Articles written by Lynn Smythe

Freelance writer Lynn Smythe, Heather Smythe

All 133 articles written by Lynn Smythe



The Complete Book of Cyclocross by Scott Mares: Review of a Cross Biking Book Emphasizing Skill Training & Racing

Category: Sports Books

A brief analysis of a new cross biking book. Mare's book provides a comprehensive look into the sport of cyclocross bike racing. more...

Date Bar Recipe: Make a Dessert Featuring Oats, Brown Sugar & Dried Fruit

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to create an oatmeal bar cookie with a delicious dried fruit filling. more...

Picadillo Recipe: How to Make a Classic Latin American Meat Sauce

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Picadillo, AKA Cuban meat sauce, is a thick, stew-like dish, which is filled with unique flavor combinations including apples, raisins, olives, capers and chipolte. more...

Mexican Green Chile Cornbread Casserole: Recipe for Lightly Spicy Latin American Inspired Corn Side Dish

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to make a cornbread casserole featuring creamed corn, green chile sauce, cornmeal, green onions, garlic and lots of cheese. more...

Seeded Irish Soda Bread: Classic Quick Bread Made with Buttermilk and Sunflower Seeds

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn-how to make an easy to prepare traditional Irish soda bread which is enhanced with a variety of seeds or nuts and subtle herbs. more...

Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: Create a Sweet & Buttery Dessert Which is Filled with Crunchy Nuts

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to make a classic shortbread cookie, which is loaded with pistachios. Shortbread cookies can be made in advance, and stored in the freezer until ready to use. more...

Authentic Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe: How-to Make Classic Southern-Style Muffins

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Homemade buttermilk biscuits are a traditional breakfast food. Serve the biscuits with lots of softened butter or margarine & an assortment of honey, jams and preserves. more...

Orzo Pasta with Peas and Parmesan Cheese: Learn How-to Make a Quick and Creamy Pasta Side Dish

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

A unique pasta shape combines with vegetables, cheese and fresh herbs to create an easy to prepare side dish. more...

Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes with Fresh Herbs: Herb Enhanced Summer Vegetable Side Dish

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to use fresh basil, oregano or marjoram to pan fry vine ripe tomatoes which are further flavored with a bit of garlic, salt and freshly ground black pepper. more...

Spice Chai Tea Blend Recipe: How-to Create a Flavored Sweet & Spicy Hot Beverage

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Fragrant spices blend with loose black tea leaves and sweetened milk to create a traditional Indian beverage. more...

Pasta e Fagioli Recipe: How-to Make a Classic Italian Soup with Pasta and Beans

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

This hearty soup, a ubiquitous part of Italian restaurant menus, can be served as an appetizer, or first course. more...

Thai Style Meatballs with Spicy Peanut Sauce: How-to Use Turkey or Beef to Create a Main Dish with an Asian Flair

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Serve this Thai-style main dish along with rice or noodles and a green salad, or sautéed vegetables, for a complete meal. This recipe makes approximately 36-40 meatballs. more...

Book Review Chi Running by Danny Dreyer: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running

Category: Sports Books

According to the author; "Chi Running is not so much about the running as it is about the chi. It's about having a focused and energetic relationship with your body." more...

Brave Soldier Performance Skincare Line: Personal Body Care Products for Endurance Athletes

Category: Skin Creams & Cleansers

Amateur, semi-pro & professional athletes can benefit from the use of a line of professional skin care products which are specifically designed for sports enthusiasts. more...

Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Risotto: Recipe for a Classic Rice Side Dish

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

How to create a creamy rice side dish flavored with broccoli & herbs. Add a bit of chopped, cooked chicken breast to the risotto, and serve it as the main dish at dinner. more...

Rustic Tomato Olive Bread: Recipe for a Vegetable & Herb Flavored Artisan Loaf of Bread

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to create a home-made loaf of yeast bread, using bread flour, which is filled with fresh oregano, black olives and sun-dried tomatoes. more...

Savory Stuffed Mushroom Casserole Recipe: Side Dish Featuring Mushrooms, Garlic, Onions, Parsley & Oregano

Category: Herbs

Turn a classic appetizer, into a filling side dish. Use fresh breadcrumbs, onions, garlic and herbs to make a hearty stuffing for a traditional stuffed mushroom. more...

Perfect Turkey Meatloaf Recipe: Turkey, Sage & Onion Soup Mix Combine For a Delicious Main Dish

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

How to use Lipton golden onion recipe soup and dip mix to create a hearty meatloaf using ground turkey. more...

Culinary Mexico Cookbook Review: Daniel Hoyer's Book Features Authentic Recipes & Traditions

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Delight in the rich history and cuisine of Mexico. The recipes in this cookbook are grouped according to region; northern frontier, pacific coast, Yucatan peninsula, etc. more...

Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce Recipe: Classic Greek Style Condiment with Cucumber, Dill, Garlic and Lemon

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Tzatziki sauce is served as a condiment along with Greek meals. Tsatziki is typically served on top of chicken, lamb and other meat dishes such as gyros. more...

Garlic Parsley Mushrooms: Side Dish Recipe for Sautéed Mushrooms Enhanced with Herbs & Spices

Category: Herbs

Recipe for a delicious appetizer, or hearty steak topping, featuring mushrooms, garlic, parsley, lemon juice and lemon zest. more...

Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake: Recipe for a Creamy Citrus and Herb Enhanced Dessert

Category: Herbs

Learn how-to create a subtly sweet, ricotta style cheesecake, which is enhanced with lemon zest, lemon extract and lemon thyme. more...

Top Ten Edible Weeds for the Kitchen: Purslane, Dandelion & Other Greens to Feature in Culinary Creations

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn about edible weeds that can be added to a variety of recipes. Most of these weeds can be purchased from garden centers as either established plants or seed packets. more...

Herb Infused Bread Dipping Oil Recipe: Flavorful Dip Using Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley, Garlic and More

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Bread dipping sauce is used at certain Italian-themed chain restaurants. Here are ideas & tips for making different herb and spice infused oil mixtures, to dip bread in. more...

Book Review: Under the Sun Edited by Tina Sams: The First Five Years of the Essential Herbal Magazine

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Compilation of the first five years of The Essential Herbal Magazine. The book includes readers contributions to the magazine from the spring and summer issues. more...

Field Guide to Herbs & Spices by Aliza Green: How to Identify, Select, and Use Every Seasoning at the Market

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Review of a compact, easy to carry book, for the foodie that likes to cook with herbs and spices. Learn how to identify, select, store and cook with herbs and spices. more...

The Ultimate Tea Diet by Mark "Dr. Tea" Ukra: Boost Metabolism, Shrink Appetite, Kick-Start Remarkable Weight Loss

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Sipping tea throughout the day, instead of coffee, soda or other beverages, can help the dieter with their permanent weight loss goals. more...

Cyclocross Training & Technique by Simon Burney: Review of the Third Edition of a Classic Cross Biking Book

Category: Cycling & Mountain Biking (general)

Read an analysis of the updated version of an innovative cx cycling book. Burney's book provides a great introduction to the sport of cyclocross bike racing. more...

Recipe for Four Varieties of Rolled Biscuits: Make a Fast and Easy Muffin Using Only Five Ingredients

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how to create a quick bread recipe to serve along with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rolled biscuit variations include cinnamon, poppy seed and sesame seed biscuits. more...

How to Create Antipasto Platters: Ideas and Recipes for Making Delicious Appetizer Trays

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

A tempting antipasto platter, filled with a variety of tasty tidbits, can be served to guests as they are waiting for the main meal to be served. more...

Quick & Easy Savory Corn Muffins: Traditional Cornbread Enhanced with Whole Corn, Onion & Cheese

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Cornbread & cornbread muffins are a ubiquitous part of southern-style cooking. Vary the ingredients, in this savory corn muffin recipe, for unlimited flavor combinations. more...

Triple Melon Mint & Lime Salsa: Melon, Red Onion & Peppers Combine to Create a Tasty Condiment

Category: Herbs

This recipe, for melon salsa, makes a delightfully refreshing side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. more...

Orange Thyme Tea Cake: Recipe for a Citrus Enhanced Dessert

Category: Herbs

A wonderful orange glaze permeates this moist cake. Orange thyme tea cake makes a wonderful accompaniment to a tea party, Sunday brunch or bridal shower. more...

Walnut Chicken Salad with Herbed Butter: Delicious Finger Food to Feature at a Tea Party or Bridal Shower

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how to combine a herb butter along with a chicken salad to make delightful walnut chicken finger sandwiches. more...

Rosy Jellyroll Cake: Recipe for a Raspberry and Vanilla Cream Filled Dessert

Category: Herbs

Learn to create a delicious recipe for a floral infused Swiss roll cake. This delicate dessert would make a terrific accompaniment to a brunch, bridal shower or tea party more...

Béarnaise and Hollandaise Recipes: How to Make Two Delicious Butter and Herb Infused Sauces

Category: Herbs

Béarnaise and hollandaise are two classic sauces that should be in the repertoire of every cook. They make wonderful additions to fish, vegetables, steak, pasta and more. more...

Tiramisu Dessert Recipe: A Classic Italian Dessert Enhanced with Cinnamon and Cocoa

Category: Spices

Tiramisu is a delightful combination of sponge cake combined with sweet whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, coffee, coffee liqueur, cinnamon and cocoa powder. more...

Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping: A Sweet Treat with a Cinnamon Enhanced Streusel Topping

Category: Spices

Learn how to make a delicious cinnamon enhanced blueberry muffin. The muffins can be served as part of a complete breakfast. This recipe makes 12 blueberry muffins. more...

Onion Herb Bread: Homemade Bread Flavored with Herbs, Poppy Seeds and Onions

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

This recipe creates a subtly sweet, yet hearty loaf of delicious bread. more...

Focaccia Bread Three Ways: Rosemary, Garlic and Red Onion Flat Breads

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

With the addition of herbs and vegetables, the basic recipe can be turned into three different flavors of focaccia bread. more...

On Your Mark Racing Club: Mountain Bikers, Road Bikers, Track Racers and More

Category: Bike Racing

Profile of a south Florida based cycling club, run by certified USA cycling coach Matt GoForth. more...

Herb and Spice Infused Sugar: Using Aromatic Ingredients to Flavor Sugar

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Many common herbs and spices can be used to create a subtly flavored sugar. Flavored sugars can be used in a variety of baked good and beverage recipes. more...

Top 10 Herb Garden Catalogs: Favorite Catalogs from Nurseries and Garden Centers

Category: Herb Gardens

Here are recommendations for 10 of the top catalogs that every herb enthusiast should have a copy of. more...

Vegetable Latke Recipe: Potato Dish Infused with Garlic Chives

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Here is a delicious recipe for making a classic breakfast food. more...

Recipes for Ostara: Spring Equinox: Egg Salad with Salad Burnet & Chervil Vegetable Omelet

Category: Herbal History/Lore

Two recipes featuring eggs, flavored with herbs, to help celebrate this ancient pagan celebration of spring. more...

Herb Glossary: Paprika to Rosemary: Culinary Uses of Parsely, Peppermint, Purslane, Rose and More

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

These plants have a myriad of medicinal, culinary and decorative uses, several of which are detailed here. more...

Herb Glossary: Epazote to K Lime: Culinary Uses of Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Juniper and More

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

These plants have a myriad of medicinal, culinary and decorative uses, several of which are detailed here. more...

Herb Glossary: Allspice to Caraway: Culinary Uses of Anise, Basil, Bay, Cardamom, Caraway and More

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

These plants have a myriad of medicinal, culinary and decorative uses, several of which are detailed here. more...

Valentine's Day Inspired Recipes: Cinnamon Sugar, Cinnamon Muffins and Cinnamon Almond Biscotti

Category: Spices

Here are a few cinnamon infused recipes to serve to friends and loved ones on Valentine's Day. more...

Roy Lichtenstein at Fairchild: Unique Exhibition of Pop Art Sculptures

Category: Sculpture (general)

Enjoy a contemporary display of sculptural American popular art amid lush plants at Farichild Tropical Botanic Garden. more...

Dale Chihuly at Fairchild Gardens: Unique Exhibit of Blown Glass Sculptures

Category: Sculpture (general)

Enjoy a display of contemporary blown art glass throughout the property of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Florida. more...

Culinary Herb Book Review: Herbs - The Cook's Guide to Flavorful and Aromatic Ingredients

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

An in-depth review of a culinary cookbook which features herbs and spices. more...

Gingersnap Cookie Recipe: How to Create a Soft and Chewy Ginger Flavored Dessert

Category: Spices

Try this variation of a delicious cookie that is flavored with three different spices; ginger powder, allspice and crystallized ginger. more...

Lemon Basil French Toast: Herb Infused Breakfast Food Served with Lemon Syrup

Category: Herbs

Enjoy this variation of a classic breakfast food flavored with fresh, lemon-scented herbs. more...

Short Term Herb Storage: Preserving Fresh Produce in Salt, Oil or Water

Category: Herbs

At the end of the herb growing season, there are a number of ways to store the excess. more...

Where to Buy Fresh Herbs: Farmer's Markets, Wildcrafting and Community Supported Agriculture

Category: Herbs

When seasoning culinary creations use fresh herbs whenever possible. Having a supply of fresh herbs on hand can be accomplished in a variety of ways. more...

Plant Spirits and Elementals: Magical Gardening Techniques for the Natural Witch

Category: Paganism/Wicca (general)

Natural healers and green witches commune with plant spirits to help them tap into the therapeutic power of each individual plant. more...

Elegant Dinner Recipes: Chicken Cacciatore, Cilantro Lime Chili & Tarragon Apple Pork Chops

Category: Dinner Recipes

Three fast and easy dishes to serve at a church supper or family dinner gathering. more...

More Essential Culinary Equipment: Meat Mallets to Wire Racks

Category: Kitchen Gadgets

Basic tools, supplies and utensils that should be part of every well stocked kitchen. more...

Essential Culinary Equipment: Baking Dishes to Measuring Spoons

Category: Kitchen Gadgets

Basic tools, supplies and utensils that should be part of every well stocked kitchen. more...

Traditional Spice Blends: Cinnamon Sugar, Lemon Pepper, Poultry Seasoning and More

Category: Spices

Learn how to make gourmet seasonings which can be used in a variety of recipes. more...

Sage, Lavender and Mint Desserts: Shortcake, Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies and Lavender Custard Recipes

Category: Herbs

Three delicious culinary creations featuring herbs. more...

Thanksgiving Feast for Vegetarians: Sage Biscuits, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Pecan Salad & More

Category: Vegetarian Recipes

Seven recipes for creating a dairy-free, vegetarian meal. more...

How To Dry Fresh Herbs: Using the Microwave, Air, Food Dehydrators and Ovens to Keep Herbs

Category: Herbs

Herbs such as Bay, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme all work well when dried. Harvest and store summer herbs using these methods more...

Zodiac Gardening: Planting by the Signs of the Moon

Category: Vegetable Gardens (general)

Certain agricultral chores are more successful when one pays attention to what sign of the zodiac the moon is in. more...

Meditation and Spellwork: Empowering Magical Goals

Category: Paganism/Wicca (general)

Focused meditation can be an aid to magical spells and charms. more...

Hedge Witch: Witchcraft Practitioner or Natural Healer?

Category: Paganism/Wicca (general)

Ancient followers of earth-based spirituality who were the precursors to our modern day herbalists. more...

Chocolate Oatmeal Brownie Recipe: Bar-Type Cookie Filled with a Creamy Chocolate Ganache Filling

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Milk chocolate chips are melted along with sweetened condensed milk to create a ganache-like filling which is sandwiched between two layers of oatmeal brownies. more...

Insalata Caprese Appetizer Recipe: How-to Make a Classic Italian Salad Platter

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Easy to make snack tray which combines vine ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. more...

Spaghetti with Italian Puttanesca Sauce: Mediterranean Inspired Pasta Dish with Olive Infused Tomato Sauce

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to make a wonderful entree filled with salty, briny capers, black olives and green olives flavored with garlic, anchovies and lots of fresh herbs. more...

Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate: Recipe for a Latin Inspired Hot Cocoa Drink

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to combine chocolate, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and milk to create a traditional south of the border inspired beverage. more...

Learn How-to Make a Cheese Platter: Instructions for Creating an Easy to Assemble Appetizer Tray

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

The ubiquitous party platter, loaded with a variety of cheese, crackers, nuts and olives, is a sure-fire hit at parties and family gatherings. more...

Creamy Instant Polenta Side Dish Recipe: Classic Comfort Food Flavored with Two Cheeses and Fresh Herbs

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to turn finely ground corn meal, into an easy-to prepare polenta, which is enhanced with mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, chives and thyme. more...

Green Beans Almandine: Recipe for Fresh Green Vegetable Flavored with Toasted Almonds

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Vegetable side dishes don't have to be boring. Learn how-to make fresh green beans, steamed with chicken broth, garlic, sauteed shallots and garnished with almonds. more...

Blueberry Graham Cracker Pancake Recipe: Instructions for Making a Berry Enhanced Breakfast Food

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how-to make berry infused flapjacks flavored with crumbled graham crackers, corn meal and buttermilk. more...

Red Skin Potato Home Fries Recipe: How-to Create a Classic Diner-Style Potato Side Dish

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Home fries, sometimes referred to as hash browns, are a traditional breakfast food. Potatoes combine with shallots, garlic, paprika and other spices in this recipe. more...

Zucchini Nut Muffin Recipe: Classic Breakfast Treat Enhanced with Zucchini, Walnuts, Raisins

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

The summer zucchini harvest can be a bit overwhelming. Here is a recipe for creating a moist and delicious breakfast treat loaded with freshly grated zucchini. more...

Asian-Style Vegetable Salad: Cucumber, Carrot and Green Onion Salad with Ginger Teriyaki Dressing

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Cool, fresh vegetables combine with a sweet and tangy dressing to create a delicious summertime side dish. more...

Black Bean and Corn Turkey Chili Recipe: How-to Make a Variation of a Classic Chili Dish

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Recipe on how-to make a quick, and easy to prepare Mexican style bean and corn turkey chili flavored with cumin, coriander, thyme, oregano and garlic. more...

Healthy South Indian Cooking: Ethnic Style Cookbook by Alamelu Vairavan & Patricia Marquardt

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

The all new, expanded edition of a classic south Indian recipe book contains 40 new recipes and more than 100 vegetarian treats. more...

Pumpkin Pie Pancake Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Variation of a Traditional Breakfast Food

Category: Spices

Learn how to make a light and fluffy pancake flavored with pumpkin pie filling and traditional pumpkin pie spices. more...

Pumpkin Spice Muffin Recipe: How to Make Easy and Moist Breakfast Muffins

Category: Spices

Use pumpkin pie filling, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to create a wonderful, cake-like breakfast treat. A complimentary recipe for honey butter is included. more...

Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Recipe for a Thick and Hearty Vegetable Soup

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Learn how to oven roast bell peppers, and turn the roasted peppers into a delicious and satisfying soup flavored with sage and garlic. more...

The Best Dressed Salad Book Review: World Famous Salad Dressings and Their Origins

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

A cookbook filled with easy to make salad dressing recipes, written by Jim Long, of Long Creek Herbs. more...

Great Herb Mixes You Can Make: Review of Jim Long's Herbal Formula Recipe Book

Category: Herbs

Start a herb business, make herbal products to sell, or use the finished herb crafts as gifts. more...

Modern Spice Cookbook Review: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen

Category: Spices

Summary of Monica Bhide's new 265 page, hardcover cookbook on spices and Indian cooking. Foreword by Mark Bittman. more...

Eggplant Moussaka Recipe: Classic Greek Style Lasagna Featuring Eggplant, Tomato & Parsley

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Layers of tomato sauce, sauteed eggplant, ground meat and decadent cream sauce combine to make a classic Mediterranean inspired meal. more...

Lemon Herb Pasta Toss Recipe: Spiral Noodles Mixed with Zucchini, Lemon, Herbs and Parmesan Cheese

Category: Herbs

Instructions on how-to create a light pasta dish flavored with lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, parsley and garlic. more...

Greek Vegetable Salad Recipe: Hearty Side Dish Festooned with Olives, Cilantro and Feta Cheese

Category: Herbs

Instructions for creating a Mediterranean style salad. Zucchini and cilantro are used to form a delicious variation to a traditional Greek salad recipe. more...

Quick and Easy Tart and Creamy Lemon Bars: Learn How to Prepare a Simple Citrus Infused Dessert Bar

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Create an easy to make, creamy lemon dessert bar, which features a buttery, shortbread crust. Decorate the bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving. more...

Bed, Breakfast & Bike Florida by Dale Lally Jr.: Cycling Guidebook; Part of the Bed, Breakfast and Bike Series

Category: Bicycle Touring Routes

This book details one circular cycling route and five interconnected cross-Florida bike routes covering areas from Pensacola, in the panhandle, to Key West in the south. more...

Flavor Bible by Karen Page & Andrew Dornenburg: Comprehensive Resource Guide of Compatible Taste Ingredients

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Review of an essential guide to culinary creativity, based on the wisdom of America's most imaginative chefs. How-to pair individual ingredients into delicious meals. more...

101 Recipes From the Herb Lady: Compilation of Recipes & Tips for the Novice to the Experienced Cook

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Review of the 176 page herbal cookbook written by Catherine Crowley. The book is full of recipes which feature fresh and dried, herbs and spices. more...

The Todd Crandell Story: Racing for Recovery; From Addict to Ironman

Category: Changing Personal Habits

Autobiography of one addict's struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, and how training for an Ironman distance triathlon helped him turn his life around. more...

Zero Calorie Stevia Sweeteners: Review of Truvia, PureVia and SweetLeaf Herb Based Sweeteners

Category: Spices

Herb based stevia sweeteners can safely be used by people with diabetes. The three brands of sweeteners mentioned in this article all have a glycemic index of zero. more...

Asian-Style Spring Roll Recipe: Create Restaurant Quality Egg Rolls at Home

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Egg rolls and spring rolls are a ubiquitous part of Asian-style restaurant meals. Learn the method for creating easy and delicious spring rolls at home. more...

Intro to Cyclocross Bike Racing: CX Bicycles are Part Mountain Bike and Part Road Bike

Category: Bike Racing

Cyclocross bikes, also referred to as cross, CX or cyclo-x, are a unique type of racing bike. Cyclocross races generally occur in the fall and winter. more...

Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Cakes: Recipe for a Cookie-Like Treat Enhanced with Citrus and Poppy Seeds

Category: Spices

These individual, miniature tea cakes make a delightful addition to serve at bridal showers, tea parties or breakfast buffets. more...

Precision Bike Fitting: Enhance Cycling Ability with a Professional Fit

Category: Cycling & Mountain Biking (general)

A professional bike fitting can help to prevent overuse injuries, improve cycling performance and enhance overall comfort. more...

Ham and Cheese Quiche: Recipe for a Hearty Egg Custard Pie

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

This recipe makes a hearty, omelet-like, egg custard pie. Quiche is also an ubiquitous addition to traditional brunch and breakfast buffets. more...

Banana Bread & Banana French Toast: Two Recipes for Sweet and Delicious Breakfast Dishes

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Recipe for a delicious banana nut bread. Leftover banana nut bread can be used to make a decadent banana nut bread French toast. more...

Magical Properties of Crystals: Metaphysical Characteristics Associated with 10 Varieties of Quartz

Category: New Age (general)

Crystals and gemstones can be used for a variety of magical purposes. Learn how to use gemstones in the quartz family to enhance magical rituals. more...

Classic Pesto Recipe: A Thick Sauce Made with Basil, Pine Nuts and Garlic

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

There is nothing like the taste of homemade food featuring fresh herbs and pungent spices. Learn how to make a classic Italian pesto to flavor pasta, rice and potatoes. more...

Guacamole Recipe: Classic Avocado Dip with Garlic, Cilantro and Lime: Party Food!

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Delicious avocados are in plentiful supply during the summer months. Avocados have a smooth texture, and nutty taste. This recipe creates a tasty guacamole dip. more...

Taboule Salad Recipe: Middle Eastern Side Dish Featuring Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Category: Herbs

Bulgur, which is a type of cracked wheat, is mixed with a variety of herbs, vegetables and seasonings to create a delightful summer salad. more...

Stir Fried BBQ Shrimp: Use a Custom Curry Spice Blend to Flavor Seafood

Category: Spices

Create a custom seasoning blend which incorporates a variety of spices. The spice blend is then used to make a creamy, sweet and spicy BBQ shrimp dish. more...

Pepper Vine - King of Spices: Black Pepper, White Pepper & Green Pepper

Category: Spices

Pepper plants yield four different spices; namely, white peppercorns, black peppercorns, green peppercorns and pink peppercorns. more...

Mother's Day Brunch: Spiced Tomato Juice, Cinnamon Almond Biscotti & Finger Sandwiches

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Instead of going out to a restaurant on mother's day, dads and their children can host a festive Mother's Day Brunch at home. more...

Extend the Growing Season: Using a Miniature Greenhouse Shelving System

Category: Vegetable Gardens (general)

Learn how to extend the growing season using a patio grow house. The growing season can be extended by 3-4 weeks in the spring and fall using this handy gardening tool. more...

Freeze Herbs in Ice Cube Trays: How to Process Fresh Herbs for Long-term Storage

Category: Herbs

At the end of the summer, herb gardeners may find they have an over abundance of certain herbs. Here is one method for storing herbs using ice cube trays. more...

Classic French Herb Blends: Bouquet Garni, Fines Herbes and Herbes de Provence

Category: Herbs

Three recipes for making classic seasoning blends and flavorings using fresh or dried herbal ingredients. more...

Herb Glossary: Saffron to Vanilla: Culinary Uses of Sage, Spearmint, Star Anise, Tarragon and More

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

These plants have a myriad of medicinal, culinary and decorative uses, several of which are detailed here. more...

Herb Glossary: Lavender to Oregano: Culinary Uses of Lemon Balm, Lovage, Mustard, Nutmeg and More

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

These plants have a myriad of medicinal, culinary and decorative uses, several of which are detailed here. more...

Herb Glossary: Catmint to Dill: Culinary Uses of Cayenne Pepper, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

These plants have a myriad of medicinal, culinary and decorative uses, several of which are detailed here. more...

Valentine's Day Magical Plants: The Folklore Associated with Basil, Bay, Calendula, Lovage & Mint

Category: Herbal History/Lore

Learn about the old wives' tales and magical associations of certain herbs. more...

Vanilla Bean Dessert Recipes: Vanilla Sugar, Vanilla Pudding and Vanilla Infused Hot Chocolate

Category: Spices

Here are three delicious, dessert recipes to try out which feature real vanilla beans and vanilla extract. more...

Healthy Cooking with Spices: Nutritional Benefits of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and More

Category: Herbal Properties/Benefits

Adding aromatic and flavorsome spices to recipes has a variety of health benefits. more...

Harvesting and Storing Spices: Nutmeg, Ginger, Celery Seed and More.

Category: Spices

How to collect and obtain a variety of culinary spices for use in recipes. more...

Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Seafood Seasoned with Parsley, Dill and Garlic Butter

Category: Herbs

Enjoy this classic seafood dish which is flavored with fresh herbs. more...

Triple Gingerbread Recipe: Holiday Dessert Featuring Sweet and Spicy Ginger

Category: Spices

Try this variation of a classic holiday recipe for a wonderful cake-type dessert flavored with ginger, honey and molasses. more...

Hot Holiday Drinks: Spiced Hot Chocolate, Spiced Coffee and Peppermint Mocha

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

Three spice infused drink recipes to enjoy throughout the festive holiday period. more...

Propagating Herbs: Starting New Plants from Stem Cuttings

Category: Herb Gardens

Avid gardeners may want to eventually start propagating their own plants in order to increase their supply of herbs. more...

Common Herbal Substitutes: Lemon, Basil and Savory - Replacing One Spice with Another

Category: Herbs

Every so often, the precise herb that is called for in a recipe may not be available. Here is some information on finding an acceptable substitute. more...

El Tour de Tucson: A Century Road Bike Race

Category: Bike Racing

The El Tour de Tucson is one of the largest road bicycling events in the United States. more...

Homemade Potpourri: Spicy Lemon, Holiday Spice and Pine Forest Aromatics

Category: Herb Gardens

Methods and formulations for creating perfumed herb and spice blends. more...

Traditional Italian Meal: Pasta Fagioli, Chicken Piccata and Tiramisu

Category: Italian Cuisine (general)

Three delicious recipes for preparing classic Italian-style food. more...

Quick Bread Recipes: Chili Cheese Cornbread, Garlic Herb Bread & Parmesan Cheese Biscuits

Category: Breads & Muffins

Three techniques for creating delicious comfort food. more...

Elegant Appetizers: Asparagus Roll-ups, Crab Canapes and Stuffed Mushrooms

Category: Appetizers/Finger Food

Three classic hors d'oeuvres to serve at dinner parties and holiday celebrations. more...

How to Store Dried Herbs & Spices: Methods for Long Term Stockpiling

Category: Herbs & Spices (general)

A variety of containers and storage jars to use for the preservation of culinary ingredients. more...

Ethnic Spice Blends: Harissa, Garam Masala, Curry, Chinese Five Spice and More

Category: Spices

A variety of gourmet seasoning mixes to utilize in homemade meals. more...

Cooking with Children: Five Great Kid Friendly Cookbooks

Category: Kids Cooking

Children, even as young as preschoolers, love to help out in the kitchen. Introducing them to the culinary arts at a young age piques their interest in cooking for life. more...

Gemstone Magic and Crystal Healing: Using the Power of the Earth for Therapeutic Purposes

Category: Paganism/Wicca (general)

How to cleanse and charge gemstones and crystals and tap into their curative and healing energies. more...

Farmer's Almanacs: Folklore or Authentic Gardening Methods?

Category: Vegetable Gardens (general)

Gardeners and farmers have relied on the information contained in these annual reference books for over 150 years. more...



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