We've gotten to that point of the summer. This means success, of course, but also leaves me wondering how to use up what I've grown. Last summer I tried canning them, but I wasn't satisfied with the result. I thought the home-canned tomatoes were actually kind of bland, so I don't want to do that again.
That leaves us on a search for tomato recipes.
I pulling up the dead/dying zucchini plants today. This was not a very successful season for them---once again, only a few fruit grew. Why don't I get more zucchini? The cucumbers may also be on their last legs.
Of course, the continuing seasons mean that new things are happening. I've planted some more kale and kholrabi. The first plants have come up, very spotty germination, however, maybe because of the heat? Peas are also coming up, but also somewhat disappointing germination. Still, with any luck we should get some peas this fall.
I also picked some hot chili peppers. They are drying under low heat in the oven. Should be plenty for chili this winter.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Big Harvest
Well, I went out today just to make sure nothing needed to be picked. And here's what I got:
Not bad. Four cucumbers (they keep hiding until they get too big), lots of cherry tomatoes, and plenty of regular tomatoes as well.
As I already had a load of tomatoes, it was time to make fresh tomato sauce. Recipe follows:
1. Lots of tomatoes.
2. Some basil
(If you want exact measures, try a cookbook. Besides, the purpose of this recipe is to use up whatever tomatoes are around. Don't try it unless you have at least 15 or so ripe tomatoes, however, as it cooks down a lot.)
Peel the tomatoes and remove the seeds. Chop them up and then drain them in a sieve (I just discovered this step, it reduces the cooking time a lot).
Mince the basil. Note: you could also add sauteed onions, garlic, oregano...whatever you like. Or you can even omit the basil for purity.
Simmer tomatoes and basil in a large saucepan until most of the liquid is gone. You want lumps of tomato. This might take an hour depending on how many tomatoes you have and how large the saucepan is.
Serve over pasta. Parmesan is good on this, but not completely necessary.
Not bad. Four cucumbers (they keep hiding until they get too big), lots of cherry tomatoes, and plenty of regular tomatoes as well.
As I already had a load of tomatoes, it was time to make fresh tomato sauce. Recipe follows:
1. Lots of tomatoes.
2. Some basil
(If you want exact measures, try a cookbook. Besides, the purpose of this recipe is to use up whatever tomatoes are around. Don't try it unless you have at least 15 or so ripe tomatoes, however, as it cooks down a lot.)
Peel the tomatoes and remove the seeds. Chop them up and then drain them in a sieve (I just discovered this step, it reduces the cooking time a lot).
Mince the basil. Note: you could also add sauteed onions, garlic, oregano...whatever you like. Or you can even omit the basil for purity.
Simmer tomatoes and basil in a large saucepan until most of the liquid is gone. You want lumps of tomato. This might take an hour depending on how many tomatoes you have and how large the saucepan is.
Serve over pasta. Parmesan is good on this, but not completely necessary.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The harvest continues
The dribble of one or two cucumbers each day means that the vegetable drawer in the fridge is filling up again. If this keeps up, I will eventually make dill pickles. For now, however, we are planning a cucumber-mango salad for a potluck that should put a dent in them.
The tomatoes are producing, although kind of slowly. Part of the problem is that I still lose more than I like to insects and other things of that sort. It is disappointing to see a tomato that was ripening go bad before it can be picked! Still, we are getting more than enough, and plenty of cherry tomatoes.
Getting a few raspberries, as well. There should be lots soon.
Still only a zucchini every week or so. They are very discouraging. Maybe I should give them up.
The pea plants have shown up and are starting to reach the trellis. And there are tiny kholrai and kale plants. I suppose next week I should try to plant some more, since I'm sure this heat isn't the best for them.
I am spraying Seranade like crazy (twice in the past week). I think I am losing to the powdery mildew, but at a slower rate than in the past. Next year, I'll have to try spraying earlier.
The tomatoes are producing, although kind of slowly. Part of the problem is that I still lose more than I like to insects and other things of that sort. It is disappointing to see a tomato that was ripening go bad before it can be picked! Still, we are getting more than enough, and plenty of cherry tomatoes.
Getting a few raspberries, as well. There should be lots soon.
Still only a zucchini every week or so. They are very discouraging. Maybe I should give them up.
The pea plants have shown up and are starting to reach the trellis. And there are tiny kholrai and kale plants. I suppose next week I should try to plant some more, since I'm sure this heat isn't the best for them.
I am spraying Seranade like crazy (twice in the past week). I think I am losing to the powdery mildew, but at a slower rate than in the past. Next year, I'll have to try spraying earlier.
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