tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16801112625323638792024-03-13T08:43:37.105-04:00Sweat Bread::: Getting hands dirty in soil and supper :::Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-8166535325152535582011-12-07T10:13:00.001-05:002011-12-07T10:36:45.787-05:00Brussels Sprouts and Chard Gratin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71A1TWs6NQM/Tt-BuGAWYwI/AAAAAAAAPf4/2Y9iC0MbTZ0/s1600/IMG_6579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71A1TWs6NQM/Tt-BuGAWYwI/AAAAAAAAPf4/2Y9iC0MbTZ0/s640/IMG_6579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
This is based on a recipe I found in MS Living Magazine. I one and a halved that recipe. I also added rainbow chard from the garden and red onions. These both added color and some sweetness. Instead of smoked Gouda (which would have also been wonderful) I used a high quality white Cheddar Tickler which had red onion in it (yum!) The key to this recipe is to be careful not to overcook the brussels sprouts. It is a three part recipe. The bechamel which is a basic white sauce, the sprouts, and the assembly. It is a great holiday side.<br />
<br />
BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND CHARD GRATIN<br />
<br />
<b>For the Bechamel</b><br />
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter<br />
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour<br />
3 Cups whole milk<br />
course salt and FGP<br />
1 Cup grated white cheddar (or any semi hard melting cheese: gouda, gruyere, etc.)<br />
<br />
<b>For the brussels sprouts</b><br />
course salt<br />
2 pounds brussels sprouts, ends 1/8 inch trimmed and outer leaves removed<br />
6 cups chopped rainbow chard<br />
1/2 cup chopped red onion<br />
<br />
<b>For assembling the gratin</b><br />
1 cup finely grated white cheddar<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375. Make the bechamel: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, and whisk until mixture bubbles slightly but has not started to brown, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Raise heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil, whisking often. rEduce heat to low, and cook stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until thickened, 12 to 15 minutes. SEason with salt and FGP. Remove from heat. Add 1 cup cheese and stir until melted.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, blanch the brussels sprouts: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook Brussels sprouts until just tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 3 to 4 minutes (I would err on the 3 minute side just to be safe). Drain, and transfer to an 8 cup (8 by 12) baking dish. Toss with chard and onion (uncooked).<br />
<br />
Assemble the gratin: Pour bechamel over Brussels sprout mixture and sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese. Bake, uncovered, until bubbling and golden, about 25 minutes. Serves 8.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-at4tBJjBI_8/Tt-CEobGR_I/AAAAAAAAPgE/1DSCSRbHeXw/s1600/IMG_6621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-at4tBJjBI_8/Tt-CEobGR_I/AAAAAAAAPgE/1DSCSRbHeXw/s640/IMG_6621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-19656601286522887892011-09-19T21:04:00.000-04:002011-09-19T21:04:46.878-04:00Early Autumn Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWjF7I-WwiI/TnfjEGMt3_I/AAAAAAAAO5c/_FNpfIhF-FY/s1600/IMG_5585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWjF7I-WwiI/TnfjEGMt3_I/AAAAAAAAO5c/_FNpfIhF-FY/s640/IMG_5585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flag flown in remembrance of September 11th</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXEAu6TmU-s/TnfjeeLxQbI/AAAAAAAAO5k/f_ENQ6Y86l8/s1600/IMG_5586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXEAu6TmU-s/TnfjeeLxQbI/AAAAAAAAO5k/f_ENQ6Y86l8/s640/IMG_5586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sugar Snap Peas, the best winter treat.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXsKLNMfO_w/Tnfjl6JJRiI/AAAAAAAAO5o/s1H-N0HPbhE/s1600/IMG_5588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXsKLNMfO_w/Tnfjl6JJRiI/AAAAAAAAO5o/s1H-N0HPbhE/s640/IMG_5588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rainbow Chard</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpXL932Ivfc/Tnfj-dsQdwI/AAAAAAAAO5s/26u-BfgLx2w/s1600/IMG_5589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpXL932Ivfc/Tnfj-dsQdwI/AAAAAAAAO5s/26u-BfgLx2w/s640/IMG_5589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Romaine!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl86finUQRk/TnfkTDlgbcI/AAAAAAAAO50/bfCCmzRcwYE/s1600/IMG_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl86finUQRk/TnfkTDlgbcI/AAAAAAAAO50/bfCCmzRcwYE/s640/IMG_5593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dahlias and Coleus bringing cheer to the front porch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've also got broccoli, cabbage, radish, mixed baby greens, carrots, and spring onions getting a good start. Late summer planting is so much easier. The autumn here brings regular rainfall but still plenty of warmth to encourage quick growth (which means beating the frost in December). Hands off is just what I need right now. </div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-60615321818767056732011-08-30T15:00:00.000-04:002011-08-30T15:00:34.073-04:00A Second Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBwLPzUmcLI/Tl0uyu_GmoI/AAAAAAAAO1w/3FqH0ywRHBM/s1600/fallgarden2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBwLPzUmcLI/Tl0uyu_GmoI/AAAAAAAAO1w/3FqH0ywRHBM/s640/fallgarden2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UEofJo_sK4/Tl0vcJpAANI/AAAAAAAAO14/prwcftaBxYk/s1600/fallplanting2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UEofJo_sK4/Tl0vcJpAANI/AAAAAAAAO14/prwcftaBxYk/s640/fallplanting2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8upyMmvTZuM/Tl0vy6b6oBI/AAAAAAAAO2A/0w5RIgMrEBs/s1600/greentomatoes2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8upyMmvTZuM/Tl0vy6b6oBI/AAAAAAAAO2A/0w5RIgMrEBs/s640/greentomatoes2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRYDebf6WFU/Tl0wGVRqgqI/AAAAAAAAO2E/3MyqwAls3JM/s1600/sproutedpeas2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRYDebf6WFU/Tl0wGVRqgqI/AAAAAAAAO2E/3MyqwAls3JM/s640/sproutedpeas2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After Hurricane Irene passed through</span>, I decided it was time to overhaul the vegetable garden. It had seen far more neglect than care this summer. The tomatoes were getting smaller and fewer (lack of fertilizer and consistent water). Next year I'll plant maybe one tomatillo plant instead of four. They were SO prolific and were dropping fruit before I could use it. My jalapenos were super abundant as well and not very spicy so I would slice them up fresh on nachos or soup or gazpacho and of course salsa. I have a drawer full in my fridge still!! Want some? <br />
<br />
I cleared out most of the boxes to make room for a late summer planting of cool crops. First I soaked beet seeds and peas overnight then sprouted them between damp paper towels. This really helps speed the process. I planted beets where there were once beans and peas where the tomatillos used to tower. Lettuce, broccoli and cabbage are next. Maybe some fennel bulbs, too, though I haven't had much luck with them in the past.<br />
<br />
I've been looking up green tomato recipes but really you can use them just like you do ripe tomatoes, they just have a tangier taste. Yummy still. I have plans to stuff the rest of our peppers with pancetta and ricotta and spices. <br />
<br />
It feels good to be back. We got a nice heavy drenching last night. That makes for quick sprouting in our future.<br />
<br />
Do you have a second go at planting where you live?Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-33206091588276168812011-08-29T10:09:00.000-04:002011-08-29T10:09:51.218-04:00Sweet Onion Marinara with Paparadelle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wVuTzEtoLc/TluZPMZ6scI/AAAAAAAAO1k/78n1sOADFbU/s1600/IMG_5472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wVuTzEtoLc/TluZPMZ6scI/AAAAAAAAO1k/78n1sOADFbU/s640/IMG_5472.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcOUupeXtpY/TluYLLTSkQI/AAAAAAAAO1Q/n8Bm-McGSE8/s1600/IMG_5465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcOUupeXtpY/TluYLLTSkQI/AAAAAAAAO1Q/n8Bm-McGSE8/s640/IMG_5465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sweet Onion puree</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87Ptcuno-E4/TluYd3gh3qI/AAAAAAAAO1U/WNcTBAc_s5k/s1600/IMG_5466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87Ptcuno-E4/TluYd3gh3qI/AAAAAAAAO1U/WNcTBAc_s5k/s640/IMG_5466.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Before cooking the puree down</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGA0CqMVlfU/TluYx4W6J7I/AAAAAAAAO1c/e3LtXtFAqTc/s1600/IMG_5471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGA0CqMVlfU/TluYx4W6J7I/AAAAAAAAO1c/e3LtXtFAqTc/s640/IMG_5471.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">After cooking it down, it turns a deeper red and reduces it's liquid volume</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVb1EXYF3TU/TluZAo1HJAI/AAAAAAAAO1g/pry1qssuC2M/s1600/IMG_5473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVb1EXYF3TU/TluZAo1HJAI/AAAAAAAAO1g/pry1qssuC2M/s640/IMG_5473.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I make</span> another version of this without onion which is just as good and has red pepper flakes in it. In this version the onion plays as important a role as the tomato. I tried it with and without garlic and I, surprisingly liked the version without. Which is crazy because I am a garlic maniac and always double this ingredient in every recipe. Somehow, without the garlic the sweetness of the onion can really shine. Puree your onion very well so it becomes a well-incorporated part of the sauce. This was really good over those wide tender Paparadelle noodles, but I served it with Gnocchi at our Back to School Dinner adding capers to the sauce, and it was just as good. Versatility makes me happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>SWEET ONION MARINARA WITH PAPARADELLE<br />
<br />
1 sweet white onion, peeled, quartered (vidalia if you can find it)<br />
4-5 medium tomatoes, quartered<br />
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil<br />
Salt and FGP to taste<br />
4-5 Tablespoons heavy cream (optional)<br />
<br />
<br />
Puree the onion in a food processor until smooth, set aside. Puree the tomato in food processor until smooth, set aside. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. <br />
<br />
Add the tomato puree. This will be quite runny and requires about 15 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid. But, watch it because you don't want to reduce it so much that is becomes dry (see photos above). Take off the heat and season with salt and fresh ground pepper and stir in cream (this is also just as tasty without the cream). <br />
<br />
Toss with pasta, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve. Serves 4.<br />
<br />
<i>©SweatBread</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-8217910343685040762011-08-01T09:39:00.000-04:002011-08-01T09:39:05.841-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3okJjvkYouY/TjapPffToKI/AAAAAAAAOtU/5j-AMFvSpbE/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3okJjvkYouY/TjapPffToKI/AAAAAAAAOtU/5j-AMFvSpbE/s640/IMG_5207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cqDEsesyWE/TjapgdcRmrI/AAAAAAAAOtc/NFmnLa-JWjA/s1600/IMG_5208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cqDEsesyWE/TjapgdcRmrI/AAAAAAAAOtc/NFmnLa-JWjA/s640/IMG_5208.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happy flowers after a flood of rain</span></i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It's good to be back in this space. I'm hoping to make it out in the garden today for some heavy duty weeding. We've had our own personal <a href="http://my-angle.blogspot.com/2011/07/lucy-survived-shark-attack-this-is-how.html">Shark Week</a> here at Cicada Cottage and are slowly working our way back into life. A huge rainfall yesterday has given us a new start in the yard. A huge outpouring of prayers and support has done the same for our hearts (and Lucy's leg).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're eating tomatoes every day. Tomatillos are ripening faster than we can roast them. A bumper crop of jalapenos and cantaloupe mean summer is still in full force. August is the best month for fresh eating! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What are you eating?</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-83013231477954390972011-07-15T08:00:00.001-04:002011-07-15T08:00:08.565-04:00Eggplant Melts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X39YuyKSn18/Th-w-zZAFXI/AAAAAAAAOnA/82pZfDQo6YY/s1600/IMG_3570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X39YuyKSn18/Th-w-zZAFXI/AAAAAAAAOnA/82pZfDQo6YY/s640/IMG_3570.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEx6g47QReQ/Th-xZBTFHMI/AAAAAAAAOnE/LQT3ykSsVis/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEx6g47QReQ/Th-xZBTFHMI/AAAAAAAAOnE/LQT3ykSsVis/s640/IMG_3571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOeC-6cDaUY/Th-xpt0ZplI/AAAAAAAAOnI/EMmi2FVVjgA/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOeC-6cDaUY/Th-xpt0ZplI/AAAAAAAAOnI/EMmi2FVVjgA/s640/IMG_3572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I just harvested the first eggplant from our vegetable garden. This is a great way to use up these creamy, hearty vegetables. And, the only thing better than fresh mozzarella is melted fresh mozzarella!<br />
<br />
EGGPLANT MELTS<br />
<br />
1 Large eggplant, sliced 1/2-inch thick<br />
2 Tablespoons olive oil<br />
Salt and FGP<br />
1-2 cups of your favorite pizza sauce, we use Trader Joe's or homemade<br />
1 Log, about 12 slices, fresh mozzarella<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil, place eggplant slices in a single layer on foil. Drizzle eggplant with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, flip and repeat on the other side. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on eggplant, top with mozzarella slices and bake in oven until cheese begins to bubble, about 20 minutes. Serve hot over sliced of toasted baguette rubbed with raw garlic or a bowl of steaming pasta tossed with lemon juice and olive oil, or just on their own with a fork!!<br />
<br />
Serves 6, as a first course.<br />
<br />
©SweatBreadJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-90815253242367720742011-07-14T08:00:00.001-04:002011-07-14T08:00:05.984-04:00Potato Pepper Fritatta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5etuUKKOlo/Th5AgEEu1KI/AAAAAAAAOmk/KHah1nTXXUk/s1600/IMG_4792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5etuUKKOlo/Th5AgEEu1KI/AAAAAAAAOmk/KHah1nTXXUk/s640/IMG_4792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuOtuSSOIC0/Th5AxnwKm-I/AAAAAAAAOmo/joF8e_SDs7w/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuOtuSSOIC0/Th5AxnwKm-I/AAAAAAAAOmo/joF8e_SDs7w/s640/IMG_4803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUb2o_yK2lk/Th5BBqdsMbI/AAAAAAAAOms/x3NtpprZv0M/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUb2o_yK2lk/Th5BBqdsMbI/AAAAAAAAOms/x3NtpprZv0M/s640/IMG_4815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
I love to make food that is good (or even better) the next day (or even the next). Like lasagna, or soup, or turkey dressing. The Frittata is one of those foods (but even better) because it can be eaten piping hot, warm, room temperature, or even cold out of the fridge. <br />
<br />
I jotted the recipe down on a shred of paper when this particular brand of frittata was born in my kitchen and I finally found it (hiding behind my mixing bowl). Lucky you! Because now you can find it here. I used some supposed "bell" peppers from the garden, but these grew into something much smaller and spicier. So, I'm unsure of the true variety of pepper, but use any pepper here if you'd like, sweet or hot, something with some heat was nice because it really helped balance the mildness of the egg and potato. The onions here are a must, they add a wonderful sweetness that is surprising in each bite.<br />
<br />
<br />
POTATO AND PEPPER FRITTATA<br />
<br />
3-5 small hot pepper, diced<br />
1 yellow onion, chopped<br />
5-6 small potatoes, cubed (I used a variety, white, yellow, red)<br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
8 eggs<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
1 teaspoon FGP<br />
1 cup queso fresco (mexican fresh cheese), crumbled<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Oil a glass pie dish. Toss peppers, onion, and potatoes with olive oil, season with a bit of salt and pepper. Toss on baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, just to get them softened a bit. Pile the potato mixture in the pie dish, set aside. Whisk eggs, salt and pepper, and queso fresco together, pour over the potato mixture, flatten the mixture with a spatula so the egg can seep into all the little nooks and crannies. Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes. Mine only took 35. Serves one person each meal for three days! Or you can share between 6-8 people for a light lunch with some arugula greens on the side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb6jxPcMnFY/Th5BTzJZoEI/AAAAAAAAOm8/a7BB_BKNi4c/s1600/IMG_4821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb6jxPcMnFY/Th5BTzJZoEI/AAAAAAAAOm8/a7BB_BKNi4c/s640/IMG_4821.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>©SweatBreadJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-56517629025348306372011-07-13T19:09:00.000-04:002011-07-13T19:09:04.299-04:00Simple Pico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnC8k8mXIaQ/Th4gsQ_EJYI/AAAAAAAAOj8/5Nk7jt01V3E/s1600/IMG_4745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnC8k8mXIaQ/Th4gsQ_EJYI/AAAAAAAAOj8/5Nk7jt01V3E/s640/IMG_4745.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8f10MVe3eyk/Th4g9zu-tPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/Go9Husia-dI/s1600/IMG_4747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8f10MVe3eyk/Th4g9zu-tPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/Go9Husia-dI/s640/IMG_4747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3Ju6Mw_Ems/Th4hSdQ-8iI/AAAAAAAAOkE/V7htsz-HG68/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3Ju6Mw_Ems/Th4hSdQ-8iI/AAAAAAAAOkE/V7htsz-HG68/s640/IMG_4751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VzIWh0fq0M/Th4hkW5SkhI/AAAAAAAAOkU/b01pS-1fDng/s1600/IMG_4752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VzIWh0fq0M/Th4hkW5SkhI/AAAAAAAAOkU/b01pS-1fDng/s640/IMG_4752.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
When you have fresh ingredients, simple is best.<br />
<br />
SIMPLE PICO<br />
<br />
5-8 fresh jalapeno peppers<br />
1/2 large red onion, finely diced<br />
3-4 large tomatoes, diced<br />
2-3 teaspoons salt<br />
1 teaspoon, FGP<br />
2 Tablespoons lime juice<br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lined baking sheet with foil and throw peppers on. Roast until skins begin to blacken, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully place peppers in a plastic ziploc baggy and close (this will "steam" the peppers). Once cooled, remove as much of the peel as possible but a few stray shreds of pepper peel will not be the demise of your salsa. Finely dice the roasted peppers (you may or may not remove the seeds).<br />
<br />
Combine the peppers, diced onion, and diced tomatoes. Add salt and pepper, lime juice and olive oil. Best eaten at room temp, allow flavors to meld for 10 minutes then serve. <br />
<br />
<i>*This would be really good with cilantro, but I didn't have any on hand. If using, add 1/4 cup copped cilantro leaves.</i><br />
<br />
©SweatBreadJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-11436332484617198562011-07-12T10:43:00.002-04:002011-07-12T10:44:52.905-04:00Fried Green Tomatoes with Basil Green Goddess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12AzurnCpRk/ThxV7WNXwYI/AAAAAAAAOhw/_1CJVbBAokw/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12AzurnCpRk/ThxV7WNXwYI/AAAAAAAAOhw/_1CJVbBAokw/s640/IMG_3663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're like me you have basil coming out your ears, but most of your larger type of tomatoes are still taking their sweet time ripening. We've had a couple of big thunderstorms this summer and sometimes the still-green fruit gets knocked off. Make use of these emerald gems (or just go pluck a few yourself) with this easy recipe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FRIED GREEN TOMATOES </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3-4 medium to large firm, green tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon cajun seasoning or paprika</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup buttermilk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 egg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/3 cup cornmeal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 cup peanut oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">flat leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using three shallow bowls, combine the flour and seasoning in one, beat the egg with buttermilk in another, and mix the bread crumbs and cornmeal in the third. Heat the oil in a skillet on medium high. Dredge each tomato slice first in the flour mixture, then submerse in the egg mixture, then coat with bread crumb mixture. Fry in oil about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Drain on paper towel-lined plate. Serve with chopped parsley and Basil Green Goddess Dressing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">©SweatBread</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH0Kv266ww8/ThxWQFB_ZhI/AAAAAAAAOh0/lQ1MQW_qAm0/s1600/IMG_3668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH0Kv266ww8/ThxWQFB_ZhI/AAAAAAAAOh0/lQ1MQW_qAm0/s640/IMG_3668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
BASIL GREEN GODDESS DRESSING<br />
<i>*adapted from Barefoot Contessa</i><br />
<br />
Pesto is the go-to recipe for excess basil, but sometimes you gotta mix it up a bit. This is good on anything, even just a spoon! Serve it on salad, fish, chicken, veggie dip, and fried green tomatoes! This recipe is adapted because I hardly ever have anchovy paste on hand, but that adds an extra punch. I also use plain yogurt, greek or regular, instead of sour cream. You can also substitute white onion for the scallions, though I would use less onion in that case. I use twice as much basil as Ms. Garten (because I always have twice as much basil).<br />
<br />
1 cup good maynnaise<br />
1 cup chopped scallions<br />
2 cups chopped fresh basil leaves<br />
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)<br />
2 teaspoons chopped garlic<br />
2 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional)<br />
2 teaspoons kosher salt<br />
2 teaspoons FGP<br />
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (I <i>don't</i> use lowfat)<br />
<br />
<br />
Place the mayonnaise, scallions, basil, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add the yogurt and process just until blended. (Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.)<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-62962587534570334162011-07-11T10:24:00.000-04:002011-07-11T10:24:45.445-04:00Cucumber Gazpacho with Spicy Crab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDLzCTQg2ZM/ThsDJP4whNI/AAAAAAAAOhc/KDPCe6h8xx4/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDLzCTQg2ZM/ThsDJP4whNI/AAAAAAAAOhc/KDPCe6h8xx4/s640/IMG_3893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
CUCUMBER GAZPACHO WITH SPICY CRAB<br />
<br />
This is a great way to use those cucs you've been harvesting from the garden. I mean, sliced cucumbers with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper are delish, but this adds a whole different flair to that humble veggie. I made this for Dr. Gooch's birthday back in May and grated frozen cantaloupe on top for the garnish. But, in June we caught some crab out in the outerbanks and after snacking on the succulent crab legs, brought home the pickings on ice. In a moment of brilliance, this cold refreshing soup came to mind and I knew it would be a great pairing. I hope you think so.<br />
<br />
2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, coarsely chopped<br />
2 scallions, coarsely chopped<br />
1/2 cup herbs (basil, chives, and mint), coarsely chopped<br />
1 1/2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated<br />
1 clove garlic, pressed<br />
3 Tablespoons olive oil<br />
1/2 cup plain yogurt<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp FGP<br />
1 tsp hot sauce (I use Tabasco), plus more for garnish<br />
2 cups fresh crabmeat, for garnish<br />
<br />
In a blender or a food processor (or if you are sexy enough to own a VitaMix) combine the cucumber, scallions, herbs, ginger, garlic, olive oil, and yogurt AND may as well go ahead and add the salt and fresh ground pepper, and hot sauce, too. Process until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors develop and meld.<br />
<br />
In a small bowl mix crabmeat with additional hot sauce, about 2 tsp. Divide soup into four chilled bowls. Top with 1/4 cup crabmeat mixture in each bowl. Serve immediately. Serves 4.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjkJrk_ErbM/ThsDZwU9u0I/AAAAAAAAOhs/eNcuLpGMmIk/s1600/IMG_3895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjkJrk_ErbM/ThsDZwU9u0I/AAAAAAAAOhs/eNcuLpGMmIk/s640/IMG_3895.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>©SweatBreadJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-74230699574461943822011-07-01T20:00:00.000-04:002011-07-01T20:00:56.156-04:00End of June Vignettes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f6aQzAIBwE/Tg5ZoIhFgiI/AAAAAAAAONk/NLyMNTUm0c0/s1600/IMG_3906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f6aQzAIBwE/Tg5ZoIhFgiI/AAAAAAAAONk/NLyMNTUm0c0/s640/IMG_3906.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">baby beans</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbth-yY8QY4/Tg5Z8t3qgVI/AAAAAAAAONs/ChD6DXncF-o/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbth-yY8QY4/Tg5Z8t3qgVI/AAAAAAAAONs/ChD6DXncF-o/s640/IMG_3907.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">teenage tomatoes</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODrJ0gvVims/Tg5aN8paKBI/AAAAAAAAONw/H-T1JxO5v_w/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODrJ0gvVims/Tg5aN8paKBI/AAAAAAAAONw/H-T1JxO5v_w/s640/IMG_3908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">darling dahlia</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsOn-6QDDqo/Tg5a1fbkaYI/AAAAAAAAON0/hHO6cbv2VbU/s1600/IMG_3914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsOn-6QDDqo/Tg5a1fbkaYI/AAAAAAAAON0/hHO6cbv2VbU/s640/IMG_3914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">melon vines </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tF90Z4ax8JA/Tg5bIJ4E97I/AAAAAAAAON8/aHvXCDsbv40/s1600/IMG_3916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tF90Z4ax8JA/Tg5bIJ4E97I/AAAAAAAAON8/aHvXCDsbv40/s640/IMG_3916.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cantaloupe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTdxj2f1I8o/Tg5bYKLWu6I/AAAAAAAAOOA/pvGhpX4y6gc/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTdxj2f1I8o/Tg5bYKLWu6I/AAAAAAAAOOA/pvGhpX4y6gc/s640/IMG_3924.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">new growth on the Eucalyptus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2CVf52vUe4/Tg5brmyq50I/AAAAAAAAOOE/KnmTU0vs40w/s1600/IMG_3927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2CVf52vUe4/Tg5brmyq50I/AAAAAAAAOOE/KnmTU0vs40w/s640/IMG_3927.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXzbYkINavM/Tg5b_JbnNDI/AAAAAAAAOOQ/wh8w_qTBqm4/s1600/IMG_3932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXzbYkINavM/Tg5b_JbnNDI/AAAAAAAAOOQ/wh8w_qTBqm4/s640/IMG_3932.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSpWe2qYd6s/Tg5cR5HhxFI/AAAAAAAAOOU/oqw_1RQ9Ykk/s1600/IMG_3935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSpWe2qYd6s/Tg5cR5HhxFI/AAAAAAAAOOU/oqw_1RQ9Ykk/s640/IMG_3935.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfN5TLDGkmk/Tg5cj-5f5-I/AAAAAAAAOOY/fCmvWclAh0Y/s1600/IMG_3937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfN5TLDGkmk/Tg5cj-5f5-I/AAAAAAAAOOY/fCmvWclAh0Y/s640/IMG_3937.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-won17ClePeA/Tg5czKKL_kI/AAAAAAAAOOg/7j-jNkzAsHs/s1600/IMG_3938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-won17ClePeA/Tg5czKKL_kI/AAAAAAAAOOg/7j-jNkzAsHs/s640/IMG_3938.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsW1LsXCmQI/Tg5dCKtVUOI/AAAAAAAAOOk/eNwIFcSbqwU/s1600/IMG_3941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsW1LsXCmQI/Tg5dCKtVUOI/AAAAAAAAOOk/eNwIFcSbqwU/s640/IMG_3941.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfpko6nUthw/Tg5dUQ_p-9I/AAAAAAAAOOo/XzYjEytQg8g/s1600/IMG_3943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfpko6nUthw/Tg5dUQ_p-9I/AAAAAAAAOOo/XzYjEytQg8g/s640/IMG_3943.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8FlnpGlf58/Tg5dnL0id9I/AAAAAAAAOOw/is0sAhYuYMs/s1600/IMG_3945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8FlnpGlf58/Tg5dnL0id9I/AAAAAAAAOOw/is0sAhYuYMs/s640/IMG_3945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1lKQsTmX7Ww/Tg5dy1vGY4I/AAAAAAAAOO0/140nChDWAIw/s1600/IMG_3948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1lKQsTmX7Ww/Tg5dy1vGY4I/AAAAAAAAOO0/140nChDWAIw/s640/IMG_3948.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDMPL-uZ2jw/Tg5eFEIK6JI/AAAAAAAAOO4/ZPZ103hdk1U/s1600/IMG_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDMPL-uZ2jw/Tg5eFEIK6JI/AAAAAAAAOO4/ZPZ103hdk1U/s640/IMG_3950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7pYZuGbs9w/Tg5emyj9w3I/AAAAAAAAOPA/Aa1K_Bf9Tn4/s1600/IMG_3951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7pYZuGbs9w/Tg5emyj9w3I/AAAAAAAAOPA/Aa1K_Bf9Tn4/s640/IMG_3951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-85492896242739824942011-06-24T20:23:00.000-04:002011-06-24T20:23:40.779-04:00Happy Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XNNh9UZGfU/TgUp1hw8oLI/AAAAAAAAONY/i13nl06fKLA/s1600/IMG_3958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XNNh9UZGfU/TgUp1hw8oLI/AAAAAAAAONY/i13nl06fKLA/s640/IMG_3958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Plucked for some chicken noodle soup on a Friday night. Seth's particular request submitted in our "Family Fun Bag" for the summer.</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-27764198662895322772011-06-21T14:26:00.001-04:002011-06-21T14:26:35.966-04:00Growing and Killing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rO2Znh9Ktao/TgDWBd5LmHI/AAAAAAAAOMA/SET8Mx_LvY0/s1600/IMG_3694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rO2Znh9Ktao/TgDWBd5LmHI/AAAAAAAAOMA/SET8Mx_LvY0/s640/IMG_3694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At eight o'clock</span> in the evening, the fireflies come out and the chickens make their way "in" for the night. It's a magical time of day. We are all falling into a new rhythm now that the rigor of school schedules has subsided. Without an impending morning rush, we feel some give at the end of it that encourages us to linger a little longer outside. Even past eight o'clock in the evening. <br />
<br />
It's the perfect time to water. Holding the hose at least one minute (ideally two) in the vegetable boxes each evening gives me lots of time to plan and think. Planning for what will take the place of tomatoes and cucumbers come end of August. Thinking about my own four growing (Seth will be 8 this week) and how they seem to be getting ahead of me. Suddenly. How does steady growth in living things always seem so sudden?<br />
<br />
Then, there's the killing of living things. Like squash beetles laying eggs on my zucchini leaves. Tiny, shiny maroon-colored eggs. They've begun to hatch. Lucy would hunt them down and I would smoosh them into oblivion. I don't have THAT much zucchini. Not enough to share with hundreds of black and gray bugs. Also weeds. June is national weed month. I am declaring it. We had a family yardwork day yesterday. The usual pit stop gardening wasn't cutting it and in the war against weeds, Cicada Cottage was losing fast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28hSUBa-W2I/TgDgFUHVj5I/AAAAAAAAOME/tbQC_TpSH50/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28hSUBa-W2I/TgDgFUHVj5I/AAAAAAAAOME/tbQC_TpSH50/s640/IMG_3693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I have some recipes I've made in the past week or so. One to use the cucumber bounty and one to use the zucchini piling up. The best recipes. At least I think so. Things are not slowing down here: weeds, bugs, vegetables, or kids. So, hopefully I can show up here with proof of it all happening a little more frequently!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Dr. Gooch grilling our dinner (chicken) with the chickens.</i></span>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-2710712685991371422011-06-10T18:27:00.001-04:002011-06-10T18:27:54.895-04:00"We wouldn't have all this good food...""...without all this hot weather!"--my Mom.<br />
<br />
<br />
We've been in the 90s all week! I love walking out of a building where I've been blasted with AC and feeling like I'm stepping into a blanket fresh from the dryer. I love summer because that's when things love to grow!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MiWmYS-lbQo/TfKVtihEfUI/AAAAAAAAOKc/dH1qE_AV_NM/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MiWmYS-lbQo/TfKVtihEfUI/AAAAAAAAOKc/dH1qE_AV_NM/s640/IMG_3674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sprinkled some chamomile seeds in a spare pot. I hope we'll be drying the flowers for tea once the weather cools off again.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-updNvLHT8vs/TfKWAGKqpQI/AAAAAAAAOKo/NDOHfXlaNio/s1600/IMG_3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-updNvLHT8vs/TfKWAGKqpQI/AAAAAAAAOKo/NDOHfXlaNio/s640/IMG_3677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If only you could sniff this shot. Gardenias love the warm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYZ-YUk9KK8/TfKWSJbHZMI/AAAAAAAAOKs/27s7CAeIVsc/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYZ-YUk9KK8/TfKWSJbHZMI/AAAAAAAAOKs/27s7CAeIVsc/s640/IMG_3678.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rudbeckia like when it roasts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EE-qYwIt6yc/TfKWjThYlhI/AAAAAAAAOKw/XAnvmbDkKjc/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EE-qYwIt6yc/TfKWjThYlhI/AAAAAAAAOKw/XAnvmbDkKjc/s640/IMG_3680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomatillos, too.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvXyCCk3okM/TfKW44pVk4I/AAAAAAAAOLI/4xJ-9X2QmAI/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvXyCCk3okM/TfKW44pVk4I/AAAAAAAAOLI/4xJ-9X2QmAI/s640/IMG_3682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've been eating cucumbers once they get about twice this big.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFHuJAJ0bZE/TfKXPpHJX1I/AAAAAAAAOLM/ryuHD_RuIM8/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFHuJAJ0bZE/TfKXPpHJX1I/AAAAAAAAOLM/ryuHD_RuIM8/s640/IMG_3684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finally have tomatoes beginning to bulge.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBWZFLZtIII/TfKXhQV22rI/AAAAAAAAOLU/svm99_7QxuM/s1600/IMG_3687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBWZFLZtIII/TfKXhQV22rI/AAAAAAAAOLU/svm99_7QxuM/s640/IMG_3687.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are Chocolate peppers, they'll turn a deep reddish brown.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33FjwS1zgL4/TfKXyHBgEgI/AAAAAAAAOLg/_Ya469KcWkM/s1600/IMG_3688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33FjwS1zgL4/TfKXyHBgEgI/AAAAAAAAOLg/_Ya469KcWkM/s640/IMG_3688.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jalapenos!!</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-66742568344633790812011-06-04T13:47:00.000-04:002011-06-04T13:47:51.896-04:00Creamy Leek and Potato Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFoS8cv1xuc/TepgVglkHUI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/NDlQVue-uIU/s1600/IMG_3654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFoS8cv1xuc/TepgVglkHUI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/NDlQVue-uIU/s640/IMG_3654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqF-LJmTBv0/Tepgmw_1wdI/AAAAAAAAOJ8/fjs-j6SVVhg/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqF-LJmTBv0/Tepgmw_1wdI/AAAAAAAAOJ8/fjs-j6SVVhg/s640/IMG_3655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ew5Q6FU41nU/Tepg5JAz_rI/AAAAAAAAOKE/W17Lv22tPnM/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ew5Q6FU41nU/Tepg5JAz_rI/AAAAAAAAOKE/W17Lv22tPnM/s640/IMG_3660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
CREAMY LEEK AND POTATO SOUP<br />
<br />
My potatoes are days away from being ready to dig up. I couldn't wait though. My leeks were starting to get limp in the fridge. So, when life gives you limp leeks (or fresh!) make leek and potato soup! My version has a smokey note to it since my paprika was the Spanish Smokey sort. You may or may not choose to use it. <br />
<br />
3-4 Large Leeks, white and pale green parts sliced<br />
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter<br />
2 Tablespoons olive oil<br />
6-8 Medium potatoes<br />
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)<br />
Salt and FGP<br />
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock<br />
3 cups water<br />
1 cup cream<br />
<br />
Place sliced leeks in bowl of cold water and rinse allowing and clingy dirt to sink to the bottom, remove leeks and drain in colander. Heat butter and oil in soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks, paprika, salt and pepper and cook 5 minutes until tender. Add potatoes, stock, and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Add cream, stir and season to taste.<br />
<br />
I like to stick my handheld blender in and cream the soup a little bit. It helps thicken the broth and just adds that extra oompf. Serve with a dash of paprika. Serves 6-8.<br />
<br />
©<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">SweatBread</span>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-34539204059693237072011-06-02T21:25:00.000-04:002011-06-02T21:25:20.802-04:00Weed Dreaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NO4jNtbyHUU/Teg29fJ3YdI/AAAAAAAAOJ0/eT4hRZEFmnU/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NO4jNtbyHUU/Teg29fJ3YdI/AAAAAAAAOJ0/eT4hRZEFmnU/s640/IMG_3416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm dreaming of the beach. But I'm weeding and watering in reality. Heat hit our home full force this week. I killed one of my lovely ferns on the screen porch. I think I can revive it though. This is the first time this growing season I've had to get out with the hose. I soaked the vegetables today because I locked myself and the four rascals outside so I thought I may as well get some work done. Then, after said rascals were in bed I went out and trimmed the wisteria, chopped down the rust-laden hollyhocks and weeded like a mad woman until it was too dark to see (9:00). <br />
<br />
It was just me and the fireflies. Not bad for not being the beach.Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-45233698082740767282011-06-01T09:53:00.000-04:002011-06-01T09:53:39.046-04:00Worm Migration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBEwsrHdafk/TeZCJRPMWSI/AAAAAAAAOJQ/uKrrIHaucEE/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBEwsrHdafk/TeZCJRPMWSI/AAAAAAAAOJQ/uKrrIHaucEE/s640/IMG_3644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCe3EsDYnF8/TeZCkcIy6HI/AAAAAAAAOJY/9ly6Ctl-jxE/s1600/IMG_3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCe3EsDYnF8/TeZCkcIy6HI/AAAAAAAAOJY/9ly6Ctl-jxE/s640/IMG_3646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E26jEVjxFRI/TeZDJvjiTgI/AAAAAAAAOJc/JIA0hIlu1TQ/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E26jEVjxFRI/TeZDJvjiTgI/AAAAAAAAOJc/JIA0hIlu1TQ/s640/IMG_3647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Dr. Gooch looked it up and thinks they may be gnat larvae. They feed on organic matter. In this case, the mulch around our oak tree. Yesterday morning around 8am (and again today) they made their way from the grass across the driveway. Strange route? Maybe. Gross? Definitely. What a bizarre phenomenon. They traveled en masse using each other to inch across the asphalt. Most were run over by our traffic (which I am perfectly fine with). Ew.Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-51043798211979703902011-05-31T21:56:00.000-04:002011-05-31T21:56:08.595-04:00Brilliant Blooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWm8VOTTPzk/TeWXqQBT6ZI/AAAAAAAAOIE/6W6juW7Ez7I/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWm8VOTTPzk/TeWXqQBT6ZI/AAAAAAAAOIE/6W6juW7Ez7I/s640/IMG_3625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg-S9lH_42E/TeWX7RNi45I/AAAAAAAAOII/HX_FeZUAvZg/s1600/IMG_3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg-S9lH_42E/TeWX7RNi45I/AAAAAAAAOII/HX_FeZUAvZg/s640/IMG_3627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8VJKVPkc4A/TeWYKduL-8I/AAAAAAAAOIQ/x7uZ-2q1sKE/s1600/IMG_3628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8VJKVPkc4A/TeWYKduL-8I/AAAAAAAAOIQ/x7uZ-2q1sKE/s640/IMG_3628.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIThTS1sHMo/TeWYbbyqhTI/AAAAAAAAOIU/JbDsMdI9tr8/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIThTS1sHMo/TeWYbbyqhTI/AAAAAAAAOIU/JbDsMdI9tr8/s640/IMG_3629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vTpE9roQlo/TeWYsJ2IVSI/AAAAAAAAOIg/woP-L8pkmz4/s1600/IMG_3630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vTpE9roQlo/TeWYsJ2IVSI/AAAAAAAAOIg/woP-L8pkmz4/s640/IMG_3630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnqrzhBAqyY/TeWY-GvRMWI/AAAAAAAAOIo/sMF0fkZnHaQ/s1600/IMG_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnqrzhBAqyY/TeWY-GvRMWI/AAAAAAAAOIo/sMF0fkZnHaQ/s640/IMG_3631.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Yu3IT80KQ8/TeWZQAu_rVI/AAAAAAAAOIs/h09sn4Wmz9Y/s1600/IMG_3633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Yu3IT80KQ8/TeWZQAu_rVI/AAAAAAAAOIs/h09sn4Wmz9Y/s640/IMG_3633.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVJEgLI1ZDI/TeWZs9J4III/AAAAAAAAOIw/xlhASquxZfw/s1600/IMG_3634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVJEgLI1ZDI/TeWZs9J4III/AAAAAAAAOIw/xlhASquxZfw/s640/IMG_3634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvLa09rtaNg/TeWZ9qh36sI/AAAAAAAAOI8/mnEfDPlxklU/s1600/IMG_3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvLa09rtaNg/TeWZ9qh36sI/AAAAAAAAOI8/mnEfDPlxklU/s640/IMG_3636.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If7P5VTp7SM/TeWaNt2AYJI/AAAAAAAAOJA/0T3hjOFpxe4/s1600/IMG_3641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If7P5VTp7SM/TeWaNt2AYJI/AAAAAAAAOJA/0T3hjOFpxe4/s640/IMG_3641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RF5Eks3ekQ/TeWacASN5PI/AAAAAAAAOJE/q6KSS1YZK44/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RF5Eks3ekQ/TeWacASN5PI/AAAAAAAAOJE/q6KSS1YZK44/s640/IMG_3642.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nWeEWQCPoM/TeWau3RzhkI/AAAAAAAAOJM/9N-081Z2ODw/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nWeEWQCPoM/TeWau3RzhkI/AAAAAAAAOJM/9N-081Z2ODw/s640/IMG_3643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Can you name them all?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is very hot this week. Luckily we've had a good amount of rain so everything green is shooting up and out and blooming big instead of drooping down and shriveling parched. Summer is in full swing here: fireflies, swimming, popsicles, and ZUCCHINI coming out our ears! Just keep that rain coming.</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-2708002061459775212011-05-27T10:43:00.000-04:002011-05-27T10:43:14.465-04:00Better Than Delivery Margarita Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-El4q9Zx-DOI/Td-xF8JVf2I/AAAAAAAAOHw/OeuWWvJa9gw/s1600/IMG_3346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-El4q9Zx-DOI/Td-xF8JVf2I/AAAAAAAAOHw/OeuWWvJa9gw/s640/IMG_3346.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1YplRKRsrI/Td-xWFvG1NI/AAAAAAAAOH0/Y_1Tr0p47Po/s1600/IMG_3347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1YplRKRsrI/Td-xWFvG1NI/AAAAAAAAOH0/Y_1Tr0p47Po/s640/IMG_3347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFQvLXGGvq8/Td-xoMKXcKI/AAAAAAAAOH4/5kugSjPTKc4/s1600/IMG_3352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFQvLXGGvq8/Td-xoMKXcKI/AAAAAAAAOH4/5kugSjPTKc4/s640/IMG_3352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHqQSg-Vhf4/Td-x8TUf_WI/AAAAAAAAOIA/jAxaqWsrBnw/s1600/IMG_3353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHqQSg-Vhf4/Td-x8TUf_WI/AAAAAAAAOIA/jAxaqWsrBnw/s640/IMG_3353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I used my little cabbage heads</span> in a spaghetti dish a la Martha Stewart last night. It was fine. There were bread crumbs and bacon (and how can it be all bad with bread crumbs and bacon), but I didn't LOVE it. My leeks are quiche-bound for the Memorial Day weekend festivities...so, today I give you pizza. <br />
<br />
There are MANY nights when the Doctor is working and the rascals and I are left to fend for ourselves. Such is the perfect night for this pizza. And here are the reasons why:<br />
<br />
Simple<br />
Nothing to nit pick<br />
A hot meal<br />
Fresh<br />
Fast<br />
TASTY<br />
<br />
There is something that fresh mozzarella gives to this pizza that regular mozzarella could never give. So if you can get it, use it. Also, homemade pizza dough is best of course, but remember, we are fending for ourselves here.<br />
<br />
We paired ours with steamed broccoli, for a complete meal.<br />
<br />
1 lb pizza dough (we use Trader Joe's)<br />
1/2 cup pizza sauce (again, TJs)*<br />
10-12 1/4-inch slices fresh mozzarella cheese<br />
olive oil for brushing<br />
kosher salt<br />
corn meal for baking<br />
<br />
Pre-heat your oven with a pizza stone inside to 500 degrees. (If you don't have a pizza stone, ask for one for your next birthday, anniversary, or belated mother's day. It will change homemade pizzas forever for good).<br />
<br />
Sprinkle corn meal on your pizza peal (or an unrimmed cookie sheet). Stretch your dough to fit your stone. I like mine square because my stone is square. Set the stretched dough onto the corn meal making sure there are no sticking spots. If there are, lift and add some more corn meal. Brush entire dough with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce over dough leaving 1-inch all the way around. Cover sauce with slices of mozzarella. Finally, sprinkle edges with salt. Carefully slide (with the aid of a spatula to release the dough from the peal) pizza onto stone. <br />
<br />
Bake pizza for 12 to 20 minutes depending on your oven. Crust should be golden brown and parts of cheese bubbling.<br />
<br />
Fresh mozzarella, when baked, can get juicy. This is what makes it so good. Let your baked pizza sit for 5-7 minutes before serving to let the juices reabsorb a bit. Serve with a chiffonade of fresh basil if you wish.<br />
<br />
*A quick sauce can be made from one can of diced tomatoes blended in a food processor (with the juice). Cook the sauce until thickened a bit (5-10 minutes) with some olive oil and garlic in a skillet. Salt and FGP to taste.Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-92219147474679866322011-05-25T10:21:00.000-04:002011-05-25T10:21:55.548-04:00Fantastically Fast Mr. Fox: A Sad Tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2B_rbO4gPqI/Td0K29GPERI/AAAAAAAAOHA/toaCe8VuQ4Y/s1600/IMG_3578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2B_rbO4gPqI/Td0K29GPERI/AAAAAAAAOHA/toaCe8VuQ4Y/s640/IMG_3578.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dr. Gooch was already out at the beach. I had spent the previous night and all morning packing the car and the children to make the drive out to join him. As we spoke on the phone I wondered aloud whether the chickens (3 laying, 3 two months old) would be okay if we left the coop door open so they could freely go in and out while we are away (three nights). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, they'll be alright.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBZ15H-a99k/Td0KlFHNx4I/AAAAAAAAOG8/UfxD8trfU3M/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBZ15H-a99k/Td0KlFHNx4I/AAAAAAAAOG8/UfxD8trfU3M/s640/IMG_3575.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I had only thought through it though. If I had just remembered that most likely it had been a fox that had come not weeks before this and taken our young barred rock rooster (that we were saving to eat ourselves). If I had realized that this fox would have informed the whole fox family of the jackpot of plump free-ranging chickens at Cicada Cottage (left unattended). [Because it felt like they just KNEW we had left them unattended]. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If only. But I didn't think this through and the rascals and I came home to several piles of feathers in the yard. The remains of six last struggles. I had not been there to protect this helpless hens and they were gotten. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the phone, we said over and over to each other, "I'm just so sad about our chickens." It was a surprising feeling that I experienced due to the loss of poultry mainly used for eggs and eventual meat. Yet, they had become a part of our daily ritual. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thea35t8RNM/Td0JmR69UpI/AAAAAAAAOGs/RaDrCvPQMmY/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thea35t8RNM/Td0JmR69UpI/AAAAAAAAOGs/RaDrCvPQMmY/s640/IMG_3607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They emerged from their coop as we did from our beds. At the sink, washing cereal bowls I would watched them excitedly strut around the yard beaks to grass grabbing bugs and greens for breakfast. They would come running from resting spots when I brought out the "chicken bowl" of kitchen scraps or a cup of wheat. They selflessly gave three gorgeous eggs each day. Then, as I washed the dinner dishes at the end of a day they would march up that skinny ramp to roost for the night and we'd send a runner down to lock 'em up for safe sleeping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thea35t8RNM/Td0JmR69UpI/AAAAAAAAOGs/RaDrCvPQMmY/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KklXjFR9h8/Td0JNg5S66I/AAAAAAAAOGk/l1OfwQTQq5I/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KklXjFR9h8/Td0JNg5S66I/AAAAAAAAOGk/l1OfwQTQq5I/s640/IMG_3601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We helped each other and gave what was needed. Except for that fateful night of neglect. It was the first night we were away for there were only 3 eggs layed.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqbdvga8C-4/Td0J_WX445I/AAAAAAAAOGw/AALgaZiqFhM/s1600/IMG_3611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqbdvga8C-4/Td0J_WX445I/AAAAAAAAOGw/AALgaZiqFhM/s640/IMG_3611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made the horrid discovery Monday night. Dr. Gooch found some young hens needing a home on Craigslist and by Friday at 1pm we had six new chicks. Three black, three white. We hope they'll be laying eggs come Fall. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XomamJOZS0/Td0KPEcpaPI/AAAAAAAAOG4/wncKzYubE1A/s1600/IMG_3614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XomamJOZS0/Td0KPEcpaPI/AAAAAAAAOG4/wncKzYubE1A/s640/IMG_3614.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Happy Ending.</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-9859273557160435272011-05-24T18:31:00.001-04:002011-05-24T18:32:00.899-04:00Stake and Tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOiPaIypG-Y/TdwX4eArLJI/AAAAAAAAOGI/FMqXDx30G9A/s1600/IMG_3619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOiPaIypG-Y/TdwX4eArLJI/AAAAAAAAOGI/FMqXDx30G9A/s640/IMG_3619.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The heat is on. Summer is unofficially here. Everything is growing like crazy. We are still having rain every third day or so, too. Big rain. So there is little for me to do in the vegetable garden. Except, of course, stake the tomatoes (and the tomatillos above).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmTgPh4efbg/TdwYJDMgBYI/AAAAAAAAOGU/rg3u_yV0564/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmTgPh4efbg/TdwYJDMgBYI/AAAAAAAAOGU/rg3u_yV0564/s640/IMG_3620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The tomato is a vine and it needs some taming to keep away rot and pest. I tried the tomato cages and felt they were more hassle than help. Now, I keep it simple. A stake and a tie. Last year I cut up some Hanes panty hose and used those strips to tie them. This year I didn't have any on hand, but I had too spools of garden twine. So, be gentle, and give those tomatoes a lift.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C9cUKLgwkDA/TdwYmNkKE1I/AAAAAAAAOGY/6zQtuVqXyGM/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C9cUKLgwkDA/TdwYmNkKE1I/AAAAAAAAOGY/6zQtuVqXyGM/s640/IMG_3621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also on my gardening to-do list today was to harvest the leeks and the cabbage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C9cUKLgwkDA/TdwYmNkKE1I/AAAAAAAAOGY/6zQtuVqXyGM/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSYfp1rVF9A/TdwXlXIl6PI/AAAAAAAAOGE/zX2FbhroT-M/s1600/IMG_3616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSYfp1rVF9A/TdwXlXIl6PI/AAAAAAAAOGE/zX2FbhroT-M/s640/IMG_3616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cY_lmQJSxIM/TdwY4GLM9zI/AAAAAAAAOGg/IF-VHbBmUJ8/s1600/IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cY_lmQJSxIM/TdwY4GLM9zI/AAAAAAAAOGg/IF-VHbBmUJ8/s640/IMG_3622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Leeks will go in a quiche or Creamy Leek and Potato Soup. The cabbages were surprisingly salvaged from the ravage wreaked on them by cabbage worms. Three solid (though smallish) heads perfect for some summer slaw. <br />
<br />
I just love the bounty of summer.Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-27920010274425834842011-05-21T10:38:00.000-04:002011-05-21T10:38:04.710-04:00Cantaloupe Freeze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuZrpj4QB7Q/TdfLqLBWemI/AAAAAAAAOD4/qL35y-sXhHE/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuZrpj4QB7Q/TdfLqLBWemI/AAAAAAAAOD4/qL35y-sXhHE/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8a02puMVQ10/TdfL6nOGHRI/AAAAAAAAOD8/v_Q_8m8F6dE/s1600/IMG_3582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8a02puMVQ10/TdfL6nOGHRI/AAAAAAAAOD8/v_Q_8m8F6dE/s640/IMG_3582.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08zwSfPIRFI/TdfMJoFHakI/AAAAAAAAOEA/_hJbuQQbkxE/s1600/IMG_3589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08zwSfPIRFI/TdfMJoFHakI/AAAAAAAAOEA/_hJbuQQbkxE/s640/IMG_3589.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbu012bHKcc/TdfMaL7MKHI/AAAAAAAAOEI/MfHZQ3aHfaE/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbu012bHKcc/TdfMaL7MKHI/AAAAAAAAOEI/MfHZQ3aHfaE/s640/IMG_3590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I used to have a job at a local smoothie shop. For a very short period of time we sold a cantaloupe smoothie of which I couldn't get enough. It was the perfect way to eat that vitamin packed fruit. <br />
<br />
The other day it was buy one get one free on the juicy orange melon at our grocery store. I brought home two really ripe ones. I cubed one and then froze the cubes in a freezer bag. <br />
<br />
2 cups ice<br />
1 1/2 cups frozen cantaloupe pieces<br />
2 cups milk<br />
2 generous scoops of your favorite frozen yogurt (I used TJs "pleasantly tart" nonfat plain)<br />
1 Tablespoon honey (or sugar)<br />
<br />
Blend. Take it outside and watch your own melons grow above your potatoes. What!? You haven't planted a melon yet. Do it today. Stick a seed in the ground. Easy as smoothie. Serves 2. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">©SweatBread 2011</span>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-68986995341985398392011-05-19T11:36:00.001-04:002011-05-19T22:03:35.329-04:00Plant Them Well and Let Them Govern Themselves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shyLXzU41Wc/TdUtAmYrs-I/AAAAAAAAOCQ/JKZZ9iwC2uk/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shyLXzU41Wc/TdUtAmYrs-I/AAAAAAAAOCQ/JKZZ9iwC2uk/s640/IMG_3544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's good advice. Especially if you started with good soil and it rains every three days. But, even the best advice doesn't come with guarantees. This is the last cabbage (and Brassica in general) I will plant in the Spring. In the Spring those little white moths flit around laying eggs in tender leaves which hatch little green worms that feast feast feast on my heads. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The number of Seven Dust applications needed to keep these cabbage edible is not worth the toxicity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Same cabbage, planted late summer/early fall will have no pest damage at all!! If you live in a climate, where there are 10 growing months in the years you have this luxury.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_2jBSng1_8/TdUtRpTe1fI/AAAAAAAAOCU/-Q3pqvkF4ic/s1600/IMG_3545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_2jBSng1_8/TdUtRpTe1fI/AAAAAAAAOCU/-Q3pqvkF4ic/s640/IMG_3545.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">healthy leeks take a long time to beef up. i will harvest these for quiche and a potato leek soup this week.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmxgiPYkH2U/TdUtiLhKKWI/AAAAAAAAOCc/2e70CRKyoAo/s1600/IMG_3546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmxgiPYkH2U/TdUtiLhKKWI/AAAAAAAAOCc/2e70CRKyoAo/s640/IMG_3546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">peas are finally flowering</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4cnj7eCJHQ/TdUt2uuxA5I/AAAAAAAAOCg/D8-oUnON8AY/s1600/IMG_3548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4cnj7eCJHQ/TdUt2uuxA5I/AAAAAAAAOCg/D8-oUnON8AY/s640/IMG_3548.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">just as with people, some thrive and some seem so stunted for no particular reason. growing in the exact same soil this little tomato plant is about the height of my hand, while the others from the same seed (see in the rear of the photo) are four hands high. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8aUEo8p8CU/TdUuJrE52kI/AAAAAAAAOCk/kdefV-aPGrg/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8aUEo8p8CU/TdUuJrE52kI/AAAAAAAAOCk/kdefV-aPGrg/s640/IMG_3551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crookneck Zucchini. I think these blossoms have the prettiest color. <a href="http://thedillspiel.blogspot.com/">Katy</a>, could you make me a spring dress that flows and glows like a squash blossom?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPby-w_P_YA/TdUuanq5HSI/AAAAAAAAOCs/CEhKxAg5ngw/s1600/IMG_3554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPby-w_P_YA/TdUuanq5HSI/AAAAAAAAOCs/CEhKxAg5ngw/s640/IMG_3554.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love these little bells. They will get big and be perfect for some gumbo, or stuffed with spicy rice.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti7aZHNE1AY/TdUuq4a-gTI/AAAAAAAAOCw/kcqnooe_sZY/s1600/IMG_3555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti7aZHNE1AY/TdUuq4a-gTI/AAAAAAAAOCw/kcqnooe_sZY/s640/IMG_3555.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little pod is a baby baby tomatillo. my first try with these, I'll let you know how they turn out.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tsbRMA8bXk/TdUvCW3dhcI/AAAAAAAAOC0/SZjNdeUIu3M/s1600/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tsbRMA8bXk/TdUvCW3dhcI/AAAAAAAAOC0/SZjNdeUIu3M/s640/IMG_3556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Was it the hail or is there a bug in the yard partial to the leaves of my struggling eggplant? Hmmm.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6H2Vu6P7js/TdUvT1n6_7I/AAAAAAAAOC8/kswdTch7rSI/s1600/IMG_3557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6H2Vu6P7js/TdUvT1n6_7I/AAAAAAAAOC8/kswdTch7rSI/s640/IMG_3557.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomatoes! Tomatoes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mT-5gD2qS1E/TdUvxtc5JSI/AAAAAAAAODA/xMJGy9qDsE8/s1600/IMG_3559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mT-5gD2qS1E/TdUvxtc5JSI/AAAAAAAAODA/xMJGy9qDsE8/s640/IMG_3559.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you plant nothing else new in your yard, may I suggest this Verbena Bonariensis? It adds height and dreaminess to your garden scape.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8GuHcwfDOw/TdUwB2kLynI/AAAAAAAAODI/hxheodlqZRY/s1600/IMG_3561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8GuHcwfDOw/TdUwB2kLynI/AAAAAAAAODI/hxheodlqZRY/s640/IMG_3561.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hollyhocks, bright and pale pink, another tall bloomer.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGT14h-5Z4s/TdUwTBIo5SI/AAAAAAAAODM/1BL5MvD-epw/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGT14h-5Z4s/TdUwTBIo5SI/AAAAAAAAODM/1BL5MvD-epw/s640/IMG_3562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4_4IpqSCo0/TdUwj2planI/AAAAAAAAODQ/NevNm5RG_FQ/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4_4IpqSCo0/TdUwj2planI/AAAAAAAAODQ/NevNm5RG_FQ/s640/IMG_3564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we love spiders</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxE7ra29FeI/TdUw0IXJRaI/AAAAAAAAODY/8t_vBl34UdQ/s1600/IMG_3565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxE7ra29FeI/TdUw0IXJRaI/AAAAAAAAODY/8t_vBl34UdQ/s640/IMG_3565.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love hydrangeas. Add lime for pink, aluminum for blue.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVYttFRevw4/TdUxEWN1TnI/AAAAAAAAODc/RSih8G-cPp4/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVYttFRevw4/TdUxEWN1TnI/AAAAAAAAODc/RSih8G-cPp4/s640/IMG_3567.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-9918132965437564612011-05-10T22:52:00.001-04:002011-05-10T22:53:00.261-04:00Bring 'em in, Dude.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9YwTjsqp6U/Tcn3s_jUbnI/AAAAAAAAN9Q/krnToMv90-M/s1600/IMG_3316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9YwTjsqp6U/Tcn3s_jUbnI/AAAAAAAAN9Q/krnToMv90-M/s640/IMG_3316.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hee6OFNwe9k/Tcn4QUHlYKI/AAAAAAAAN9c/2pxnJEybXtk/s1600/IMG_3319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hee6OFNwe9k/Tcn4QUHlYKI/AAAAAAAAN9c/2pxnJEybXtk/s640/IMG_3319.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ff68X9kai0/Tcn4h_iL8RI/AAAAAAAAN9g/ZT0d4plNESw/s1600/IMG_3320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ff68X9kai0/Tcn4h_iL8RI/AAAAAAAAN9g/ZT0d4plNESw/s640/IMG_3320.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is no sense in leaving all the flowers out in the yard. Unless of course you LIVE out in the yard and can enjoy them there all day. (Which sometimes, like when it feels like I'm being pecked to death, not by the chickens, but by the children, I am tempted). I'm starting a movement: BRING IN THE FLOWERS!!! They make everyone happy, especially the mama.</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680111262532363879.post-49992631566754575482011-05-07T20:41:00.000-04:002011-05-07T20:41:38.693-04:00Saturday Night Turn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8TUVhG7cdA/TcXk1NkWVII/AAAAAAAAN70/jFvrjqWz4wI/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8TUVhG7cdA/TcXk1NkWVII/AAAAAAAAN70/jFvrjqWz4wI/s640/IMG_2406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I walked around the yard tonight after I put the children in their beds. Prodded out of doors by their promises to stay put, I took a turn around the yard. All the way around. I do this a handful of times during the day if I am home. I've been home most of the day feeling miserable with a cold. <br />
<br />
On these turns, I usually pocket a few eggs from the coop. The other day I pulled up all the lettuce that had begun to bolt and then harvested the red kale (all of this made room for the beans, which I planted on a morning turn today). <br />
<br />
I discovered a good sunny spot for the fig tree and Dr. Gooch planted it. It's his fig tree, so his approval was crucial. He may beg to differ (meaning he may not believe that I believe his approval was crucial), but it's true to be sure.<br />
<br />
On a turn tonight I plucked a twig from an unknown-to-me tree (to take inside and give it the ol' <a href="http://www2.volstate.edu/jschibig/tree%20key.htm">dichotomous key</a> treatment), I frowned at the eggplant that don't seem to be thriving as well as I'd like, but saw that my cosmos and wildflowers that I poked into the ground last week have sprouted. It's all this wonderful spring rain we've been getting. I watched the hens. The younger girls (now three) like to head in for the evening earlier than the older ones. But Gloria and her gang kick them out and demand first choice as far as roosting goes, so the non-layers have to step aside and then resettle themselves. Every single night. The same ritual. Our lone rooster was killed the night before last. All that remains is a smattering of pretty black and white feathers by the compost pile (Dr. Gooch disposed of the mangled body before the rest of us had even stirred). I wonder if they miss their man.<br />
<br />
Then, it begins to be too dark to see anything but the silhouette of the three great Willow Oaks against the sky. I come in. The unknown tree is another (younger) Willow Oak but with larger leaves. The chickens are settled. All six.<br />
<br />
I'll go to bed congested but content to have this little bit of earth for the six of <i>us</i>.<br />
<br />
Happy Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc-Vva9oHuM/TcXlOFb4l7I/AAAAAAAAN74/Tc3gvyG6fSs/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc-Vva9oHuM/TcXlOFb4l7I/AAAAAAAAN74/Tc3gvyG6fSs/s640/IMG_2418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>RIP, Mister Rooster</i></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11637593487392502576noreply@blogger.com1