Originating in the Andes more than 6,000 years ago, quinoa has been "rediscovered" of late closer to home – and with good reason. Pronounced kin-WAUGH or kin-OH-ah, quinoa is an excellent source of protein, fiber, amino acids, iron and magnesium. No wonder it was renowned for increasing the stamina of ancient Inca warriors!

I want to buy a farm. Like many Americans, I’d love to grow my own food. Not only does this save money in these challenging times, but it’s a sure bet that harvesting your own produce at its peak will pay off in an abundance of nutrition for a healthier you and your family.

Though I’ve yet to find the perfect property, I decided to prepare for my inevitable transition to country living. Last week, I signed up for my first gardening class with a local culinary gardener. Nöel Lopreore leads a "Plant a Culinary Garden with Bardessono" course this spring to teach us how to "grow our own" in the Napa Valley, where I live. My classmates ranged from a Bardessono hotel guest who had recently purchased a 4-acre farm in San Diego (and didn’t know much about gardening), to a local landscape architect who was there to extend her design expertise and embrace more of the hands-on aspect of gardening. I fit right in.