Entertaining guests during the holidays isn’t just about a main course that calls all to the table. What often makes a festive gathering more fruitful is a spread of delicious appetizers, delightful drinks and divine desserts that keep loved ones coming back to … read more

The official pastry of Wisconsin, the Danish kringle, is found in nearly every bakery in the Midwest. It’s baked, packaged and sold across the country during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year. Even Trader Joe’s has started carrying its brand nearly year … read more

Now that summer is fizzling out, plants are slowing their blooming and the leaves are turning colors and falling to the ground. It’s time to plan for the holidays and to put the garden to sleep for a while. Here’s a short list … read more

Add garden fresh flavor to your meals year-round. Grow a few of your favorite herbs indoors, harvest and enjoy. Select a variety of herbs you and your family enjoy and use for cooking, decoration or fragrance. Basil, chives, cilantro, oregano, marjoram, mint, parsley, … read more

Few things bring family and friends together quite like the holidays, and serving up an elegant, seasonal meal centered around a mouthwatering main dish is a recipe for creating lasting memories with the ones you love. Forging a fabulous holiday experience for the … read more

In Japan, the word “bento” is associated with the word for convenience. The bento box is a convenient way to carry a home-packed lunch — or any meal, but especially a single meal eaten during work or school day. The earliest take-along meals … read more

Bloedel Reserve, a botanical garden on Bainbridge Island, has been open to the public since 1988. Over its approximately 140 acres are several varied garden types, including a moss garden and a nationally recognized Japanese garden. One featured area visitors encounter soon after … read more

‘Tis the (shopping) season! And if you have a gardener on your shopping list for the holidays, you will have an easy time finding all sorts of wonderful presents. When the celebratory season is over and the chilly, damp reality of winter in … read more

One of the best parts of the holidays is the aromas and flavors of the season, from walnuts and cinnamon to peppermint and nutmeg. Sweet treats and mouthwatering desserts can bring family and friends around the table to celebrate the season together, one … read more