Local Life

Garden calendar

Clark CountyBackyard composting workshop: 10 a.m. to noon June 15 at Columbia Springs, 12208 S.E. Evergreen Highway. Learn about basic composting science and see examples of composting sites. Free. * http://columbiasprings.org/mcr/classes.html or 360-882-0936, ext. 224.Community Supported Agriculture in Clark County tour: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18, begins at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 9319 N.E. Highway 99. Visit three local farms, Red Basket Farm in Battle Ground, Inspiration Plantation in Ridgefield and Storytree Farm in Vancouver, in a guided tour. $30. Register by June 13 * http://ocrs.wsu.edu/Signup/?eventid=899 or 360-397-6060, ext. 5738.Create your own bonsai: 11 a.m. June 15 at Tsugawa Nursery, 410 E. Scott Ave., Woodland. Learn how to create a bonsai tree, along with learning about which vines are suitable. Free. * http://tsugawanursery.com/events.htm or 360-225-8750.

Ask the gardening expert

My neighbor gave me some large snapdragons that are bright yellow. She told me they are going to be tall, and I want to plant them in a pot that I'll keep on the front step. I don't know what to plant with it since it is a large barrel-type pot, and would like it to continue to look nice all summer.

A grilled salad perfect for dads' special day

My approach to food is pretty simple. I firmly believe that if you can eat it, you can grill it.

Cheesy jalapeños perfect for popping

Spicy, cheesy and piled with pork. You really can't go wrong with stuffed jalapeño peppers for Father's Day.

Bacon, maple elevate cookies

These cookies aren't exactly a healthy treat for your father … or anyone else's for that matter.

Tapenade enhances the best parts of olives

Quick Fix: One-pan pork salad

Try this quick and easy barbecue pork salad for a summer weekend. It has a barbecue flavor without heating up the grill. This is a one-pot meal that's great for two, or increase the recipe for a crowd.

Give dad what he craves with steak, potatoes

My family has been weaning itself from red meat for years. We still love it, but the portions and frequency are less than they used to be. Still, when I started planning a Father's Day menu for my husband and my dad, I thought it might be nice to bow to tradition by turning to the Batman and Robin of manly fare — steak and potatoes.

Jazz up the classic campfire s'more

Three simple ingredients — a marshmallow, a piece of chocolate and two graham crackers. The symbol of summer and campfire snacking.

Chef's salad updated with Mediterranean flair

The traditional chef's salad is a snapshot of the typical 1970s-era American deli counter. This version has Mediterranean flair, with cumin-rubbed grilled shrimp, roasted peppers and a light lemon dressing.

Freeze-dried corn powder gives polenta a kick

"Polenta — I May Be Doing it Wrong." This was the subject line of an email we received a couple of months ago, from a reader who wanted to know why her cornmeal porridge always "seems to turn out bland and somewhat uninteresting." "I've tried a couple different preparations so far (sliced and baked, mush under stew)," the reader explained, "but I'm just not a fan."