Garden Party

There are so many things I love about summer: wearing flip flops (or better yet, no shoes at all), catching fireflies, and fresh, delicious produce. Usually I enjoy fresh produce from the grocery store, but this year I've been lucky to have fresh produce from a farm-share we joined (more on that later...) and straight from our own backyard!

Super red, juicy and delicious.

I certainly don't have a green thumb. Most plants I've had in the past I've killed within a week or two, so I was a bit intimidated about planting a garden. I picked up some seeds at Lowes though, and I got a couple of tomato plants that were on sale for 50 cents each. Only half the seeds I planted survived, but my tomato plants have turned into tomato trees!!

This plant is almost as tall as me!

I can't wait to celebrate with some fresh salsa and maybe even homemade tomato sauce for fresh pasta!

Growing vegetables isn't nearly as intimidating as I thought it would be. I've also heard these plants do well planted later in the summer, and may even try to plant some more: beets, carrots, broccoli, kale, and salad greens.

Our current crop-- we can't eat them quickly enough!

Here are some tomato recipes I can't wait to try:

Fresh salsa:
2 cups diced  tomatoes (4-6 fresh tomatoes)
1 onion (I like purple onions for added color)
1 Tbsp lime juice (or 1 fresh squeezed lime)
1 cob of corn, removed from cob
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or basil for a sweet twist)
1 - ??? Finely chopped jalapenos (put in as many as you like, or just use bell peppers if you dont like any spice)
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp sugar

Mix all ingredients and allow to sit for at least 30 min so flavors can blend.

To vary the recipe try broiling or grilling any of the ingredients for a savory roasted taste. :)


Simple tomato sauce:
6 - 8 Large tomatoes
2 Cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced into ribbons
1/4 cup sugar

1. Begin by removing tomato skins. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and place tomatoes in for 30 - 60 seconds. Remove them with tongs and  immediately plunge them in ice water. Peel off skins.
2. Cut tomatoes into quarters and remove seeds
3. Put tomatoes and garlic  in a small saucepan for 20 - 30 min. Add basil for last 10 min of cooking. Serve with pasta and protein of your choice.

The beauty of this dish its  simplicity. It is like a little black dress that can be classy enough to serve to company, yet simple enough to enjoy as a weeknight meal. Finish it off with some tender grilled chicken or cannelini beans.