45 degrees. There's lots of people walking and jogging and it just feels like spring is in the air! I transplanted some of the herb seedlings this morning into larger pots, and I swear they are responding already. I also am sniffing the hyacinth plants that are blooming in pots, wow are they ever fragrant! Mmm, smells like honeyed vanilla, pretty intoxicating stuff. Lots of people are stopping by to peer in the windows, I think they are as starved for warm weather as I am.
I can't wait to start reading a book I picked up from on hold at the public library. Its called The Hometown Advantage and is written by Stacy Mitchell. It is about local small businesses, public policies and zoning. I think it will be interesting and pertinent to our shop and what we envision for the future.
This morning we checked on the wine, its definitely slowing down on bubbling and is getting much clearer. I can't wait to taste it! I imagine sitting in the backyard under the maple tree and hanging out with friends and family, enjoying life.

Spinners Guild

On Saturday we had a great time hosting the Fox Valley Spinners Guild for a demonstration. 7 spinners came and showed us how they were taking raw fiber and spinning it into yarn. It was amazing to see the different types, some were using sheep wool while others displayed alpaca, yak, camel, dog and even one members daughters hair spun into thread. They each had their own unique qualities and textures. The members were a fun group, laughing, singing, talking and explaining how they became interested in this heirloom craft.