Magic is happening in the gardens of New Jersey right now! Short of a new baby coming into this world, nothing amazes me more than when a tiny seed is buried under the dirt and voila...months later we get this...
Very early this morning, I was picking peas, pulling up radishes, and pulling out lettuce. It is all so gratifying! The gardens, both front and back yards were watered, and I was back in the house before the sun was officially up. (The community garden will be watered this evening)
The lettuce,
will be featured in a salad tonight with this dressing...
Vermont Vinaigrette
1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp Vermont Maple Syrup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp. chopped chives
Pinch of salt and pepper
Put all ingredients in a jar and shake well. I usually double this recipe and like to use it on a salad with a mix of slightly bitter veggies like radishes and lettuce.
Getting back to the garden, The radishes are going to be sauteed in a little oil and finished with a touch of butter, salt and pepper. The radish greens will be cooked with potatoes ...just like you would with chard.
Now the peas...I will shell them and freeze half...this is an effort because they are so sweet they could easily be eaten immediately, but oh what a treat to pull that ziploc of frozen peas out in the middle of winter!
The peas will bring their own brand of sweetness to the party of fettuccine alfredo tonight...sauteed up with a tablespoon or so of onion, a bit of pancetta, and of course the peas,...add to a basic fettuccine alfredo or a tortellini recipe and dinner becomes a celebration.
In addition to our little gardens, I had the privilege this week to take pictures of a friends garden. Last year, I featured Mark and Sue Davis's amazing tomatoes in this post. I hope to write a post about their garden again this year. To whet your appetite even more,
Here are three jars of the heirloom tomatoes that they put up last August. Mesmerized by the beautiful colors, I have not yet decided how to cook them, although I am leaning toward Lucille's Stewed Tomato recipe for one of these. Here is a rerun of her recipe:
Lucille's Stewed Tomatoes
3 lbs Roma type tomatoes
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp salt
3 slices white bread...crusts removed
3 basil leaves
Pop the tomatoes in boiling water for a minute or two and remove and remove to an ice bath. Peel the skins from the tomatoes and chop each tomato in half or thirds. In a large enough sauce pot cook the tomatoes with the sugar, salt and basil for 20 minutes on a low flame. When they are done, cube the white bread into small pieces and mix into the tomatoes. The bread will melt in and the tomatoes will have a pudding consistency. Serve as a side dish.
More from the gardens very soon...I am linking this post to Miz Helen's Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday and Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday.
♥, Susan
Oooh, I'm looking forward to that salad tonight! It sounds delicious.
Posted by: Jenna Ericson | June 09, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Always exciting when the veggies start to come in! I made Sweet and Sour Chicken with my snow peas on Sunday! Your salad dressing sounds great-enjoy:@)
Posted by: Lynn@HappierThanAPigInMud | June 09, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Nice harvest! I have to try your dressing, sounds like something we'd love.
Posted by: Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook | June 09, 2011 at 01:04 PM
You're going to be eating mighty fine at your house!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | June 09, 2011 at 02:07 PM
Your gardens sound delightful. Hoping my raised planting beds produce...this is only our 2nd year at growing our own produce! I think it is just going to take some time and patience...along with several years practice. The vinaigrette sounds wonderful!
Posted by: Valerie | June 09, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Just look at all those wonderful fresh vegetables, looks like someone just got back from the garden. I love your Vermont Vinaigrette I will be giving it a try. I am very excited that canning season is here. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday, have a great week end and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Posted by: Miz Helen | June 10, 2011 at 01:39 PM
What a delicious looking mosaic filled with great photos! I love stewed tomatoes.
Posted by: ldh | June 11, 2011 at 06:08 AM
Your veggies look wonderful. It is very reqarding to have your own veggie garden. Great mosaic, have a wonderful week!
Posted by: Eileen | June 12, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Fantastic!!! When I was little my grandma had a garden...and the memories of after school tomato sandwiches in the yard will be with me forever! :)
Happy Summer!!!
xo
Posted by: jenny holiday | June 13, 2011 at 10:11 AM