Cooking with flavor! Over 150 recipes, plus tips and history on herbs and spices from Catherine, The Herb Lady of Herbs 2 U. Low fat/low salt, meatless and flavorful ideas for adding taste to your meals without relying exclusively on salt and fat. Interested in growing your own herbs? Check out "Edible Landscaping in the Desert Southwest: Wheelbarrow to Plate" for gardening help, monthly planting calendar and recipes.
I had been a long time gardener and cook, but then (in the early 80s) looked to edible herbs and edible flowers to give more flavor and variety to my cooking due to family health needs. This began a serious passion for growing as much of my own edibles as possible in a standard-size residential desert garden. I share my experiences through my blog, and a private internet newsletter.
During the "budding" part of my gardening experiences I was personally responsible for a lot of "green death," and from those lost friends, I learned a great deal and developed my personal gardening philosophy -- "enlightened neglect."
I have been a resident of the East Valley of Metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona for 30 years and counting.
I am constantly experimenting with growing and using new-to-me herbs and other edibles and I use these experiments to help others succeed.
I am the author of 2 books and numerous small writings, and a former contributing columnist for the East Valley Tribune. My classes and presentations on growing and cooking are regularly featured at local botanical gardens, private clubs, companies and organizations.
A new book project is underway.
Interests:
Reading: Anything about edible foods, herbs, and flowers, including recipes. I also enjoy 'cozy' mysteries.
Music: I enjoy most music, depending on mood and what I am doing.
Movies: I enjoy diversion movies -- Old time mysteries, movies from the 40s, comedies, and early TV and TV from the 60s-80s.
My gardens give me inspiration for cooking and creating.
I am a long-time animal lover and currently have 2 companion cats.
In the past I have enjoyed raising miniature goats and chickens. I have the opportunity to happily help a friend with hers.
