The cool and rainy autumn weather is a tedious pain for some people, but it produces the tenderest, juicy and delicious kale I have ever grown. Last time I made a kale dish for dinner, I cooked sliced ​​onions and shiitake mushrooms in butter in my large pot, then added freshly washed chopped kale and covered the pot to wilt.

Except for that meal, I reserved enough kale, onion and mushroom mixture to add to the next day’s dinner. In the same wok, I steamed potatoes and peeled garlic cloves in a steamer, then mashed them with butter and sour cream. A mixture of kale and mushrooms is added to garlic-flavored mashed potatoes and mixed together to form a version of colcannon. The traditional form is lightly cooked kale or cabbage and onions mixed into mashed potatoes.

As one of my favorite comfort foods, mashed potatoes become more interesting and nutritious by adding kale, onions and mushrooms. Leftovers can be used in interesting ways.

By adding eggs, flour, nutmeg, and (optionally) grated cheese to some colcannon, you can easily make fried patties. I like to eat pies for breakfast.

Another super simple breakfast is made quickly by putting colcannon in a baking dish, heating it, and covering it with a lid. When it is hot, make an indentation and beat the egg into it. Cover the plate and let the eggs cook to the desired degree of cookedness. Adjust the size of the dishes, the number of colcannon and the number of eggs to suit the size of each family.

almost home. Many people I know plan again for a simple, family-based Christmas, including familiar, comfortable family dinners, walks together, board games, and other family activities that involve no additional costs and no waste.

Gifts can also be made near home. A little wise pruning can produce small, fragrant green plants of the raffia line. Jam jars or pickles jars can easily turn into charming gifts, with colorful fabric squares fixed on the top.

I have been thinking about the gifts to buy for the past few weeks, so a mantra formed in my mind: shop locally. not too much. Address required.

In my own town, I was frustrated to see several stores closed in the past two years. At the same time, some new businesses have opened. One carries a series of ethical products, all made of natural materials-kitchenware, tablecloths, hats, toys, etc. Here, I found the best vegetable brush I have ever used-made from coconut fiber.

I will give away some brushes and specialty foods from health food stores and other small shops in town. Use them or lose them.

At this time of year, the local garden center is visiting paradise. Find a tool here that can make gardening easier and more enjoyable for family, friends or neighbors. You may find an unusual holiday plant to boost the spirit of your friends.

In some garden centers, you will find the works of local artists and craftsmen-unique pottery, birdhouses, plant greeting cards and interesting ceramic figures that can be placed in the garden. Buy local and support neighbors.

The pandemic, rising prices, and declining trust in the food produced by large industrial farms continue to cause people to grow their own food on home and community garden plots, as well as on decks, terraces, and balconies. To support this continuing trend, consider packaging vegetable seeds, labels, and waterproof markers. "Backyard Bounty", written by local author Lind Gilkeson (Lind Gilkeson), is a comprehensive guide to growing food in our climate.

The seeds of wild flowers in the local area and the "pollination garden" flower mixture are gifts that help promote biodiversity oasis and support basic insect and bird life.

Seasonal news from Abkhazia gardens. Abkhazia Gardens, 1964 Fairfield Road. In Victoria, holiday wreaths, swag and table decorations are sold. In the last two weeks before December 24, sales will include edible wreaths and edible tabletop decorations. The garden tea house and gift shop are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, and the last admission time is 3:30. In addition to afternoon tea, the teahouse now also offers festive Christmas afternoon tea. Reservation is recommended. abkhaziteahouse.com. 778-265-6466.