Chelsea Green Blog

Food & Drink

apple snack cake

Triple Apple Snack Cake: The Perfect Autumn Treat

Nothing says “autumn” like the smell of baked apples and spices fresh out of the oven. This triple apple snack cake uses applesauce, apple cider, and fresh apples to give it a one-two-three apple punch. Don’t take our word for it though, give this recipe a go yourself! The following recipe is from The Fruit Forager’s…

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acorn harvesting

Move Over Squirrels, It’s Acorn Harvesting Time!

Think neighborhood squirrels are the only ones who can benefit from the abundance of acorns in the fall? Think again. These small fruits, which are completely edible for humans, are a delicious (and seasonal!) source of nutrients that you can find almost anywhere. Get started on acorn harvesting with help from these simple tips! The following…

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crab apples

The Surprisingly Sweet Secret of Crab Apples

Visiting an orchard to pick apples is fun, but foraging for crab apples in your neighborhood is even better. These small fruits are easy to find, simple to store, and extremely flavorful when used in food dishes. Don’t believe us? Keep reading to learn more about the unsung heroes of the apple family.  The following excerpt…

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fall recipes

Easy Fall Recipes for the Adventurous Eater

Ahhhh, autumn. There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are starting to turn, and fall recipes are getting ready for their time to shine. Start the season off right with these must-try, unique recipes for adventurous eaters! RECIPE: Cornmeal Rye Pancakes The following is a recipe from The New Bread Basket by Amy Halloran.…

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kale

All About Kale: The Evolution of This Popular Green

Chances are, you’ve heard of kale. In recent times, this leafy green is known as a delicious addition to meals and smoothies — but it didn’t always have the stellar reputation it does today.  Once known as an undesirable vegetable that was mainly fed to cattle, kale has evolved over the years to become a…

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applesauce

Homemade Applesauce: A Life-Changing Fall Snack

Want an on-the-go snack without having to go to the grocery store? Whip up a batch of this must-try homemade applesauce for a fresh fall snack whenever you get the craving! The following recipe is from The Fruit Forager’s Companion by Sara Bir. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Life-Changing Applesauce Makes about 2…

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How to Harvest, Store, and Cure Squash

Squash newbies, this one’s for you! Learn how to harvest, cure, and store squash with these tried-and-true guidelines.  The following excerpt is from The Resilient Gardener by Carol Deppe. It has been adapted for the web. Featured Image Credit: Johnny’s Selected Seeds Harvesting Squash When we harvest, we don’t want to break the fruit off…

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dilly beans

Dilly Beans: Voted The “Best Snack Ever”

For those who love fermented foods, we now welcome you into the wonderful world of dilly beans. There’s nothing quite like a dilly bean. Whether they’re next to a plate of cheese and crackers, on a sandwich, or taken straight from the jar in the middle of winter when you’re sick of potatoes and pasta,…

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growing mushrooms outdoors

Drill, Plug, Wax, Wait: 6 Simple Steps to Growing Mushrooms Outdoors

Growing mushrooms outdoors just got even easier! Learn about growing mushrooms on wood, from logs to tree stumps, with this simple six-step tutorial. The following excerpt is from Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter. It has been adapted for the web. Log & Stump Mushroom Cultivation People have been growing mushrooms on logs and stumps for…

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tips for harvesting

Tips for Harvesting and Preserving: Reaping the Harvest

Tending to your garden is fulfilling in its own way, but the real reward is when everything is ready to be harvested! See below for some tips for harvesting and preserving that’ll keep you nourished for months to come. The following is an excerpt form The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments by Nigel Palmer. It…

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bokashi bins

Bokashi Bins: Easy and Affordable Kitchen Composting

Looking for a new way to compost? With Bokashi bins, the organic matter from your compost is broken down and turned into a preserved or pickled substance. Plus, the whole design is affordable and easy to build & use! The following is an excerpt from The Ecological Gardener by Matt Rees-Warren. It has been adapted for the…

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preserve food

How to Preserve Food Without Nutrient Loss

Want to get the most out of your harvest? Preserve food to keep your fruits and veggies fresh for weeks to come! Methods of food preservation like fermentation, drying, and salt-curing are very simple, don’t require fossil fuels, and promote food safety. The following is an excerpt from Preserving Food Without Freezing or Canning by the…

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squash

What’s In A Name? The Story of Squash

“As soon as the squash begins to run its arms across the ground it is ready for the kitchen.” — Antonio Francesco Doni (1513–1574) – La Zucca (c.1541) Squash…this one simple term somehow encapsulates a variety of delicious vegetables that play a vital role in some of our favorite dishes. This species has come a long…

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Wild Dijon Vinaigrette: A Spin On Classic Salad Dressing

Move aside, store-bought salad dressing! Delicious and unique, this Wild Dijon Vinaigrette is bound to be your new salad staple. All you need to get started is some vinegar, a little bit of mustard, and a few more simple ingredients that you can find at home. The following is an excerpt from Wildcrafted Vinegars by Pascal…

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pickling ideas

Unique Pickling Ideas: We Can Pickle That!

Pickling goes far beyond turning cucumbers into sour or sweet sides for your sandwich or putting up your beans and beets. To show you what we mean, we put together two unusual pickling ideas for your perusal. RECIPE: Cinnamon Dark Red Plums You’d be missing out if you didn’t try these Cinnamon Dark Red Plums —…

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gut health

Easy 15-Minute Meals to Promote Gut Health

Want to improve your gut health, while also enjoying the food you love? Try out these easy, 15-minute recipes to indulge in a delicious meal while still being good to your gut.  The following is an excerpt from Covid Vaccine Adverse Reaction Survival Guide by Caroline Pover. It has been adapted for the web. Recipes to Promote…

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whole fruit jam

How to Make Whole Fruit Jam

Soak up the end of summer by whipping up some whole fruit jam with seasonal fruits!  The best part of this sweet spread? There’s absolutely no sugar added. This recipe relies on natural sugars to provide a balanced flavor. The following is an excerpt from Preserving Food Without Freezing or Canning by the Gardeners and…

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fermented hot sauce

8 Steps to Fermented Hot Sauce With Wild Greens

Hot sauce fans, this one’s for you! This easy recipe for fermented hot sauce with wild greens is sure to add an extra punch of flavor to your favorite meal. The following is an excerpt from The New Wildcrafted Cuisine, by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Fermented Hot Sauce With…

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drying prune plums

Drying Prune Plums (Plus Figs, Apricots, Peaches and Nectarines)

Learn the ropes on drying prune plums and other fruits! Whether you’re a pro at preserving or you’ve never tried it out before, anyone can make these simple and delicious snacks. The following excerpt is from The Resilient Gardener by Carol Deppe. It has been adapted for the web. Prune Plums: Perfect for Preservation Prune plums…

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Summer Cherry Cornmeal Cobbler

Summer Cherry Cornmeal Cobbler

Cherry season isn’t over quite yet! Soak up the flavors of summer while they last with this sweet, mouth-watering recipe for Summer Cherry Cornmeal Cobbler. The following is an excerpt from Cooking Close to Home: A Year of Seasonal Recipes by Diane Imre and Richard Jarmusz. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Summer Cherry…

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making jams and syrups

A Guide to Making Jams and Syrups With Wild Ingredients

One of the best parts of cooking with ingredients you forage for yourself is discovering how they work on their own to deliver delicious flavors. This is especially true when it comes to making jams and syrups with wild ingredients.  The possibilities are pretty much endless with wild ingredients — use almost any fresh fruit or…

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dairy-free ice cream

Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes: Almost Too Sweet to Be True

No summer day is complete without an ice cream cone. Unfortunately, dairy intolerance makes it tough for many to enjoy this seasonal dessert. Try out these dairy-free ice cream recipes to indulge in this frozen treat while still being kind to your gut.  The following recipes have been adapted for the web from The Heal…

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drying trays

Easy-to-Make Drying Trays

Looking for a new way to enjoy the benefits of your garden all year long? Follow this easy tutorial for making drying trays to expand the lifespan of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The following is an excerpt from Preserving Food Without Freezing or Canning by The Gardeners & Farmers of Terre Vivante. It has been adapted for…

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fruit kvass

Fruity Ferments: End of Summer Fruit Kvass

Fruit kvass is a great first ferment for beginners. All you need is fruit, whey or ginger bug, and jar to hold the ferment. Start this recipe today, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious fizzy drink in about three days! The following excerpt is from The Wildcrafting Brewer by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for…

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fruit-infused vinegars

Fruit-Infused Vinegars: Making Vinegar With Blueberries and Blackberries

Looking for something to do with the berries you’ve been growing all season? Try making fruit-infused vinegars! These recipes for blueberry-mugwort and blackberry infused vinegars allow you to get creative with ingredients to concoct unique flavors. The following is an excerpt from Wildcrafted Vinegars by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE:…

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