Introducing our newest blog series "Homegrown" with Megan Pierson

Mandy Benoit: I am so excited to introduce our new blog series “Homegrown” by my dear friend, avid gardener, & incredible cook Megan Pierson. She intends to discuss best practices for vegetable gardening and a variety of delicious ways to make use of your vegetables & herbs.

Mandy Benoit: When and how did you start cooking and gardening? When did the “sparks” fly?

Megan Pierson: I became obsessed with food in college after a life changing dinner at Girl & The Goat in Chicago. Something went off inside of me and I wanted to learn about and eat everything I could get my hands on. I’m thrilled by the ingredients, the cooking, the dining, the eating- every aspect. As for gardening, it's always been a part of my life. I am inspired by my Mom who I’ve watched in her garden and learned from my whole life. For years I’ve grown houseplants (yes, I’m a crazy plant lady!), herbs, and perennials. I was recently encouraged by my great friend Mandy Benoit, of Benoit Greenhouses, to take things a step further and grow my own fresh ingredients in a backyard vegetable garden. Mixing my passion for cooking and gardening has been SO much fun.

Introducing Megan Pierson the author of our new Homegrown blog!

Megan : Fresh, quality ingredients make every meal taste better, but using ones you grew yourself is just the most incredible feeling! From tending the very first planting, to watching the veggies/herbs grow (I become quite attached to them!), and then using them to create something delicious in the kitchen is SO rewarding. This year my husband and I planted our first veggie garden and I was clueless at the beginning. It’s been a huge learning curve and I still have a lot to learn. I can't wait to share my experiences, recipes, successes and mishaps with you all.

Mandy: I can’t wait to share next weeks recipes with you!! All inspired by Kale!!

Thank you!! Have a great week!!

Mandy Benoit