Author Archive: My Kitchen Wand

Summer is here and if you are out gathering the bounty and getting ready to steep plants in oils and alcohol, there is an alternative to keep in mind. Glycerine can be substituted when making alcohol tinctures. Generally used when the finished product is for a child or pet, someone with diabetes or a sensitivity […]

Epsom salt baths are used to sooth muscle pain and relieve the itching of sunburn and plants like poisin ivy. They also aid in improving sleep, removing splinters, fighting flu and colds,  decreasing swelling and boosting the magnesium and sulfate levels in your body. You will need about 2 cups for a full bath and […]

For several years I was a bit of a support person for an Afghan Sewing Cooperative. To be clear the members were from Afghanistan. This was not a quilt making group. One of the unplanned benefits to me was the trying of many new, tasty dishes and on very hot days, Doogh was a cooling […]

Looking for something to help you believe that summer is on it’s way? No fresh local grown fruit yet? What better way than something that just glows with thoughts of swim up poolside bars and warm breezes? Pina Colada is a pineapple, coconut, rum flavour combination. The name means “strained pineapple” as the original beverage […]

I was asked the other day if I ever baked “guy” cookies. I wasn’t quite sure what was meant as in my experience guys generally eat anything tasty. (At least they did in my 20 odd years with home stay students). What was meant was less “pretty” and more substance, so here is something I […]

Looking for a light but special dessert for Mother’s Day? How about a hazelnut flavoured milk chocolate mousse? Hazelnuts are said to bestow wisdom, the ability to wisely assimilate and use knowledge, something that will assist Mom’s everywhere. Chocolate at it’s foundation is related to giving and receiving love. In some cases (milk) more the […]

I have noticed from comments posted on Facebook that many readers are not as far along in their seasons as we seem to be here. In my part of the world the lilacs and violets are over but I did manage to put up one small bottle of lilac honey. Last year I tried roses […]

Beltane celebrates reproduction and that is reflected in the use of flowers for decorations and gift giving. In very simple terms the purpose of flowers is to attract pollinators so that fertilization can occur and the plant will be able to create seeds for the next cycle. Birds, bees and other insects are drawn by […]

What can I say, it is rhubarb time again; a symbol that spring is truly here and something I ( or my black cat ) will happily do a little jig about. The items used to celebrate festival days come mostly from what is happening and available around us in nature. The first of the […]

Tiramisu or “Pick-me-up” Cake is a recent addition to Italian cuisine, probably no earlier that 1968 or 1971 depending on the source. The original flavour components are espresso, ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese and cocoa powder but you will find many, many, many variations on the theme. Truffles are an easy way to make tempting treats with […]