This hot dip, from the Piedmont of Italy is a traditional holiday dish. At least it was at a friend’s house where I first learned to make it. Regional Delight The dish is called “Italian” but Italy has many regions with very distinctive local dishes. […]
First of all, the plant known as “Mexican oregano” is a different species in different parts of Mexico. In each case, local people just shrug and call it orégano, because it’s what they know and use. There is not one single Mexican oregano. These different […]
Apples and honey are a tasty fall combination and can be turned into these wonderful gluten free treats for anytime, to celebrate National Honey Month, or to feast upon as a dessert at Rosh HaShanah. Apple Selection Cooking apples come in many types. Generally not […]
Castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) is the source of castor oil. It is called ricino or higuerilla in Spanish, and called yech! by small children dosed with it’s oil as a laxative. It’s not a Bean Castor is a member of the Euphorbiaceae, the […]
Elder or elderberry is a Southwest native somewhat shrubby tree. Virtually all parts of the plant are used. In my book on Father Kino’s Herbs, I list these uses: “Cosmetic, Culinary, Dye, Edible Flowers, Medicinal, Ornamental, Wildlife.” What’s in a Name As with any useful […]
Some of our Southwest native plants, like Ephedra, are found around the world. Everywhere that Ephedra occurs, Native peoples have found similar uses for it, generally as a tea. Prehistoric Ephedra Ephedra is a fascinating plant that has been on earth since before plants had […]
Chamomile! In honor of National Hot Tea Month, lets look at a soothing herbal tea you can grow in your yard in the Southwest in the cooler months of winter. Name Nerd Shares The herb known to most Americans as chamomile comes from two different […]
Cover image: In Chiapas I had alegría made with cashews from a street vendor. delightful. Alegría is a Mexican sweet treat made with amaranth seeds and honey. Amaranth was, and still is, popular throughout Mexico for a number of drinks and foods and treats. […]
Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) has many uses for the forager. Lucky for us this plant is quite common throughout the Southwest. But note. Desert plants contain numerous defensive compounds to keep the critters from devouring them wholesale and creosote is no exception! In my book […]
I enjoy atole – a warm drink popular throughout Mexico, Central America, and the American Southwest. Atole Has Many Variations Atole (pronounced a-tole-ee) is generally based on corn, frequently sweetened somehow, and often prepared with cinnamon as well. There are countless various recipes for preparation, […]
