Free Ficus Burgundy Plant by Mail

Photo: Ficus Burgundy, Free Plant of the Month by freeplantsbymail.org

Free Plants By Mail (freeplantsbymail.org) was started by local growers as a way to use the surplus plants from nurseries and also as a way to support The Nature Conservancy.  Free Plants By Mail offers a new free plant each month.  This month they are offering a Ficus Burgundy.  

Although the plant itself is free, you do have to pay a small shipping and handling fee of $6.95.

This organization also has over 100 plants available for sale on their site.  100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to The Nature Conservancy.

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Homemade Anise-Fennel Seed Biscotti

Anise-Fennel Seed Biscotti

Organic Fennel Seeds Harvested from My Garden

I tried making biscotti for the first time.  I used a recipe featured in Better Homes & Garden, but used 1 Tbsp of fennel seeds instead of 2 Tbsp of aniseed, and I omitted the milk chocolate candy coating.  This recipe is a keeper.  I will definitely make it again, but next time I think I will lightly drizzle some chocolate over half the batch.  

Anise-Fennel Seed Biscotti Recipe

Makes 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. anise extract
• 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 c. sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 Tbsp fennel seeds, pulsed in food processor for 5 seconds (OR 2 Tbsp of aniseed)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and extract.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Stir in almonds and seeds.
2. Divide dough in half.  On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (or lined with foil that is lightly sprayed with cooking oil), shape each portion into a 12-in. x 2-in. rectangle.  Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until firm to the touch and the edges are golden brown.
3. Remove from oven and cool pans on wire racks.  When cool enough to handle, transfer to a cutting board and cut diagonally with serrated knife into ¾-in. slices.  Return to baking sheets, cut side down.
4. Bake for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.  Remove to wire racks to cool completely.  Store in airtight containers.

Free Composting Workshop, Sept 13

Contra Costa County is offering a free two-hour composting workshop to its residents.  All you have to do is call and reserve your spot.  Click here to view Contra Costa County's current schedule for free composting classes.

I have seen other cities/counties (e.g., Santa Clara, Solano, San Francisco, etc.),  offer similar free programs so perform a search for free composting classes in your county or check out your city's website and look under the recycling & waste department. You may even find that they offer free compost or free or discounted compost bins.

DATE	TIME	LOCATION	RESERVE SEAT BY CALLING
September 13	7 - 9 pm	Antioch	925-779-7097