You cannot have a true Greek village salad without cucumber, nor can you have true Greek tzatziki (cucumber and yogurt sauce). So can you be a true Greek gardener and not grow cucumber? I think not.
Rendered Fat (Tallow, Lard, and Schmaltz)

No, I don’t live on some isolated homestead. Yes, I could easily go to the store and buy some lard. No, I don’t want to because making your own is easy enough to do, and why not save money and reduce waste in the process?
Continue reading Rendered Fat (Tallow, Lard, and Schmaltz)Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
For whatever reason, the first appearance of asparagus in my garden seems almost magical. One day it’s just empty dirt, the next day baby spears of deliciousness have erupted through the surface.
Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus)
Yes, these cherries are sour. No, you don’t want to eat them fresh. Yes, you still want to grow them in your garden.
Spiced Pear Butter
Pears are fickle things. Frustratingly fickle things. And yet, when you get some cooperation from them, they are also delightfully delicious things.
Grilled Eggplant Baba Ganoush
As a child I hated eggplant. Then I grew up and decided I should try them again. Turns out they weren’t too bad after all (this didn’t work with mushrooms, though).
Fig & Honey Jam
If a fig tree is anywhere near a sidewalk or roadway in Greece, any fruits over the property line is fair game for passers by.
Easy, No-Waste, Homemade Dill Pickles
So maybe you planted some cucumbers and now you’re realizing how many cukes those vines can churn out in a season and you’re wondering what the heck to do with them all. Once again, I’m here to help!
Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum)
No self-respecting Greek will return home from Greece without a large stash of dried Greek Oregano in their luggage. Try explaining that one to a customs officer.
Continue reading Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum)
Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Any plant that can multitask is a plant I want in my garden. Sweet Fennel lives up to this expectation very well as most of the plant is edible, as well as attractive. Oh yeah, pollinators like bees and butterflies love it, too!