Gardening

You don’t need to be born with a green thumb (or even two thumbs!) to be a gardener. Try my very smart tips for a very productive and beautiful garden!

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I am making these simple, fragrant and game changing bundles this weekend to add to soups, stews and sauces. Bouquet garni or “garnished bundle” as it translates from French to English are bundles or packages of herbs tied together or rolled into a ball and tucked into cheesecloth or even a tea strainer. Bouquet garni is added to broths and other liquids to add deep flavor and is removed prior to serving the dish. While there is no one recipe for a bouquet garni most French recipes use thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and often times have the addition of basil, chervil, rosemary and tarragon depending on the protein or liquid it is flavoring.⁠cookingtips #verysmartideas #frenchfood #france #herbs #growingherbs #gardening #healthyeating
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More information and combinations go to verysmartideas.com. #cookingtips #verysmartideas #frenchfood #frenchrecipes #herbs #growingherbs #gardening #healthyeating

20 3

I am making these simple, fragrant and game changing bundles this weekend to add to soups, stews and sauces. Bouquet garni or “garnished bundle” as it translates from French to English are bundles or packages of herbs tied together or rolled into a ball and tucked into cheesecloth or even a tea strainer. Bouquet garni is added to broths and other liquids to add deep flavor and is removed prior to serving the dish. While there is no one recipe for a bouquet garni most French recipes use thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and often times have the addition of basil, chervil, rosemary and tarragon depending on the protein or liquid it is flavoring.⁠cookingtips #verysmartideas #frenchfood #france #herbs #growingherbs #gardening #healthyeating
⁠
More information and combinations go to verysmartideas.com. #cookingtips #verysmartideas #frenchfood #frenchrecipes #herbs #growingherbs #gardening #healthyeating

I am making these simple, fragrant and game changing bundles this weekend to add to soups, stews and sauces. Bouquet garni or “garnished bundle” as it translates from French to English are bundles or packages of herbs tied together or rolled into a ball and tucked into cheesecloth or even a tea strainer. Bouquet garni is added to broths and other liquids to add deep flavor and is removed prior to serving the dish. While there is no one recipe for a bouquet garni most French recipes use thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and often times have the addition of basil, chervil, rosemary and tarragon depending on the protein or liquid it is flavoring.⁠cookingtips #verysmartideas #frenchfood #france #herbs #growingherbs #gardening #healthyeating
⁠
More information and combinations go to verysmartideas.com. #cookingtips #verysmartideas #frenchfood #frenchrecipes #herbs #growingherbs #gardening #healthyeating ...

20 3

Here’s how to keep basil, fresher longer🌱. #gardeningtips, #gardening, #organicgardening, #mygarden, #gardentips #verysmartideas #kitchentips #limbdifferenceawareness

66 3

Here’s how to keep basil, fresher longer🌱. #gardeningtips, #gardening, #organicgardening, #mygarden, #gardentips #verysmartideas #kitchentips #limbdifferenceawareness

Here’s how to keep basil, fresher longer🌱. #gardeningtips, #gardening, #organicgardening, #mygarden, #gardentips #verysmartideas #kitchentips #limbdifferenceawareness ...

66 3

#tiptuesday Did you know it’s a good idea to trim tomato plants? Here’s how to do it.

#verysmartideas #gardentips #tomatoes #summergarden #limbdifferenceawareness #easyrecipes

54 2

#tiptuesday Did you know it’s a good idea to trim tomato plants? Here’s how to do it.

#verysmartideas #gardentips #tomatoes #summergarden #limbdifferenceawareness #easyrecipes

#tiptuesday Did you know it’s a good idea to trim tomato plants? Here’s how to do it.

#verysmartideas #gardentips #tomatoes #summergarden #limbdifferenceawareness #easyrecipes ...

54 2

#TipTuesday is a short and sweet one today! Store your small garden tools in sand to prevent rust from forming.

#garden #verysmartideas #summergardening #outdoorliving #gardentips #gardenreel

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#TipTuesday is a short and sweet one today! Store your small garden tools in sand to prevent rust from forming.

#garden #verysmartideas #summergardening #outdoorliving #gardentips #gardenreel

#TipTuesday is a short and sweet one today! Store your small garden tools in sand to prevent rust from forming.

#garden #verysmartideas #summergardening #outdoorliving #gardentips #gardenreel ...

43 5

Quick tip on basil sprouts! I love doing this to save a little time and money when it comes to gardening. And a little bonus - the mason jars make for cute table decor as well. I love it! 🌱

#verysmartideas #basilsprouts #summergarden #gardentips

54 3

Quick tip on basil sprouts! I love doing this to save a little time and money when it comes to gardening. And a little bonus - the mason jars make for cute table decor as well. I love it! 🌱

#verysmartideas #basilsprouts #summergarden #gardentips

Quick tip on basil sprouts! I love doing this to save a little time and money when it comes to gardening. And a little bonus - the mason jars make for cute table decor as well. I love it! 🌱

#verysmartideas #basilsprouts #summergarden #gardentips ...

54 3

Trim basil stems for fluffy, high producing plants all summer long. Here’s how to do it.
#basil #gardening #gardenideas #vegetables #organic #verysmartideas #limbdifferenceawareness

44 2

Trim basil stems for fluffy, high producing plants all summer long. Here’s how to do it.
#basil #gardening #gardenideas #vegetables #organic #verysmartideas #limbdifferenceawareness

Trim basil stems for fluffy, high producing plants all summer long. Here’s how to do it.
#basil #gardening #gardenideas #vegetables #organic #verysmartideas #limbdifferenceawareness ...

44 2

Ramps, aka wild leaks, grow all-over Illinois and throughout the Midwest for a very short period of time in the spring. They are a delicious cross between a scallion and an onion. There are all sorts of things that you can make with ramps. Check these photos out for just a few recipes using this unique produce!
Shown in the photos: pesto made from this seasonal gift, it is fresh, garlicky and bright. Pasta with ramps and mushrooms, and what would cocktail hour be without pickled ramps to eat along side, good cheeses and meats. #ramps #illinois #verysmartideas #easyrecipes #foraging #gardening

43 6

Ramps, aka wild leaks, grow all-over Illinois and throughout the Midwest for a very short period of time in the spring. They are a delicious cross between a scallion and an onion. There are all sorts of things that you can make with ramps. Check these photos out for just a few recipes using this unique produce!
Shown in the photos: pesto made from this seasonal gift, it is fresh, garlicky and bright. Pasta with ramps and mushrooms, and what would cocktail hour be without pickled ramps to eat along side, good cheeses and meats. #ramps #illinois #verysmartideas #easyrecipes #foraging #gardening

Ramps, aka wild leaks, grow all-over Illinois and throughout the Midwest for a very short period of time in the spring. They are a delicious cross between a scallion and an onion. There are all sorts of things that you can make with ramps. Check these photos out for just a few recipes using this unique produce!
Shown in the photos: pesto made from this seasonal gift, it is fresh, garlicky and bright. Pasta with ramps and mushrooms, and what would cocktail hour be without pickled ramps to eat along side, good cheeses and meats. #ramps #illinois #verysmartideas #easyrecipes #foraging #gardening ...

43 6

Winter garden transitioning into spring isn’t always pretty😅 Can anyone relate?!

But don’t worry - I’ll be planting some more vegetables this weekend and before you know it the garden will be full and beautiful again! 🌿

#verysmartideas #garden #organicgardening #gardenreels #instagarden #trendingreels

54 3

Winter garden transitioning into spring isn’t always pretty😅 Can anyone relate?!

But don’t worry - I’ll be planting some more vegetables this weekend and before you know it the garden will be full and beautiful again! 🌿

#verysmartideas #garden #organicgardening #gardenreels #instagarden #trendingreels

Winter garden transitioning into spring isn’t always pretty😅 Can anyone relate?!

But don’t worry - I’ll be planting some more vegetables this weekend and before you know it the garden will be full and beautiful again! 🌿

#verysmartideas #garden #organicgardening #gardenreels #instagarden #trendingreels ...

54 3

Happy Earth Day to my favorite Peeps🌎🌱💚

Did you know Earth day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconson politician and environmentalist on April 22nd 1970? Here are five simple things to do to help out Mother Earth!

1. "Plant a tree! Trees help absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, making them a critical part of our ecosystem. Consider planting a tree in your backyard, local park, or community garden to help reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality."
2. "Reduce food waste by composting! Composting is an easy and effective way to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. Consider starting a compost bin in your backyard or finding a local composting facility."
3. "Switch to eco-friendly products! Choose products made from sustainable materials and avoid single-use items like plastic straws and bags. Opt for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags to reduce waste and conserve resources."
4. "Reduce energy consumption! Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when they`re not in use, and use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. These small actions can add up to big savings on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint."
5. "Support local farmers! Buying locally grown food supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Visit your local farmer`s market or sign up for a community-supported agriculture program to support sustainable agriculture practices."
#earthday #environment #mothernature #aboutgigi #verysmartideas #organicgardening #garden

40 4

Happy Earth Day to my favorite Peeps🌎🌱💚

Did you know Earth day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconson politician and environmentalist on April 22nd 1970? Here are five simple things to do to help out Mother Earth!

1. "Plant a tree! Trees help absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, making them a critical part of our ecosystem. Consider planting a tree in your backyard, local park, or community garden to help reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality."
2. "Reduce food waste by composting! Composting is an easy and effective way to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. Consider starting a compost bin in your backyard or finding a local composting facility."
3. "Switch to eco-friendly products! Choose products made from sustainable materials and avoid single-use items like plastic straws and bags. Opt for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags to reduce waste and conserve resources."
4. "Reduce energy consumption! Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when they're not in use, and use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. These small actions can add up to big savings on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint."
5. "Support local farmers! Buying locally grown food supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Visit your local farmer's market or sign up for a community-supported agriculture program to support sustainable agriculture practices."
#earthday #environment #mothernature #aboutgigi #verysmartideas #organicgardening #garden

Happy Earth Day to my favorite Peeps🌎🌱💚

Did you know Earth day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconson politician and environmentalist on April 22nd 1970? Here are five simple things to do to help out Mother Earth!

1. "Plant a tree! Trees help absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, making them a critical part of our ecosystem. Consider planting a tree in your backyard, local park, or community garden to help reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality."
2. "Reduce food waste by composting! Composting is an easy and effective way to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. Consider starting a compost bin in your backyard or finding a local composting facility."
3. "Switch to eco-friendly products! Choose products made from sustainable materials and avoid single-use items like plastic straws and bags. Opt for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags to reduce waste and conserve resources."
4. "Reduce energy consumption! Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when they`re not in use, and use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. These small actions can add up to big savings on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint."
5. "Support local farmers! Buying locally grown food supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Visit your local farmer`s market or sign up for a community-supported agriculture program to support sustainable agriculture practices."
#earthday #environment #mothernature #aboutgigi #verysmartideas #organicgardening #garden ...

40 4

Planning a garden: Part 2 of an #easy step-by-step guide to planning your 2023 garden!

#verysmartideas #greenthumb #gardentips #limbdifferenceawareness #organic #gardening #vegetables

25 4

Planning a garden: Part 2 of an #easy step-by-step guide to planning your 2023 garden!

#verysmartideas #greenthumb #gardentips #limbdifferenceawareness #organic #gardening #vegetables

Planning a garden: Part 2 of an #easy step-by-step guide to planning your 2023 garden!

#verysmartideas #greenthumb #gardentips #limbdifferenceawareness #organic #gardening #vegetables ...

25 4

Here’s an part 1 of an easy step-by-step guide to planning your 2023 garden! #verysmartideas #greenthumb #gardentips #limbdifferenceawareness #organic #gardening #vegetables

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Here’s an part 1 of an easy step-by-step guide to planning your 2023 garden! #verysmartideas #greenthumb #gardentips #limbdifferenceawareness #organic #gardening #vegetables

Here’s an part 1 of an easy step-by-step guide to planning your 2023 garden! #verysmartideas #greenthumb #gardentips #limbdifferenceawareness #organic #gardening #vegetables ...

43 6

Butter Braised Leeks with Parmesan and Thyme ⁠
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This recipe makes the MOST delicious #leeks you have EVER tasted. The dish is savory, delicate and loaded with umami flavors. Serve with your favorite beef or chicken recipe. Recipe below or at www.verysmartideas.com⁠
⁠
Ingredients:⁠
6-8 medium leeks, about 2lbs, trimmed and rinsed clean⁠
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc�1 cup chicken or vegetable broth ⁠
2 Tbsps cold, unsalted butter, cut into slices ⁠
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves ⁠
1/2 cup parmesan or pecorino or cheese, grated ⁠
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper ⁠
⁠
Directions:⁠
⁠
�Step 1. Trim dark-green tops and roots from the leeks then cut in half lengthwise. Remove any tough, bruised outer layers. Hold the leeks to keep them intact and rinse them under running water and drain.⁠
⁠
Step 2. In an oven proof pan or cast iron skillet, arrange the leeks in a single layer, close together, with the cut sides up. ⁠
⁠
Step 3. Add the wine to a small pan and boil for a minute and then add the broth and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle the leeks with kosher salt and a few good cranks of freshly ground pepper. ⁠
⁠
Step 4. Evenly distribute the slices of butter on top of the leeks and sprinkle the thyme leaves. Cover the pan or skillet with a lid and simmer for 40-45 minutes. Add additional broth if necessary.⁠
⁠
�Step 5. Uncover and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes or until the leeks are tender and the broth has reduced by half or more. ⁠
⁠
Preheat broiler to high⁠
⁠
Step 5. Sprinkle the leeks with the pecorino or parmesan cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes or until browned and bubbly. ⁠
⁠
Add additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. ⁠
⁠
#verysmartideas #easyrecipes #Cookinglessons #umami #gardentotable #organicgardening #veggies #cookingvideos

34 3

Butter Braised Leeks with Parmesan and Thyme ⁠
⁠
This recipe makes the MOST delicious #leeks you have EVER tasted. The dish is savory, delicate and loaded with umami flavors. Serve with your favorite beef or chicken recipe. Recipe below or at www.verysmartideas.com⁠
⁠
Ingredients:⁠
6-8 medium leeks, about 2lbs, trimmed and rinsed clean⁠
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc�1 cup chicken or vegetable broth ⁠
2 Tbsps cold, unsalted butter, cut into slices ⁠
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves ⁠
1/2 cup parmesan or pecorino or cheese, grated ⁠
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper ⁠
⁠
Directions:⁠
⁠
�Step 1. Trim dark-green tops and roots from the leeks then cut in half lengthwise. Remove any tough, bruised outer layers. Hold the leeks to keep them intact and rinse them under running water and drain.⁠
⁠
Step 2. In an oven proof pan or cast iron skillet, arrange the leeks in a single layer, close together, with the cut sides up. ⁠
⁠
Step 3. Add the wine to a small pan and boil for a minute and then add the broth and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle the leeks with kosher salt and a few good cranks of freshly ground pepper. ⁠
⁠
Step 4. Evenly distribute the slices of butter on top of the leeks and sprinkle the thyme leaves. Cover the pan or skillet with a lid and simmer for 40-45 minutes. Add additional broth if necessary.⁠
⁠
�Step 5. Uncover and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes or until the leeks are tender and the broth has reduced by half or more. ⁠
⁠
Preheat broiler to high⁠
⁠
Step 5. Sprinkle the leeks with the pecorino or parmesan cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes or until browned and bubbly. ⁠
⁠
Add additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. ⁠
⁠
#verysmartideas #easyrecipes #Cookinglessons #umami #gardentotable #organicgardening #veggies #cookingvideos

Butter Braised Leeks with Parmesan and Thyme ⁠
⁠
This recipe makes the MOST delicious #leeks you have EVER tasted. The dish is savory, delicate and loaded with umami flavors. Serve with your favorite beef or chicken recipe. Recipe below or at www.verysmartideas.com⁠
⁠
Ingredients:⁠
6-8 medium leeks, about 2lbs, trimmed and rinsed clean⁠
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc�1 cup chicken or vegetable broth ⁠
2 Tbsps cold, unsalted butter, cut into slices ⁠
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves ⁠
1/2 cup parmesan or pecorino or cheese, grated ⁠
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper ⁠
⁠
Directions:⁠
⁠
�Step 1. Trim dark-green tops and roots from the leeks then cut in half lengthwise. Remove any tough, bruised outer layers. Hold the leeks to keep them intact and rinse them under running water and drain.⁠
⁠
Step 2. In an oven proof pan or cast iron skillet, arrange the leeks in a single layer, close together, with the cut sides up. ⁠
⁠
Step 3. Add the wine to a small pan and boil for a minute and then add the broth and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle the leeks with kosher salt and a few good cranks of freshly ground pepper. ⁠
⁠
Step 4. Evenly distribute the slices of butter on top of the leeks and sprinkle the thyme leaves. Cover the pan or skillet with a lid and simmer for 40-45 minutes. Add additional broth if necessary.⁠
⁠
�Step 5. Uncover and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes or until the leeks are tender and the broth has reduced by half or more. ⁠
⁠
Preheat broiler to high⁠
⁠
Step 5. Sprinkle the leeks with the pecorino or parmesan cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes or until browned and bubbly. ⁠
⁠
Add additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. ⁠
⁠
#verysmartideas #easyrecipes #Cookinglessons #umami #gardentotable #organicgardening #veggies #cookingvideos ...

34 3

What to do with your UNbloomed Orchid between blooms. Perfect tip to add a little extra ZHUZH to your holidays!
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#verysmartideas #reels #homedecorideas #gardeningtips #orchidflower #orchids #orchidtips #howtocarefororchids #tipsandtricks #flowertips #tipsandtricks #halfwayhomemade⁠

38 1

What to do with your UNbloomed Orchid between blooms. Perfect tip to add a little extra ZHUZH to your holidays!
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#verysmartideas #reels #homedecorideas #gardeningtips #orchidflower #orchids #orchidtips #howtocarefororchids #tipsandtricks #flowertips #tipsandtricks #halfwayhomemade⁠

What to do with your UNbloomed Orchid between blooms. Perfect tip to add a little extra ZHUZH to your holidays!
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#verysmartideas #reels #homedecorideas #gardeningtips #orchidflower #orchids #orchidtips #howtocarefororchids #tipsandtricks #flowertips #tipsandtricks #halfwayhomemade⁠ ...

38 1

Well, Mother Nature won the fight. What the conifer rust and Japanese beetles didn’t munch, the chipmunks finished. One of the hardest parts of growing an organic garden is losing crops like my beloved apples to pests and disease. Apples require so many sprays and pesticides, which I will not use in my garden. Foolishly, I thought I could keep on top of Mother Nature, but she won🌏🍎
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#apples #organicgardening #verysmartideas #gardeningtips #mothernature

21 4

Well, Mother Nature won the fight. What the conifer rust and Japanese beetles didn’t munch, the chipmunks finished. One of the hardest parts of growing an organic garden is losing crops like my beloved apples to pests and disease. Apples require so many sprays and pesticides, which I will not use in my garden. Foolishly, I thought I could keep on top of Mother Nature, but she won🌏🍎
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#apples #organicgardening #verysmartideas #gardeningtips #mothernature

Well, Mother Nature won the fight. What the conifer rust and Japanese beetles didn’t munch, the chipmunks finished. One of the hardest parts of growing an organic garden is losing crops like my beloved apples to pests and disease. Apples require so many sprays and pesticides, which I will not use in my garden. Foolishly, I thought I could keep on top of Mother Nature, but she won🌏🍎
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#apples #organicgardening #verysmartideas #gardeningtips #mothernature ...

21 4

Roasted tomatoes to use for later! Roast them in the oven with some salt (i like to add a little parmesan too) and once they are roasted and cooled, freeze them in a freezer bag and use throughout the year! Fresh seasonal tomatoes at your fingertips :D
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#gardeningtips #verysmartideas #myrecipes #tomatoerecipes #tomatoes #fromthegarden #freezeforlater #tomatoesfromthegarden #fromthegarden #kitchentips #cookingtips #foodprep

25 0

Roasted tomatoes to use for later! Roast them in the oven with some salt (i like to add a little parmesan too) and once they are roasted and cooled, freeze them in a freezer bag and use throughout the year! Fresh seasonal tomatoes at your fingertips :D
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#gardeningtips #verysmartideas #myrecipes #tomatoerecipes #tomatoes #fromthegarden #freezeforlater #tomatoesfromthegarden #fromthegarden #kitchentips #cookingtips #foodprep

Roasted tomatoes to use for later! Roast them in the oven with some salt (i like to add a little parmesan too) and once they are roasted and cooled, freeze them in a freezer bag and use throughout the year! Fresh seasonal tomatoes at your fingertips :D
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#gardeningtips #verysmartideas #myrecipes #tomatoerecipes #tomatoes #fromthegarden #freezeforlater #tomatoesfromthegarden #fromthegarden #kitchentips #cookingtips #foodprep ...

25 0

Creamy Zucchini Pasta that will blow your 🤯! It is so darn good and I used a ton of zucchini’s from my garden this summer. #growwhatyoueat
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#gardeningtips #verysmartideas #zucchini #pasta #dairyfree #vegetarian #veggiepasta #pastaprimavera #pastarecipes #myrecipes #doubledutyrecipe

77 9

Creamy Zucchini Pasta that will blow your 🤯! It is so darn good and I used a ton of zucchini’s from my garden this summer. #growwhatyoueat
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#gardeningtips #verysmartideas #zucchini #pasta #dairyfree #vegetarian #veggiepasta #pastaprimavera #pastarecipes #myrecipes #doubledutyrecipe

Creamy Zucchini Pasta that will blow your 🤯! It is so darn good and I used a ton of zucchini’s from my garden this summer. #growwhatyoueat
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#gardeningtips #verysmartideas #zucchini #pasta #dairyfree #vegetarian #veggiepasta #pastaprimavera #pastarecipes #myrecipes #doubledutyrecipe ...

77 9

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