Create with Kendra

Last year, I planted 10 heirloom tomato plants from Love Apple Farms Nursery and thought I had plenty. This year, I somehow convinced myself that 16 was a perfectly reasonable number. 😆

Over the past few months, those tiny plants have transformed into hundreds of beautiful heirloom tomatoes in every shape, size, and color imaginable. They’ve filled baskets, covered countertops, and inspired more meals than I can count. Caprese salads, sandwiches, fresh pasta, bruschetta, salsa, roasted tomatoes, and countless “let’s build dinner around whatever is ripe in the garden tonight” moments.

But honestly, that’s the magic of growing your own food. It becomes so much more than a garden. It’s slowing down long enough to notice what’s ready to harvest, sharing baskets with friends and neighbors, and creating meals around ingredients that were growing in the sunshine just hours before.

A huge thank you to Love Apple Farms Nursery for growing some of the most incredible heirloom tomato plants around. Year after year, they turn gardeners like me into tomato fanatics, and I couldn’t be happier about it. 🍅

Now tell me… what’s one thing you can never seem to do in moderation? 👇

When your husband says all he wants for Father’s Day is a turkey sandwich... you make him a turkey sandwich. 😅

Except this one starts with a whole turkey smoked low and slow on the NEW Westwood series, layered onto homemade sourdough with chipotle mayo, garden basil-arugula pesto, fresh tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and peppery arugula.

We packed it up for a bike ride picnic and spent the day celebrating one of the best dads I know. ❤️

Lance is always the first one to support our family, encourage my endless ideas, and show up for our son. So this Father’s Day, we built Dad the sandwich of his dreams.

And honestly... I think we delivered.

✨ Want the full recipe for the smoked turkey, homemade pesto, chipotle mayo, and sandwich? Comment **TURKEY** and I’ll send it to you!

I thought we were visiting a winery.

A private airport, a wine train, luxury lodging, Defender tours through 2,700 acres of protected land, wine caves, incredible food, and one of the most thoughtful approaches to farming and conservation I’ve ever seen.

Over the weekend, we immersed ourselves in everything Halter Ranch has to offer—from exploring the property in former South African safari Defenders to cooking incredible meals paired with their wines at the Hunting Lodge.

But what impressed me most wasn’t the wine or even the views.

It was the commitment to regenerative organic farming, soil health, conservation, fair wages, and investing in people year-round.

This place is truly a hidden gem in Paso Robles, and honestly, we loved it so much we booked our family Thanksgiving here before we even left.

🎥 I just released the full episode of our stay, along with a detailed blog post sharing everything we experienced and how you can plan your own visit.

Comment **HALTER** and I’ll send you the link to the full video, blog post, and information on booking your next stay.

Have you ever visited a place that completely exceeded your expectations?

🍷🚂✈️🌿

Leeks might just be the most underrated vegetable in the garden. ✨

These Creamy Baked Leeks with Bacon & Parmesan are rich, cozy, and packed with flavor. Tender leeks are baked in a buttery white wine cream sauce with smoky bacon, fresh thyme, and plenty of Parmesan until golden and bubbling.

It’s one of those dishes that feels like something you’d order at a charming little French bistro, yet it’s made with simple ingredients and comes together with very little effort.

Serve it alongside roast chicken, steak, beef bourguignon, or simply with a loaf of crusty sourdough to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. 🤍

If you’ve never cooked with leeks before, this is the recipe to start with!

👇 Comment LEEKS and I’ll send you the full recipe.

Have you ever cooked with leeks before, or do they intimidate you a little? Let me know below!

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