By the time you see this issue, it’s likely the Texas heat will be fully kicking in. Our lavender-focused seasonal cocktails (and the beautiful mocktail featured on the cover) will keep you cool and quench your thirst for something extra-refreshing. The intricate mixology of Toby Thomason and Michelle LeBolt of Harvest Seasonal Kitchen brings the garden into your kitchen to craft these recipes.
These lavender drinks were inspired by Fields of Fidelis, owned and run by U.S. Army veterans AJ and Lenda Fidelman, who create exquisite, locally made products from organic lavender they grow in Anna. We love sharing their story, and you’ll want to cook up their recipe for Lavendar Range Chicken! Much gratitude to Azure Photography for these priceless images of the couple and the summer drinks.
Kim and Russ Aman take us on a fantastic trip to Mexico! rough their words and great photos, we, too, get to experience a unique visit to the monarch sanctuaries in Michoacán, and all the local flavors tasted along the way.
Keeping with the butter y theme, Daniel Cunningham gives us practical tips for creating a habitat for butterflies and other pollinators – it’s both beneficial and personally rewarding knowing how to attract them into our home gardens, and the gorgeous images will inspire you to get planting. Many thanks to Daniel and Roseann Ferguson for the photos!
Eve visits Chef Olivia Lopez and reminds us of the “beauty of corn” Lopez and her partner Jonathan Percival have brought the bounty of Mexican heirloom corn to our city. Through her culinary prowess and their combined passion, they’re revolutionizing what we have on hand—and can cook. e talented Kelsey Foster captured their gorgeous recipes and portraits.
We are also thrilled to introduce you to two new members of our team, and so appreciative to have them on board. Please say hello to our Managing Editor, Eve Hill- Agnus, and Michael Nott, our Art Director…two extraordinarily talented people. #CountingOurBlessings
And lastly, we have a fun family addition this issue – edible for Kids has garden activities, recipes, stories and more created for family sharing. You can never start too young to learn about and appreciate the importance of where our food comes from. Hope you enjoy this issue. Our team had a wonderful time bringing these stories to you!
Nanci Taylor, Publisher
NANCI TAYLOR is a third generation Texan whose family came to the state in the 1800’s to pursue cattle ranching and Texas has remained her home. She was born in San Antonio, but ended up in North Texas where she nurtured her Texas roots while attending college and raising two sons in Dallas. Proudly following in her parent's footsteps, Nanci plants and harvests the bounty of her own backyard garden in Old East Dallas. She keeps a busy calendar attending local food and ecology events, and on weekends she spends her time visiting with growers and food artisans at farms, shops and farmers markets around North Texas.
