There is something deeply satisfying about a pot of turnip greens stew simmering on the stove. The slight bitterness of the greens mellows beautifully as they braise low and slow, soaking up a rich, smoky broth built from ham, ham, ham hocks or smoked sausage. A touch of apple cider vinegar brightens every spoonful, while … Continue reading Hearty turnip greens stew
Month: April 2026
Arranging flowers – using an urn
Elevating flower arranging from casual decoration to a serious design statement. The urn stands apart from other vessel types as the most architecturally significant and historically resonant container in flower arranging, bringing an immediate sense of formality, elegance, and classical grandeur to any arrangement it holds. Unlike simple cylinders or bowls that serve primarily as … Continue reading Arranging flowers – using an urn
Hearty Kentucky Hot Brown open-faced sandwich
The Hot Brown is a Louisville legend born at the Brown Hotel in 1926, and it earns its fame through pure, unapologetic richness. A velvety Mornay sauce blankets thick-cut turkey over toasted bread, then gets finished under the broiler until golden and bubbling. The combination of savory roasted turkey, bubbly Pecorino Romano cheese, crispy bacon, … Continue reading Hearty Kentucky Hot Brown open-faced sandwich
Extending the vase life of our flower arrangements
Giving our flower arrangements the best possible chance to flourish. The work of flower arranging doesn't end when we step back to admire our finished design. Proper ongoing care determines whether our arrangement lasts three days or three weeks. Many people assume that once flowers are arranged, there's little they can do to influence longevity, … Continue reading Extending the vase life of our flower arrangements
Flower arranging proportion & scale
Creating visual harmony. Proportion and scale are the secret ingredients that separate amateur flower arrangements from professional-looking designs. While color and flower selection often get the most attention, getting the proportions right is what makes an arrangement feel balanced, intentional, and visually pleasing. An arrangement that's too tall for its vase looks top-heavy and unstable, … Continue reading Flower arranging proportion & scale
Hearty mayonnaise
Homemade mayonnaise is a revelation compared to anything from a jar. The secret lies in the emulsification of egg yolk and oil, which creates a rich, silky, and deeply flavorful condiment that is entirely your own. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while a touch of Dijon mustard deepens the flavor and helps stabilize the emulsion. … Continue reading Hearty mayonnaise
Troubleshooting common flower arrangement problems
Embracing the troubleshooting process as part of our flower arranging learning journey. Even experienced flower arrangers encounter problems like wilting stems, arrangements that won't hold their shape, flowers that brown prematurely, or designs that simply don't look right despite our best efforts. The difference between frustration and success often lies in knowing how to diagnose … Continue reading Troubleshooting common flower arrangement problems
Pasteurizing duck eggs at home
Duck eggs are a prized ingredient in cooking, especially for rich emulsified sauces and homemade mayonnaise. Their larger size, thicker shell, and denser, fattier yolk make them more flavorful than chicken eggs but also require a bit more care when pasteurizing. The goal is the same as with any egg - gently bring the interior … Continue reading Pasteurizing duck eggs at home
Blessings
What is a blessing? At its core, a blessing is an intentional act of invoking good. It is a conscious direction of positive energy, divine favor, or heartfelt goodwill toward a person, place, object, or situation. It is more than a kind word. A blessing is a declaration of worth, a recognition that something or … Continue reading Blessings
Diving the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Rich waters teem with marine biodiversity. Diving the Galápagos Islands is an unparalleled adventure, unveiling a kaleidoscope of marine life against a backdrop of volcanic landscapes which is what helps make it one of the top world scuba diving destinations. Highlights include thrilling encounters with schools of hammerhead sharks, graceful manta rays, and majestic whale … Continue reading Diving the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador