"Let's say we are born with such a predisposition-that humans like bees, are drawn instinctively to flowers." -Michael Pollan (from "The Botany of Desire")

There is such a joy when we look at the new blooms in a plant, but what is it really that we are attracted to when we see a bright flower?
Accordingly to our most native instinct to flowers is the relationship between the fruit and the flower. The significance of a flower is the first sign of prosperity, that the plant will give us fruit. 

We have been so inspired by our new gardens at our partnering Farm at Pata Palo. Many local vegetable and fruit trees are blooming constantly. We are located in one of the most fertile of lands near Arenal volcano, with past volcanic eruptions it has filled the soil with rich nutrients, making it a great place to harvest our own products.

Here are a few of our blooming flowers!
Hibiscus, Passion fruit, eggplant, starfruit & Plumeria.
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Walking through the streets of Barcelona was such a delight to my eyes! In the past few days I've been exploring stunting  food street markets where you can find almost about anything you can imagine. Even the display of the food is mesmerizing, the colors, the smells, is very inspiring. After a stroll to the street markets it was time to get the fresh produce to the kitchen and make some traditional recipes.

Along with Barcelona Cooking I learned to make really amazing dishes. Some of the dishes we prepared were, a classic  Paella with fresh sea food, Torta Española, Butternut Squash Soup, Tomato bread, a Catalan Creme Brûlée, local chorizo with white beans and a Catalan dessert!
After having a great time cooking I headed to a local winery outside of Barcelona, where I was greeted with some of the most amazing local wine with sides of local cheese!
Tasting different flavors along with learning about new ways of cooking has been very inspiring. Getting to know the food of another country is the best way to immerse your self in their traditions. I hope this post inspires you to try new recipes and when you travel, make sure to take at least one new recipe back home!
-Scott

The farm to table movement is an event where people can get to know where your food comes from. Getting to know the farm where produce is grown, harvest the crops and learn to prepare the ingredients in the kitchen. This is a movement to support small local businesses and small scale producers.

At this tour you will learn about Costa Rican agriculture and culinary practices. At the farm there are a wide range of wildlife like our resident sloths that will greet you upon arrival. 
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• 1 1/2 cups  long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups  water
• 1 large  cinnamon stick (or 2 smaller ones)
• 3/4 cups of raisins
• 4 cups  milk, warmed (see description)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (or more, to taste)
• 3/4 cup sugar

Recipe yields for 10-12 small portions.

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large saucepan or pot, combine water, rice and cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover pot and heat for 10 minutes or until water is absorbed.
2. Add the warmed milk, cover and continue to cook over low heat for another 15-20 minutes stirring after 8-10 minutes. (The mixture will thicken as the rice absorbs the milk).
3. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue to simmer (uncovered) for 3-5 minutes to dissolve sugar completely (It will thicken even more as it cools).
4. Place into a large serving dish or individual cups. Place cinnamon stick on top and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for garnish if desired. Serve warm or cold, for dessert, snack, or breakfast.

 Costa Rica Cooking was at Rancho Margot the same day CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta was there doing a story on Rancho Margot's owner and founder, Juan Sostheim.

*Not sure where or what Rancho Margot is?  Rancho Margot is located about a 40-minute drive from La Fortuna to a little town beside Lake Arenal called El Castillo.  Ranch Margot says this about themselves:
  
"At Rancho Margot, we make choices everyday to achieve greater and greater self-sufficiency with the ultimate goal of living sustainably."
 And they're doing this by such means as; generating their own electricity, creating biogas and using compost ovens to heat water.  But that's just the tip of the iceberg at Rancho Margot, they also make their own soap, furniture etc..... well I'm sure you get the picture.  For more info on Rancho Margot.  Or better yet, watch the video below and it will tell you everything you need to know about the Ranch.


Hey Everyone!  It was so COOL to be part of the bigger picture that is Rancho Margot.  I had contacted Juan a few weeks before to tell him my idea about doing a cooking video using the beautiful Rancho Margot as the backdrop.  Juan was all for it.  It was only coincidence that we were out there the same day as CNN.  But I have to say, it was exciting.

We had a great day filming with michael alan & D'Angelo, at Rancho Margot and if you watch the video, you see Juan and Elizabeth really LOVED the food... which is really what it's all about.  The second video was put out by the folks at CNN about a week ago and is a great overview of Juan and his vision that is Rancho Margot. Enjoy both videos. Pura Vida.

Here's me cheffing it up at Rancho Margot: 

And here's CNN's story, which is very good I might add.

Until next time. Pura Vida from Costa Rica.