Today is Mexican Independence Day — commemorating independence from Spanish rule in 1810. Today, it is also also known as guacamole day. Avocados are native to south central Mexico, and the first guacamole recipes — though a bit different than what Americans consume today — were ...

August is over, and with it, an end to local peaches. September has arrived, and so have early-season apples — many Americans’ favorite fruit. I’ve already bought Paula Reds and Ginger Golds — both are early apples ready in August. Soon, Zestar and Jonamac apples will be ready, too. ...

Days are noticeably shorter, nights longer. A few trees, stressed by rain and weather, show autumn splendor. The fall semester has begun at our region’s college campuses and kids will be returning to school this week. The annual 90-Miler is just around the corner. Although the fall equinox is ...

Summer is in full swing and so is fresh fruit. Strawberries and blueberries have gone by, but blackberries are ripening. Several varieties of fresh peaches and melons are here. Pears and concord grapes are available at farm stands; so are early apple varieties. Soft, tender peaches, with ...

It’s the second half of August. We’ve passed Lunasa (Lughnasadh) — the midpoint between the solstice and equinox — on Aug. 1. Days are getting slightly shorter, nights longer in anticipation of fall. We’re in the midst of harvest season. Farmstands are brimming with fresh ...

The summer Olympics are coming to an end, but French food is with us to stay. One of my favorite summer dishes is Ratatouille. This time of year, an array of zucchini and summer squashes, several types of eggplant, various kinds of beans and lots of tomatoes are available fresh. These are the ...