Summer in New York City normally means steamy hot days with sunshine. This summer has started off a bit grey and cooler, so when a recent weekend started shaping up nicely my thoughts turned to BBQ and backyard entertaining. I am one of those people who perks up considerably in the sunshine. I love the smell of grilled foods mingling with the aromatic scents from my blooming herb garden. This year I have added purple sage, golden oregano and lemongrass to my traditional spicy oregano, mint, English thyme, rosemary, zaatar and cilantro plants. I also bought 5 different kinds of basil because I love the colors and textures.  My husband Pat is a terrific gardener and spends hours making sure it blooms for as long as...

Spring is the season of renewal and new beginnings. The leaves are coming out on our fig tree, the herb garden perennials are poking their heads up and the blueberries and pears are flowering. My husband has been diligently nursing our Aleppo and Urfa pepper plants grown from last year’s seed, as well as many other varieties. We even managed to germinate some fresh zaatar seeds that family brought for us! Life is good. The incessant rain is supposed to bring May flowers and so far, is trying hard to do its job. I can’t wait to see our summer garden in its full...

In our home, Easter is a huge holiday. My family practices a mixture of religions, so we celebrate both the Greek and the Roman Catholic Easters. It makes for a fun and long spring...