One of the benefits of selling at the local farmer’s markets is being so close to the freshest locally grown fruits and veggies! And you already know, if you have read my blog before, that I love to experiment with new recipes and produce I never tried before. This year I am SO excited by the super fresh offerings of our Glencoe Farmer’s Market neighbor, Barry’s Berries. Fresh rhubarb is a plant I know from my childhood. The ruby stems and huge heart shaped leaves so broad and green they could hide a small 4-year old child (like me) underneath. Cooking with rhubarb is something I have never done. Too scared off by the warnings about the “poisonous” leaves of the plant, I was not sure what parts to use safely – it always put me on edge. But at the farmer’s market, the grower had the leaves removed, and all I had to worry about was cleaning and chopping for my recipe! So – this year – and for the very first time – …

Vegetarian friendly and heart healthy this hearty soup makes the meal! Discover Leeks and learn how to elevate a simple week-night meal to fine-dining. Made with GC Lavender’s pantry essential Gourmet Triple Salt and Lemon Pepper seasonings. Courtesy of the Art for Life podcast from Gallery’s Choice.

This perennial favorite is a perfect, light, make-a-head desert that will save you space and time when you are planning holiday meals – and with the addition of GC Lavender’s Culinary Lavender – your taste buds are in for a real treat!

Just right for a summer time meal – make the simple things special with GC Culinary Lavender! This recipe pairs perfectly with steak or as a dipping side to hot wings!

Hummus with tahini made fresh at home is a flavorful healthy way to add plant-based protein into your diet. And, as you substitute this mouth pleasing side for other more cholesterol heavy foods (mayo and cheese) you can trim down your meals! This is why Humble Hummus makes it into this weeks Art for Life recipes!

Escarole is this weeks’ love of my life! I discovered how to use this (along with other greens) in soup – a very new concept for me. This oh-so-simple soup works up super quick, can be a week night meal and provides a way to add green leafy to your diet in a new way!