Kesy Curtis
Former Marketing Assistant
Growing Spaces
Kesy was on the Growing Spaces marketing team from 2015 to 2023, handling social media for the company across an eight-year stretch. On the blog, she's the byline on most of the recipe posts from that period, along with occasional company news and event updates.
Articles by Kesy Curtis
Bok Choy Wonton Soup
February 10, 2023
Wontons, dumplings, pot stickers, or whatever you prefer to call them are delicious, satisfying, and fun to make. This winter we have a lot of nutritious greens, herbs, and veggies to choose from in our Growing Dome gardens. Bok choy is delicious, easy to grow, and can be used in all types of recipes from soups to salads and stir-fries.
Hearty Kitchen Sink Soup from Garden Bounty and Winter Warmth
January 9, 2023
We call this Kitchen Sink Soup because we take everything leftover from our fall & early winter Growing Dome harvests & whatever we have in the fridge to make the soup. We put everything in but the kitchen sink! The key is to have veggies, herbs, a grain or carbohydrate, and different types of alliums
The Best Celeriac Recipe
October 13, 2022
Ever heard of Celeriac? It is great for soups, salads, slaws, baked, roasted, and sautéed.
September Plant of the Month the Incredible, Edible, Fig
September 19, 2022
What The Fig? Check out our article: How to Grow Figs in a Greenhouse! If you are like the majority of people, you may not be acquainted with the fig except for maybe a fig newton or perhaps used as a prehistoric fig leaf loin cloth in the days before underwear. All joking aside figs…
Quinoa Crusted Summer Squash
September 9, 2022
Tis the Season For Squash and Zucchini. This is one of our favorite ways to make a delicious and easy side dish for any grilled protein!
Dome-Made Salsa with Air Fried Chips
August 11, 2022
Lucky for us, it’s tomato season in our Domes right now, and if you are like us, you have a variety of vine-ripened tomatoes from your Growing Dome. If you haven’t tried a Dome-grown tomato, you are missing out. The filtered light and temperature in the Dome make a perfect environment to ripen your tomatoes. They are far more flavorful and delicious than any tomatoes at the market or even in the outdoor garden. We also have fantastic fresh garlic, cilantro, and onion that we harvested from the Dome. They make the absolute best fresh salsa!
Chard is the New Kale: Chard, Bread Crumbs, Parmesan, and Lemon Salad
July 5, 2022
This rainbow & swiss chard salad is delicious and a fantastic way to use fresh, vibrant, and sometimes underutilized vegetables. Move over, kale! Swiss chard is the new super green! Chard is known to be bitter, so it is often left out of raw, cold salads. However, combining it with lemon zest, Parmesan, and olive oil relaxes the chard and takes away the bitterness. Give it a try. This summery, satisfying salad just might become your new go-to!
Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls No Guilt or Gluten
June 7, 2022
This bright, satisfying, yet light lunch keeps you going through your afternoon or you can use it as an appetizer to a favorite Thai dinner entree or even pho. Nasturtium spring rolls are perfect for any warm spring or summer afternoon or evening.
Green Iglu: Formerly Growing North
June 6, 2022
Imagine yourself in Canada's cold, harsh winter, where fresh food is scarce during many months of the year. Now imagine yourself walking out of the cold into a lush Growing Dome oasis where the air is warm and the fresh food is flourishing. It almost seems impossible, right? Well, it’s not! The not-for-profit Green Iglu, formerly known as Growing North, is making the impossible possible by bringing fresh food sources to communities across Canada.
Last of the Winter Veggies: Leek Sauté
April 1, 2022
Cooking with veggies has been a liberating experience for me as a cook, food-enthusiast, gardener, and mother. I have found confidence in my ability to provide delicious, nutritious, sustainable food to my family and friends. Thinking outside the box and using healthier ingredients in everything that I cook. I have cultivated an incredible deeper relationship with food nurturing myself through growing my own sources of sustenance. It's a wonderful feeling going out and gathering ingredients from the garden and the Growing Dome. I know that everything was grown with care, has the proper nutrients in the soil, no pesticides, no herbicides or chemicals. It’s all organic, fresh, nutrient-dense, and local.
The Best Vegan Lasagna
February 4, 2022
There are multiple reasons we suspect lasagna has rotated out of the weekly dinner routine (high fat, cholesterol, carbs, sodium, calories, etc.). But everyone loves a good lasagna, so let’s revise and revisit! Make it modern, healthy, flavorful, skip the side of guilt and opt for a salad.
Pistachio and Chickpea Caesar Salad
January 14, 2022
When I first started cooking more plant-based and vegan recipes I struggled to find a Caesar salad that had the crunch, punch, and protein of a traditional Caesar. This recipe has double the crunch, and double the protein, with a nice punch in the dressing without all the fat, & no oil.
The Worlds Best Chili Verde AKA Colorado Green Chili
December 8, 2021
Everyone has their favorite version of chili. Some like it spicy, some like it mild, some like it red, some like it green. If you’re like me, you can eat chili all winter long and be happy as can be. It’s easy to make, stores well, and is the perfect match for many other dishes. Before I had a large family, I used to store it in the freezer and warm it up as needed. Now we never have any leftovers, ever! The kids beg for it, and if it gets approved by them, it’s approved by me. That makes life so much more straightforward, plus it is one of my top favorite things to eat. It also keeps us nice and toasty in these cold winter months in Colorado.
The World’s Best Butternut Squash Soup
November 6, 2021
This is the time of year that we are all looking for those soothing, warm us up, type recipes, to help acclimate to the changing cold temperatures outside. This soup says fall flavor as much as pumpkin spice! This recipe is creamy, vegan, nourishing, and is full of cozy fall flavors. It's the ultimate comfort food to keep you full & warm this season. It can be frozen or stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you do have any leftovers, it's easy to reheat for a quick lunch on a cold afternoon.
A Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
October 9, 2021
Brussels sprouts get a bad rap. They are notorious for many kids and adults alike having utter disdain for them. Have no fear! These roasted brussels sprouts are delicious, nutritious, and easy! They melt in your mouth, have caramelized outer edges, and a little crunch at first bite. I’m willing to bet, these little bites of goodness will convert any Brussels sprout hater.
Fried Green Tomatoes: Not the Movie But Just as Good!
September 8, 2021
My family comes from a long line of deep-fried southern cooking. A whole lot of comfort food made with butter, buttermilk, cream, lard, and pretty much anything that would clog your arteries. Tastes great but we have to be practical about our health these days and try to incorporate some healthy substitutions that will make our classic dishes modern, delicious, and less fat and calorie-dense.
Delicious Shrimp and Nasturtium Salad with Pine Nuts
August 4, 2021
Working at Growing Spaces for more than a decade has allotted me many exciting perks. The one I enjoy the most is having access to fresh produce, veggies, herbs, greens, and fruits all year round. For many years, I have walked into the Growing Dome, like it was the grocery store, at lunchtime and hand-picked my lunch. This shrimp and nasturtium salad is one of my favorite easy Dome Grown recipes.
News and Events Summer 2021
July 2, 2021
We are thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual Customer Appreciation Party that will be held at our Pagosa Springs Domes from 12 to 4 pm on Saturday, September 11th. This will be a fantastic opportunity to socialize with current dome owners and meet people who are passionate about gardening. We will be offering tours of all five of our Growing Domes, along with Growing Dome gardening classes taught by some of our experts. There will be fresh food, local craft beer, games for kids & adults, and music. We will also have Growing Spaces swag to give away.
News and Events Spring 2021
June 17, 2021
We are planning to attend two socially distanced events this Spring to give you an opportunity to visit some wonderful Growing Domes in Colorado. The San Luis Valley Seed Exchange at Joyful Journey, and the Earth Day Riverwalk Event at the Geothermal Greenhouse Project in Pagosa Springs Colorado.
Easy Instant-Pot Artichoke with Dipping Sauce
June 2, 2021
Artichokes are a beautiful plant. Those who don’t grow them may not realize that they are immature flower buds from the thistle plant. Appetizing? We don’t know who decided first to try these odd little pokey guys, but we sure are glad they did. They come in many varieties, but the most common one that we use in cooking is called a globe artichoke. They can be intimidating, but I’m going to help you with that.
Growing Spaces 2021 Urban Farming Grant Winners
May 3, 2021
The first recipient of our urban farming grant is Black Nickel (Hustlaz 2 Harvesters, & Garfield Terrace) in Washington DC. Black Nickel’s mission is to redevelop and revive neglected community farms and gardens in DC, and throughout the nation, and create a prototype of local farmer’s markets owned by minorities and people of color. Their goal is to implement training and education programs for children and young adults, helping foster their relationship with STEM and agriculture.
Roasted Red Pepper and Cauliflower Hot or Cold Soup
May 2, 2021
I started making this creamy southern comfort food in 2007. My friend owns a southern, Mardi Gras-themed comfort food restaurant. She gave me the recipe because I was obsessed with how yummy it was! I’ve been making this exact broccoli casserole dish for holiday gatherings and potlucks ever since, and people always want more! My family loves it.
The Best Way to Eat Your Broccoli: Broccoli Casserole!
March 30, 2021
I started making this creamy southern comfort food in 2007. My friend owns a southern, Mardi Gras-themed comfort food restaurant. She gave me the recipe because I was obsessed with how yummy it was! I’ve been making this exact broccoli casserole dish for holiday gatherings and potlucks ever since, and people always want more! My family loves it.
Simple Pad Thai Recipe: Shrimp, Chicken, or Vegan.
February 26, 2021
Most people think you can't make restaurant-quality food at home. Well, I am here to tell you if that is your sentiment, you are sorely mistaken. I am going to change your mind! It took me more tries than I would like to admit to getting it right. To keep it clean & healthy, but decadent and delicious.
Smooth and Creamy Hummus Recipe
February 2, 2021
It’s easy to make and delicious on just about any vegetable, cracker, pita chip, or toast. You can add just about any herb, spice, or vegetable you like to adjust the taste. Bonus points if it was grown in your Growing Dome.
Best Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
January 1, 2021
New Year’s is always a good time to make your favorite appetizers, dips, and drinks. I’ve been experimenting with different ways to make my creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip over the years. I have experimented with full-fat cream cheese, Neufchâtel cheese, mozzarella cheese, and even vegan substitutes. This is my favorite dip recipe, and it is pretty simple. It melts in your mouth! You will want to double the recipe just for yourself.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup- An Easy Turkey Sandwich Substitute
December 1, 2020
Turkey Sammies are craveable all year long, no doubt. Still, after you deconstruct your leftover Turkey into a savory, satisfying, soothing, and soulful soup, you may begin to think that turkey sammies are for the birds?!
The Best Baked Kale Chips
September 29, 2020
The first time I made kale chips, I remember thinking, “Should they taste burnt like this??” As it turns out, the answer to that question is no. After multiple failed attempts that were either too soggy or too burnt, I believe I have finally found the perfect kale chip. Yes, this is a very serious business, this kale chip business.
Vegan Chickpea and Sorrel Salad
May 28, 2020
Now that you have read How to Grow Sorrel, I am sure you are wondering what do do with those tangy green leaves. Don't worry. We have your back. This three-step vegan salad is the most straightforward recipe we have ever featured.
So Many Seeds to Sow!
May 13, 2020
It is time to get those spring and summer crops planted. The Growing Dome Community is especially excited this year to swap out winter crops for the spring season. The first aspect to consider is whether you will be direct seeding or transplanting starts.
Skinny Buffalo Mushroom Pizza
April 27, 2020
This skinny buffalo mushroom pizza falls into my favorites category, but who doesn't love low-calorie pizza? It's a lighter, vegan way to enjoy pizza. Simple and fast, perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s QuaranTime
April 21, 2020
With the craziness of the world right now, it can be tempting to pick up the remote and start a little vacation in your apartment. However, this can quickly turn into a harmful thing. Staying inside all day can have negative effects if you aren’t working towards positive goals and creating a productive environment. Try to make your work-from-home day like any other workday. But instead of a stressful morning commute, take a healthy morning walk outside. And take the extra time to do some other things you normally would not have time to do on a busy morning.
Not so Cheesy Healthy and Easy Cheesecake
March 31, 2020
No cheese at all as a matter a fact, this vegan cheesecake is SO good. You will think I am totally pulling your leg that is actually GOOD for you. You can indulge & be decadent, all you want, and not worry an ounce!
Homegrown Chicken Pot Pie
March 1, 2020
Homegrown Chicken Pot Pie with Organic Dome Grown Veggies. What better way to say farewell to the winter growing season than with the ultimate comfort food. Fill your belly with fresh chicken, herbs and winter veggies from your Growing Dome.
Lumpia: Vegan Filipino Egg Rolls
February 1, 2020
Lumpia – Vegan Filipino Egg Rolls I am a massive fan of any spring roll or fresh roll. But this time of year, they aren’t the first dish that comes to mind. The weather often inspires my appetite. When it’s cold outside, I usually yearn for comfort food like chili, soup, hot tea, etc. Lumpia…
Vegan Fully Loaded Feel Better Pho
December 31, 2019
Fully Loaded Feel Better Vegan Pho I took a class with vegan chef Tess Challis to learn how to make this dish specifically, and I have simplified and streamlined it here for you. This is a comforting dish from a food culture that I incorporate into my everyday lifestyle. The secret to making delicious vegan…
Tomatillo Green Chile Tamales
October 30, 2019
It’s prime green chile season! If you live in the western United States, then you know all about green chile peppers. If you are one of the few who does not let me give you a little insight. Pueblo Native Americans have cultivated chile peppers for centuries, but the modern renditions of the peppers we eat…
Essentially Being: Transitioning to a Healthy Happy Lifestyle
September 21, 2017
Building blocks of a healthier life Our health is so important and it can change so rapidly. There are a plethora of small things that you can do to positively transition your well-being and your lifestyle effectively. The little things really do add up! Before you know it they can create a snowball effect in…
Sowing Winter Crops in the Growing Dome
August 28, 2017
Sow your seeds in early fall to prepare for your Winter Garden: If you grow in a Growing Dome, or greenhouse, or even want to try to extend your season in an outdoor garden, the time has come to sow seeds for fall and winter gardening. If you sow in late August to early September,…