In New Jersey, it has been a very hot summer so far. Okay, so we are all well aware of what the weather has been, but I am really feeling bad for the gardeners. The earth has been so parched.
Yet, the garden yields and produces in spite of the heat (or maybe it is because of the heat?). The tomatoes are doing so well, and of course their best friend basil grows right along side.
Something new and very exciting in the garden this year...tomatillos! The fruit of this plant has a papery husk that reminds me of Chinese lanterns that we hang outside around the deck for party decorations. They make the best salsa and green sauce for Mexican cooking.
The zucchini are up and growing
in abundence as well, and because last week was a holiday for us, my husband and favorite chef, was very busy making use of the fresh produce along with the bounty of the sea.
A meal of steamed mussels, with crusty bread toasted on the grill, and started with a tower of grilled zucchini, eggplant, peppers and fresh mozzarella, this was a real feast!
We followed this meal with a little melon ...everything in season and delicious. The wine was a refreshingly cold vinho verde, perfect for a very hot night.
This week is promising more seasonal temperatures in the 80's. After last weeks highs, I am just hoping for some cooler evenings to sit outside on the porch.
♥, Susan
Your garden looks bountiful, Susan! Do you fry your zucchini blossoms?
I love mussels and your husband's looks like a wonderful chef!
Posted by: Pat in New York | July 09, 2012 at 11:35 AM
Pat, I have never tried frying the blossoms, but I am hoping to give it a try this year. Do you add anchovy to yours?
Posted by: susan ericson | July 09, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Hello and thanks for the visit. Your garden is well ahead of ours we have a few small green tomatoes, a few very tiny courgettes and the peppers and beans have a few flowers! As for tomatillos I am jealous, we had them in S. Africa but I have never seen them here. I have also not tried frying the blossoms I prefer to have the courgettes (zucchinis)! Diane
I cannot think of anything better than mussels followed by melon with a glass of wine Mmmmmmm. Have a great week. Diane
Posted by: Diane | July 09, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Fabulous meal! Those mussels look so good along with all those delicious vegetables from the garden! Tomatillo's, so nice!
Posted by: Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook | July 09, 2012 at 03:07 PM
Susan, I am drooling over the mussels and fresh vegetable. If I have to wash it down with a glass of wine, so be it! Delish. You want company?
-Karen
Posted by: My Little Home and Garden | July 09, 2012 at 08:19 PM
The heirloom tomatoes are soooo good.
I can't wait to make some zucchini bread, too!!
Posted by: Jenna Ericson | July 09, 2012 at 09:30 PM
MMM! I love grilling veggies. That food looks delicious!
Posted by: New Jersey Memories | July 10, 2012 at 04:33 PM
I will plant tomatiloes next year! can't wait to make green salsa! Your garden looks lovely, and cool.
Posted by: Ruth | July 10, 2012 at 11:40 PM
Susan, I love to eat seasonally from our garden! I never thought about growing tomatillos! I need to see if they will grow in my area~
Beautiful garden!
Posted by: Yvonne @ StoneGable | July 11, 2012 at 06:24 AM
What a grilling feast Susan! And that garden of yours, oh my heavens what a bounty!!! I didn't plant any veggies this year but I do have a few stray tomato plants growing right in the middle of the flower garden and some cukes too! They must have been leftover seeds from the compost pile, lol...Mother Nature sure has been finicky this year but when she surprises me with gifts from the garden, I really can't complain.
Thanks for sharing, Susan...wishing you cooler nights:)
Posted by: Louise | July 13, 2012 at 06:59 PM