Charisse Johnson

07/09/2025

06/23/2025

Thank you prolific rogue mulberry and daisies I didn't plant

For helping me catch my breath this morning (95 degrees ain't no joke), for showing up bittersweet, rhizomatic, and always on time.

06/18/2025

Weeds could feed us

And in many places, they already do.

Not just could, but have through generations of survival, resistance, and knowing how to look at the ground and see more than what's been dismissed as a nuisance.

Purslane. Lamb’s quarters. Chickweed. Dandelion. Nettles. Plantain. Amaranth.
Call them invasive. Call them wild.
I call them ancestral, abundant, nutrient-dense, and unapologetically free.

The same plants that get sprayed, ripped out, and criminalized by the lawn-industrial complex are richer in minerals than store bought kale, require no maintenance, and thrive where nothing else wants to.

They’re scrappy.
They endure.
And they show up for us whether we planted them or not.

05/10/2025

Sometimes, the best days are the ones you don’t over plan. I was invited as a guest chef for an opening day for a very small and rural town. The demo was meant to be simple: show up, share some spring foraged pesto and olive oil dip, connect with folks. But what happened turned out to be one of those pleasant surprises that remind me why I do what I do.

The dips were a hit, a bigger hit than I expected. People kept asking me if I had them bottled 😏 I had to explain that I’ve spent years trying to bottle my essence in so many ways. These days, I’m less focused on packaging and more invested in connecting with other growers, sharing herbal knowledge, building authentic relationships and collaboration. A few people still wanted their bottle anyway.. can’t blame them 😅
I’ll take that as a compliment

But the highlight? The Amish community loved my dips. We ended up trading for my recipe. Then they made me what I can only describe as the most delicious waffle I’ve ever had in my life(You KNOW I know my way around food, I rarely speak in absolutes): It was honey wheat, cinnamon, bacon, green chiles, Amish butter, and powdered sugar. ☠️
No, I'm not being over dramatic.

And while I originally came to share food, I ended up in some real conversations about food sovereignty, growing what we need, caring for the land and the systems we both navigate differently but intimately understand. The language of the land and rhythm of the seasons, of self-reliance, of community nourishment?
It will one day be transcendental

A bottle or jar of dip could never do what I do

03/25/2025

There are always reminders of what is good, what is whole, and what is worth noticing.

Don't forget to notice, my loves.

01/09/2025

Waiting patiently for warmer days.

11/11/2024

I think about how much we’ve been conditioned to move fast, to check the boxes, to do things the “right” way. But what if the real magic happens when we slow down and take a step back and honor the process—the mistakes, the growth, the beauty in the mess?

I’m even more convinced that our collective power lies in us sharing, learning, and growing together— without rushing, but with purpose.

So, here I am, holding space. Ready to create something that’s not just about what we make, but how we make it—together.

10/12/2024

This fall Saturday morning feels extra special. Black Girls Day off did me a world of good! I'm a bit more refreshed as I continue to remind myself that rest is resistance.

This simple puff pastry topped with homemade vanilla bean whipped cream and berries is the perfect treat to enjoy together before heading out to the farm for a cozy bonfire later with friends. We even shared some of these with our favorite neighbors! A practice I don't exercise nearly as often as I'd like, but another act of love and joy from my childhood.

I'm so grateful for the beauty of this season and the joy of centering connection and togetherness.

What’s on your fall menu today food or otherwise?

08/11/2024

We had such a blast at .
This summer, we decided to immerse ourselves in nature's beauty at local spots. Surrounded by vibrant blooms on what turned out to be a beautiful day in the upper 60's here in the Midwest. We found endless opportunities for family fun and photo ops! 🌼🌿

Watching other families capture their precious moments reminded us how special it is to create memories together. Between Brian and I we took well over 500 pictures. I know the younger generations get lots of grief for being behind the camera, but I promise every moment was filled with joy and laughter. We didn't miss a thing quite literally. I can barely remember what I ate for lunch last Tuesday or where I put my phone a kajillion times a day 😅 At least these treasures will outlast my memory and can be shared for years beyond 🌻💚

Have you visited a flower farm this season?

08/06/2024

🍵 Taking a moment to savor the calm after the storm with a homemade warm vanilla bean matcha latte. Crafting something special in the mornings feels like a warm hug. The subtle sweetness of vanilla, blended with the earthy richness of matcha, creates a harmony and grounding that resonates deeply with my being as of late. Things in my life have felt very transitional and I've been searching for equilibrium.

Taking a deep breath to appreciate the beauty of this moment in its simplicity is something I am learning to embrace.

Here's to finding peace, inspiration, and gratitude in the everyday moments💚

07/28/2024

Before and After 💚 Told you I was cooking up something special. My love language is cooking/baking. Combine that with my herbal knowledge and passion for holistic wellness and you get this...

Cherry tomato and herb confit gallete

This vibrant dish takes food as medicine to a whole new level! Savory and sweet with a touch of tangy feta cheese, and the richness of herb-infused garlic confit. (A RIDICULOUSLY EASY oil and herb infusion)

The benefits of this meal are out of this world!

Cherry Tomatoes:Packed with vitamins C and A, they boost your immune system and skin health.

Herb Confit:Slow-cooked garlic and fresh herbs not only enhance flavors but also release powerful antioxidants.

Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats and antioxidants for overall wellness. Cooking garden fresh thyme, sage, and basil in oil releases their flavanoids for an extra boost of flavor and health!

Stay tuned for more content on the culinary magic of herbs and how they can elevate both your dishes and your well-being.

07/28/2024

I had an amazing time watching people embrace their artistic sides while learning about flower arranging. It's always fascinating to hear people's formative memories of nature. No matter how different or distant the stories are, the memories are always fondly cherished.

Thank you, Alex Booker, for letting me be part of this experience.