Archive for August 2020
Snap Peas and Sweet Corn Succotash
Sylvester the Cat gave succotash a bad rap. Turns out, this veggie-based side dish is both quick to make and packed with flavor. INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn, thawed 8 ounces fresh sugar snap peas 5 miniature sweet peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch rings (1…
Read MoreHow to Bring Plants Indoors
While we may know how to handle Iowa winters, not all our plants do. Here’s how to transition houseplants back indoors! We all need a vacation once in a while, as do our houseplants. That’s why you probably brought them outside this summer, so they could soak up some sun, breathe in the fresh…
Read MoreShrimp With Summer Veggies and Herbs
Use up some of your ripe summer veggies with this succulent seafood supper! INGREDIENTS: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined Kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from 4 ears) 5 garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon red-pepper…
Read MoreHow to Grow Apples in Zone 5
Here are some bite-sized tips for growing your own apples! As the star of countless songs and idioms, apples are right near the top of America’s favorite fruit. And you can grow them in your own yard! While it can take a couple of years for your trees to be productive, it’s well worth…
Read MoreSpruce Up your Work/Study Space with Houseplants
These houseplants will enhance concentration, spark creativity, and provide fresh air—just what you need when you’re working/studying! When you’re in work/study mode (or supposed to be in work/study mode), you probably look for a number of tricks to help you get the job done or earn better grades. Maybe that’s wearing your lucky pair…
Read MorePickled Tomatoes
These tangy, perfectly-seasoned pickled tomatoes are a great way to turn a bumper crop into a long-lasting, homemade condiment you can enjoy all winter or gift to friends and family. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 lb. red tomatoes 2 cloves garlic 2 bay leaves 1/2-inch knob ginger, peeled A few sprigs of parsley 2 cups water…
Read MoreStorm Damage Recovery Guide
Monday’s storm wreaked havoc across 3 states. Here are some tips for safe clean up and disposal of yard waste. The storm that swept through much of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana on Monday, August 10, has left quite a wide swath of destruction in its wake. This type of storm is called a derecho…
Read MoreGrilled Gnocchi and Vegetables
Flavorful garden vegetables contrast beautifully with melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi in this family-pleasing entree. INGREDIENTS: 20 skewers, soaked in water at least 30 minutes if wooden 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups)…
Read MoreBlueberry Cherry Pandowdy
You’ll be starstruck by this fancy-looking, but remarkably easy-to-make, berry dessert. INGREDIENTS: 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed 5 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 3 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted 1 1/2-2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/3 cup honey 1/4 cup Cody Road Bourbon 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Zest of 1 lemon 1-2 teaspoons…
Read MoreMid Summer Annuals that will Revive your Planters!
In the heat of the summer, our once lush planters can start to look a little droopy. Here are some tips to refresh them. If you filled your planters with annuals early this spring, they might be starting to look a little leggy, droopy, and sad right now. Those hot August days can hit…
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