Kevin Lee Jacobs

A Guide to Creative Living

Woodland Garden in May 2019

In late-May, when the morning air is crisp and fragrant, I like to sip my coffee while strolling the paths of the Woodland Garden. Would you like to see what's growing beneath the dappled shade there? Sip and stroll with me. Our coffee, by the way, is cold-brewed. Here's the...
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Woodland Garden in May 2019

Taste-Testing the “Beyond Burger”

You might wonder why an unabashed omnivore would bother to taste-test the vegan "Beyond" burger. Well, let's just say I have a curious mind! And here, for other curious minds, is my unsolicited — and definitely not sponsored! — review of this popular plant-based patty: The following video review is...
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Taste-Testing the “Beyond Burger”

Automatic Watering for Raised Beds

Shame on...me. For ten frivolous years (2008-2018) I relied on an oscillating sprinkler to irrigate the 12 raised beds in my Kitchen Garden. Of course, this same sprinkler watered the paths between the beds. It watered the air, too, whenever the wind kicked up. Such waste! To ease my guilty...
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Automatic Watering for Raised Beds

How I Plant Potatoes in a Raised Bed

A big potato crop from a ridiculously small space? YES! In the following video tutorial, I'll show you how to achieve a colossal harvest of spuds from one 8x4 raised bed: Just to recap: Start with certified organic, disease-free "seed" potatoes. Seed potatoes are spuds which have not been treated...
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How I Plant Potatoes in a Raised Bed

Rhubarb Recipe Roundup!

Have I mentioned that rhubarb is my favorite springtime crop? The tart red or green stems practically scream "Winter is over!" Here are some of my favorite rhubarb recipes, all tried and true and waiting for you: Three Ingredient Rhubarb Sauce. What a glorious condiment. I love it on pancakes,...
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Rhubarb Recipe Roundup!

May 2019 Kitchen and Garden Chores

Take a tip from the nesting robins – May isn’t the month to snooze! Garden work we accomplish now will determine our success for the remainder of the growing season. Need a little guidance? I follow this routine: PERENNIALS Weed, Feed, and Mulch. Get out every weed from the flower...
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May 2019 Kitchen and Garden Chores

French Asparagus Tart

Earthy asparagus...sun-dried tomatoes...zingy lemon zest...there's nothing about this springtime tart that isn't wonderful. Ready for a taste? Below is the recipe in video format. Farther down is the recipe in printable format. Somewhere in the middle is a link for the recipe in photographic steps. Obviously I like to cover...
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French Asparagus Tart

Mushroom, Spinach and Rosemary Galette

The right food at the right time? Yes, please. I want strawberry shortcake in June. And Thyme and Wine Beef Stew in December. In April, my body demands meaty mushrooms, baby spinach leaves,  fragrant rosemary, and buttery French pastry dough. I answer the call with this springtime galette: NEWS FLASH!...
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Mushroom, Spinach and Rosemary Galette

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Pie (No-Bake!)

My favorite finale for a spring or summer dinner party? Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Pie. Here's the video how-to and printable recipe for this light and refreshing make-ahead dessert: As mentioned, I originally published this recipe in June of 2013. Check out these reader reviews: Divine. Tasted at 3 1/2 hours…...
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Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Pie (No-Bake!)

How to Make and Blind Bake a Tart Shell

I've said it before and I'll say it again: a tart is only as good as its crust! The crust I trust for both savory and sweet tarts is good ole Pâte Brisée. Here's the fail-proof way to make, shape, and "blind"-bake this chic French pastry dough: Click the "play" arrow … [Read more...]

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April 2019 Garden Walk

Here in New York's Hudson River Valley, spring has officially sprung. Now the air is warming, the trees are leafing, and the gnats are flying into the mouths of everyone who happens to talk (or yawn) while walking. And speaking of walking...would you like to see what … [Read more...]

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Mushroom, Spinach and Rosemary Galette

The right food at the right time? Yes, please. I want strawberry shortcake in June. And Thyme and Wine Beef Stew in December. In April, my body demands meaty mushrooms, baby spinach leaves,  fragrant rosemary, and buttery French pastry dough. I answer the call with this … [Read more...]

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Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Pie (No-Bake!)

My favorite finale for a spring or summer dinner party? Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Pie. Here's the video how-to and printable recipe for this light and refreshing make-ahead dessert: As mentioned, I originally published this recipe in June of 2013. Check out these … [Read more...]

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A Dog, A Treat Puzzle, and Mr. Fox

The great thing about a treat puzzle? The gadget can keep a pooch occupied for 10-20 minutes. In the following video, you'll find Ms. Avery working hard to "solve" the Orbee Tuff Snoop puzzle. And as an added bonus, you'll meet Mr. Fox! Avery leaped into Fox's arms in … [Read more...]

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Tamale Pie

I love this Tamale Pie! I love the sweet buttermilk cornbread topping. I love the savory filling. I love the speed with which the pie comes together (just 30 minutes from start to finish). Hungry? Make the pie for dinner tonight. Earlier this week, because many of … [Read more...]

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10th Blogiversary Giveaway/Winner Announced

Update: Random.org selected comment #797 from Meryl J. Congratulations, Meryl! Send me a note to receive your spring-green mixer! Happy first week of spring, which also coincides with my blog's anniversary! This week, because the snow is melting and the grass is … [Read more...]

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Pork Tenderloin Sheet Pan Dinner

On March 18, I posed the following question to my Facebook friends: "Looking ahead to my next video, which recipe would you like to see: A Tamale Pie -- or a Sheet Pan Dinner?" A tamale pie is a drama queen. Mine cried bitter tears when it learned that the sheet … [Read more...]

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My 10th Blogiversary!

Here's a shocker: I started blogging ten years ago today. Ten years! And now, a gazillion posts and one cookbook later, I'm ready to hang up my hat. Maybe I'll retire to Florida and take up golfing. Maybe I'll sit on a park bench and yell at the clouds. Just … [Read more...]

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Meet My New Vacuum Cleaner

I finally purchased a Shark "Rotator Lift Away Professional" vacuum cleaner.  Would you like to know what I think of this lightweight, inexpensive, and much-touted appliance? Here goes: I think the Shark Rotator Lift Away REALLY SUCKS. It really sucks up the dust … [Read more...]

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