Tag: plants

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Tasty World-Wide

ellenparkerwrites

Sometimes a spice or flavoring gains approval throughout the world. And from one generation to another. One of these is cinnamon.

Whether using the quills (cinnamon bark sticks) or ground cinnamon, this warm, sweet spice has become associated with sweets in the West and savory in the East. As usual with spices, overlap occurs.

Native to Sri Lanka and nearby regions, cinnamon is recorded as being used as a spice in China since 4,000 BC. It is mentioned in the Bible as well as documented as a spice by the Greeks and medicine by the Romans.

One of the most common spices in 19th century American, the bakers in fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois would have kept a supply. I can imagine the aroma now. Picture Louisa Mueller grating and grinding cinnamon sticks into fine powder to make the filling for her popular cinnamon buns. The flavors of yeast dough, butter, and sugar combined with the spice transports Hans taste buds to the skies.

Check out the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, for more of Louisa and Hans’ story of their journey to and first months living in America. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Pretty and Useful

ellenparkerwrites

Every pioneer garden, plus many today, include herbs beside the vegetables. In a 21st century garden, the herbs are likely used for cooking — fresh basil and parsley come to mind.

In the 19th century, a wider variety of herbs were grown and used both in cooking and for medicine. They were used as a tea to calm stomach problems and treat fevers. Others were used as a poultice to ease pain or draw out an infection.

This sage plant, a beauty when blooming, has many uses in the kitchen. The leaves, dried and crushed add flavor to many meat dishes and poultry stuffing. I can also imagine sage combined with other herbs or dried flowers in a little sachet in the wardrobe among your finest clothes.

In the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, the owners of the bakery maintain a garden. Among the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, I imagine sage, rosemary, and parsley. Check out the book for a look into immigrants adjusting to life in America. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Living with a Tree

ellenparkerwrites

In case you wonder, I’m not referring to the smaller, seasonal tree. That one is no problem. I assemble it and park it on an end table for the month. The lights make a welcome change from the usual. The ornaments, many gifts or picked up on travels, remind me of people and places and good times.

No — I’m thinking about this tree.

Once upon a time — perhaps three years ago — this houseplant was a pretty little thing in an easy to manage pot.

Then I put it outside for summer vacation. I guess these thrive in hot, humid St. Louis weather. It demanded, and received a larger pot and lived inside during the winter. With effort, it again went on summer vacation in the front flower bed.

Her children — yes, I did try to raise a couple — refused to grow and one even turned brown. Ooops! The trip inside wasn’t easy. Some people would have sold tickets. After the holidays it will be time for a prune. What do you think? Trim two? Trim four?

Dig around in the box and drape it with Christmas ornaments not used this year?

Janet, the heroine in Comfort Zone, is not the best person with plants in her family. She has other talents — including a smile Rich finds impossible to ignore. Check out their story in the sweet romance here: https://amzn.to/338z1K1

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Energy

ellenparkerwrites

Need a little pep in your step? Looking for your “get up and go?”

Sunshine works wonders for me.

Another energy builder is gazing at, smelling, or walking among green and growing things.

Think on it a moment. How do you feel when you walk in a park? Or sit at an outside table near a patch of grass or flowerbed? Does the day feel brighter? Does a little energy seep into your spirit?

A friend recently asked how I managed to live without pets. I almost replied — I have plants. No, they are far from the same. Plants don’t wag tails or greet me at the door or curl up and purr on my lap. They do, however, have their own charms.

Is that a new leaf? Another bud? Whoops — it’s drooping — time to water.

Ah, green, spring grass. Makes a person want to take a deep breath and spin like the opening scenes of “The Sound of Music” No? Well, okay. I don’t want neighbors reporting me as possible crazy woman either. How about a brisk walk or a few moments of sitting on the grass and absorbing nature’s energy before facing the concerns of the day?