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Pappardelle with Fresh Pesto and Chicken (oh my!)

August 28, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Pappardelle Pasta with Fresh Pesto and Chicken

Pasta + Pesto + Chicken

Last week I was in the mood for pasta. AND I was determined to make use of the bumper crop of fresh basil growing in my herb garden. It’s been a stellar summer for herb-growing, and I refuse to let a single leaf go to waste. So I whipped up a delicious platter of pappardelle with fresh pesto and chicken.

Pesto is easy to make. After tasting the homemade version, you’ll never buy pesto from a jar again. Continue Reading

St. Paddy’s Day Cake Balls

March 16, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

cake balls for St. Patrick's Day

I failed to make a pie for Pi Day (boo), but I made cake balls for St. Paddy’s Day (yay). And since St. Paddy’s Day isn’t until tomorrow, I’m ahead of the game. This morning I enjoyed one with my coffee. The great thing about cake balls is you really can have your cake and eat it too. Satisfy your sweet craving in two little bites.

Yum.

If you’ve never made cake balls, I’ll tell you this—it’s a process that takes a little patience, but it isn’t difficult. And if you’ve ever bought cake balls for a party, you know they can be pricey. But there’s no reason to spend your hard earned money. Make your own instead.

I thought about my Daddy when I made these because he REFUSED to eat green desserts. No green Jell-o, green ice cream, green popsicle or candy. Haha, it’s funny what we remember.Continue Reading

Thai Carrot Soup

February 27, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Thai Carrot Soup

Soup pairs well with wintertime, but so many of my favorite soup recipes are heavy and carb-laden. As much as I’d love to hibernate until spring, I don’t have time to feel tired and sluggish. I can’t imagine any of us do. Thai Carrot Soup is a winner in my recipe book not only because it’s a nourishing meal, but it tastes delicious without forcing me into a long winter’s nap.

Know what I mean?

Remember the Campbell Soup saying, “Soup is good food?” It’s true.

Thai Carrot Soup checks ALL the boxes for me. Ginger adds an explosion of fresh flavor and spice. Cayenne gives it a little extra kick. Ooooh, Lordy, this soup is miraculously creamy and rich even though it’s broth-based.

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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