Direct from the Grower

Easy to maneuver rows, filled with tightly packed tables that boast the Uncle John’s brand of positively glorious blooms, command no less than a half-day to dlve into. Artfully displayed among the greenhouse fare are the signature pottery lines that Marcia has included. “We carry Guy Wolfe Pottery as well as garden accents from the … Read more

Categories Uncategorized

How does your garden grow?

A stroll through the greenhouses at Uncle John’s Plant Farm is always a nostalgic experience for the grandson of a farmer. It brings back the aura of warm summer days when the distinct aroma of freshly growing tomatoes was captured under glass. But one needn’t be a farmer to enjoy the pleasures of nurturing homegrown … Read more

Categories Uncategorized

The Ketchup ‘n’ Fries plant

You say tomato. I say potato. We’re both right. And they’re both a part of the same plant. That’s right—the top portion of the Ketchup ‘n’ Fries plant, at Uncle John’s Plant Farm, was grafted to grow as many as 500 cherry tomatoes over the summer, while, beneath the soil, it can produce more than … Read more

Uncle John’s Plant Farm

If you are accustomed to buying your plants, shrubs, trees and garden gifts at a traditional garden center, you’re in for a treat, darling. Olmsted Fall’s Uncle John’s Plant Farm is as delightful as its name implies and it’s worth the 1⁄2-hour drive from anywhere in Mimi Magazine’s readership area. Jeff and Marcia Hawkins, the … Read more

Categories Uncategorized

The joy of rhubarb

Tantalizingly tart rhubarb pie, many people insist, is one of the tasty treats of summer.   However, opines Marcia Hawkins, co-owner of Uncle John’s Home and Garden, in Olmsted Falls, there’s a lot more to rhubarb than meets the pie. “Rhubarb is such a versatile and underused vegetable,” Marcia says. “It can be utilized in … Read more

Categories Uncategorized

Minted Fruit

I love to mix and match room temperature, drop-dead-ripe stone fruits and melons with fresh mint. Try this recipe for your next picnic or a too-hot-to-bake-one-of-my-cakes dessert. Minted Fruit 3 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced 6 small ripe plums, pitted and sliced ½ ripe melon (honeydew, cantaloupe) seeded and cut into ½ inch cubes … Read more

Lemony Fresh Herb Coolers

Using these fresh herbs in a variety of ways is a pleasure, and I like to serve this cooler instead of lemonade when people drop by. Try it with your fresh basil and mint and more! Lemony Fresh Herb Coolers Makes about 8 drinks The combination of fresh basil, cilantro, mint and tarragon makes an … Read more

Lemon Herb Mayonnaise

  Sometimes, simple is just want you want…something a little out of the ordinary to elevate an everyday dish. Fresh herbs, simply chopped and added as a “stir in”, are your perfect kitchen partner in my take on a mayonnaise with the addition of fresh herbs and a burst of lemon flavor. Use as a … Read more

Insalata Mista with Mint

Makes 4 side dish servings 5 cups torn mixed greens ½ cup halved yellow or red cherry tomatoes 3 Tablespoons snipped fresh mint 2 ounces thinly sliced fresh mozzarella ¼ cup Greek olives, pitted (optional) 2 Tablespoons dry white wine 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1/8 … Read more

Herb, Garlic & Lemon Rub

    Got herbs? They make THE perfect rub for your next outdoor soiree, tantalizing with pork tenderloin, skinless poultry (chicken or turkey) and even fish.   Herb, Garlic and Lemon Rub   This rub makes about 1/2 cup…   1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 2 Tablespoons fresh … Read more

Fresh from the Garden Angel Food Cake

I adore angel food cakes…they’re light and airy and make the perfect canvas for seasonal fruit, fresh herbs and a large (or small) dollop of freshly whipped cream. When it comes to actually making angel food cakes at my home, my husband, John, is the far better baker of these delicacies than I.  His are … Read more

Fresh Dill Bread

Dill bread is traditionally a Swedish bread, often served with soups or other hearty dishes. It is not used as a breakfast bread, due to the robust flavor of the dill. A true artisan bread, this is recipe is reminiscent of something you might buy at a farmer’s market and is a delicious variation on … Read more

Colorful (and Flavorful) Gazpacho Salad

This bright and flavorful combination of veggies makes for the perfect salad for picnics, potlucks, cookouts and salad buffets!   5 medium tomatoes, cored and chopped 1 cup chopped peeled cucumber 3/4 cup chopped red onion 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1/2 to 3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice … Read more

Asparagus Puffs

1 jar Robert Rothschild Farm Raspberry Honey Mustard Pretzel Dip 1 puff pastry sheet 2 oz. prosciutto, thinly sliced 12 asparagus spears Salt and pepper to taste Thaw puff pastry and roll out sheet onto cutting board. Brush Raspberry Mustard Pretzel Dip onto puff pastry sheet. Cover with one layer of the thinly sliced prosciutto. … Read more