Looking for a way to spice up your Memorial Day barbeque and break out of the traditional pasta or potato salad mode? The Western Pistachio Association recommends incorporating pistachios into your Memorial Day meal for a tasty, yet healthy option. Nuts like pistachios have immense health benefits and are an easy way to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the effects of stress according to recent research conducted by Penn State University and the University of Toronto. In fact, pistachios are a great source of protein and potassium and provide more dietary fiber than any other nut. The recipe below for an arugula, “pickled” strawberries, candied pistachios and crumbled blue cheese salad by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein is a great... [Read more]

Did you know that Hostas, those popular woodland garden plants, are actually native to Northeast Asia? Or that there are up to 45 species of Hostas? Below are a few more Hosta facts: * Hostas were once commonly referred to as day lilies or Corfu lilies. * Hostas are named after Nicholas Thomas Host, an Austrian botanist * Hosta flowers bloom in late August and may be white, lavender, or violet * Hostas are a favorite of deer, slugs, and snails * Hostas are easy to grow and thrive in shady spots * Divide Hostas every three or four years or when the plants become too large. This is best done in the spring when the foliage just starts to appear * There are more than 5000 cultivars of Hostas (photo credit: Qwertzy28) [Read more]

Are you looking for an elegant, yet easy breakfast recipe to serve your Memorial weekend guests? The Candlelight Inn, a ten-room bed and breakfast inn, located in Napa, California, shares their recipe for a breakfast strata with Blisstree readers. Add some fresh fruit and a side of sauteed diced potatoes and you have a breakfast your guests will remember for years. Artichoke and Roasted Red Pepper Strata Ingredients: 12 eggs 2 tsp. hot sauce 1/2 cup flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup melted butter 1 pint cottage cheese 1 lb. shredded cheese, such as Jack and Cheddar mixed 8 oz. marinated artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped 8 oz. roasted red peppers, chopped 4 slices white bread, crusts trimmed off and cut into cubes Directions: Beat... [Read more]

Dahlias are the darling of the summer bulb set. These showy, colorful flowers make their appearance mid-summer and dazzle gardeners until early fall. How much do you know about these beautiful specimens? Here are a few facts about Dahlias: * There are 30 species of Dahlias and more than 20,000 cultivars. * Dahlias originated in Mexico, but became popular when the plant were imported to Holland in the late 19th century. * The Aztec culture used Dahlias for food, decorations, and in their ceremonies. * The Dahlia is named after Anders Dahl, an 18th century Swedish botanist. * Dahlias thrive in full sun and in well-drained soil. * Plant Dahlias after the threat of frost has past. * Dahlias grow from tubers and must be dug up and stored in... [Read more]

Who doesn’t like a good chicken dish? Chicken is hearty in the winter and a light entree in the summer. It can be prepared braised, grilled, sauteed, roasted…in sandwiches, salads, pastas, and as a stand-alone entree. Almost every cuisine features at least one spectacular chicken dish. That is the premise of “Food + Wine’s” latest cookbook, “Quick from Stratch Chicken Cookbook.” The 185-page volume is divided into sections based on different cooking methods, such as braising, grilling, stir-frying, and roasting. Each recipe is matched with a luscious, color photograph of the prepared dish. Selections include examples from a variety of world cuisines, including Indian, French, Greek, and Moroccan.... [Read more]