Tomatoes, A Full Moon, And A Peach Tree

Greetings! I know that it has been a long time since my last post, I've been up to my elbows in dirt! That makes it a little hard to type. We have had a wonderful Spring here in the Ozarks. Even though it did seem as if Winter went biting and clawing the whole way. The garden is doing very well. Right now it is in-between phases. We are still harvesting cooler-weather crops such as snow peas and kohlrabi (however these don't have much longer) and the tomatoes, peppers and zucchini have already been planted. I only grow heirloom vegetables, and this year I am trying some varieties that I have not tried before such as Pineapple tomatoes. These are yellow with red marbling, weigh two pounds each, and are said to have a sweet and fruity flavor. Another tomato I'm growing is Black from Tula. This is a rare Russian heirloom that is a dark purplish color and is thought by many tomato aficionados to be the best tasting of all the dark tomatoes. I have also planted Yellow Mortgage Lifter, Amana Orange, Henderson's Crimson Cushion, and Copia. Even though it will be a while before these plants begin to fruit, I can see them sliced on a platter, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt and freshly-ground pepper with, perhaps, some small basil leaves strewn over. This vision keeps me weeding.

The moon was full tonight. It rose in a clear sky at eventide accompanied by warm breezes and the song of a Whippoorwill. This is a great time of year in the mountains. The hay fields are busy and as you drive around, the countryside smells of wild honeysuckle and fresh cut hay. Intoxicating. Next week is our wedding anniversary. Each year to mark this occasion we plant a tree. This year we chose a peach tree called Golden Jubilee. Lovely pink blossoms, delicious fruit, and nice Fall color. What more could you ask for in a tree? Nothing (well, my husband asks that it plants itself, so other than that).

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The Humble Lentil

I was grocery shopping the other day and picked up a bag of lentils. Two fellow shoppers where openly curious about this selection and asked me, "What are you going to do with those?" I said, "Cook them." Then it dawned on me that of course these people figured that the lentils would be cooked. The question was how they would be prepared. So I gave a small talk about the savoriness and diversity of lentils. I would like to share with you some of the great things about the lentils. 

The lentil is a bushy annual plant that belongs to the legume family. It is thought to have originated in the Near East and has been consumed by humans since Neolithic times. Twenty-six percent of a lentil's calories come from protein. They are also high in iron, fiber, vitamin B1, and folate.  Not only are they nutritionally loaded, but they are very appetizing. Lentils can be prepared in so many ways. Try cooking some in chicken broth, then drain and stir into couscous along with minced onion, tomato, cucumber, and salt and pepper for a great summer salad. I also like to simmer lentils in chicken broth, white wine, orange slices, bay leaves, and curry powder. Then stir in green onions and continue to simmer until they are tender. Sometimes I add spinach to this as well. Serve it with rice or couscous.

This is my Lentil and Sweet Potato soup recipe:

Saute a large yellow onion in butter until translucent, then add a cup of diced ham and continue to cook until the ham gets brown on the edges. Add five cups chicken broth ,two cups lentils, and two sweet potatoes peeled and diced. Add nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer until the sweet potatoes and lentils are tender. I never measure anything when I cook so these measurements are more like guidelines, not a scientific formula. Enjoy!

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The Joys of Winter

I admit that Winter is not my favorite season. Okay, it isn't even in the top three. However, there are many things about this most inhospitable of seasons which I enjoy. I am always made somewhat melancholy when the vibrant colors of Autumn fade and all the growing things are made brown and gray by the first killing freeze, yet Winter has it's own austere beauty. The landscape is monochromatic. The snow creates a canvas which showcases the stark linear forms of the bare trees and the shadows cast by them. Snow itself is enchantingly beautiful as are frost and ice. The sky on a clear, still Winter night is breathtaking above all things.

In Winter I can't go out and enjoy my morning constitutional around the garden. I can, However, sit at the glass doors overlooking the back deck, coffee cup in hand and watch the amusing antics of the birds at the feeder. Cardinals, Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmice, Blue Jays, and many others stop by. I've counted almost three score at a time. It is a nice way to start the day.

Winter has it's own culinary delights to offer as well such as creamy potato chowder, savory beef stew, spicy chili, sweet hot cocoa, and warm fruit compotes. These dishes are very satisfying on bitterly cold Winter nights.

Other things I love about Winter: snow days, no ticks, and hot tea. What do you like about Winter?

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.