Gardening with Native PlantsGardening with plants native to your area has so many benefits. They attract local birds and butterflies. Native plants are resistant to pests and diseases, therefore require little care. They also need less water. Some of my natives are orange coneflower, bee balm, and daylilies.
Sweet Pepper RelishWhen I serve this relish my guests agree that it is the best relish they have ever tasted. It is not your typical pickle relish, but is made from sweet peppers and onions. It can be made entirely from green peppers, but the sweet red pepper gives it a beautiful appearance. I use a mini food processor to chop the onions. It is so easy.
Cooking Spaghetti Squash and Saving SeedsSpaghetti squash is such a nutritious and low calorie substitute for pasta. Many recipes call for baking. I have found that after cutting the squash lengthwise, scooping out the seeds, and microwaving cut side down for about 10 minutes (depending on the size), it is perfectly done.
The added bonus is that the seeds can be saved for planting. I simply wash the seeds and leave them out for a few days to dry, then store in a paper envelope.
