carrots

Unfit for Domestication

Unfit for Domestication

My hands ache, bone-deep pain spawned by prolonged exposure to frigid air. Moisture frosts my eyelashes and stings my cheeks. I scan the vicinity for my husband, but he's gone.  
Celebrating Carrot History and Diversity

Celebrating Carrot History and Diversity

Once upon a time, before carrots gained their iconic orange hue, they were wild things—bitter, pale, and purple. Some say they were so earthy-tasting that even rabbits rolled their eyes.  
Carrots: The Root of Health

Carrots: The Root of Health

My eldest stepson came into my life like a whirlwind. He was a wild and beautiful child, never still, always dirty, charming ­and provocative. He regarded me, with just suspicion,  
Forget Chocolate Think Celery

Forget Chocolate Think Celery

Valentine’s Day, it turns out, owes a lot to Geoffrey Chaucer, the 14th-century author of The Canterbury Tales. It was Geoffrey who pointed out – in a 1375 poem titled  
Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie

Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie

During a trip to London, I discovered something remarkable at The King's Head tavern – a shepherd's pie that completely transformed my understanding of this humble dish. Unlike the traditional  
Classic Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Classic Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Growing up, shepherd's pie was more than just dinner in our house – it was a signal that winter was slowly giving way to spring, appearing most often around St.  
Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Every year after Thanksgiving, as I survey the landscape of leftover turkey in my refrigerator, I'm reminded that sometimes the best recipes come from necessity. This turkey shepherd's pie was  
What to Plant in January in Zones 9-10

What to Plant in January in Zones 9-10

Lucky you! While gardeners in other zones are huddled inside with their seed catalogs, January in zones 9-10 feels more like spring in most other places. With daytime temperatures typically  
What to Plant in January in Zones 7-8

What to Plant in January in Zones 7-8

January in zones 7-8 brings average temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C), with occasional dips below freezing and the odd warm spell. While it's not prime planting