Summer is fast approaching, and we are busy prepping the herbs and spices we will need to start preserving summer's bounty. We have collected the needed spices to make our favorite kitchen pepper which will be used to season many a receipt. A longtime favorite of the cooks at Polk birthplace is making Crowdie Cheese with herbs and spices we collect from the garden served on a piece of toast. Receipts may have been simpler during the 18th century, but herbs and spices were often used when possible or available. Let's not forget the vegetables that are being harvested from the garden! A medley of cucumber, onion and squash cooked in butter will finish out the menu. We will be glad to share our secrets but no the food.