Wednesday, June 29, 2011

WALK A MILE...

Societal thinking might suggest that my leathers are in need of reconstructive surgery, but I beg to differ. To me, the wear and tear is symbolic of the countless steps I've taken to grow my garden. My husband's backroom attempts to toss them have failed as I fish them out of potential obscurity and slip into them with happiness. The relief that, once again, they are at my feet is palpable. Tattered and torn to perfection, these comforting soles are, of course, my favorites.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

WHAT WE DID WITH WHAT WE GREW & WHAT WE DISCOVERED ALONG THE WAY...

CHAPTER 1: SUMMER 2010
The Summer of 2010 brought 
Serrano and Jalapeño Peppers into our lives. Ever since, these 4-alarm kickers have been lighting almost every meal on fire. The San Marzanos are from my royal friends' farm. Their rich tomato-y flavor is favored for making sauces, but we love them as slicers, dicers... whatever. Thanks to the royals, this year, we're growing our own.

RECIPE 1:

HUEVOS A LAS ESTRELLAS

Ingredients:
A Starlit Night
Your Other Half

2 Eggs / Person

4-6 San Marzano Tomatoes (for 2)
1-2 Small Onions

1/2 -1 Serrano or Jalapeño Pepper (Green)

Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper
Directions:
Tastes best when prepared 
under the stars.
 First, crack the eggs into a bowl and set aside. Dice the San Marzanos and the onions. Dice the Serranos or slice into pinwheels. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the onions, and sauté 
until soft. Stir the San Marzanos and Serranos into the sautéd onions and mix together. Let the juices blend 
while cooking for a few minutes. Pour in the eggs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Scramble till cooked. Serve.


Try this recipe for breakfast.
 
Don’t change anything, but the name:
Huevos al Sol.





Cardinal Rule!
To spice things up, dice a hot pepper
 into miniscule cubes or slice into pinwheels; 
sprinkle over everything. 
WEAR GLOVES WHEN HANDLING! And do not rub your eyes!

Monday, June 27, 2011

THE KINGS OF ROYAL ACRES...

At an inconspicuous farmer's market in the smallest of towns on the humblest of Main Streets in the USA, a royal family fortuitously introduced me to heirloom tomatoes. The chance introduction and $8 worth of plants launched a passion for the most delicious, colorful, oddly-shaped tomatoes, an obsession with fresh-picked foods and brand new friendships. I curtsy to these royals. They are king! Support your local growers. Buy farm-fresh foods.


Sunday, June 26, 2011

LADY IN RED...

This little lady stopped by for a visit today. I offered her some aphids and asked if she could stay. Look at what they've done to my Roberto's Cuban Pepper; the only other recourse is to keep him covered all day.

Friday, June 24, 2011

ONE MAN'S JUNK...

A found treasure becomes the focal point of the garden... its rusted facade lending all the more charm... its graceful scrolls inviting the coincidental grapevine to entwine.

Grapevines grow wild on the farm, to some a nuisance. This one stays, a reminder of my dad's love of grapes.