The Governor of New Jersey had a news conference this morning. In it, he declared a state of emergency in preparation of a visit from the hurricane named Irene.
He said that anyone with plans to stay at the shore this weekend should stay home. There is the possibility of evacuation. We live on a peninsula between two rivers that ends at the Atlantic Ocean. Having grown up on the south side of Long Island, I have seen hurricanes come up the coast and I know how to prepare for this. To be honest, this time I feel a little nervous.
In preparation, this morning I picked some of what is ripe in the backyard garden.
It is doubtful that there will be anything left after the 80 mile per hour winds that are expected. Most of this I was going to pick next week anyway, but I was going to leave the squash for another few weeks. Better to have them safe in the house than ravaged by the elements.
I also picked the Cavolo Nero or Dinosaur Kale. My husband searched high and low for the seeds to grow this plant and we want to enjoy what has grown in the garden.
Also called Lacinato, this black kale is rather unique in flavor and appearance. I will be making soup (my favorite way to use it) tonight and put some away in preparation ...just in case we need it next week.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours,
Ingredients:
- 2 black leaf kale plants, about 2 1/2 pounds (1 k)
- A medium onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- A medium carrot, minced
- A stalk of celery, minced
- A sprig of fresh thyme
- Olive oil
- 3-4 canned plum tomatoes, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 quarts (2 liters) simmering vegetable or meat broth (unsalted bouillon will work)
- Slices of toasted Italian bread
- Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
Preparation:
Begin by washing the kale, stripping the ribs from the leaves, and slicing the leaves into strips. Next, heat a quarter cup of olive oil in a pot, add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and begins to color. Add the thyme, and the kale, and cook, stirring occasionally, for a few more minutes.
Add the tomatoes and broth, mix well, check seasoning, and simmer the soup for an hour. In the meantime, slice and toast the bread, and use it to line your soup bowls.
Ladle the soup over the bread, and serve it with freshly grated cheese, extravirgin olive oil, and black or red pepper for those who want it.
This particular recipe came from About.com.
Hoping for the best this weekend for all who will be touched by Irene. I am linking this post to Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday.
♥, Susan
The veggies look beautiful. I sure miss my huge garden that I had when we lived in the South! Small, shady yard here in Hawaii. Plus very moist where I live so mildew on the leaves is inevitable! Bugs love to eat the plants and roots as well since there is no frost to kill them off! Still wouldn't trade it for anything. Thanks for posting and stay safe!!
Posted by: Julie | August 25, 2011 at 12:12 PM
I just used Kale for the first time this summer when I made sausage soup....like they serve at Olive Garden. It was great.
Be safe!!! Don't take any chances.
Posted by: Becky K. | August 25, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Well here I am on the east end and south side of LI. Holding my breath and crossing my eyes!
I wonder what will happen to the crops and my flowers! :( And think of all the weddings this weekend!
Stay safe!
Posted by: Cuisine Kathleen | August 25, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Hi Susan, I've had a bit of a time finding your blog recently, so I am now following you! I am so worried about this storm, with the winds they are predicting, power going out is a certainty. I am prepared as best I can and praying praying praying!!!!! xo
Posted by: Barbara F. | August 25, 2011 at 07:22 PM
Ok, I spoke too soon, I tried following you with email, but I got a page full of gibberish! I guess Google Friend Connect is only for Blogger? I do follow other Typepad blogs but any help you can give me would be appreciated.
Posted by: Barbara F. | August 25, 2011 at 07:26 PM
Susan, Good luck this weekend. I spent most of my life in Conn but now live in Arizona. I will be thinking of you
Posted by: Linda | August 25, 2011 at 08:02 PM
The hurricane warnings have certainly scared me! My husband and i put away all our outdoor furniture this evening and we tired down anything we though could blow away. The storm surge worries me as we are not far from a inlet form the bay. I hope we both fare well, Susan!
I love kale soup! I have a Portuguese recipe that I use all the time but yours sounds wonderful too! I like your black kale ..that is really different!
Posted by: Pat | August 25, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Thoughts and prayers are with you this weekend, Susan. We'll be watching the storm from across the country and hoping there is minimal damage and no injuries.
Posted by: Cathy at Wives with Knives | August 26, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Be safe Susan, pretty scary when they start shutting down the casinos!
Posted by: [email protected] | August 26, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Stay safe Susan...I'm thinking of you!
Posted by: laura | August 26, 2011 at 04:16 PM