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ISBN-13:978-07573-1888-7(Paperback)ISBN-10:07573-1888-6(Paperback)ISBN-13:978-07573-1889-4(ePub)ISBN-10:07573-1889-4(ePub)
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CONTENTS
Introduction:Food,GloriousFood
Chapter1:AttheKitchenWindowArugulaSaladwithCranberriesandWalnutsPotatoSaladwithArugulaPestoCreamofCornSaladSoupMâcheSaladwithBlueCheese,Blueberries,andPecansCressTeaSandwichesDeviledEggswithCressSouthernStyleThaiLettuceCupsLettuceSoupSpringLettuceswithGreenDressingJapanese-StyleGardenVegetableSoupOpen-FacedRadishSandwichesCornbreadSaladFooYungEggswithScallionsKiltLettuceChervilinPotatoChip“Windows”Shrimp“Scampi”withChervilChiveandRiceFlourPancakesSteamedVegetableBundles(tiedwithchives)KeyLimeandCilantroShrimpSaladParsleyCreamWinterTabouli
Chapter2:ContainerizedFarmingBabyBokChoyinVegetableHerbBrothStirFryofAsianMustardswithGroundPorkBraisedDandelionGreensGumboZ’herbesKoreanEggplantSmokyGrilledCaponataCreamofSpinachSoupSpinachSaladwithDatesCreamofCarrotSoupwithCuminandThymeRoastedCarrotsandWinterVegetablesCreamyChilledVegetarianSnowPeaSoupEnd-of-SeasonFreshPeaSoupVichysoisseSouthernStylePotatoSaladGoldenPotatoSoupKorean-StylePotatoesDeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrustThreeBeanSaladGreenBeansand“Shellies”withCountryHamGreenBeanswithRoastedPeppersWhiteGazpachoCucumber,Onion,andTomatoSalad
BenedictineSpreadGrilledFishwithThreePepperSaucesWhiteChiliCornbreadPanzanellaOld-FashionedTomatoBreadPuddingGazpachoPestoPeachesinBasilSyrupJapaneseFlowerSoupWinterSquashSoupwithAsianFlavorsVegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice
RawVeganThaiCurrySoupGrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlawRaspberryHandPiesRaspberry,Jicama,andPecanSaladwithRaspberryVinaigretteSkilletChickenwithRosemaryOven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOilStrawberryShortcakeSaladofBabyLettuce,EarlyPeas,andStrawberriesChickenandThymeDumplingsSlowCookerBeefStewwithBeer
Chapter3:GardeninginRaisedBeds
CaldoVerdeBorscht:TwoVariationsBeetCanapésHeirloomPotatoandBabyLeekVichysoisseWinterGazpachoWinterVegetablesinRichChickenBrothJadeGreenBroccoliBroccoliSteamedwithBayLeavesColeslawBrassRail-StyleVirginiaPeanutColeslawGratinofCauliflowerCauliflowerandPotatoSaladSouthernStyleCollardGreensCayetteswithCollardsSweetCornSoupEdamameSuccotashTonkatsu-StylePorkCutletsSweetCornPuddingFreshCornChowderwithTortillaShredsKaribbeanKebabsMâqueChoux
TennesseeCaviarHoppin’John
ChilledMelonSoupSaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciuttoJohn’sCreoleStyleGumboFriedOkra(akaCajunPopcorn)OkraKarenFallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressingLemonBasilZucchiniFriedCornwithZucchiniSummerSquashCasseroleSweetPotatoMascarponeGnocchiPecanSorghumBrownButterSauceSweetPotatoesStuffedwithWinterGreensSweetPotatoCasserolewithMarshmallowsSweetPotatoSaladSweetPotatoPieFriedGreenTomatoNapoleonsPepperCrustedPorkProvençalYellowTomatoandBaconJamTurnipGreensOshitashiMixedTurnipMashWinterSquashPickleWinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompanyWinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBrothWinterSquashRavioliShrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauceTraditionalThanksgivingDressingCelerySoupwithSweetPotatoesandBlueCheeseTraderVic’sChickenSaladPotatoStackswithCelerySauceDilledGreenTomatoesorGreenBeansBrownButterandSageSauceGoudaMac’n’CheesewithFreshTarragonMarinatedCheesewithTarragonVinegar
Chapter4:TheEdibleLandscapeBlackberryCobblerFreshFruitwithLemonVerbenaSyrupSteamedLemonVerbenaFishChickenMinestroneGreekSaladPizzaPennsylvaniaDutchChickenTurnoverAsparagus“Rockefeller”AsparagusWrappedwithTennesseeProsciuttoMeyerLemonCurdandBlueberryTartSeafoodBisquewithBlueberriesCampfireApplesGrilledPeacheswithBlueCheeseCherryBarbecueSaucePoachedPearswithMintMascarponeRhubarbandStrawberryPieFiléGumboASoupofNuts
Chapter5:ThePantryRichBeefBrothChickenBrothSupremeDashiLemongrassStockVegetableStockZucchiniBrothWhiteVegetableStockVeganTomatoBullion
PreservedFoodsOvenDriedTomatoesUniversalPicklingSolutionPicklingSpiceMixturePickledStrawberriesGreenCherryTomatoPreservesRipeCherryTomatoPreservesPimentoRelishPepperJamUniversalRecipeforHerbJellyBerryorCherryPreservesCompoundButterRosemaryOil
CilantroOilTarragonVinegar(andOtherHerbVinegars)
Techniques
BakedGoodsandBattersPizzaDoughBasicYeastBreadandVariationsCornbreadScratchBiscuits
CondimentsWarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghumToastedSeedMixtureCreoleSeasoningMixMinestraofSummerVegetables
Chapter6:HowtoGrowGreatVegetables
Acknowledgments,AbouttheAuthor
Index
INTRODUCTION
Food,GloriousFoodIgrewuponasmallfarmthatproducednearlyeverythingweate.MymotherusedtosaythatGrandmaalwaysbeganhershoppinglistwith“sugar,coffee,oatmeal”becausethosewerethreestapleswedidnotgrow.Somefolksintheneighborhoodgrewsorghum,though,andaftertheyharvestedthecrop,squeezedthejuicefromit,andboileddownthejuicetomakesyrup,Grandmacouldbartereggsforaquartortwo.Ithasaspecial,grassyflavorallitsownandisnotquiteassweetashoneyoragavenectar.Youwillfinditlistedinsomeoftherecipesinthisbook.Thesedays,sorghumismakingacomebackaspeopleseekoutalternativestorefinedsugarandcornsyrup.
Thebestpartoffarmlifewastheabundanceofgarden-freshvegetablesthatdominatedeverymeal.Evenbreakfastmightincludefriedpotatoes,atomatobreadpudding,orfriedgreentomatoes.Mydadrememberedhismotherfryingsquashblossomsdippedinbatterandservingthemwithhoneyforbreakfast.Othermealswouldincludeatleastthreevegetables,andtwicethatmanyonSundaysorwhenguestscamebyfordinner.
MyfamilyfoodtraditionsarerootedintheSouthernAppalachians,buteveryregionofthecountryhastraditionalrecipesfeaturingthefarm-freshingredientstypicalofthatlocale.Homegardenersareseekingouttheheirloomvegetablestheirancestorsgrewandsharingrecipesfromtheirgrandparents’time.
NotsincetheGreatestGenerationmarchedofftowarhaveAmericansembracedhomefoodgardeningwithsuchenthusiasm.Insteadofaidinginthefighttoprotectdemocracy,thistimeweareworkingtosaveEarth’secosystem,surelyagoalwithequivalent,ifnotgreater,urgency.Anincreasingnumberofpeoplearegrowingfresh,wholesomefood.Homefoodproductionhastakenoff,eveninurbanareaswhereearnestapartmentdwellerscultivatetomatoesandherbsunderartificiallights,andinsuburbansprawl-scapes,wherelawnsaregivingwaytolettucesandleeks.
AccordingtotheNationalGardeningAssociation,2014markedthefirsttimefoodgardeningsurpassedflowergardeningasabackyardhobbyamongAmericans.Whetherit’safewpotsofherbsonasunnywindowsilloratraditionalvegetablepatch,thenewAmericanfoodgardenrepresentsahearteningresponsetothecommodificationoffoodandtheindustrializationoffarming.
InSeedtoSupper,Iendeavortoprovideabalanced,conciseintroductiontofoodgardeningandtocookingwithhomegrownproduce.Thekitchen-testedrecipesfeaturethemostpopularhomegrownvegetablesandfreshherbs,pairedwithmeatanddairyfromthegrocerystore.Youdon’thavetobeanexpert,eitherinthegardenorthekitchen,togrowtheingredientsortocreatetherecipesofferedinthisbook.
Americanshaverediscoveredlocalproductsandareincorporatingthemintobothtraditionalandcontemporaryrecipes.Inafewcases,Imentionbynamehigh-qualityproductsfrommyregionthatanyonecanbuyonline.Iencouragereaderstosubstitutesimilaringredientswhentheycomefromproducersclosetoyourhome.Andifyousimplyusewhateverbrandyoucanfindatthegrocery,therecipewillstilltastegreat.
Weareeachapartofavast,livingsystemthatistheEarth’sbiosphere.Increasingly,webehavemorelikeavirulentpathogenthantherationalbeingsweconsiderourselvestobe.Whetherforgoodorill,weundeniablyinteractwithandalterourenvironmenteveryday.Ourmostintimateconnectionwiththebiosphereisviathefoodsystem.Allofus,despiteourdifferences,musteat.Someofusgetwaytoomuchfood,toomanyofusdonotgetenough,andthecomplexsystemofindustrialfoodproductionanddistributionscarcelyservesanyonewell,savethecorporatemogulsuponwhoseinvestmentscommercialfarmersareforcedtodepend.
Industrialagriculturerequiresenormousinputsofpetroleumandwater.Increasingly,farmersareplantinggeneticallymodifiedvarietiesofstaplecropsinanefforttoreducelaborcosts,increaseproductivity,andsecureenoughprofittostayinbusiness.Besidestheunknownandpotentiallyharmfulenvironmentaleffectsofthegeneticmodificationsthemselves,growingthesecropsalmostalwaysinvolvesincreasedapplicationofpesticides.Forexample,manygeneticallymodifiedcropsare“RoundupReady,”meaningtheycarryresistancetotheherbicideglyphosate,marketedunderthenameRoundupbytheMonsantoCorporation.Insteadoftraditionalcultivationtocontrolweedsinsoybeans,farmersspraythecropwithherbicide,whichkillstheweeds,leavingthesoybeanstofightanotherday.Forthemostpart,theenvironmentaleffectsofthesepracticesareunknown.AccordingtotheInstituteforResponsibleTechnology,welearnthefollowing:
CurrentlycommercializedGMcropsintheU.S.includesoy(94%),cotton(90%),canola(90%),sugarbeets(95%),corn(88%),Hawaiianpapaya(morethan50%),zucchiniandyellowsquash(over24,000acres).(Numberinparenthesesrepresentstheestimatedpercentthatisgeneticallymodified.)*
Thebenefitsofgrowingandcookingwithhomegrownproducearemany.Unparalleledfreshness,maximumnutrition,andoutstandingflavorcomprisethetopthree,butgrowingfoodsavesenergy,reducesourdependenceuponfossilfuels,conserveswater,promotesecologicaldiversity,andprotectslocallandscapesfromdevelopment.Theexercisegardeningaffordsisexactlythetyperecommendedforouragingpopulation,andadietrichinfruitsandvegetables—invariablyaconsequenceofhomefoodgardening—helpsstemtherisingtideofobesity.AnylocationintheUnitedStatescanproduceavarietyofvegetables,althoughlocalconditionswilldeterminewhichvegetablesdobestinanygivenarea.WhereIlive,thegrowingseasonislong,rainfallisreliableandabundant,andthelistofpotentialcropsisextensive.Becauselocalconditionsvarywidely,Ihavefocusedupontheneedsofthevegetablesinthechaptersonoutdoorgardening.Ifyoureadmycommentsregardingwhatvegetablesneedandtheirdislikes,youcandecideforyourselfhoweasyordifficultaparticularplantwillbetogrowinyourindividualcircumstances.
Forexample,wheresummersareshort,tropicalvegetablessuchasokraandwatermelonsseldomsucceed.Ontheotherhand,intheDeepSouth,lettuceproductionislimitedtothewintermonthsandperhapslatefallandearlyspring.Otherwise,thetemperaturebecomestoohottosupportacrop.Fortheseandotherreasons,mostpeoplewillfinditdifficulttoproduceallthevegetablestheymaywanttoeat.Myadviceistofocusonwhatwillgrowwellandutilizeyourcropstothemaximum,andthenlooktoyourlocalfarmer’smarket,CSA,ororganicfoodco-opfortherest.Weshouldneveravoiddelicious,wholesomefoodslikebananasorcinnamonbecausewecannotgrowthemonthepatio.
Insteadofgroupingrecipesbyseason,andgardeningadvicebyplantvariety,Ichosethenovelapproachoforganizinggrowingandcookinginformationbythenatureandsizeofthespaceavailabletothegardener.Thus,webeginwithherbsandgreensthatcanbesuccessfullyproducedatasunnywindow,thenmoveontolargercontainersonthepatioordeck,thentoraisedbedsinacorneroftheyard,andfinallytoanintegratedbackyardlandscape.Eachincreaseinthegardener’sgrowingroombringsadditionalpossibilitiesforthekitchen.Recipesaccompanythegrowingadviceforeachcropdiscussed.Thefinalchapteroffersgeneralizedadviceforsuccessfulvegetablegardening,regardlessoftheamountofspacedevotedtotheactivity.
HowtoReadtheRecipesherecipesemphasizegettingthebestflavorsoutofultra-freshingredientswithouttheneedforcomplexkitchentechniques.Whilesomerecipes
requiremorepreparationtimethanothers,orincludemoreingredients,noneisinaccessibletotheaveragehomecook.Neitherareallrecipesveganorvegetarian.Pairingsofseasonalproducewithmeat,chicken,andfish,aswellaseggsanddairyproducts,createsaculinarypaletteofferinggreaterinterestandopportunityforexploration.Nevertheless,manyrecipescanbeexecutedwithoutresortingtoanimalproducts,soIoffersuggestionsforvegetariansubstitutions.
Toavoidrepetition,Iincludehereinformationthatappliestoalltherecipes
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Toavoidrepetition,Iincludehereinformationthatappliestoalltherecipesinthebook.Therecipesallbeginwithalistoftheingredientsintheorderinwhichtheyareusedandtheamountofeachneededforthedish.
Eggsarelargeinsize.
Ialwaysuseplain,all-purposeflour.Siftingisunnecessary.Ifyouneedtoblendinsaltorbakingpowder,useawirewhisktocombinethedryingredients.
Measurementsneednotbeprecise,exceptforbakedgoods.Soups,stews,andotherdisheswillturnoutjustfineifyoualterslightlytheamountsofingredients.Youshouldhavetwotypesofmeasuringcups.Fordryingredients,thesetypicallyhavealonghandleandlooklikeaminiaturesaucepan.Forliquids,measuringcupsareshapedlikeasmallpitcherwithgraduationsontheside.Youcanusetheseinterchangeably,exceptwhenbaking.
Foodshouldlookgoodaswellastastegood.Havingyourowngardenallowsyoutochoosevegetablevarietiesbasedontheirappearance.Greenororangetomatoesorpurplecarrotsontheplatearesuretoimpressandpleaseyourfamilyandfriends.Ifinditausefulruletotrytohaveasmuchcolorontheplateaspossible.Thisisagoodwaynotonlytomakethemealpleasinglyattractivebutalsotomaximizethenutritionalbenefitsfromavariedselectionofplantfoods.Iencourageyoutobevisuallycreativewhenservingthedisheslistedinthefollowingpages.
CHAPTER1
AttheKitchenWindow
Potsofherbsgrowingatthekitchenwindowhavebeenaroundforalongtime.Window-boxgardensprobablyoriginatedasawaytomakefreshherbsandflowerseasilyaccessible.TheearliestonesweremadeofterracottaandusedbytheRomansforgrowingplantsusedincooking,formedicinalpurposes,andinreligiouspractices.Evenaswindowboxesbecamemoreornamentalandlesspractical,plantingschemesstillcalledfortheinclusionofherbslikebasilandthyme.Anexteriorwindowboxonasouth-facingsillremainsagreatoptionforgrowinganyoftheplantsmentionedinthischapter.
SeeingtheLightutdoorgrowingincontainerswillreceivemorediscussioninthenextchapter,sowewillbeginbyassumingyouhaveonlytheindoorspacenear
awindow,orperhapsnowindowatall.Ineithercase,youcanuseartificiallightingtoproduceanarrayofcrops.Manyoptionsareavailableforlightingequipment,eachwithadvantagesanddisadvantages.
FluorescentLightingIftheprimaryconsiderationiscost,fluorescentlightingoffersthebest
option.Asinglecompactfluorescentlamp,designedtoreplacea150-wattincandescentbulb,willprovideenoughlightforatwelve-inchdiametercontainerofherbsandgreens.Foraroundtendollarsyoucanbuyaclip-onreflectortoholdthelamp.
O
Ifyouaspiretoalargergarden,fluorescentfixturescomeinavarietyoflengths.Themostcommonandinexpensivesizeisforty-eightincheslong,typicallycalledashoplight,andholdstwo40-wattlamps.Thecostisquitereasonable.Twoshoplightswillilluminateaspaceofabouteightsquarefeet,enoughforfourstandardnurseryflatsofplants.
Fluorescentfixturesmadeexpresslyforindoorhorticulturearewidelyavailable.Whilemorecostlythanthesuggestionsabove,whichcanbefoundatanyDIYstore,thesedesignsoffersplash-proofhousings,built-intimers,andotherfeatures.TheyalsooftenfeatureT-5lamps.Theseimprovedfluorescentlampsarehalfaninchindiameter,somoreofthemcanbeplacedaboveasmallspace,increasingthelightintensityandopeningupgreaterpossibilitiesforplantproduction.
High-IntensityLightingAnothertypeoflightingequipmentoftensoldforhorticulturalpurposes
employsmetalhalidelamps.Thesearesometimesalsoknownashalogenquartziodide,orHQI,lamps.Theirlightoutputisextremelybrightbutcomeswithseveraldrawbacks.
First,thelampsgethotandareunsuitableforuseinconfinedspacesoraroundyoungchildren.Spatteringwithwatercanresultinanexplosion,sothelampmustbewell-protected.Second,theywastealotoftheelectricitytheyconsume,eitherreleasingtheenergyasheatoraslightwavelengthsnotparticularlyusefulforplantgrowth.Whilecommercialoperationsmayusemetalhalidelamps,Idonotrecommendthemforroutinehouseholduse.Theinitialcostisalsomorethanfluorescentlightingequipment.
LEDLightingLightemittingdiodes(LEDs)offerbenefitsofbothfluorescentandhigh-
intensitylightingsystems.LEDsystemsconsumefarlesselectricityperlumenofirradianceemitted.Theyarealsocompact.A15-wattLEDunitcanproduceasmuchilluminationasa200-watthigh-intensitysystem.Moreover,LEDscanbepreciselytunedtoemitaparticularwavelength.Thus,LEDsystemsdesignedforhorticultureemitmostoftheirlightinthewavelengthsplantsutilize.
TheprimarydrawbacktoLEDlightingistheirhighinitialcost.However,ifthiscostisamortizedovertheusefullifeoftheequipment,typicallyaboutten
thiscostisamortizedovertheusefullifeoftheequipment,typicallyabouttenyears,andconsiderationisgiventocostsforreplacementlampsforeitherfluorescentorhigh-intensitysystems,LEDlightingisthemosteconomicalchoice.
SunshineOnlyIfyouopttorelyupononlythesunshinestreamingthroughyourwindows,
youcanincreaseyoursuccesswithvegetablesandherbswithafewsimpletechniques.Choosethebrightestwindowinthehouse.Thisisnormallyasouth-facingexposure.Ifyouhaveonlyeast-westexposure,optfortheeastside.Positioningamirrorontheroomsideofyourwindowsillgardenwillreflectmorelightontotheplants,aswillplacingaluminumfoilunderneaththepotstoreflectlightontheundersurfacesoftheleaves.
YourWindowsillGardenhilethelimitationsofspaceandlightavailabilitywillnecessarilyconstrainthelistofvegetablesandherbsyoucangrow,thatlist
neverthelessincludesmanyusefulanddeliciousoptions.W
ARUGULA
Arugulaisknownalsoasthe“peanutbutterplant,”becauseittastesabitlikepeanutbutter.Richinvitamins,arugulaneedsonlyafewweeksfromseedtoharvest.ThecultivarSpeedyisreadywithinamonth.Itadaptswelltocontainergrowing.
Sowseedsone-fourthinchdeepinasmallpotandkeepmoist.Expectgerminationinabouttendays.Plantswillgrowrapidlyifthesoilinthepotiskeptmoist,notwet,andtheplantsreceiveaweakfertilizersolutiononceaweek.
Harvestbabyarugulawhentheplantsareaboutthreeinchestall.Letthemgetabouttwicethatsizeforamorepronouncedflavor.Usescissorstoremoveleaveshalfaninchabovethesoilline.Continuewateringandfeeding,andtheplantswillresprout.Youcancutthemtwoorthreetimesbeforetheybecomeexhausted.
Rinseleavesifnecessary,spindryinasaladspinner,andstoretheminaplasticbagintherefrigerator,wheretheywillkeepforaweek.Putapapertowelinthebagtoabsorbexcessmoisture.
Arugulaisadelicioussubstituteforlettuceonasandwichorinasalad,
Arugulaisadelicioussubstituteforlettuceonasandwichorinasalad,eitheraloneormixedwithothergreens.Therecipesinthischapterwillgiveyousomeideasforcapitalizingonitsuniqueflavor.
1.
2.
3.
ArugulaSaladwithCranberriesandWalnuts
Ifyougrowarugulaunderlightsoutofseason,thisdishpairsitperfectlywithingredientsavailableinwinter.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2cupslooselypackedbabyarugulaleaves1cupassortedbabygreenssuchaslettuceorcornsalad¼cupdriedcranberries¼cupwalnuts,toasted(page244)andcoarselychopped2tablespoonswalnutoil2teaspoonsredwinevinegar1tablespoonfinelymincedshallot¼teaspoonsaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Washthegreensandspinthemdryinasaladspinnerorpatdrywithpapertowels.Placethegreensinabowlwiththecranberriesandwalnutsandtoss.
Inasmallbowl,combinetheoil,vinegar,shallot,salt,andafewgrindsofpepper.Whiskwithaforktoemulsify.
Pouroverthesalad,tosswelltocoat,anddividethesaladbetweentwoplates.
PotatoSaladwithArugulaPestoThisnutrition-packedsaladisasdeliciousasitisbeautiful.Icreated
thisrecipetohighlightthepeanutbuttertasteoffresharugula.Thepestoisalsodeliciousonpasta,ongrilledpork,asasandwichspread,orasacondimentforsoup.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
PotatoSalad2cupspurplepotatoes,quarteredorhalvediflarge1smallyellowcauliflower,separatedintoflorets1cupsugarsnappeas,trimmedasneeded1smallheadredleaflettuce,separatedintoleaves,rinsed,andspundryYIELD:ABOUT1CUP
ArugulaPesto1clovegarlic,peeled2tablespoonsdryroastedunsaltedpeanuts¼cupunsaltedbutter¼cupgratedParmigiano-Reggianocheese1cup,packed,arugulaleaves¼cupextravirginoliveoil
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
PotatoSalad
Bringalargepotofwatertoarollingboil.Addatablespoonofsaltandthepotatoes.Whenthewaterreturnstoaboil,adjusttheheattomaintainasteadyboilandcookfor10minutes.Testoneofthepotatoesfordoneness.Awoodenskewershouldmeetnoresistancewhenthepotatoispierced.Youmayneedtocookthepotatoesanother2or3minutes,butdonotallowthemtobecomesodonethattheyfallapart.Assoonastheyaredone,draintheminacolanderandrinsewithcoldwater.Allowtodrainwhileyoucontinuewiththepreparation.
Bringanotherpotofwatertoaboil,addanothertablespoonofsalt,anddropinthecauliflowerflorets.Adjusttheheattoasteadyboil,andcookfor2minutes.Addthepeasandcontinuetocook1minute.Draininacolanderandrinsewellundercoldwater.Allowtodrainthoroughly.
Tearthelettuceintobite-sizepiecesandplaceinalargebowl.
Drythepreparedvegetableswithkitchentowelsandtransferthemtothebowlwiththelettuce.Addthepestoandtosstocoateverythingwell.Serveimmediately.
ArugulaPesto
Withthemotorrunning,dropthegarlicthroughafoodprocessor’sfeedtubetominceit.Dropinthepeanutsandpulverizethem.Turnoffthefood
2.
processor.Addthebutter,cheese,andarugula.Processtoapaste.Thenpourtheoilthroughthefeedtube.Thepestoshouldthickenandemulsify.
Tostore,transferthepestotoastoragecontainerandplaceasheetofplasticfilmoverthetop,pressingdownsotheplasticisincontactwiththesurfaceofthepesto.Thispreventsdarkening.Storethepestointherefrigeratorforuptooneweek.Thepestomayalsobefrozeninsmallamounts,inwhichcaseitneednotbeprotectedwiththeplasticwrap.Justtransferthepreparedpestotosmallfreezercontainers,label,andfreeze.
CORNSALAD
Alsoknownasmâcheandlamb’slettuce,thisfast-growingplantranksamongthehardiestgreencrops,survivingevenat5degrees.Youcanbegintoharvestinaslittleasthirtydaysfromthetimeseedlingsemerge.Sowseedsthinlyinsmallpotsofgrowingmix,coveringthemwithone-quarterinchoffinesoil.Thintooneplantperpotoncetheyhavetwosetsoftrueleaves.Youcantransplanttheextrastoadditionalpotsifyouhaveroom.Feedplantsweeklyandtheywillrapidlygrowintorosetteslargeenoughforaservingofsalad.Ifyouprefer,youcanharvestindividualleaves,beginningwhentheplantsarethreeinchestall.
Cornsalad’ssoft,nutty-tastingleavesaredeliciousbythemselvesorasacomponentofamixedgreensalad,wheretheyprovideacounterpointtomoreassertivegreens,suchasmustards.Itcanalsosubstituteforspinach.
2.
CreamofCornSaladSoupTherich,nuttyflavorofcornsaladshinesinthissimplecreamsoup.
Serveitwithamixedvegetablesaladaccompaniedbyacrispwhitewineforalightluncheon.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2cupscornsaladleaves2tablespoonsbutter¼cupfinelymincedonions2tablespoonsflour4cupsmilk¼tsppaprikaFreshnutmegParmigiano-Reggianocheeseorhard-cookedeggyolksforgarnishWashthecornsaladleaves,thendropthemintoboilingwater.Whenthewaterreturnstoaboil,cookfor1minute.Drain.Rinseundercoldwatertostopthecookingandthendrainthoroughly.Squeezethecornsaladbyhandfulstoexpresssomeadditionalliquid.Placethecornsaladinablenderjarandreserve.
Meltthebutterinasaucepan,andsautétheonionsuntiltheyaresoftened.Stirintheflouruntilwellcombined.Addthemilkslowlyinastream,stirringconstantly.Continuetocookandstiruntilthesoupthickensslightly.Pourintotheblenderjarwiththecornsaladandallowtocoolabout15minutes.Puréethesoup,returnittothepan,andaddthepaprika,alongwithafewgratingsoffreshnutmeg.Heatthesoupuntilitishot;donotallowittoboil.Tasteforsaltandadjustifnecessary.ServegarnishedwithfreshlygratedParmigiano-Reggianocheeseormincedhard-cookedeggyolk.
1.
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3.
MâcheSaladwithBlueCheese,Blueberries,andPecans
Thenuttyflavorofmâchepairswellwiththesweetnessofblueberriesandpecans,whiletherichtangofthebluecheesepullseverythingtogether.Ifpossible,makethisdishwiththesmallnativepecansthataresometimesavailable.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2cupsmâcheleaves,rinsedandspundry1sliceofredsweetonion,about⅛inchthick,separatedintorings½cupblueberries¼cuppecans,toasted(page244)½cupcrumbledbluecheese2tablespoonssafflowerorsunfloweroil2teaspoonsmaltvinegar¼teaspoonsaltDashofhotsauceFreshlygroundblackpepper
Chilltwosaladplatesuntilverycold.Pilehalfthemâcheleavesoneachplate,topwithsomeonionrings,ascatteringofblueberriesandpecans,andthebluecheese.
Inasmallbowlcombinetheoil,vinegar,salt,hotsauce,andafewgrindsofblackpepper.Whiskwithaforktoemulsify.
Drizzlethedressingoverthesaladandserveatonce.
CRESS
Sometimescalleduplandcresstodistinguishitfromwatercress,cresshasaspicyflavor,indicativeofthemustardfamilytowhichitbelongs.Anothereasyandfast-maturinggreencrop,cressisreadytoharvestaboutsixweeksaftertheseedsgerminate.Easiertogrowthanwatercressbecauseitdoesnotneedsomuchmoisture,cresscansubstituteinanyrecipecallingforitshydrophiliccousin.
Cressisalittlepickieraboutitsgrowingmediumthanothergreens.Addperliteorsandtocommercialpottingmixtoprovidethequickdrainagecressprefers,oruseamixintendedforcacti.Weeklyfeedingwithsolublefertilizerwillkeepcressgrowingquickandtender.
Usecressinasaladmixorinanyrecipewhereitsspicybiteiswelcome.Thefollowingtworecipesofferonetraditionalandonenontraditionalwaytousecress.
CressTeaSandwichesOnesimplycannotserveatraditionalhighteaintheSouthwithout
alsoservingthesetraditionalsandwiches.Thisfillingbreakswithtradition,however,tolowerthefatcontentdramaticallybysubstitutingwhitebeanhummusforcreamcheese.
YIELD:16SANDWICHES
WhiteBeanHummus1cupdriedGreatNorthernbeans1bayleaf2clovesgarlicSprigofthyme½teaspoonsaltFreshlygroundwhitepepper1tablespoonextravirginoliveoil
TeaSandwiches8thinslicesofhomemade-stylewhitebreadExtravirginoliveoilWhitebeanhummus½cupchoppedcress2tablespoonsmayonnaise(optional)2tablespoonsveryfinelymincedparsley(optional)
1.
2.
3.
1.
WhiteBeanHummus:
Rinsethebeansandremoveanyshriveledoryellowedones.Addcoldwatertocoverthebeansbyoneinch.Soakthebeansovernightintherefrigerator.
Drainthebeans,rinse,drainagain,thentransferthemtoalargesaucepanorDutchoven.Addenoughcoldwatertocoverthembyoneinch,thebayleaf,garlic,andthymesprig.Bringtoaboil.Adjusttheheatandsimmeruntilthebeansaretender,about1½hours.Testbymashingabeanagainstthesideofthepanwithaspoon.Whenthebeansaredone,removethemfromtheheat.Pickoutanddiscardthebayleafandthymesprig,anddraininacolander,reservingtheliquid.Allowtocoolfortenminutes.
Transferthebeanstothebowlofafoodprocessor,alongwiththesalt,severalgrindsofpepper,andtheoliveoil.Processtoasmoothpaste,addingalittleofthereservedliquidtoachievetheproperconsistencyforspreading.Tasteandaddmoresaltandpepperifneeded.
TeaSandwiches:
Brushonesideofeachbreadslicewitholiveoil.Thishelpstokeepthesandwichesfrombecomingsoggy.Spreadfourofthebreadslicesontheoiledsidewiththehummus,leavingaborderaboutone-quarter-inchwideallaroundtheedgeoftheslices,andarrangethemonaworksurface.Topeachslicewithtwotablespoonsofchoppedcress.
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Spreadtheoiledsideoftheotherfoursliceswithhummusinasimilarfashion,andplacethemhummussidedownonthefirstfourbreadslicestomakesandwiches.
Trimthecrustsfromthebread,usingakitchenknife.Thencuteachsandwichdiagonallyintoquarterstoformatotalofsixteentriangles.
OPTIONAL:Whilethesandwichesaredeliciousasis,youcanfancythemupconsiderablywiththissimpletrick.Carefullyspreadthelongsideofeachsandwichwithmayonnaise.Dipthemayonnaiseedgeintothemincedparsleytodecorate.Arrangethesandwichesonaplatter.Coverwithplasticwrap.Theywillkeepforseveralhours.
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4.
DeviledEggswithCressThebrightflavorofcressaddsanelegantnotetothisbuffetstaple.
Thisrecipecaneasilybemultipliedtoproduceasmanyappetizersasyoulike.Deviledeggskeepwellandmakeanexcellentpicnicitem.Foreasypeeling,chooseless-than-fresheggsforhardboiling.Placeeggsinalargepanandcoverthembyoneinchwithcoldwater.Iftheystandupontheirpointedends,theywillbeeasytopeel.Discardanyeggthatfloats.
YIELD:6APPETIZERS
3eggs⅛teaspoononionpowder¼teaspooncidervinegarPinchofsalt2tablespoonsmayonnaise½teaspoonCreolemustardDashofhotsauce2tablespoonschoppedcress
Placetheeggsinalargesaucepanandcoverwithcoldwater.Setthesaucepanovermediumheatandbringslowlytoaboil.Allowtoboil1minute.
Removethesaucepanfromtheheat,cover,andletstandfor15minutes.Draintheeggsandrefillthesaucepanwithcoldtapwater.Allowtheeggstocoolfor10minutes,drainagain,andrefillthepanwithcoldwater.Afteranother5minutesofcooling,theeggswillbereadytopeel,oryoucanstorethemintherefrigeratorforafewdaysbeforecontinuing.
Carefullysliceeachpeeledegginhalflengthwise,tipouttheyolkintoabowl,andplacethewhitehalvesonaservingplate.(Adeviledeggplateisideal.)Addtheremainingingredients,exceptthecress,tothebowlwiththe
yolksandmashwithaforktoproduceauniformspread.Foldinthecresswiththefork.Spoonthefillingintothecavityofeachofthewhitehalves,distributingitequally.Refrigeratetheeggsuntilreadytoserve.
NOTE:Herbsoranotherfull-flavoredgreen,suchasarugula,maybesubstitutedforthecress.
LETTUCE
Ofallthegreenscrops,lettucecomesinthegreatestvariety.Theubiquitousiceberglettuce,crisphead,foundonfastfoodhamburgersisamongthemoredifficulttypesforahomegardener.Loose-headtypesformrosettesofindividualleaves,butneveratightlycompactedhead.Butterheadlettuceshavesoft,roundedleavesandformneatheads.Romainelettucesproduceanupright,cylindricalhead,whilelooseleafvarietiesproduceonlyclustersofleaveswithlittleevidenceofheadformation.WindowsillgrowersshouldfocusonlooseleafandRomainetypes,bothofwhichdowellindoors.Headinglettucestypicallydobetterifgrowninalargercontaineroutside.Allthesevarietiescomeinformsthatmaybelightgreen,darkgreen,brown,red,orvariegatedandwithvaryingdegreesofcrinklingoftheleaves.Growmultiplevarietiesfortheprettiestsaladcombinations.
Lettuceseedsrequirelighttogerminate.Scattertheseedsthinlyonthesurfaceofthegrowingmediuminasmallpot,waterwell,andplacethepotunderlightsimmediately.Atnormalroomtemperatures,plantswillsometimesemergeinaslittleastwenty-fourhours.Mostoftheseedswillhavegerminatedwithinthreeorfourdays.Withintwoweeks,theyshouldhavetrueleaves.Atthispoint,thinthembypullingwithtweezers,removingallbutoneorafewplants,dependinguponthesizeofthecontainer.Youcanusetheextraplantsasmicrogreensortransplantthemtoadditionalpotsifyouhaveroom.Feedweekly
microgreensortransplantthemtoadditionalpotsifyouhaveroom.Feedweeklywithasolublefertilizersolution,andharvestasdescribedforarugula.Mostlettucescanbeharvestedthreetimesbeforetheystartlookingsickly.
Seldomeatencooked,lettucecanneverthelessbeusedindishesotherthantossedsalads.Herearesomeideasforwhattodowithyourlettuceharvest.Youmaysubstituteagavenectarforthesorghumoruseasyrupmadeoftwoteaspoonsbrownsugarandalittlewater.
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SouthernStyleThaiLettuceCupsHereusasoutherntakeonapopularThaidish.Substituteflavored
tofuorseitanforthehamforavegetarianversion.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1headBibblettuce5cherrytomatoes2tablespoonscoarselychopped,cookedcountryham,preferablyBenton’s2tablespoonsmincedgreenonions2tablespoonschopped,freshmintleaves2tablespoonschopped,freshItalianparsleyleaves(orcilantro)1tablespoonlimejuice2teaspoonssorghumsyrup1teaspoonsoysauce(orThaifishsauce)⅛teaspooncayennepepper
Washthelettuceandseparateintoleaves.Spindryandreserve.
Washandquarterthetomatoesandplacetheminabowlwiththeremainingingredients,stirringtocombine.Coverandreserveintherefrigerator.
Arrangeindividual,cup-shapedlettuceleavesonservingplates.Spoonsomeofthetomatosaladintoeachcup.Dinersrolluptheindividualleavesaroundthesaladandeat.Mostpeoplelikesipsofbeerorwhiskeybetweenbites.
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LettuceSoupWeseldomthinkoflettuceasacookedgreen,butthissoupproves
weshouldfromtimetotime.Onepoundoffreshspinachleaves,or1cupoffrozenthenthawedspinach,canbesubstitutedforthelettuce.Thelettuceimpartsalovelyblue-greencolortothesoup,whilethespinachyieldsaforestgreentint.Ifyourgardenproducesanabundanceoflettuceinlatespringandyoutireofsalads,blanchthelettuceasdirectedinthisrecipeandthenfreezein1cupportions.Youcanthenmakethissoupwheneveryoucraveatasteofspringtime.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1poundlettuceleaves2tablespoonsbutter¼cupfinelymincedonions2tablespoonsflour4cupsmilk¼teaspoonpaprikaFreshnutmegParmigiano-ReggianocheeseHard-cookedeggyolk
Washthelettuceleaves.Dropthemintoboilingwater.Whenthewaterreturnstoaboil,cookforoneminute.
Drainthenrinseundercoldwatertostopcooking.Drainthoroughly.Youmaywanttosqueezethelettucetoexpressadditionalliquid.Placethelettuceinablenderjarandreserve.
Meltthebutterinasaucepan,andsautétheonionsuntiltheyaretranslucent.Stirintheflouruntilwellcombined.Addthemilkwhilestirringconstantly.Continuetocookandstiruntilthesoupthickensslightly.
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Pourthesoupintotheblenderjarwiththelettuceandallowtocool,about15minutes.Purée.Ifusinganimmersionblender,thecoolingtimeisnotnecessary.Addthepaprikaandafewgratingsoffreshnutmeg.
Reheatthesouptoservingtemperature;donotallowthesouptoboil.Tasteandadjustseasoningifnecessary.ServegarnishedwithfreshlygratedParmigiano-Reggianocheeseand/ormincedhard-cookedeggyolk.
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SpringLettuceswithGreenDressingThedressingfeaturesingredientsyoumayalsohavegrowingalong
withlettuce.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
4to6cupsmixedspringlettuceleavesorotherleavesoracombinationGreenDressing12leavesmizunaorothermildmustardgreens2largestalksoffreshcilantro2largesprigsoffreshparsley1largeclovegarlic,peeled1tablespoonextravirginoliveoil,moreifneeded1teaspoonredwinevinegar½teaspoonsaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Havereadyabowloficewater.Bringapotofwatertoaboil.Holdingthemizuna,cilantro,andparsleybythestemslikeabouquetofflowers,immersetheleavesintotheboilingwaterfor30seconds.
2. Removeandthenplungeintotheicewater.Drainwell.Cutofftheunblanchedportionofthestemsanddiscard.Squeezethegreensdryandtransfertoablenderjar.Addtheremainingingredientsandblenduntilyouhaveauniformdressing,addingalittlemoreoilifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.Serveimmediatelyovermixedgreens.
RADISH
Anothermemberofthevastandusefulmustardfamily,radisheslendthemselvestoindoorcultivationbecausetheygrowrapidlyanddonotrequiredeepsoilinordertoproduceusableroots.(Bycomparison,carrotsarenotsoaccommodating.)Thesizeandshapeoftherootvariesfromroundmarblestoelongated,carrot-likeforms.Theroundmarblesarebestforcontainerculture.SomegoodcultivarsincludeSparkler,CherryBelle,RedHead,andPearl.Allofthesewillbereadyforharvestinamonthafterseedlingsemerge.Evenfaster,Celestaproducesrootswithintwenty-fivedays.
Sowradishseedsthinlyonthesurfaceofapotofgrowingmix.Covertheseedswithaboutone-quarterinchofmixandwaterthoroughly.Itisimportantthattheseedsnotdryout,socheckregularlyandwaterwhentheyarestartingtogetdry.Assoonastheseedlingsemerge,thinthemsotheyareaboutoneinchaparteachway.Thefinalnumberofseedlingswilldependuponthesizeofthepottheyarein.Feedthematthispointwithasolublefertilizersolution,andwatchthemgrow.Theyshouldnotrequireadditionalfeeding.Forthebestrootdevelopment,placeyourradishpotsinthebrightestavailablespot.Theylikeplentyoflight.
Mostdishescallingforradishesdonotinvolvecookingthem,butthey
Mostdishescallingforradishesdonotinvolvecookingthem,buttheycanbequitedeliciouswhentenderizedbybriefexposuretoheat.Trythesoupdescribedinthefollowingrecipeandseeifyoudon’tagree.Theradishsandwichesareaclassiccombination,andthecornbreadsaladisanontraditionalsaladinwhichradishesplayasupportingrole.
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Japanese-StyleGardenVegetableSoupUsetofuinsteadofchicken,ifyouprefer.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2teaspoonscanolaorsunfloweroil½teaspoonsesameoil½cupdicedradish¼cupchoppedscallions,whiteandgreenparts¼cupdicedcelery¼cupjuliennedzucchini¼cupjuliennedshiitakemushrooms¼cupjuliennedsnowpeas4cupsdashi(page228)¼cupdicedcookedchickenbreast2tablespoonsoystersauceSaltFreshlygroundblackpepperPlainsteamedrice,toserve1tablespoonchoppedcilantroorparsley
Inaheavysaucepan,heattheoilsovermediumheatandaddtheradish,scallions,andcelery.Sautéfor2to3minutes,oruntilthescallionsaresoftened.Addthezucchini,mushrooms,andsnowpeas,andcontinuetosautéfor1to2minutes,oruntilthesnowpeasarebrightgreen.Addthedashi,bringtoaboil,thenreducetheheatandsimmergently,partiallycovered,for20minutes.Addthechickenandoystersauceandstirtocombine.Tasteandaddsaltandpepperasneeded.
Servethesoupoverrice,garnishedwiththefreshherb.
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Open-FacedRadishSandwichesThisisaclassicwaytoenjoyfreshlyharvestedradishes.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
6to8freshlyharvestedradisheswithleavesintact2sliceshomemade-stylewheatbread2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,softened¼to½teaspooncoarseseasaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Carefullywashandtrimtheradishes,leavingthemasintactaspossible.Sliceeachradishlengthwiseintothinslices,keepingtheleavesattached.Lightlytoastthebread.Spreadeachsliceofbreadwithhalfthebutter.Sprinklewithsaltandpepper.Arrangetheradishslicesattractivelyonthebreadslices.Serveimmediately.
CornbreadSaladFrommyfriendBrockStreetcomesthisrecipeforcornbreadsalad.
Useyourfavoritecornbreadrecipeormine(page248).
YIELD:8+SERVINGS
18x8panofcornbread,or½ofa12-inchskilletofday-oldcornbread,crumbled12radishes,trimmedandchopped1largecucumber,seededandchopped4hard-cookedeggs,chopped1cupmayonnaise¼cuppreparedyellowmustard,suchasFrench’s
1.
2cupsranchdressing,anybrandorrecipe
Placethefirstfouringredientsinalargebowlandmixwell.Combinethedressingingredientsinaseparatebowl,mixwell,andpouroverthecornbreadmixture.Stirgentlytocombine,andplacethebowlintherefrigeratorforatleast1hourbeforeserving.Itisbetterthenextdayandcanbemadeupto3daysahead.Thiswillfeedacrowdaspartofabuffet.
SCALLION
Scallions,alsoknownasgreenonionsorspringonions,don’tmindabitofcrowdingandthusdoverywellinapot,aslongastheyreceiveadequatemoistureandfertilizer.Allonionsareheavyfeedersanddobestinrich,well-drained,sandysoil.
Forindoorproduction,sowtheseedsinsmallpots,coveringthemwithone-quarterinchofgrowingmedium.Keepthepotswellwatered,feedthemweekly,andbeginharvestingtheoniontopswhentheyaresixinchestall.Thiswilltakeonlyacoupleofweeksaftertheseedlingsemerge.Ifyouwantlargerroots,thintheonionsinsteadofmerelyharvestingthetops.Theonesleftinthepotwillgrowlargerindiameter.Youdonotneedtothinthemallatonce.Doingsooveracoupleofweeks’timewillhelpprolongyourharvest,becauseyoucanusethesmalleronesinthekitchen.
Scallionsgogreatinsaladsorasagarnishforalmostanysavorydish.Theycanbeusedanywhereyouwanttoaddahintofonionflavor.Thetopscanbesubstitutedinanyrecipecallingforchives.
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FooYungEggswithScallionsScallionsstarinthistastytakeoneggfooyung.Varytheother
ingredientstosuityourtasteandwithwhatyouhaveonhand.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
3eggs¼cupchickenorvegetablestock1cupshreddedcookedchickenbreast6scallions,whiteandgreenparts,trimmed3freshshiitakemushrooms,stemmedandcutintothinstrips¼cupshreddedcannedbambooshoots½teaspoonbrownsugarFreshlygroundwhitepepper1tablespoonsoysauce3dropssesameoil1¼cups(about)vegetableoilSoysauceHotsauce
Inalargebowl,combinetheeggsandstock.Beatverygentlytocombine;youshouldseesomeyolkandwhiteremainingunmixed.Setasidewhileyoupreparethevegetables.
Inalargeskilletorwok,heatonetablespoonoftheoiluntilitripples.Addthevegetablesandstirfryoverhighheatfor1minute.Transferthecontentsoftheskillettothebowlwiththeeggs,stirringgentlytocombine.Addthesugar,pepper,soysauce,andsesameoil,stirringagainjusttocombine.
Wipeouttheskilletandaddtheremainingoiltoadepthofone-halfinch.Theamountwillvary,dependinguponthesizeandshapeofthecookingutensil.Heattheoiluntiladropoftheeggmixturesizzlesandturnsbrown.
Thetemperaturewillbe325°Fonadeep-frythermometer.Usingaladle,scoopsomeoftheeggmixtureandcarefullydeposititintothecenteroftheoil.Fryuntilonesideisgoldenbrown,thenturnwithaspatulaandfrytheotherside.Transferthefinishedcakestoaplatelinedwithpapertowelsandkeepwarminalowovenuntilallthecakeshavebeenfried.Servethecakesonwarmedplates,andpasssoysauceandhotsauce.
NOTE:Foravegetarianversion,substitutefreshbeansproutsforthechicken.
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KiltLettuceThisdishhaswelcomedspringtoSoutherntablesfortwocenturiesor
more.KiltistheAppalachianpronunciationof“killed,”referringtothewaythelettuceiscookedbythehotdressing.TheheirloomlettuceBlackSeededSimpsonisthetraditionalvarietyusedinthisdish.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
8cupsfreshleaflettuce8scallions,eachabout⅜inchindiameter,trimmed2slicesthickcutbacon,suchasBenton’s2tablespoonscidervinegar1tablespoonwaterFreshlygroundblackpepper
Rinsethelettuce,spinitdry,andtransferittoalargemetalbowl.Slicethescallionsonthediagonalintoone-inchpieces,usingboththewhiteandgreenparts.Addthescallionstothebowlwiththelettuceandtosstocombine.
Inaheavycastironskillet,frythebaconslowlyuntilitiscrispandbrown,turningoccasionally.Transferthebacontopapertowelstodrain,reservingthedrippingsintheskillet.Youshouldhaveabouttwotablespoonsofdrippings.Ifnecessary,addalittleoilorpouroffsomedrippingstoachievethecorrectamount.
Combinethevinegarandwaterinasmallbowl.Reheatthebacondrippingsuntilalighthazeappearsabovethepan.Addthevinegar,stirquicklytodeglazethepan,andimmediatelypourthehotdressingoverthelettuceandonions.Stirquicklywithawoodenspoontowiltallthelettuce.
Seasonedthesaladwithafewturnsofblackpepperandtopwiththecrumbledbacon.Serveatonce.
CHERVIL
Arelativeofparsley,chervilhasasimilargrassytastebutwithadistinctivelightnoteoflicoricethatpairsbeautifullywithfishordelicatevegetableslikepeasandasparagus.Thefinelydividedfoliageisalsoattractiveontheplate.Likeothermembersofthecarrotfamily,chervilisslowtogerminateandtheseedlingsareweak.Onceestablished,however,theplantsgrowrapidlyandmakeacharmingdisplay.Potsofchervilgrownindoorsduringwintercanbemovedoutsideinearlyspring,wheretheywillcontinuetogrowuntiltheweatherwarms.Dothisifyouwanttosaveseeds,astheplantswillbloomwhentheairtemperaturegetshighenough.
Seedlingswillhavetroubleemergingifthegrowingmediumistoocoarse,socrumbleitwellwithyourfingersbeforefillingthepot.Sowthelarge,needle-likeseedsasdescribedinthischapterforothergreens,coveringthemwithone-quarterinchoffinesoil.Itwilltakeabouttwoweeksorevenlongerfortheseedlingstoemerge,andtheywillgrowslowlyatfirst.Oncetrueleavesappear,growthspeedsupandtheplantsaresturdier.Youcanbeginharvestingleaveswhentheplantsaresixinchestallandcontinueharvestingoveraperiodofabouttwomonths.Becausechervilpreferssomeshade,itisanidealplantforaspotwherethelightisinsufficientformoredemandingcrops.
Chervil’sprettyfoliageanddelicateflavorshineinthesetworecipes.Usethepotatochipwindowstogarnishmashedpotatoes,ormakeabunchandservethemlikechips.Thenontraditionaltakeonshrimpscampiwouldmakeagreatluncheondishforaspringtimegathering.
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ChervilinPotatoChip“Windows”Thisisagreatlittletrickforgarnishingthemaindishforadinnerwith
company.Orjustdoittogetyourkidstoenjoytheflavoroffreshherbs.Itseemslikealotofwork,butonceyougetthehangofit,youcanmakethesequickly.Storethechipsinanairtightcontaineratroomtemperature.Theywillkeepforthreedays.
YIELD:1DOZENPIECES
1largebakingpotato1tablespoonbutter,meltedSmallsprigsofchervilPinchofkoshersalt
Preheattheovento425°F.Placeasheetofparchmentpaperonabakingsheet.Peelthepotato,cutitinhalflengthwise,anddropitintoabowlofcoldwatersufficienttocoverit.Thiswillkeepthepotatofromdarkeningasyoucontinuewiththerecipe.
Separatethechervilintoindividualleavesorgroupsoftwoorthreeleaves,asyouprefer.Brushtheparchmentpaperwithsomeofthemeltedbutter,coatingitlightlyallover.Removeapotatohalffromthewaterandpatdrywithakitchentowel.Withavegetablepeeleroramandolineslicer,removepaper-thinslicesfromtheroundedsideofthepotato.Returnthefirstfewnarrowslicestothewater,andcontinuecuttinguntilyouhaveslicesatleast1¼incheswide.
Placeasliceontheparchmentthenpositionachervilleafinitscenter.Topwithanotherslice,pressingdownsothechervilisvisiblethroughthetopslice.Thestarchonthesurfaceofthesliceswillhelpthemadheretoeachother.Continueuntilyouhavemadeasmany“windows”asyoulike.Withasharpknifeorpastryblade,trimtheendsofthewindowsasneatlyasyouwish.Brushthetopsofthewindowswithbutter.
4. Placeintheovenandbakeuntiltheedgesarecrispandgoldenbrown,10to12minutes.Removefromtheovenandsprinklewithsaltwhiletheyarestillhot.Letthemcoolonthebakingsheetthentransfertoasuitablecontaineruntilyouarereadytousethem.Theycansitatroomtemperatureforanhourortwobeforeserving.
NOTE:Chopthesmallerslicesandtrimmingsofthepotatoandaddthemtosoup.
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Shrimp“Scampi”withChervilChervil’shintofaniseflavorgoesgreatwithshrimp.Trythisdishas
analternativetothetraditionalversion.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
16jumboshrimp1tablespoonoliveoil1tablespoonmincedonion2tablespoonsshrimpstock(below)2teaspoonsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice1tablespoonmincedchervil1teaspoongratedlemonzest
ShrimpStockShellsfrom16largeshrimp¼mediumwhiteonion,inonepiece1bayleaf
Peelanddeveintheshrimp,reservingtheshellsforthestock.Spreadtheshrimponatraylinedwithpapertowels.Pattheshrimpthoroughlydrywithpapertowels.
Heattheoilinaheavycastironskilletuntilitripples.Addtheshrimp,spreadingthemoutinasinglelayerwithametalspoon.Cookexactly1minute,thenaddthemincedonion.Cook2minuteslonger,thenturntheshrimpwithtongs.Cookanadditional3to4minutesuntiltheshrimparejustdonethrough.Withtongsremovetheshrimptoaplateandkeepwarm.
Addtheshrimpstockandlemonjuicetothepananddeglaze,scrapingupanybrownedbitswithaspoon.Cookthesauceuntilitisslightlyreduced.Addthechervilandlemonzesttothesauce,stirtocombine,andpourover
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theshrimp.Serveatonce.
ShrimpStock:
Placetheingredientsinasaucepanandcoverwithwater.Bringtoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmeruntilreducedtoone-halfcup.Strainthestock,discardingthesolids.
CHIVES
Theonlymemberoftheonionfamilyfoundnaturallyinboththeeasternandwesternhemispheres,chivesareperennial,returningyearafteryearfromsmall,onion-likebulbs.Chivesareeasytogrowfromseed,andbecauseofshadetolerancetheyareagreatcandidateforindoorcultivation.
Ifyouwanttokeepchivesgoingforthelongestpossibleseason,fillasix-toeight-inchpotwithgrowingmixandsowtheseedsthinlyonthesurface.Waterthoroughlyandplaceinawarm,brightlocation.Whentheseedlingsareaninchtall,feedthemwithsolublefertilizer.Repeatthisfeedingabouteverytwoweeks.Youcanbeginharvestingtheleaveswhentheplantsaresixinchestall,orleavethemtomature.Chiveswilleventuallyreachafootinheightandmaybloomiftheyreceiveenoughsunshine.Theblooms,pink-purplepompomsheldatthetopsoflongstems,areedibleandlookbeautifulgarnishingasalad.
Youcanusechivesinanyrecipethatwillbenefitfromalighthintofonion.Snippedchivescangarnishanythingfromsaladtosalmon.Thesetworecipesaresimilarinthatchivesplaytheroleofstructuralelementaswellasbeingasourceofflavor.
aswellasbeingasourceofflavor.
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ChiveandRiceFlourPancakesThesegluten-freesavorypancakesarewonderfulforwrapping
fillings.Theycanalsobestackedwithgoodiesinbetweenandtoppedwithasauce.
YIELD:8PANCAKES
1cupriceflour2teaspoonsbakingpowder½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoongroundwhitepepper1egg,wellbeaten1cupmilk,moreifneeded¼cupchives,snippedinto1-inchpieces2teaspoonsplus2tablespoonssaffloweroil,dividedInamixingbowlcombinetheflour,bakingpowder,salt,andpepper.
Inaseparatebowl,whisktogethertheremainingingredientsexceptfortwotablespoonsofoil,thenwhisktheliquidsintothedryingredients.Stirwelltocombine.Addalittlemoremilkifthebatterseemstoostiff.
Placethebatterintherefrigeratortorestforatleastanhour.
Preheattheovento180°F.Heattheremainingtwotablespoonsofoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.
Removethebatterfromtherefrigeratorandstirtoevenlydistributethechives.Ladleone-quartercupofbatterintothehotoil.Cookuntilbubblesappearontopandtheedgesbegintobrown.Turnandbrownontheotherside.Workinbatchessothepanwillnotbecometoocrowdedtoeasilyturnthepancakes.
Aseachpancakeisdone,transferittoarackoveraplatelinedwithpapertowels.Keepthepancakeswarmintheovenuntilyouarereadytoserve
them.
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SteamedVegetableBundles(tiedwithchives)
Thisisaneasywaytodressupsteamedvegetablesforcompany.Thetrickishavingthecarrotsdoneatthesametimeasthemuchsofterasparagusandzucchini.Hence,precookthecarrotsbeforemakingthebundles.Thesimpleseasoningletsthevegetablesandsubtleflavorofthechivesshinethrough.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
12stalksasparagus1zucchini2largecarrots8chiveleaves,eachabout9incheslong2tablespoonsfruityextravirginoliveoilHalfalemonCoarseseasaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Snapoffthebottomoftheasparagusstalks.Theyshouldbreaknaturallyifyouholdthestalkinonehandandbendbackthebottomendwiththeotherhand.Savetheendsforthestockpot.Dropthestalksintoaglasswithaninchofwaterinthebottom,pointsup,likeabouquetofflowers.Apinchofsugaraddedtothewaterwillenhancetheflavoroftheasparagus.Setasidewhileyoupreparetherestofthedish.
Trimtheendsofthezucchiniandcutitlengthwiseintoslices¼inchthick.Stacktheslicesandcutthemintostripsthatare¼by¼inch.Savetheinnermostslices,consistingofallormostlyseeds,forthestockpotandsetasidetheremainingslices.
Trimthecarrotsandcutthemintostrips,asyoudidwiththezucchini.Bring
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alargepotofwatertoarollingboil.Dropinthecarrots,allowthemtocookfor3minutes,andthendraintheminacolander.Runcoldtapwateroverthecarrotstostoptheircooking.Setaside.
Bringanotherpotofwatertoaboil.Dropinthechives,counttothree,andthendrainthechivesinacolanderandrunthemundercoldwater.
Usingsomeofeachofthevegetables,assemblebundlesandtiethemtogetherwiththechives,usingachiveneareachendofeachbundle.Setthebundlesinasteamerbasket.Placethebasketoversimmeringwaterandsteamthevegetablesfor6minutes.Removewithtongstowarmedplates.Drizzlethevegetablebundleswitholiveoil,sprinklewithsaltandpepper,andsqueezeafewdropsoflemonjuiceoverthem.Serveatonce.
NOTE:Long,thin,freshgreenbeanscanbesubstitutedforthecarrots,andrequireprecookingfor3minutes,aswell.Yellowsquashcansubstituteforthezucchini.
CILANTRO
Cilantromakesanappearanceincuisinesacrosstheplanet,earningitthereputationasthemost-usedofallherbs.Thismaybe,atleastinpart,becauseitisextremelyeasytogrow.Itdoesnotmindcrowdingandgrowsalmostaswellinpartialshadeasitdoesinfullsun.Therefore,itisanidealcandidateforgrowinginpotsindoors.Inadditiontoitsothergoodqualities,cilantrodevelopsafull,robustflavorwhenitisbarelyaninchtall.Thismeansquickrewardsforthenovicegrowereagertousethecropinthekitchen.
SowtheBB-sizeseedsofcilantroinpotsofgrowingmixandkeepwellwatered.Seedstakealongtimetogerminate—uptothreeweeks—sobepatient.Assoonasseedlingsemerge,startfeedingthemwithaweaksolutionofsolublefertilizer.Feedeveryweektokeepthemgrowing,especiallyifyouharvestfromtimetotime.Cutindividualleaveswithscissorstouseasmicrogreens.Moreleaveswillsproutfromthecrown.Whentheplantsaresixinchestall,youcanpullentireplantsfromthepot.Usethem,rootsandall,inThai-stylecurriesandmanyotherdishes.Whenlefttogotoseed,aprocessthatisunlikelytooccurunlessyoumovethemoutsideduringthesummer,theresultingseedsarethespiceweknowascoriander.
Countlessrecipesincludecilantro.ThefollowingshrimprecipewasinspiredbyavisittoPuertoRico’sruralsoutheasterncoast.
1.
2.
3.
KeyLimeandCilantroShrimpSaladServethesaladoverabedofgreensorsprouts.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
Juiceof3keylimes½cuplooselypackedcilantroleaves,finelyminced¼cupextravirginoliveoil¼teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepperDashofhotsauce2teaspoonssalt12largeshrimp,shelledanddeveined
Inamixingbowl,combinethelimejuice,cilantro,oliveoil,salt,pepper,andhotsauce.Whisktoemulsify.
Bringapotofwatertoarollingboil.Dropin2teaspoonsofsaltandthentheshrimp.Reduceheattoasimmerandcookjustuntiltheshrimparepink,about5minutes.
Draintheshrimpthoroughly,transferthemtoabowl,andtosswiththedressing.Serveatroomtemperature.
PARSLEY
InItalytheyhavethesaying“Iseeyouasoftenasparsley,”referringtoapersononeencountersonaregularbasis.Parsleyisindeeduniversalincooking,findingitswayintoinnumerabledishesasaflavoringagentorgarnish.Itsfresh-tastingleavesarehighinvitaminCandshouldberegularlyincludedinsalads.
Parsleyisnotoriouslyslowtogerminate,butyoucanspeeditupwiththefollowingapproach.Placeahalfteaspoonofparsleyseedsinasmallbowl.Coverwithlukewarmwaterandallowtositovernight.Pourthewaterandseedsthroughastrainer,rinseunderthetap,andthenreturntheseedstothebowlwithmorelukewarmwater.Dothisforfourdaysinarow.Onthefifthday,straintheseedsagainandplanttheminpreparedpotsasforchervil.Theyshouldemergewithinaweek.Whentrueleavesappear,beginfeedingwithasolublefertilizersolution.Continuefeedingeverytwoweeks.Parsleyisabiennial,meaningitgrowsforoneseasonandthenbloomsthesecondyear.Therefore,itisrelativelyeasytokeepplantsgoingincontainersformonths.Ifthisisyourgoal,transplantsomeofyourseedlingstoeight-inchpotstobetteraccommodatetheexpansiverootsystem.
Parsleybringsnutrition-packedflavortoawidevarietyofdishes.The
Parsleybringsnutrition-packedflavortoawidevarietyofdishes.Theparsleycreamcanbedrizzledintoacreamsoupfordramaticeffect.Wintertabouliisagreatsidedishwithparsleyasamainingredient.
1.
ParsleyCreamThisflavorfulcreammakesasplendidgarnishforanycreamsoupof
acontrastingcolor.Itisespeciallygoodwithvichysoisse(page64).Usevegetableorchickenstock,dependinguponyourpreferencesandthestockusedinthesoupbeinggarnished.
YIELD:ABOUT½CUP
5tablespoonsparsleyleaves¼cupchilledstock¼cupheavycream
Bringalargepotofwatertoboil.Dropintheparsleyleaves.Blanchtheparsleyforfiveseconds.Draintheleavesinasieveandrefreshthemundercoldrunningwater.Drainwellagain.Puréeinablenderwiththechilledstockandcream.
WinterTabouliMakingtabouliwithhomegrownparsleyandhome-cannedtomatoes
bringsnewlifetothissaladwhenfreshproduceisscarce.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2cupshome-cannedtomatoeswiththeirjuices1cuplooselypackedfreshparsleyleaves½cupbulgurwheat2scallions,whiteandgreenparts,chopped1tablespoonextravirginoliveoil2teaspoonsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice
1.
1teaspoondriedmintleaves¼teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper
Inalargebowl,stiralltheingredientstogethertocombine.Refrigerateatleast1hour.Thewheatwillabsorbtheflavorfuljuices.Ifyoufindtheresulttoowatery,drainthetabouliinafinesievepriortoserving.
CHAPTER2
ContainerizedFarming
Withevenalimitedamountofoutdoorspace,growingfoodinlargecontainerscanbehighlyrewarding.Newinnovationsincontainerdesignandthedevelopmentofcompactvegetablevarietieshavecombinedtomakethistypeofgardeningfunandalmostfoolproof.
Ifyouhaveasunnybalcony,porch,orpatio,youcangrowanamazingamountoffoodincontainers.Thepossibilitiesarelimitedonlybythelocalclimate,howmuchspaceyouhave,andtheeffortyouarewillingtomake.
ChoosingContainersegetablesarealotlikepedigreeddogs.Theyarenotasroughandtumbleasmanyotherplantsandrequireabitofcoddling.Theywillnot,for
example,toleratetoomuchcrowdingoftheroots.Therefore,whenlookingforcontainersforafoodgarden,thinklargerratherthansmaller.Someherbsandgreenswillgrowinasix-inchpot,butyouwillgetbetterproductionwithlesseffortifyouuseatleasttwelve-inchdiametercontainersorlargerforeverything.Themainreasonforusinglargercontainers,apartfromavoidingcrowding,resultsfromthehighwaterrequirementofmostvegetables.Smallercontainersdryoutmorerapidlythanlargerones,andinthesummerthiscanmeanyouwillhavetowatersmallcontainersmorethanonceaday.
Onewaytoavoidwateringissuesistouseself-wateringcontainers.Youcanfindnumerousbrandsingardencentersandonline,butthebasicdesignisthesame.Areservoirholdsseveraldays’supplyofwater.Sittingabovethereservoiristhecontainerwithgrowingmix.Thedesignoftheunit,typicallyinvolvingafabricmatunderthegrowcontainer,allowswatertowickupfrom
V
thereservoirtothegrowingmedium,whereitisdrawntowardthesurfacebycapillaryaction,keepingthegrowingmediumevenlymoistbutnotsoggy.Thisisanidealsituationforvegetableplantsandfreesthegardenerfrommuchofthetaskofwatering.Itisnecessarytoreplenishthereservoironlyfromtimetotime.
Ifyoudon’tmindwatering,almostanythingthatwillholdthegrowingmediumandresistwaterdamagecanbeusedtogrowcrops.Plasticpotsandplantersareprobablythemostpopular,butIhaveseenbeautifulgardensgrowingingalvanizedtubs,plasticfive-gallonbuckets,re-purposedshippingpallets,andvariousotheroddsandends.Asarule,youwantsomethingatleastsixinchesdeepinordertoproviderootspace,butbeyondthat,letyourimaginationwander.Fleamarketfindsandhouseholdtrashlikeemptyfoodcontainersandmilkbottlesareallpossibilities.Woodenboxesandcratesaddarustictouchandlookgreatwithplantsgrowinginthem.Besuretocoattheinsideofwoodcontainerswithawaterproofvarnishorwoodpreservativetopreventrot,unlessthecontainersaremadeofanaturallyrot-resistantwood,suchascedar.
GrowingMedialantsgrowingincontainerswilldomuchbetteriftheyaregrowninasoil-P
lessmediuminsteadofgardensoil.Thelattermaynothavetheproperdrainagecharacteristicsneededforcontainers,aswellasbeingapotentialsourceforweedseeds,insects,andplantdiseases.Youwillhavefewerproblemswithyourcontainergardenifyouuseacommerciallypreparedsterilepottingmix.Numerousbrandsareavailable,somecontainingonlycertifiedorganicingredients.Overtheyears,Ihavefoundlittledifferenceamongthem.
FeedingContainerCropsouhavetwobasicoptionsforfeedingcontainercrops.Youcanaddatimed-releasefertilizertothegrowingmediumwhenyoufillthepot,or
feedplantsperiodicallywithasolublefertilizersolution.Inmyexperience,eithermethodworksfine,butusingtimed-releasefertilizerislesswork.Plus,youdon’thavetokeeptrackofwhenyoulastfedtheplantsandtherebyavoidover-fertilization.Bothtypesoffertilizersareavailableasorganicornonorganic.Usewhicheveronesuitsyou.Inmyexperience,theplantgrowthwillbethesame.
ToSoworNottoSowontainercropscanbegrownfromseedortransplants.Wherepossible,Isuggestbeginninggardenersusetransplantspurchasedfromagarden
center.Somevegetablesdonottransplantwell,butmanyofthemostpopularonesdo,andyouwillhavegreatersuccesswithtransplants.Onceyougainsomeexperiencewithgrowingvegetables,youmaywanttoconsidergrowingyourowntransplants(moreabouttransplantsinChapter6).Vegetablesthataretypicallygrownonlyfromseedincludemostgreens,carrots,beets,turnips,leeks,onions,beans,corn,andokra.Mostotherscanbegrownfromtransplants.
Manyherbsshouldbegrownfrompurchasedplants,astheseedlingsofthyme,rosemary,oregano,mints,andothersdonotcome“true,”thatis,seedlingswillvaryintheirflavorandintensity.Yourbestbetistoplantherbsthathavebeenpropagatedfromknowncultivars.Thatwayyougetthecookingqualitiesyouexpectfromanyparticularvariety.Thisisnottrueforallherbs.Parsley,chervil,cilantro,dill,andbasilareallgoodchoicestogrowfromseed.
P
Y
C
YourContainerGardenrowingincontainersopensupseveralnewpossibilitiesforfoodcrops.Allofthevegetablesandherbsmentionedinthepreviouschaptercanbe
grownoutdoorsinlargercontainers.Anyofthemwouldbegoodcandidatesforawindowbox.Largercontainersmeansabiggerharvest,too.Whilesomeofthevegetableslistedlaterinthischaptercouldpotentiallybegrownindoors,some,liketomatoes,presentachallengetothegardenertoprovideenoughlight.Hence,theirinclusioninthischapterratherthanthepreviousone.
G
ASIANMUSTARDS
ThiscategoryincludesseveralrelatedplantsthathavebeendevelopedthroughcenturiesofselectionandbreedinginAsia.TheyhavefoundtheirwayintoAmericancuisineandarenolongerlimitedtospecialtymarketsandAsiangrocerystores.Theyincludemizuna,tatsoi,andbokchoy,amongothers.Allarequicktomatureandaregrowninthesameway.Thesevegetablescanbecombinedinasinglecontainer,becausetheyallrequirethesameconditionsandtypicallymaturewithinafewdaysofoneanother.
Fillacontainerwithgrowingmixandsowtheseeds,coveringthemwithone-quarterinchofthemix.Waterwellandexpectgerminationwithinseventotendays.Whenseedlingshaveapairoftrueleaves,feedthemwithasolublefertilizersolution.Iftheyseemtoocrowded,thinthemtostandaninchaparteachway.Mostvarietieswillmaturewithinamonth.Itisnotnecessarytofeedthemagainunlesstherateofgrowthslowsnoticeably.Theseplantsdonotgrowwellwhendaytimetemperaturesreach80degrees.InmanypartsoftheUnitedStates,theycanbeproducedinspringandagaininautumn.IntheSunbelt,theycanbegrownaswintercrops.
Asianmustardscanbeeateneitherraworcooked.Bokchoy,withits
Asianmustardscanbeeateneitherraworcooked.Bokchoy,withitssubstantialstalks,lendsitselftocooking,whileleafymizunaandtatsoicanbeaddedtosalads.Youcanalsoaddtheseleafygreenstosoups.
1.
BabyBokChoyinVegetableHerbBrothWowyourdinnercompanionwiththiselegantbutsimplesoupcreated
fromvegetablesproducedrightinyourkitchen.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
4babybokchoy,trimmed1cupvegetablestock2tablespoonsminced,fresh,coolseasonherbs,suchaschervil,cilantro,oregano,parsley,thyme,oracombinationSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Bringthestocktoasimmerinalargesaucepan.Addthebokchoyand1tablespoonoftheherbs.Sprinklewithsaltandalittlepepper.Setthepanovermediumheatandbringthestocktoasimmer.Coverthepan,reducetheheattolow,andsteamuntilaforkcanbeeasilyinsertedintothebaseofthebokchoy,about10minutes.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning.Servethebokchoyinbowls,ladlingthebrothoverit.Garnishwiththeremainingherbs.
NOTE:UseanyofthevegetablestocksfoundinChapter5,“ThePantry.”Eachonewilllendadifferentflavorprofiletothefinisheddish.
1.
2.
StirFryofAsianMustardswithGroundPork
Thetangofmustardgreensmeldsperfectlywiththerichnessofpork.Turnipgreensandwesternmustardgreensalsobenefitfromthistreatment.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2cupslooselypackedmixedAsianmustards,suchasmizuna,tatsoi,andbokchoy2teaspoonsvegetableoilPinchofsalt8ouncesgroundpork1pieceginger,aboutthesizeofaquarter,shredded1clovegarlic,minced1tablespoonsoysauce1teaspoonhotsauce,ortotasteRicevinegartoserve
Teartheleavesintobite-sizepieces.Breakorcutthebokchoystemsinto½-inchpieces.Setasideinabowl.
Inalargeskilletorwokplacedovermedium-highheat,heattheoiluntilitripples.Addthesalt.Addtheporkandstirfryuntilitisnolongerpink.Addthegingerandgarlicandcontinuetocookfor30seconds.Addthegreens,tosstocombine,coverthepan,andsteam1minute.Removethelid,addthesoysauceandhotsauce,andstirfry1minutelonger.Serveatonce,passingricevinegaratthetablesodinersmayseasonthedishtotheirpreference.
DANDELION
DandelionshavebecomeubiquitousweedsintheNewWorld,ironicallybecausetheywerebroughthereasafoodcropbyEuropeancolonists.Wilddandelionscanbegatheredandeaten,butthetasteisoftenbitter.Notsowiththecultivatedvarieties,whichmakemuchlargerleavesthanwildonestypicallydo.Toreducethespreadofdandelionsoutwardfromyourgarden,discardthepotsattheendoftheseason.Theperennialrootstockwillsproutagainthesecondyearbutwillalsobloomandgotoseed.Growthemasanannualifyouwishtoavoidthis.Besidesbeingtasty,dandeliongreensareanexcellentsourceofvitaminsandminerals.
Sowdandelionseedsonthesurfaceofapotfilledwithgrowingmedium,barelycoveringthem.Whentheygerminate,feedeverytwoweekswithasolublefertilizersolution.Whentheleavesarelargeenough,beginharvesting.Withregularwateringandfeeding,theplantsshouldresproutandcanbeharvestedtwoorthreetimesbeforetheybecomeexhausted.
Iftheyaresmallandtender,dandelionleavescanbeaddedtosaladmixes,buttheyaremostoftencooked.Thesimplebraisehighlightsthespecialtasteofdandelions,whilethegumbo,traditionallyeatenduringtheChristianHolyWeek,blendsdandelionwithothergreens.
theChristianHolyWeek,blendsdandelionwithothergreens.
1.
2.
3.
BraisedDandelionGreensPlainandsimplecookingbringsouttheuniqueflavorofcultivated
dandeliongreens.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1bunchdandeliongreens1stripthick-cutsmokedbacon,suchasBenton’s6greenonions,whiteandgreenparts,chopped½cupchickenstock¼teaspoonsaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Washthegreensandtrimoffthetoughlowerendsofthestems.Discardanyyellowedleaves.Chopthedandeliongreensinto3-inchpieces.
Inalarge,heavyskillet,preferablycastiron,cookthebaconovermediumheatuntilitiscrispandbrown.Transferthebacontoaplatelinedwithpapertowelstodrain.
Reheatthefatintheskilletandaddthedandeliongreensandgreenonions.Cook,stirringuntilthegreenshavewiltedandthewhiteonionsarebecomingtranslucent.Pourinthechickenstock,reducetheheattolow,andsimmer,stirringoccasionally,untiltheliquidisreducedtotwotablespoons.Addthesaltandafewgrindsofblackpepper.Servehot.
1.
2.
GumboZ’herbesAswithmanytraditionalSoutherndishes,gumboz’herbescanbe
foundinroughlyasmanyversionsastherearecooks.ItistraditionallymadeonHolyThursdayorGoodFridayinLouisiana.Oneconstantseemstobetheuseofninedifferentgreens,withsymbolicreferencetothePassionofJesus.ShrimporfishissubstitutedforthemeatsonGoodFridaybyobservantCatholics,oranimalproteinmaybeomittedentirely.
YIELD:8SERVINGS
8ouncesandouillesausage8ouncesham2tablespoonsbacondrippingsorvegetableoil1cupchoppedonions18cups,inall,ofninedifferentgreens,suchasdandelion,mustards,cabbage,Swisschard,spinach,lettuce,scallions,beettops,carrottops,collards,turnipgreens,orcornsalad,washedandchoppedortornintobite-sizepieces2cupsbeefbroth1bayleaf2teaspoonsfreshthymeleaves1teaspoonWorcestershiresauce1teaspoonhotsauceSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Splittheandouillesausagelengthwiseintoquarters,thenchopinto½-inchpieces.Cutthehaminto½-inchcubes.
Heattheoilinalargesouppotovermediumheat.Addthemeatsandsautéuntillightlybrownedonallsides.Removewithaslottedspoontoaheatproofbowl.Addtheonionstothefatinthepotandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheyaretranslucent.Addthegreenstothepotandcook,
stirringuntiltheyhavebeguntowilt.Addthebroth,bayleaf,andthyme,andbringthesouptoagentleboil.Reducetheheatandcook,covered,for30minutes.Addthemeats,Worcestershire,andhotsaucestothepot,stirringtocombine.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning,ifneeded,withsaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper.Servethegumbowithsteamedrice,passingadditionalhotsauce.
EGGPLANT
Amemberofthetomatoclan,eggplantthrivesonwarmweatherandamplerainfall.Itisanidealcontainersubject,withminiaturevarietiesbredjustforthepurpose,anditcontributesbold,scallopedfoliageandbeautifulflowers,oftenblueorviolet,tothecontainergarden.
Unlessyouareextremelyfondofeggplant,oneortwocontainersshouldbesufficientforyourneeds.Waituntiltheweatheriswarmandsettledbeforeyouplant.Purchasestartedplantsatyourlocalgardencenter.Foroneofthesmallervarieties,fillapotatleasttwelveinchesindiameterwithyourpreferredgrowingmedium.Forstandard-sizeeggplants,usealargerpot,uptoaboutfivegallons.Setaplantinthecenterofthepot,andfeeditwithasolublefertilizersolution.Plantsshouldbefedabouteverytwoweeksuntilbloomsappear.Makesuretheyreceiveaninchofwaterperweek.
Eggplantcanbeamagnetforfleabeetles.Wherethesepestsoccur,itisbesttogroweggplantundercoveruntilthefirstfruitsappear.Thisiseasytodoinacontainer.Justplacesomethinbamboostakesaroundthecircumferenceofthecontaineranddrapeitwitharowcoverorothersheerfabric.Securethefabricaroundthetopofthepotwithapieceoftwineorwire.
Eggplantisreadytoharvestwhentheskinisshiny.Dull-coloredfruitsaretoomaturetouse.Fruitskeepforaboutthreedayswithrefrigerationandshould
toomaturetouse.Fruitskeepforaboutthreedayswithrefrigerationandshouldbeeatensoonafterpickingforbestquality.
1.
2.
3.
KoreanEggplantCommonasasidedishinKoreanrestaurants,thiseggplantis
deliciouswithnon-Asianfood.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
3mediumJapaneseeggplants2½tablespoonssoysauce2greenonions,chopped3clovesgarlic,minced1½teaspoonssesameseeds,toasted1½teaspoonssesameoil1teaspoonhotpepperflakes,orasmuchasyouprefer
Setasteameroverapanofwaterandbringthewatertoasimmer.
Cuttheeggplantsintotwoorthreepieces.Thencuteachpieceinhalflengthwise.Placetheeggplantinthesteamerandsteamfor15minutes.
Removethecookedeggplanttoabowlandsetitasideuntilcoolenoughtohandle.Teareachpieceofeggplantlengthwisewithyourfingers.Placetheeggplantinastoragecontainer.Mixtherestofingredientswiththeeggplant.Keepatroomtemperatureforanhourortwobeforeserving,orcoverandrefrigerateforupto3days.Bringtoroomtemperaturebeforeserving.
SmokyGrilledCaponataThekeytothisrecipeistoremoveasmuchmoistureaspossiblefrom
theeggplantbeforegrilling.Thispermitsittoabsorbthedressingandalsohelpsavoidatoo-softtexture.Thefreshertheeggplant,thebetteryourresultswillbe.
YIELD:6TO8SERVINGSASPARTOFABUFFET
1largeor2smalleggplants,atotalofabout1½poundsKoshersalt1mediumonion,peeledandthinlysliced3stalkscelerywithleaves,cutinto½-inchpieces2tablespoonsoliveoil2cupspeeled,choppedtomatoes(orsubstitutecanneddicedtomatoes)½cupwinevinegar1tablespoonsugarOliveoilforbrushingtheeggplant½cuppittedolives,preferablyagreentypeFreshlygroundblackpepper¼teaspoonliquidsmokeflavoring3tablespoonschoppedfreshparsleyleaves
1.
2.
3.
Trimtheeggplantandcutitintolengthwiseslices¾-inchthick.Placetheslices,inlayersifnecessary,inacolandersetoverabowltocatchtheliquid,andsprinklethemwithkoshersalt.Iflayering,salteachlayeronbothsidesbeforeaddingmore.Covertheeggplantwithaplateandplaceaweight,suchasacanofbeans,ontop.Allowtheeggplanttostandatroomtemperaturefor1hour.Rinsetheeggplant,discardingthebitterjuicesinthebowl.Placetheslicesonpapertowelsandblotthoroughly.Settheeggplantasidewhileyoucompletethedish.
Heattheoliveoilinalargeskilletandcooktheonion,stirringfrequently,untilitistranslucent,about10minutes.Addtheceleryandcookfor10minutes,stirringfrequently.Addthetomatoes,cook5minutes,andaddthevinegarandsugar.Cookanadditional10minutesorso,untilthetomatoeshavebrokendowntoformasauce.Thiswilltakelongerwithfreshtomatoesandlesstimewithcannedtomatoes.Removethemixturefromtheheatandletstandwhileyoufinishtheeggplant.
Heatagrillpanuntilitissmokinghot.Brushtheeggplantsliceswithoilandthengrillthem,afewatatime,untiltheyarelightlybrownedandmarkedonbothsides,turningthemonceortwice.Takecarenottoovercookthemortheywillbemushy.Transfertheslicestoacuttingboarduntilcoolenoughtohandleandthencutthemintocubes.Addtheeggplanttothetomatomixture,alongwiththeolives,agenerousamountofpepper,smokeflavoring,andparsley.Stirtocombine.Tasteandaddalittlemoresugarifyouthinkitisn’tsweetenough.Youwantanicebalanceofsweetandsour
4.
flavors.
Coverthecaponataandletitsitatroomtemperaturefor24hours.Refrigeratethereafterforlongerstorage,uptoaweek.Serveatroomtemperature.
Ifyouprefer,grilltheeggplantslicesonanoutdoorgrill,usinghickorychipsforsmoke.Placeahandfulofhickorychipsonasquareofheavy-dutyaluminumfoil.Bringupthecornerstoforma“purse”withasmallopeningatthetopforsmoketoescape.Placethisoveralowburneruntilsmokebeginstodriftfromthepurse,thenstartgrillingtheeggplantslices.Coverthegrillandreducetheheattolowinordertocapturethesmokeflavor.Youcanalsogrilloverhardwoodcharcoal(notbriquettes)andomitthehickorychips.Ineithercase,itisbettertoundercookratherthanovercooktheeggplant.
SPINACH
Nutritiousspinachisanothercool-seasongreencropthatrespondswelltocontainercultivation.Whileyoucansimplyscatterseedsoverthesurfaceofalargecontainer,youwillgetbetterresultsifyoustartseedsseparatelyandthentransplantthebabyspinachplantstotheirpermanentquarters.Useanurserytraywitheighteencells,fillwithgrowingmedium,andplanttwoorthreeseedsineachcell.Spinachisnotoriousforspottygermination.Notalltheseedswillsprout,hencetherecommendationtoplantmultiples.Whenatleastoneseedineachcellhassprouted,removeanysmallerseedlingswithtweezers,leavingonlyoneplantpercell.Feedthematthistimewithsolublefertilizersolution.Whentheplantshavetwopairsoftrueleaves,transplanttoindividualsix-inchpots,ortoalargercontainer,spacingthemsixinchesaparteachway.Feedattransplanttimeandagaineverytwoweeks.Makesurethepotsneverdryout.Thismethodcanproduceleavesthesizeofpingpongpaddles.Whentheweatherwarmsup,spinachwillgotoseed.Youcanreplantinfallforasecondcrop.Oneofthemainadvantagesofspinachoverothergreensisthatitfreezeswell,andthisisthepreferredwaytopreserveit.Droptheleavesintoboilingwater,setatimerforthreeminutes,anddrainthespinachwhenthetimeisup.Rinsewellundercoldwater.Usingyourhand,squeezeoutasmuchmoistureasyoucan,thentransferthespinachtoasuitablecontainerandplaceinthefreezer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CreamofSpinachSoupFewrecipesbringouttheflavorofspinachlikethiscreamsoup,and
therichforestgreencolorlooksgreatonthetable.Foraholidayversion,garnishthesoupwithfinelydicedroastedredpeppersinadditiontotheeggorcheese.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1poundspinachleaves2tablespoonsbutter¼cupfinelymincedonions2tablespoonsflour4cupsmilk¼tsppaprikaFreshnutmegParmigiano-Reggianocheeseorhard-cookedeggyolksforgarnish
Washthespinachleavesandthendropthemintoboilingwater.Whenthewaterreturnstoaboil,cookfor1minute.Drain.Rinseundercoldwatertostopthecookingandthendrainthoroughly.Squeezethespinachbyhandfulstoexpresssomeadditionalliquid.Placethespinachinablenderjarandreserve.
Meltthebutterinasaucepanandsautétheonionsuntiltheyaresoftened.Stirintheflouruntilwellcombined.Addthemilkslowlyinastream,stirringconstantly.Continuetocookandstiruntilthesoupthickensslightly.
Pourintotheblenderjarwiththespinachandallowtocoolforabout15minutes.Puréethesoup,returnittothepan,andaddthepaprika,alongwithafewgratingsoffreshnutmeg.
Heatthesoupuntilitishot;donotallowittoboil.Tasteforsaltandadjustifnecessary.ServegarnishedwithfreshlygratedParmigiano-Reggianocheese
ormincedhard-cookedeggyolk.
1.
2.
SpinachSaladwithDatesSpinachhasaluxuriousflavorthatpairswellwithrichingredients,like
thedatesfeaturedinthisrecipe.Substituteanydriedfruityoulike.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil1tablespoonwhitewinevinegar1tablespoondicedredsweetpepper1teaspoonCreolemustard1½cupslooselypackedfreshspinachleaves½cupchoppeddates1mandarinorange,peeledandseparatedintosegments2radishes,thinlysliced2tablespoonschoppedfreshherbsofyourchoiceSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Combinetheoil,vinegar,redpepper,andmustardinasmallbowl.Reserve.
Arrangetheotheringredientsattractivelyontotwoplates,scatteringtheherbsontopandseasoningwithsaltandpepper.Whiskthedressingingredientsanddrizzleoverthesaladsjustbeforeserving.
CARROTS
Carrotswerenotalwaysorange.ItissometimesreportedthattheorangevarietiesweredevelopedtohonortheDutchroyalhouseofOrange;however,thisviewhasnotbeendocumented.Inrecentyears,carrotsinothercolors—notablypurple,red,yellow,white,andbi-colored(purpleandorange)—haveenjoyedrenewedpopularitywithgardenersandcooks.Differentcolorsofcarrotstasteonlyslightlydifferentfromeachother,andtheyareinterchangeableinrecipes.
Carrotseedsarereluctanttogerminate,andtheseedlingsareweak.Itisimportanttothinthemassoonastrueleavesappearoryourcropwillsuffer.Asaruleofthumb,youneedagrowingmediumthatistwiceasdeepasthecarrotrootsyouexpecttoproduce.Therefore,ifyouaregrowingincontainers,itisbesttostickwithvarietiesthatproduce“baby”carrotsaboutaslongasyourforefinger.Someothercultivars,suchasAtlas,makeroundedrootslikearadish.Thesewillproducecarrotswithaslittleasfourinchesofsoildepth.
Fillyourcontainerwithgrowingmedium,wateritwell,andscattertheseedsthinlyontop.Barelycoverwithasmallamountofgrowingmedium.Havepatienceanddonotletthegrowingmediumdryout.Itmaytakethreeweeksfortheseedlingstoemerge.Whenthefeatherytrueleavesappear,thintheplantsto
theseedlingstoemerge.Whenthefeatherytrueleavesappear,thintheplantstostandaboutaninchaparteachway.Feedlightlywithasolublefertilizersolutionandthenceasefeeding.Carrotsdonotneedalotoffertilizer,buttheyneedconstantmoisture.Keepthemwatered.Harvestwhentherootsreachthesizeyouexpect.Mosttakeabouttwotothreemonthstoyieldacrop.Carrotskeepwellundermoistrefrigeration,ortheycanbecannedorfrozen.
1.
2.
CreamofCarrotSoupwithCuminandThymeYIELD:2SERVINGS
1cupchoppedonions2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter1sprigfreshthyme2cupschoppedcarrots1½cupschickenstock½teaspoongroundcumin½cupheavycreamSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper2teaspoonsfreshthymeleaves
Placetheonionsandbutterinalargesaucepanandsetovermediumheat.Whenthebuttermelts,stir,cover,andreducetheheat.Cookfor5minutes.Addthethymesprigandcarrots,cover,andcookgentlyuntiltheonionsaretranslucent,about5minutesmore.Addthechickenstockandcumin,andthencoverandcookfor20minutes.Removethethymesprig.Transferthesouptoablenderjarandallowtocoolfor15minutes.Ifyouuseanimmersionblender,itisnotnecessaryforthesouptocool.Puréethesoupthencombinewiththecream.Tasteandaddsaltandpepperasneeded.
Thesoupcanbeservedatonce,garnishedwiththethymeleaves,orcooledthoroughlyandstored,covered,intherefrigeratorforuptothreedays.
3. Youcanservethesoupchilledorreheatitgentlyoverlowheat.Donotallowthesouptoboilafterthecreamhasbeenadded.
1.
2.
3.
RoastedCarrotsandWinterVegetablesRoastingbringsoutthesweetnessincarrotsandotherwinterbounty.
Sorghumandbalsamicvinegarplaywellagainsttheearthy-sweetflavorofthevegetables.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1tablespoonvegetableoil4mediumcarrots,trimmedandcutcrosswiseinhalf1smallwintersquash,peeled,seededandcutintobite-sizechunks1smallrutabaga,peeledandslicedlengthwiseintoeighths¼teaspoonsaltAfewgrindsofwhitepepperPinchofgroundmace1tablespoonsorghumsyrup1teaspoonbalsamicvinegar
Preheattheovento325°F.Placethevegetableoilinabakingpanlargeenoughtoholdthevegetablesinonelayer.Addthevegetables,sprinklewithsalt,pepper,andmace,andshakethepantocoateverythingwellwiththeoilandseasonings.
Setthepanonthemiddlerackandroast,turningthevegetablesoncewithtongs,untilthevegetablesaresoftenedandbrowned,about45minutes.Whilethevegetablesarecooking,mixthesyrupandthevinegarinasmallbowl.
Whenthevegetablesaredone,removethemfromtheheatandimmediatelydrizzlewiththesorghumandvinegarmixture,tossingthemtocoatwell.Serveatonce.
NOTE:Ifyoucannotfindsorghum,substituteagavenectar,reducingtheamountto2½teaspoons.
PEAS
Peasareacoolweathercrop.Mostofthemrequireatrellisforsupport,sotheyareabitmoretroubletogrowthanothervegetables.Theflavoroffreshlypickedpeaspromptsmanygardenerstogrowthemeveryyeardespitetheeffort.Forcontainercultivationofpeas,firstdecidehowyouwillsupportthevinesandthenchooseacontainerthatworkswithwhateverarrangementyoudecideon.Peasclimbviatendrilsthatliketocurlaroundsomethingaboutaquarterinchindiameterorless.Twiggybrancheshavetraditionallybeenused,butmorerecentlygardenershavediscoverednylontrellisnetting.Ifyougrowthemonasunnybalconyordeck,considerrunningstringsfromthecontainertothetopoftherailing.Thepeaswillgrowupthestrings.Dwarfcultivarsneednotrellisandwillproducepeasinaneight-inchpot.
Fillacontaineratleasteightinchesdeepwithgrowingmedium.Plantthreepeastoaspot,separatingtheplantingspotsbythreeincheseachway,untilyouhavefilledthecontainer.Placeitwherethepeashootscanreachyourtrellis,andwaterthoroughly.Peasarelegumes,abletofixnitrogenfromtheatmospherewiththehelpofbeneficialbacteriagrowingontheroots.Containergardenersshouldpurchaseapowderedinoculanttosupplythebacteria.Often,packetsofinoculantarefoundonthesamerackwithpeaorbeanseeds.Ifnot,askyourlocalgardencenter.Extra,unusedinoculantwillkeepinthefreezeratleastuntil
localgardencenter.Extra,unusedinoculantwillkeepinthefreezeratleastuntilthefollowingseason.Theseedswillgerminateintwoweeksorless,andyoushouldhavepodsreadytopickwithinninetydays.
Peascomeinthreevarieties,allgrownthesameway.Shelling,orEnglish,peashavetoughpodsthatareinediblewithoutsignificanteffortinthekitchen.Snowpeashavebroad,flattened,ediblepodsthatareeatenwhilethepeasinsideareimmature.Snappeashaveediblepods,andcanbeeatenatallstagesofdevelopmentuntiltheseedsbegintomatureandthepodsturnyellow.Forhomegardeners,snoworsnappeasmakethemostsense,astheywillyieldabouttwiceasmuchweightofediblevegetablesasthesamesizeplantingofshellingpeas.
1.
2.
CreamyChilledVegetarianSnowPeaSoup
Thisisafinerecipeforusinganabundantharvestofsnoworsnappeas.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1quartsnoworsnappeas;looselypacked,trimmed,andwashed1tablespoonoliveoil¼cupchoppedonions¾cupchoppedcelery2tablespoonschoppedscallions¾cupvegetablestock¾cupwater¾cupdiced,peeledpotatoes1wedgeoflime¾teaspoonsugar¾teaspoonsherryvinegarSaltFreshlygroundwhitepepperFreshherbsinseason,finelychopped
Bringapotofwatertoarapidboiloverhighheatandaddthepeas.Whenthewaterreturnstoaboil,reducetheheatandparboilfor4minutes.Drainthepeasinacolanderandrinsewellundercoldrunningwatertostopthecookingandsetthecolor.Drainandsetaside.
Heattheoilovermediumheatinalargesaucepan.Addtheonions,celery,andscallions,andsautéuntiltheonionsaretranslucent.Addthestock,water,potatoes,andlimewedge.Coverandsimmerfor30minutes.Remove
3.
thesaucepanfromtheheat.Addthesnowpeas.Coolthepan,uncovered,atroomtemperature.Removethelimewedge.Chillthesoupovernight.Transferthesouptoablender,purée,andpassitthroughafinesievetoremovefibrousmatter.Addthesugarandsherry,stirringtocombinewell.Tasteandadjusttheseasoningwithsaltandpepper.
Servecoldwithagarnishoffreshchoppedherbs.
1.
2.
End-of-SeasonFreshPeaSoupHereisaquicksoupthatusesingredientsyouarelikelytohaveor
findinthemarket.Icreatedthissouptoutilizesnapandsnowpeasfromthegardenthathadbeendamagedbyanearlyfrost.Youcanuseanypeasyouhaveonhand.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1cupsnoworsnappeas1tablespooncanolaoil½cupchoppedonions½cupchoppedcelery2cupschickenorvegetablestock1tablespoonmincedfreshtarragonleavesSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Trimthetipsofthepeapods.Ifanyofthepeashavebecomelargeenoughtoshell,doso,placingtheshelledpeasinaseparatesmallbowlandreservingtheshellswiththeremainingtrimmedpeas.Bringwatertoarollingboilinasaucepan.Addabigpinchofsaltandtheshelledpeas.Cookfor1minute,thendrainthroughasieveandrinsewellundercoldwatertostopthecookingandsetthecolor.Reservethepeasinasmallbowl.Refillthepanwithmorewater,bringittoaboil,andthenaddsaltandthereservedpeapodsandshells.Boil3minutes,thendraininacolander,rinsewellundercoldwater,drain,andreserveinabowl.Thepeasandpodsmaybeprepareduptothispointupto24hoursinadvance.Coverandrefrigerateifnotusingimmediately.
Inaheavy-bottomedpotovermediumheat,warmtheoil.Addtheonionsandcookgently,covered,untiltheybegintosoften.Addthecelery,cover,andcontinuetocookuntiltheonionsaretranslucent.Addthestockandthetarragon,apinchofsalt,andafewgrindsofblackpepper.Bringtoaboil,
3.
4.
reducetheheat,andsimmerfor10minutes.Removefromheatandallowtocoolslightly.
Placethereservedpeapodsandshellsinthejarofablender.Addthesoupmixtureandliquefy.Ifyouuseanimmersionblender,itisnotnecessarytocoolthesoupbeforeblending.Pourthesoupthroughafinesievetoremovefibrousmatter,allowingittodrainwell.Pressgentlyonthesolidstoextractalltheliquidbeforediscardingthem.Addthereservedshelledpeastothestrainedsoup.Reheattoservingtemperature,adjusttheseasoning,andserve.(Youmayalsocoolthesouptoroomtemperatureandstorecoveredintherefrigeratorforuptotwodays.)Garnishwithafewshredsofbutterheadlettuce,sometarragonleaves,orotherfreshmincedherbs.
POTATOES
AmongthefirstcropsbroughtbacktoEuropebyexplorers,potatoesalreadyhadalonghistoryofcultivationwhentheEuropeansfirstarrived.Modernpotatoesaretheresultofcenturiesofselectionandhybridizationamongseveralwildpotatospecies.Growingyourownpotatoesallowsyoutotryvarietiesyouwillseldomseeinthegrocerystore.
Despitewidevariationincolor,texture,andtaste,potatoescanbeeasilyunderstoodasbelongingtooneofthreegroups,basedeitherupontheirtimetomaturityorupontheirstarchlevel,whichhasimplicationsinthekitchen.Potatoesareclassifiedasearly,midseason,orlate,witharangeofmaturityfrom80toover120days.Inthekitchen,wethinkofbakingpotatoeswithhighstarchcontent,boilingpotatoeswithlowstarchcontentandmoremoisture,andall-purposepotatoeswithanintermediatelevelofstarch.BakingpotatoesarealsogoodformashedpotatoesandFrenchfries.Boilingpotatoeslendthemselvestopotatosalads,roasting,andgrilling.All-purposepotatoescanfillanyoftheseroles,thoughnotalwaysperfectly.
Potatoesgrowwellinlargecontainers,andIdomeanlarge.Oneofthebestbackyardmethodsistogrowtheminafifty-gallonheavy-dutytrash-canliner.Rollthetopofthelinerdownasyoumightasock,andpokeafewdrainageholesinthebottom.Addafoot-deeplayerofcompostandgrowingmedium,placetwoorthreeseedpotatoesontop,andwaterwell.Whenthepotatofoliage
placetwoorthreeseedpotatoesontop,andwaterwell.Whenthepotatofoliageissixinchestall,addmoregrowingmediumtocoverallbuttheuppermostinchoftheleaves.Unrollthetopofthebagtoaccommodatethegrowingmix.Repeatthisprocedurewhenanothersixinchesoffoliagehasdeveloped,thenallowthepotatoestogrowwithoutfurthercovering.Keepthemwell-wateredduringthegrowingseason.Whenbloomsappear,youcanstealafewnewpotatoesbyprobingatthebaseofthestemswithyourfingers.Takecaretocoveranyexposedrootsortuberswithadditionalgrowingmix.Whenthefoliagedies,removeit,waittwoweeks,andthendumpoutthebagtoharvestthepotatoes.Handlethemgently.Damagedskininvitesmoldandrot.Placethepotatoesinacool,dryplaceintheshadeforafewdays,thengentlybrushoffanycompostclingingtothem,andstoretheminabasketinacool,darkplace.
1.
VichysoisseIadaptedthisrecipefortheclassicchilledpotatosoupfromPaul
Bocuse’sRegionalFrenchCooking.Thiselegantbuteasilymadedelightmakestheperfectbrunchopener,oritcanbeafirstcourseforaspecialdinner.Bestifdonethedaybefore,itimprovesinflavorasitrestsintherefrigerator.Thetraditionalpotatoforthissoupistheoldstandby,theRusset.However,trymakingthesoupwithRedPontiacorWhiteRosepotatovarieties.Forapretty,lemon-coloredsoup,useYukonGoldorotheryellow-fleshedpotatoes.Ifyou’refeelinginanexperimentalmood,AllBluepotatoesmakeanespeciallycreamyvichysoissewithabluishgraycolor.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter2largeleeks,whitepartonly,washedthoroughlyandchopped1½cupsdicedpeeledpotatoes3cupswater1sprigofthyme1sprigofparsley½cupheavycreamPinchofgroundmaceSaltFreshlygroundwhitepepper
Meltthebutterovermediumheatinalargesaucepan.Whenthefoamsubsides,addtheleeks,turntheheatdowntolow,cover,andallowtheleeksto“sweat”untiltheyaretender,about5to7minutes.Addthepotatoes,water,thyme,andparsley.Increasetheheatandbringthesouptoaboil.Adjusttheheattomaintainasimmerandcook,partiallycovered,untilthepotatoesareverytender,about30minutes.Drainthesoupinacolanderplacedoveraheatproofbowl,reservingtheliquid.Puréethevegetablesina
blenderorfoodprocessorwithalittleofthereservedcookingliquid.Returnthesouptothepan,andthenadd½cupofthereservedliquidandtheheavycream.Placethepanovermediumheatandstirwithawirewhisk.Bringtoaboil,whiskingconstantly,thenremovefromheatimmediatelyandallowtocooltoroomtemperature.Whiskinthemace.Chillthesoupatleast4hoursandpreferablyovernightintherefrigerator.Tastethesoupandseasonitwithsaltandwhitepepper.Serveinchilledbowls,garnishedwithparsleycream(page40)orsnippedchives.
NOTE:Abitofpeeled,seeded,andfinelychoppedtomatoorroastedsweetredpepperaddedasanadditionalgarnishgivesvichysoisseared,white,andgreenlookthatisperfectforChristmasdinnerparties.
1.
2.
SouthernStylePotatoSaladItisimportanttoselecttherightkindofpotatoesforpotatosalad.Use
awaxy,boilingpotatosuchasRedPontiacorYukonGold,notabakingpotato.
YIELD:8SERVINGS
3poundspotatoes¼cupCreolemustard1½teaspoonsapplecidervinegar1½teaspoonssugar4eggs,hard-boiledandpeeled6scallions,whiteandgreenparts,chopped2stalksofcelery,finelydiced½cupchoppedsweetpickles2or3radishes,trimmedandthinlyslicedSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper½cupmayonnaise,approximatelyMincedfreshparsleyordillforgarnish
Washpotatoeswell,butdonotpeel.Thisavoidstoomuchwaterbeingabsorbedastheycook.Bringalargepotofwatertoaboil.Addthepotatoesandcookuntilthepointofaknifemeetslittleresistancewhenyoupiercethepotato.Startcheckingatabout15minutes,althoughtheexacttimewilldependuponthesizeofthepotatoes,amountofwater,andsoforth.Assoonastheyaredone,drainthepotatoes,rinsebrieflyundercoldwater,andallowthemtocool.Whentheyarecoolenoughtohandlebutstillwarm,peel,trimoutanydarkspots,andchopthemintobite-sizepieces.Placethechoppedpotatoesinalargebowl.
Whilethepotatoesarecooking,combinethemustard,vinegar,andsugarina
3.
smallbowl,stirringuntilthesugarisdissolved.Whenthepotatoesarechoppedandinthebowl,pourthemustardmixtureoverthemandstirwelltocoat.Leavetocooltoroomtemperaturewhileyoucompletethepreparation.
Choptheeggsandaddtothepotatoes.Addthescallions,celery,pickles,andradishslices,andstirtocombine.Addsaltandpeppertotaste.Addthemayonnaise,alittleatatime,untilthesaladholdstogetherandisasmoistasyouprefer.Chillthepotatosaladovernighttoallowtheflavorstoblend.Garnishwithparsleyordillbeforeserving.
1.
GoldenPotatoSoupAdifferenttakeonpotatosoupthatoffersahintofsweetnessfrom
thecaramelizedonionsandcarrots.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
¾cuponion1½tablespoonsbutter¾cupcelery2½cupschickenorvegetablestock½cupwater¾cupchoppedcarrots2cupschoppedyellow-fleshedpotatoes1sprigthymeorapinchofdriedthyme½cupwholemilkSaltFreshlygroundpepperAgratingortwooffreshnutmeg
Placealarge,heavy-bottomedpotovermediumheatandaddtheonionsandbutter.Adjusttheheatsotheonionscookveryslowly.Cookthem,stirringoccasionally,untiltheyaregoldenbrownandfragrant.Takecaretokeeptheheatlowtoavoidburningtheonions.Addtheotheringredients,bringtoasimmer,andcookthesoupfor30minutes.Addthemilk.Keepthesouphot,butdonotallowittoboilafterthemilkhasbeenadded.Seasontotastewithsalt,pepper,andnutmeg.
1.
2.
Korean-StylePotatoesThisdishisservedaspartofthebanchan,orsidedishes,that
accompanyaKoreanmeal.ItisdeliciouswithWestern-stylefood,also.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1to2tablespoonsoliveoil2to3potatoes,peeledanddiced2garliccloves,minced1smallonion,cutinbite-sizedpieces2½tablespoonssoysauce1tablespooncornsyrup1tablespoonsugar½cupwater1tablespoonsesameoilSesameseedstogarnish
Rinsethepotatoestoremovestarchandthendrainwell.Placeaheavyskilletovermediumheatandaddtheoliveoil.Addthepotatoesandgarlicandcookuntilthepotatoeslookalittletranslucent,thenaddtheonion.Stirfryuntiltheonionsaretranslucent.Addtheremainingingredients,stirwell,andreducetheheat.Simmerovermediumheatuntilthepotatoesaretenderwhentestedwithafork.Addalittlewaterifneeded,buttheliquidshouldbealmostcompletelyevaporatedwhenthepotatoesarefinished.Cookingtimeisapproximately10minutes.Removetheskilletfromtheheatandaddonetablespoonofsesameoilandasprinkleofsesameseeds.
Youcansubstitutehoney,agavenectar,sorghum,ormaplesyrupforthecornsyrup.Eachsweetenerwilladdaslightlydifferentflavortothefinisheddish.
DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust
Theideaforthisheavenlypieisnotmine.ItcomesfromTheMoosewoodCookbookbyMollyKatzen.Ihavealteredtherecipetoincludeawidervarietyofvegetablesandtoreducethefatcontent,butthemarvelouscrustisunchangedfromtheoriginal.Useabakingpotato,suchasRussetBurbank,tomakethecrust.Theextrastarchhelpsholdthecrusttogether.
YIELD:ONE9-INCHPIE
Oilforthepiepan2cups(packed)shreddedrawpotatoes¼cupfinelymincedonion½teaspoonsalt1largeeggwhite,lightlybeaten1tablespooncanolaoil2mediumclovesgarlic,minced½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper3cupsassortedfreshvegetables,diced,suchasonions,broccoli,cauliflower,carrots,celery,peas,summersquash,wintersquash,andgreenbeansinanycombinationyoulike½cupvegetablestock,homemadeorcanned1tablespoonchoppedfreshparsleyleaves1teaspoonchoppedfreshbasilleaves½teaspoonchoppedfreshoreganoorapinchofdriedoregano4eggs¼cupmilk¼cupgratedgouda,Swiss,Gruyere,orothergoodmeltingcheesePreheatthe
2.
3.
ovento400°F.Oila9-inchpiepan.Combinethepotatoes,onion,salt,andeggwhiteinabowl,stirringtocombinewell.Transferthemixturetothepiepan.Placeasheetofplasticwrapoverthepotatomixtureandpatitoutintoauniformlayer.Buildarimaroundthesidesofthepan.Bakethecrustfor30minutes,thenbrushitwithoilandbake10moreminutes.Removethecrustfromtheoven.
Reducetheoventemperatureto375°F.
Setalargeskilletovermedium-highheat.Addthecanolaoil.Whentheoilripples,addthegarlic,salt,pepper,andvegetables.Stirfryuntilthevegetablesbegintosoften.Addthevegetablestock,coverthepan,andsteamfor2minutes.Removethecover,increasetheheat,andboiluntilalmostnoliquidremains.Stirintheparsley,basil,andoregano.Turnthefillingintothepreparedcrust.Inabowl,beattheeggswiththemilk,pouroverthevegetables,andsprinklethecheeseontop.Bakeuntiltheeggsarefirmlysetandthetopislightlybrowned,about45minutes.Allowthepietocoolabout10minutesbeforeslicing.Ifyouwish,garnishslicesofthepiewithadditionalchoppedfreshherbs.
SNAPBEANS
Snapbeans,orgreenbeans,areamongtheeasiestandmostreliablecropsforbackyardgrowinganddoverywellincontainers.Theylikealoose,well-aeratedgrowingmedium.Isuggestcombiningthreepartsofcommercialgrowingmixwithonepartsandorperlite.Youshouldalsoincorporatealegumeinoculantintothesoilatplantingtime(page60)toprovidethebeneficialbacteriathatpermitbeanstomaketheirownnitrogenfertilizer.Hundredsofbeanvarietiesexist,buttheyareallgrowninmuchthesameway.
Beansexhibittwogrowthhabits.Bushbeansformcompactmoundsabouteighteeninchesindiameter.Theyusuallybearoneortwolargeflushesofbeansandthenpeterout.Polebeansproducelongvinesthatneedasturdysupporttoclimb.Theybearoveralongseasonandneednotbereplanted.Besidesthesupport,polebeansneedamuchlargercontainerthanbushbeansdo.Whilethelattercanbegrowninatwelve-inchpotwithgreatsuccess,polebeansneedaboutfivegallonsofgrowingmediumtoaccommodatetheirlargerootsystems.
Plantbeanswhentheweatheriswarmandsettled.Seedsmayrotincold,dampgrowingmedium.Forbushbeans,plantindividualseedseverytwoinchesaroundtheperimeterofatwelve-inchorlargerpot.Aftertrueleavesappear,thinoutanysicklyplants.Keepthemwellwatered.Whenplantsareaboutsixinchestall,applyatablespoonfulofbalancedorganicfertilizertothesurfaceofthegrowingmediumonce.Additionalfeedingshouldnotberequired,especiallyifyouhaveusedtherecommendedrootinoculant.
youhaveusedtherecommendedrootinoculant.Theprocedureforstartingandgrowingpolebeansisidenticaltobushbeans,
althoughyoumustusealargercontainerandprovidesupportforthevines.String,wire,thinbamboopoles,oranythingsimilarthatwillpermitthevinestoclimbtoaboutsixfeetcanbeused.Justrememberthesaying“thinasabeanpole”andyoucangetascreativeasyoulikewiththesupportstructure.Pickpolebeansregularlytokeepthemproducing.
Eitherbushorpolebeanscanbeusedforanygreenbeanrecipe.Attheendoftheseason,thepodscanbelefttodryontheplants.Theycanthenbeharvested,shelled,andusedasforanydriedbean.Note,however,thattheamountofdriedbeansyoucangetislikelytobesmall.
1.
1.
ThreeBeanSaladAgreatsummerdishthatappearsonsaladbarsandatgatherings
throughouttheSouth,threebeansaladtastesbetterifallowedtositovernightintherefrigeratorbeforeserving.
YIELD:8SERVINGS
Dressing½cupsugar½cupcidervinegar¼cupwater1teaspoonsalt
Salad1½cupsItaliangreenbeans,trimmedandbroken1½cupsyellowwaxbeans,trimmedandbroken1candarkredkidneybeans,rinsedanddrainedwell¼cupchoppedredonion2tablespoonschoppedbellpepper,anycolor
Dressing:
Combinetheingredientsinasmallbowl,stirringuntilthesugarandsalthavedissolved.
Salad:
Inalargepotofboilingsaltedwater,separatelyblanchthefreshbeansuntiltheyarebarelytender,about6minutesperbatch.Draininacolanderandrefreshthebeansundercoldrunningwater.Coolcompletely.Addtheotheringredientsand⅔cupoftheprepareddressing.Stirwellandchillatleast3hoursorovernightbeforeserving.
1.
2.
GreenBeansand“Shellies”withCountryHam
Towardtheendoftheseason,polebeanplantswillhavebothmaturingandimmaturebeansonthem.Shellingoutthematurebeansandcombiningthemwiththeimmatureonescreatesadishwithrichbeanflavor.Tocreateavegetarianversion,substitutechopped,oil-packedsundriedtomatoesfortheham.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1tablespoonbacondrippingsorvegetableoil1largecenterslice(about3ounces)ofcountryham,preferablyBenton’s1mediumonion,chopped½teaspoonyellowmustardseeds¾poundfreshgreenbeans¼poundfreshshelledbeans,suchasOctoberorcranberrybeans1½cupswaterSalttotasteFreshlygroundblackpeppertotaste
Inalarge,heavysaucepan,heatthebacondrippingsoroilandaddthehamslice.Cook,turningonceortwice,untilthehamisbrightred-brownandmostofthefathasbeenrendered,5to7minutes.Transferthehamtoaplate,reservingthedrippingsinthesaucepan.Whenthehamiscoolenoughtohandle,separateanddiscardalltracesoffatfromtheleanmeatandchopthehamcoarsely.Thefatandleanshouldseparateeasilyifthehamisproperlycooked.Ifusingsundriedtomatoes,simplychopthemandaddwiththebeans.
Reheatthefatinthesaucepanandaddtheonions.Cook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheyaretranslucent.Addthemustardseedsandcook,stirringuntiloneortwoseedspop.Addthegreenbeans,shelledbeans,and
water,andbringtoaboil.Reducetheheat,cover,andsimmeruntilthebeansaretender.Stirinthereservedcountryham.Taste,adjusttheseasoningasneeded,andserve.
1.
2.
GreenBeanswithRoastedPeppersTossingstir-friedgreenbeanswithroastedpeppersandgarliccreates
aperfectsideforanItalianmeal.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1poundfreshgreenbeans1largeredoryellowsweetpepper,roasted,seeded,andpeeled(page243)2tablespoonsoliveoil3clovesofgarlic,mincedSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Bringalargepotofsaltedwatertoarollingboil.Dropinthebeansandcookfor3minutes.Drainthebeansinacolanderandplacethemundercoldrunningwatertostopthecookingandsetthecolor.Slicetheroastedpepperintonarrowstripsabout2incheslong.
Heattheoilinalargefryingpanorwokuntilitripples.Addthegarlicandcookuntilitisapalegoldencolor,about30seconds.Addthebeansandtossfrythemuntiltheyarewellcoatedwiththegarlickyoilandhavebeguntobrowninaspotortwo,about2minutes.Addthepeppers,seasonwithsaltandpepper,andserveatonce.
CUCUMBER
Thecucumberisprobablythemostwidelygrownmemberofthesquashfamily.Themanycultivarscanbedividedintotwogroups.Picklingcucumbers,slightlycurvedandoftenwithpricklyspines,aresmallerthanslicingcucumbers,whichgrowstraightandusuallylackspines.Whilepicklingcucumberscanbeusedraw,theslicingtypesdonotalwaysmakecrisp,tastypickles.Plantbreedershavecreatedseveralcompactcucumbervarietiesthataresuitableforcontainergrowingyetproduceanabundantharvest.LookforLittleLeaf,Picklebush,SaladBush,orSpacemaster.
Plantcucumberswhentheweatheriswarm,withdaytimetemperaturesabove65°F.Sowfiveseedspertwelve-orsixteen-inchcontainer.Addatablespoonofbalancedorganicfertilizertotheplantinghole.Whentheseedlingshaveapairoftrueleaves,pinchoffallbutthethreestrongestplants.Provideatrellisofstring,wire,orthinbranchesforthetendrilstograsp.Theseedlingsneedabundantwateruntiltheystarttoclimb.Afterthat,theywilltoleratesomedrying.Usingabalancedorganicfertilizer,feedtheplantsaweekafterthinningthemandagainwhenbloomsappear.Femalebloomscanbedistinguishedbythetinycucumberbelowthepetals.Theywillappearseveraldaysaftermalebloomsform.Inthemeantime,malebloomscanbeharvestedandusedtogarnishsouporsalad.Asbloomingbegins,startirrigatingtomaintainamplesoilmoistureif
orsalad.Asbloomingbegins,startirrigatingtomaintainamplesoilmoistureifrainfallisinsufficient.Properwateringwillpreventmisshapenfruits.
Cucumberfruitshavethebestqualitywhentheyaresmallandtender,typicallyataboutthreetosixincheslong,dependinguponthevariety.Pickthemeverydaytokeeptheplantsproducingwell.Themostreliablemethodforhomepreservationispickling.
1.
WhiteGazpachoAheavenlysoupforahotsummernightwhencucumbersarein
seasonandgarlichasbeenharvested,thisversionofgazpachoputstheemphasisonthecucumbers.Freshlyharvestedgarlicwillberelativelymildinflavor.Ifyourgarlicispungent,usethesmalleramountrecommended.
YIELD:2TO3SERVINGS
2cucumbers,washed,peeled,andseeded2to5garliccloves,peeled,ideallyrecentlyharvestedandmildlyflavored½cupsourcream½cupchickenorvegetablestock¼teaspoongroundwhitepepper½teaspoonkoshersalt¼cuptomatoes,seeded,finelychopped¼cupfinelychoppedscalliontops
Inafoodprocessor,mincethecucumberandgarlic.Addthesourcream,stock,whitepepper,andsalt.Processtocombine.Thinwithalittlemorestockifneeded.Transfertoacoveredcontainerandchillatleasttwohours.Topeachservingwithaspoonfuloftomatoesandasprinklingofscalliontops.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Cucumber,Onion,andTomatoSaladThischunkysaladisafrequentplayeratthesummertimedinnertable
intheSouth.Itplayswellalloverthecountry,especiallywhenmadewithgarden-freshingredients.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1cucumber1smallredonion1tomato,preferablyanheirloomvariety1tablespoonapplecidervinegar1tablespoonwater½teaspoonsaltAfewturnsoffreshlygroundblackpepper1teaspoonsafflowerorsunfloweroil
Trimthecucumberandsliceitinhalflengthwise.Usingateaspoon,scrapeoutanddiscardtheseeds.SlicethecucumberhalvescrosswiseintoC-shapedpieces.Placethecucumberinalargebowl.
Trimandpeeltheonionandsliceitintocircles.Separatethecirclesintoringsandaddthemtothebowlwiththecucumbers.
Corethetomatoandcutitintowedgesorbite-sizechunks,dependinguponitssize.Addthetomatoanditsjuicestothebowlwiththeothervegetables.
Inasmallbowl,combinetheremainingingredients,stirringwithaforkuntilthesaltisdissolved.Pourthedressingoverthesaladandtosstocoat.
Allowthesaladtositforanhourorsoatroomtemperaturebeforeserving.Itcanalsoberefrigerated,covered,overnight.Bringtoroomtemperaturebeforeserving.
1.
BenedictineSpreadThisversatilespreadisnamednotforamonasticorderbutforMrs.
Benedict,afamedcatererofLouisville,Kentucky,whoinventedtherecipeintheearlytwentiethcentury.Consequently,itisanessentialcomponentofaDerbyDaybuffetortailgateparty.Besidesbeinggoodonsandwiches,therecipecanbeusedasadipforalmostanythingdippable.
YIELD:ABOUT10SERVINGS
3largecucumbers,peeled,seeded,andcutintochunks2tablespoonsfinelymincedwhiteonion8ouncescreamcheese,softenedHeavycreamDashormoreofhotpeppersauce
Placethecucumbersinafoodprocessorandmincefinely.Transferthecucumberstoacleandishcloth,gatherupthecornerstoformapouch,andtwist,squeezingasmuchwaterfromthecucumbersaspossible.Transferthecucumbertoabowl.Addtheonionandcreamcheeseandmixwell.Ifneeded,addalittleheavycreamtothinthemixturetothedesiredtexture.Seasonwithhotpeppersauce.Coverandrefrigeratethespreadovernighttoallowtheflavorstomeld.
PEPPERS
Peppersrankamongthebestchoicesforcontainervegetableproduction.Eachpepperplantbearsanabundanceoffruitsthatcanusuallybeenjoyedoveralongseason,fromtheimmaturegreenstageuntilfullyripe.Eventhelargestplantscanbeaccommodatedinaheftycontainer,andthevastmajoritywillgrowsuperblyinafive-gallonpot,withsmallercultivarsavailableforevenaneight-ortwelve-inchcontainer.Thisholdstrueforbothhotandsweetpeppertypes.Checkcataloglistingsorotherreferencestodeterminethematuresizeofcultivarsinwhichyouareinterested.Amongsweetbellpeppers,AceandGourmetarecompactforms,whileCayennettaisacompact-growinghotcayennetype.Therearedozensmore.Youcannotgowrongifyouplacetheplantinafive-galloncontainer.
Placeasturdystakeinthegrowingcontainerwhenyouplantit,aseventhesmallerplantsmayneedsupportwhentheyareladenwithfruits.Tiethestemtothestakeusingstripsofclothorspecialsofttiesavailableatmanygardencenters.
Irecommendalwayspurchasingpepperplantsfromyourfavoritegardencenter.Theyoungplantsarefussy,andproblemsduringtheirearlygrowthstageswillreducetheyieldlateron.Peppersshouldbefedwithabalancedsolublefertilizersolutionattransplanttimeandeverytwoweeksthereafteruntilthefirstbloomsappear.Theyneedplentyofphosphorusandcalciumandwill,
thefirstbloomsappear.Theyneedplentyofphosphorusandcalciumandwill,therefore,benefitfromtheincorporationofbonemealintothegrowingmedium.Addtwotablespoonsforafive-galloncontainer.Throughouttheseasonkeeptheplantswellwateredbutnotsoggy.Itiswisetowaituntiltheweatheriswarmandsettledbeforetransplantingpeppers.Cropsthatgrowduringsummerheatandthenbearfruitsincoolerfallweatherarelikelytobethemostproductive.
1.
2.
3.
GrilledFishwithThreePepperSaucesThisrecipeisbasedonanideafromarestaurantmenuIreadyears
ago.Ittakesanextremelysimplerecipeandturnsitintosomethingsuitableforadinnerparty.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2largegreenAnaheimchilipeppers2largeredbellpeppers2largeyellowbellpeppers2tablespoonssafflowerorsunfloweroil1largeshallot,finelychopped3cupsvegetableorchickenstock½teaspoonkoshersaltFreshlygroundblackpepper46-ouncefilletsofanyfirm-fleshedfishOilforbrushingthefishLemonwedges
Followtheinstructionsforroastingthepeppers(page243).Aftertheyareprepared,keepeachtypeofpepperseparateinsmallbowls.Thepepperscanbeprepareduptothispointadayinadvance.Keepthemrefrigeratedincoveredbowls,andbringtoroomtemperaturebeforecontinuingwiththerecipe.
Heattheoilinalargesaucepanovermediumheat.Addtheshallotandcook,stirringoccasionally,untilitissoftandtranslucentbutnotbrowned.Addthestock,salt,andpepperandbringtoaboil.Removethepanfromtheheatandsetasidetocoolslightly.
Onebyone,transferthebowlsofpreparedpepperstoafoodprocessor.Purée,thenaddsomeoftheseasonedbrothtoachieveasauceconsistency.
4.
5.
Theexactamountwillvary,dependinguponthepeppers.Startwithatablespoonandaddmoreasappropriate.Asyoucompleteeachbatchofpurée,scrapeitintoasmallsaucepan,cover,andreserve.Repeatthisprocedurewitheachofthepeppersuntilyouhavecreatedallthreesauces.Keepthesauceswarminalowovenwhileyoupreparethefish.Warmtheservingplatesintheovenaswell.
Brushthefishfilletswithoilandsprinklethemwithalittlesaltandpepperifyoulike.Placethefishinagrillbasketandcookonapreheatedcharcoalorgasgrilluntildone,about2to3minutesperside.
Whenthefishisdone,spoonapoolofeachofthesaucesintothecenterofaservingplate,formingatriangle.Withaspatula,carefullytransferapieceoffishtothecenterofeachplate.Garnishwithlemonwedgesandserveimmediately.
1.
2.
WhiteChiliMyfriendErikfirstintroducedmetothisconceptoveradecadeago.
Fromhisrecipe,Idevelopedmyversionusingfreshproduce.
YIELD:4TO6SERVINGS
4bone-in,skin-onchickenthighs,about2pounds6cupswater1cupdriedGreatNorthernbeans,rinsedandsoakedovernightinwatertocover2mediumonions,chopped4greenAnaheimchilipeppers,roasted,skinned,seeded,andchopped¼teaspoongroundcloves¼teaspoongroundcayennepepper,moreifyouwish2teaspoonsgroundcumin1tablespoonmincedfreshoregano2clovesgarlicShreddedMontereyjackcheese2greenonions,choppedTortillachips
Inalargepot,combinethechickenthighsandwaterandbringtoaboil.Skimoffanyscumthatrisestothetop.Adjusttheheatsothatthewatermaintainsagentlesimmer,partiallycoverthepot,andcookfor30minutesoruntilthechickenistender.Removethechickenpieceswithaslottedspoonandsetthemasidetocool.Strainthebroththroughafinesieveandreserveit.
Meanwhile,drainthebeansandrinsethemwell.Inanotherlargepot,placethebeansandenoughwatertocoverthemby1inch.Bringthewatertoaboilslowly,adjusttheheat,andcookthebeansataslowsimmer,partiallycovered,untiltheyaretender,about1hour.Removethebeansfromtheheat
3.
4.
andsetaside.Whentheyarecool,drainthem,reservingthebeanbrothforanotheruse.Reservethebeansinabowl.
Whenthechickeniscoolenoughtohandle,removetheskinandbonesanddiscardthem.Shredthemeatintobite-sizechunks.Reservethemeatinasmallbowl.
Setaheavy-bottomedpotovermediumheatandadd½cupofthestrainedchickenbroth.Sautétheonionsinthebrothuntiltheyaretranslucent.Addtheremainderofthebroth,spices,garlic,beans,chicken,andgreenchilies.Stirtocombinewell.Bringtoaboilthenadjusttheheatandsimmeruntilheatedthrough,about10minutes.Servethechilihot,toppedwithshreddedcheeseandsomeofthegreenonions.Passabasketoftortillachips.
TOMATO,DETERMINATE
Unquestionablythemostpopularvegetableamonghomegrowers,tomatoescomeintwogrowthforms.Ofthese,thedeterminateformismostsuitedtocontainercultivation.Wewilldiscussindeterminatetomatoesinthenextchapter.Determinatetomatoestypicallyremainsmall,undersixfeetinheightatmaturity.Traditionally,theybearfruitinoneortwoflushes,andarethereforegoodcandidateswhenyouwantanabundantharvestforpreserving.Morerecentlydevelopedcultivarsremaincompact,evenminiature,andyetbearoveranextendedperiod.Theselattertypesareidealwhenyouwantaregularsupplyoffreshtomatoesforsaladsorsandwiches.
Traditionaldeterminatetomatoes,suchasMarglobe,willgrowbestinafive-gallonorlargercontainer.Thesmallerones,suchasdiminutiveTinyTim,areathomeinaneight-totwelve-inchpot.Tumblin’Tomisacultivarintendedtocascadeoutofahangingbasket,producinglotsofsmall,sweetfruits.Regardlessofthevarietiesyouselect,theyaregrownthesameway.Givetomatoesorganicallyrich,well-drained,slightlyacidicsoil.Theywilldogreatincommercialgrowingmixenhancedwithbonemeal.Likepeppers,tomatoesneedphosphorusandcalcium.Calciumdeficiencyisthemainculpritintheconditionknownasblossomendrot,whichcanruinaripeningcrop.Tomatoesalsoneedevenmoisture.Allowingthemediumtodryoutandthenfloodingthecontainer
evenmoisture.Allowingthemediumtodryoutandthenfloodingthecontainerwithwatermaycauseripeningfruitstocrack.Forthisreason,tomatoesperformespeciallywellinlargeself-wateringcontainers.
1.
2.
CornbreadPanzanellaPanzanellaistraditionallymadewithleftoverwheatbread.Cornbread
andtomatoesaremadeforeachother,however,andthistakeonthesummersaladwillwinyoupraise.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2cupsday-oldhomemadecornbread1mediumyellowtomato1mediumredtomato½mediumcucumber¼cupchoppedredonion8leavesfreshbasil2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil2teaspoonsredwinevinegar¼teaspoonsaltAfewgrindsofblackpepperParmigiano-Reggianocheese(optional)
Preheattheovento350°F.Cutthecornbreadinto1-inchcubesandplacetheminasinglelayeronabakingsheet.Placeintheovenwhileyoupreparethevegetables.Thecornbreadisdonewhentheedgesofthecubesbegintoturnbrown.Checkthepaneveryfewminutes.Whenthecubesaredone,removethemfromtheovenandsetaside.
Trimthetomatoesandcutthemintochunks.Placeinabowl.Peelthecucumber,ifdesired.Splitinhalflengthwiseanduseaspoontoremovetheseeds.Chopinto½-inchchunksandaddtothebowl.Tearthebasilleavesintosmallpiecesandaddthemtothebowlwiththeredonion.Combinetheremainingingredientsexceptthecheeseinasmallbowl,mixwell,andpouroverthevegetables.Stirgentlytocombine.Refrigeratethemixtureuntilreadytoserve.Afewminutesbeforeserving,tossthetoastedcornbread
cubeswiththevegetablemixture.GarnishwithfreshlygratedParmigiano-Reggiano,ifdesired.
NOTE:Youcanalsoaddfreshmozzarellatothesaladifyouwish.Toprepareahead,coolthecornbreadtoroomtemperatureandstoreinanairtightcontainer.Addthedressingtothesaladandthencoverandrefrigerate.
1.
Old-FashionedTomatoBreadPuddingMygrandmothermadethisfromday-oldbiscuitsandcalledit
scallopedtomatoes.Itisdeliciousbyanyname.Thebreadshouldbequitedry.Ifitseemstoomoistwhenyoutearit,drythepiecesinawarmovenfortenminutes.
YIELD:4TO6SERVINGS
2cupspeeledanddicedtomatoes2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter2tablespoonsbrownsugar½teaspoonsalt⅛teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepperPinchofgroundclovesorallspice2½cups1-inchpiecesofstaleyeastbreadorbiscuits
Butteraloafpanordeepcasseroledish.Preheattheovento350°F.Combinethetomatoes,butter,brownsugar,salt,pepper,andspiceinasmallsaucepanandheattoasimmer.Placealayerofbreadinthebottomofthecasserole.Addone-thirdofthetomatomixture.Continuetoalternatealayerofbreadwithalayeroftomatoes,endingwithbread.Placethepanintheovenandheatuntilbubblyandbeginningtobrownontop,about30minutes.
NOTE:Ifyouwish,topthedishwithshreddedcheesebeforebaking.Substitute2cupsofhome-cannedtomatoesforthefreshtomatoestomakethedishoutofseason.
GazpachoIdiscoveredgazpachoinanAtlantarestaurantwhileincollegeand
havebeenmakingiteversince.Itisonlyworthmakingifyouhaveexcellenttomatoes.Don’tletthelonglistofingredientsdeteryou.Thisdishrequiresonlypreppingandchoppingthevegetablesandherbs,alongwithmeasuringtheotheringredients.Nocookingisrequired.Chooseaverage-sizedvegetablesforthisdish.Theexactproportionsarenotimportant.
YIELD:6TO8SERVINGS
2mediumtomatoes,chopped1largecucumber,peeled,seeded,andchopped1bellpepper,seededandchopped1mediumredonion,chopped3tablespoonsbreadcrumbs,freshordry1clovegarlic,mincedJuiceof1lemon3tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil¼cupmincedfreshparsley2tablespoonstornpiecesoffreshbasil2tablespoonssnippedfreshchives1teaspoonsalt½teaspoonsweetpaprika3cupswater,tomatojuice,chickenstock,orvegetablestockCubesofunpeeled,seededcucumberMincedredoryellowbellpeppersChoppedscallionsFreshbasilsprigs
1.
2.
3.
Youcanuseafoodprocessortochopthevegetables,butthetexturewillnotbeasgoodasiftheyarechoppedbyhand.Whenallthechoppingisdone,combinethevegetables,breadcrumbs,garlic,lemonjuice,oliveoil,herbs,salt,andpaprikainalargebowl.Coverthemixtureandplaceitintherefrigeratortochill.Separatelychillthe3cupsofliquid.Thesecomponentscanbeheldintherefrigeratorovernight,ifdesired.
Whenreadytoserve,combinethevegetablemixwiththechilledliquid.Stirwellandservegarnishedwithcubedcucumber,mincedpeppers,choppedscallions,andabasilsprig.
Thepreparedvegetablemixturecanalsobefrozeninconvenientamounts.Thawandthenaddanequalportionofwater,juice,orstockandserveassuggested.
BASIL
Basilabhorscoldweather.Below38°F,basilleavesdevelopblackspotsandbegintodrop.Growbasiloutdoorswhentheweatherhaswarmedupandnightsremainabove60°F.Besidesthetypicalgreen-leafedtypeswithspicy,clove-likefragrance,cultivarsthathavelemon,lime,oranisenotesarewidelyavailable.Compact,small-leavedforms,oftenknownasGreekbasil,aresuitableevenforthetiniestcontainergardens.Eventhebiggeroneswillgrowjustfineinatwelve-inchorlargercontainer.Basilcombineswellwithotherherbsandvegetables.Trygrowingitwithtomatoesorpeppersinalarge,self-wateringcontainer.
Basiliseasytostartfromseedifyouhaveawarm,sunnyspotindoorsorout.Sowseedsinsmallpotsaboutamonthbeforeyouwishtotransplantthem.Transplantwhentheyhavetwopairsoftrueleaves.Basilgrowswellincommercialgrowingmixwithasmallamountofbalancedorganicfertilizeradded.Highfertilityisnotasimportantasabundantwater.Donotallowthegrowingmediumtodryout,orplantswilldropleaves.Pinchoffflowersastheyappear.Beginningabouttwomonthsaftertransplanting,theleavescanbeharvested,andyoucancontinuetoharvestperiodicallyfortheremainderofthegrowingseason.Regularharvestingkeepstheplantsbushyandproductive.Harvestbycuttingoffthetopmostsixtoeightinchesofastem.Immersecutstemsinavaseofwaterasforcutflowers.Donotrefrigerate.Ifleftatroom
stemsinavaseofwaterasforcutflowers.Donotrefrigerate.Ifleftatroomtemperaturefortwoweeksorso,theywillroot.Transplantthemintotwelve-inchpotswhentherootsareabouttwoincheslong,andkeepwellwatereduntiltheplantsresumegrowth.Thisisagoodwaytoextendthegrowingseasonintocoolerweather,althoughtheplantsneedbrightlighttogrowwellindoors.Youcanevenstartbasilcuttingsfromthegrocerystoreinthismanner.
1.
2.
PestoThisclassicMediterraneancondimenthasmanyuses,andIhave
nevertastedacommerciallypreparedonethatcomparestohomemade.Varytheproportionsoftheherbstosuitwhatyouhaveonhandortoemphasizewhateverflavoryoudesire.Tossingpotatognocchiorcookedpastawithpestocreatesaclassicdish,butthesaucealsocanbeusedasaspreadforsandwiches,aflavoringagentforcreamcheesetocreateadip,ortoenhanceadishofsteamedvegetables.
YIELD:ABOUT1CUP
1clovegarlic,peeled¼cupunsaltedbutter¼cupgratedParmigiano-Reggianocheese¼cuptightlypackedfreshparsleyleaves1tablespoonshreddedfreshbasilleaves1tablespoonmincedfreshmarjoramleavesor½teaspoondriedmarjoram¼cupEnglishwalnuts¼cupextravirginoliveoil
Usingafoodprocessor,dropthegarlicthroughthefeedtubetominceitfinely.Stopthemotor,addtheremainingingredientsexcepttheoil,andprocesstoathickpastebypulsingthemachine.Addtheoilbytablespoons,pulsingbetweenadditionsjusttoincorporateit.Donotcompletelyliquifythesauce;itshouldretainsometexture.
Transferthepestointoastoragecontainerandplaceasheetofplasticwrapoverit,pressingtheplasticagainstthesurfaceofthepestotoexcludeair.Thiswillpreventdarkening.Keepthesaucerefrigeratedandusewithinaweek.
1.
2.
PeachesinBasilSyrupOneofthebestwaystocapturetheflavorofbasilistoinfuseasimple
syrup.Theresultmakesasuperbpoachingliquidforsummerfruitsavailablewhenbasilisatitspeak.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1cuplooselypackedfreshbasilleaves,pluckedfromthestems1cupsugar1cupwaterPinchofsalt2freshpeaches
Rinsethebasilleavesandspindryinasaladspinnerorpatdrywithpapertowels.Reserve.Placethesugarandwaterinasmallsaucepan.Setthepanovermedium-highheatandbringtoaboil,stirringuntilthesugardissolves.Reducetheheatandsimmeroneminute.Removethesyrupfromtheheatandstirinthesaltandthebasilleaves.Coverandallowtocooltoroomtemperature.Strainthesyrupthroughafinesieve,discardingthesolids.Thecoveredsyrupwillkeepintherefrigeratorforaweek.Bringtoroomtemperaturebeforecontinuing.
Peelthepeachesandremovethepits.Inalargesaucepancapableofholdingthepeachesinonelayer,placethepeachesandcoverthemwiththesyrup.Youneedonlyenoughofthesyruptobarelycoverthepeaches.Storeanyremainingsyrupintherefrigerator.Setthesaucepanovermediumheatandbringtoaboil.Cover,removefromtheheat,andallowtocooltoroomtemperature.Chilluntilcoldorserveatroomtemperature.
NOTE:Mint,lemonverbena,orotherherbscanbesubstitutedforthebasil.
EDIBLEFLOWERS
Manypeoplearesurprisedtolearnthatnumerouscommonflowerscanbeeaten.Theyarebestusedasagarnishforsaladsbutcanalsostarincookeddishessuchasthesouprecipebelow.Becertainofyouridentificationwhenchoosingflowersforthekitchen.Startthemfromseed.Theoneslistedareoldstandbysthatanyonecangrow.Useatwelve-inchcontainerorlargerforamixedplanting,orgrowplantsinindividualsix-inchcontainers.
Violasandpansiesarerewardingcandidatesforthecoolseason.Pairthemwithdianthusandcalendulaforanedibleandeye-catchingcontainerdisplay.Fillthepotwithcommercialgrowingmix,addingtwotablespoonsofbloodmealorfourtablespoonsofcottonseedmealpertwelve-inchcontainer.Sprinkleafewseedsofeachvarietyonthesurfaceofthemixandwaterwell.Whentheseedshavegerminated,thinthemsoonlytwoorthreeindividualsofeachtyperemaininthecontainer.
Dayliliesofferareliablewaytohaveedibleflowersinsummertimefromaneasy-to-growperennialplant.Chooseoneofthemanycompactformsofdayliliesandgrowitinasixteen-inchcontainerofcommercialpottingmix.Fertilizeinspringasthefoliageemergesandagainwhenbudsappear.Theunopenedflowerbudsofdayliliesarereminiscentofgreenbeans,andthefullyopenedbloomscanbechoppedorshreddedbeforeaddingtosouporsalad.Youcanleavetheplantinthesamecontainerfortwoseasons.Dividetheplantsand
canleavetheplantinthesamecontainerfortwoseasons.Dividetheplantsandrepotafterthesecondsummer.
Nasturtiumsareafavoriteamongfoodgardeners,notonlyfortheirsweetlyfragrant,colorfulbloomsbutalsofortheirsucculentleavesthatcarryaslightlyspicybite.Theycansubstituteforwatercressinanyrecipe.Pokethelargeseedsintoaneight-inchpotofgrowingmixandkeepwellwatered.Oncetheplantsareaboutsixinchestall,feedthemlightlywithabalancedorganicfertilizer.Waterthepotswhenthesoilbeginstodryout.Plantswillgrowslowlyduringsummerheatandputonashowlateintheseason.Incoolsummerareas,theybloomcontinuously.
1.
2.
JapaneseFlowerSoupWhenIwasgrowingandsellingorganicproduce,oneofmybest
customerswasachefwhomadethissoupusingedibleflowersIgrewforhim.Iamproudtosharetherecipefromthenow-defunctAnnie’srestaurantinKnoxville,Tennessee.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
4cupsdashi(page228)2scallions,trimmed,cutinto3-inchpieces1clovegarlic,peeled11-inchpieceoffreshginger,peeled1staranise¼cupredmiso2scallions,trimmedandsliceddiagonallyinto1-inchpieces½cuplooselypackededibleflowersinseason
Placethedashiinasaucepanandaddthe3-inchscallionpieces,garlic,ginger,andstaranise.Bringtoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmergently,covered,for15minutes.Strainthedashi,discardingthesolids,andreturnittothepan.Placethemisointhebowlofaladle,immersetheladleintothebroth,anduseaspoontostirthemisointothebrothfromtheladle.Ifyoumerelydropthemisointothebroth,itwillbedifficulttoincorporateitintothesoup.
Toserve,ladlethesoupintobowlsandgarnishwiththe1-inchscallionpiecesandtheedibleflowers.
GINGER
PeoplearealwayssurprisedwhenIsuggestgingerasahomegrowncrop,butitis,infact,easytogrowandwell-adaptedtocontainercultivation.Thebesttimetoplantisinlatewinter.Chooseaplump,healthyspecimenfromthegrocerystore.Asianmarketsarelikelytohavethefreshestroots.Selectacontaineratleastfourtimeslargerindiameterthanthewidthoftherhizomeyouareplanting.Fillthecontainerthree-quartersfullwithagood,well-drainedpottingmixcontainingplentyofcompost.Placetherhizomeontopofthemixwithitseyespointingupward.Coverwithmorepottingmixandwaterwell.Placethecontainerinaplasticbaginindirectlightuntilgreenshootsappear.(Thiscantakeamonth.)Thenremovethebagandwaterwell.Keeptheplantinbright,indirectlightandneverallowthesoiltodryout.Growingplantsneedprotectionfromwindandshouldbebroughtindoorsanytimethetemperatureisheadedbelow50°F.Theidealgrowingtemperatureisbetween75°Fand85°F.Afteralldangeroffrosthaspassed,transplantthegingertoasixteen-inchpotorshallowtub,andplaceinfullsun.Feedeverythreeweekswithasolubleorganicfertilizer.Aftertheweatherheatsup,theplantswillgrowrapidly.
Harvestgingerrootswhentheleavesbegintoturnyellow.AplantstartedinapotinJanuaryshouldbereadytoharvestlateinSeptember.Dumpoutthecontainerandseparatetherhizomes,cutthestemsbacktoaboutaninch,and
containerandseparatetherhizomes,cutthestemsbacktoaboutaninch,andspreadtheharvestinawarm,dryplaceforafewdaystoallowtheskintotoughenandcure.Thecolorwillchangefromyellow-greentotan.Thebestwaytopreservetheharvestisbyfreezing.Simplypeeltherhizomes,cutintousable-sizechunks,anddropthemintoafreezercontainer.
1.
2.
WinterSquashSoupwithAsianFlavorsYIELD:4TO6SERVINGS
Oilforthebakingpan1mediumacornsquash2tablespoonsvegetableoil1cupchoppedonions2clovesgarlic,minced2teaspoonsmincedfreshginger4cupschickenstock2staranise1tablespoonsoysauceAfewgrindsoffreshwhitepepperSalt2scallions,whiteandgreenparts,slicedthinlyonthediagonalCilantrooil(page241)
Oila9x12-inchbakingpan.Preheattheovento400°F.Cutthesquashinhalflengthwiseandscoopouttheseeds.Placethehalvescutsidedowninthebakingpanandroastuntiltheskinbeginstobrown.Asharpknifeshouldmeetnoresistancewheninsertedintothethickestpartofthesquashflesh.Startcheckingaftertwentyminutes,althoughtheexactbakingtimewilldependontheageandsizeofthesquash.Whenthesquashisdone,removefromtheovenandallowittocool.Scrapethefleshfromtheskinintoabowl,discardingtheskin.Reservethefleshwhileyoucontinuewiththerecipe.
Inalargesaucepansetovermediumheat,addtheoilandheatuntilitripples.Addtheonionsandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheyaretranslucent.Addthegarlicandgingerandcontinuecooking,stirringfrequently,for1or2minutes.Addthechickenstockandstaranise,togetherwiththereservedsquash.Bringtoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmer15minutes.Addthesoy
3.
sauce.Tasteandaddfreshlygroundwhitepepperandsaltasneeded.Removethesaucepanfromtheheatandallowthesouptocoolfor15minutes.Removethestaraniseanddiscard.
Transferthesouptoablenderjarandpurée,inbatchesifnecessary.Returnthepuréedsouptothepanandheatthrough.Serveatonce,garnishedwiththescallionsandafewdropsofcilantrooil.
NOTE:Ifusinganimmersionblender,itisnotnecessarytocoolthesoupbeforeblending.Foraheartiersoup,addcrumbledbacon,mincedham,cheese,cookedspinach,orcookedpastatosuityourfancy.
1.
VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice
Thisginger-infusedcurrymakesuseofavarietyofgardenvegetablesthatwillbeinseasonwhenyourgingercropisreadytoharvest.Ifmakingthecurrywitholder,storedginger,reducetheamountbyabout25percent.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1cupchoppedonions2tablespoonsbutter¼cupfinelydicedredbellpepper¼cupfinelychoppedscallions¼cupfinelydicedcarrots1teaspoonmincedgarlic1tablespoonmincedginger¼teaspoonsweetpaprika1teaspooncurrypowder1cupdicedpotatoes(whiteorsweet)1cuppeeled,seeded,dicedtomatoes2cups½-inchpiecesgreenbeans¼cupdicedyellowsummersquash1cupvegetablestockSteamedricetoserveLimewedgesFreshcilantro,chopped
Placetheonionsandbutterinalarge,heavy-bottomedpotandplaceovermediumheat.Whenthebuttersizzles,stirthepotwell,cover,andreducethe
2.
heattolow.Cookgentlyuntiltheonionsaresoftbutnotbrowned,about5minutes.
Addtheredpepper,scallions,carrots,garlic,andginger,andcontinuetocook,covered,5moreminutes.Addthepaprika,currypowder,andpotatoes.Coverandcookanadditional5minutes.Addthetomatoesand½cupwater,stirringtoscrapeupanybrownedbitsonthebottomofthepot.Addthebeans,squash,andstockandbringtoaboil.Adjusttheheatandcookgently,partiallycovered,untilthepotatoesaretender,about5minutes.Servewithriceandalimewedge,garnishedwithchoppedcilantro.
LEMONGRASS
Lemongrassisavigorousplantthatisacinchtogrowduringhot,humidweather.Itneedsalargecontainertosupportitsrootsystem,butasinglesixteen-inchpotshouldproduceanabundantharvest.FindlemongrassatanAsianmarket,oryoucanpurchaseplantsatawell-stockedgardencenter.Lemongrassissoldasstemswithmostofthefoliageremoved.Eachstemhasabulbousbase.Youmayseetinyrootsorrootbudsstickingoutfromthebase.Whenplanted,thebasalportionquicklyroots.Simplyinsertthestemaboutaninchintoasmallpotofdampgrowingmix,supportingitwithaplantstake.Whenrootsprotrudefromthedrainholeinthepot,youarereadytotransplanttoalargecontaineroutdoors,butwaituntilalldangeroffrosthaspassed.
Lemongrassgrowsrapidly.Plantsshouldbewateredfrequently.Theynormallycolonizestreambanksandothermoistlocations.Feedthemeverytwoweekswithabalancedsolublefertilizersolution.Wearheavyglovesandalong-sleevedshirttoprotectyourskinfromthesharp,serratededgesoftheleaveswhenharvesting.Selectstemswhosebaseisabouthalfaninchindiameter,andcutawayfromthemainclumpwithasharpknife.Trimthestalktoeightorteninches.Stemswillkeepwellunderrefrigerationforaweekortwo,oryoucanchopandfreezethem.Lemongrasscanalsobedriedsuccessfully.
1.
RawVeganThaiCurrySoupThissoupisbestwhenmadewithayoungcoconut.Youcanfind
thematAsianmarketsandspecialtystores.Thecoconutlookslikeawhitecylinderthathasbeensharpenedtoapointontop.Ittakessomeefforttoremovethehuskandopenthecoconutinside,buttheresultsareworthit.Ifthisseemsliketoomuchtrouble,usecannedcoconutwaterandsubstitutefresh-frozen,unsweetenedcoconut.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
3cupscoconutwater3clovesgarlic1piecegingerroot,about2incheslong,peeled2stalkslemongrass,trimmedandchopped¼cupsoysauce½teaspooncurrypowder(notMadrasstyle)½cupcoconutmeat,chopped1shallot,peeledandslicedthinly½carrot,finelyshredded1innerstalkofcelerywithleaves,thinlysliced1redThaichilipepper,seededandslicedintothinrings1scallion,whiteandgreenparts,slicedthinlyonthediagonalAfewleavesoffreshcilantro
Placethefirstsixingredientsinablenderjarandliquefy.Transfertoabowlandplaceintherefrigeratortochillovernight.Strainthesoupthroughafinesievetoremovefibrousmaterial.Serveinchilledbowls,garnishedwiththeremainingingredients.
1.
2.
3.
4.
GrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlawYIELD:4SERVINGS
1poundbonelessporkloin,trimmedofallvisiblefat1stalklemongrass,trimmedandchopped,moreifyoulike2clovesgarlic,minced1tablespoonsoysauce(seenote)2tablespoonsvegetableoil8bambooskewers2cupsfinelyshreddedcabbage2teaspoonssalt½cupfinelyshreddedcarrots¼cupthinlyslicedredradishes2tablespoonsricevinegar1tablespoonlimejuice1tablespoonsugar½teaspoonsesameoil
Cuttheporkloinintobite-sizecubes.Placetheporkinaresealableplasticbagandaddthechoppedlemongrass,garlic,soysauce,andvegetableoil.Sealthebagandmarinatetheporkintherefrigeratoratleast8hoursorovernight.
Soakthebambooskewersinwaterforatleast30minutes.Preparethegrill.
Drainthepork,discardingthemarinade.Threadtheporkcubesontheskewers.Setasidewhileyoupreparetheslaw.
Inalargebowl,mixthecabbagewiththesalt.Letstand30minutes,thenrinseanddrainthoroughly.Addthecarrotsandtheradishestothecabbage.Inasmallbowl,mixthevinegar,limejuice,sugar,andsesameoil.Pourover
5.
6.
thevegetablesandstirtocombine.
Grilltheskeweredporkcubesovermedium-highheatuntiltheyarewellmarkedandbrowned,about2to3minutesperside.Testfordonenessbycuttingintoonecube.Thereshouldbenopinkcolorationatthecenter.
Removetheskewersfromthegrillandserveimmediatelyonaplateaccompaniedbytheslaw.
NOTE:UseanAsianfishsauceinsteadofthesoysauceforagluten-freedishoruseagluten-freesoysauce.Youcouldsubstitutemushroomsandothervegetablesforsomeorallofthepork.Ifyouuseboth,doubletheamountofmarinadeandmarinatetheporkandvegetablesinseparateplasticbags.Goodselectionsincludeleekstrimmedandcutinto1-inchpieces,smallquarteredonions,chunksofsummerorwintersquash,andsquaresofbellpepper,anycolor.
RASPBERRY
Raspberrieshaveonlyrecentlyjoinedtheranksofplantstrulysuitableforcontainergrowing.Newlydevelopedvarietieswillgrowandproduceacropinasixteen-inchcontainer.TheseincludeRaspberryShortcakeandJoanJ,bothofwhichoffertheaddedbenefitofbeingthornless.Oldstandards,suchasHeritageandLatham,canalsobegrownincontainers,butproductivityisreducedcomparedwithplantsgrownintheground.Thatsaid,alarge,built-inplanteronadeckorpatioinfullsunwouldbeanideallocationforacoupleofstandardraspberryplants.
Regardlessoftype,raspberriesneedwell-drainedsoilthatremainsevenlymoistandshouldbefertilizedwithabalancedorganicfertilizerwhengrowthbeginsinearlyspring.Thenewminiaturetypesshouldbecuttothebaseinautumnafteracoupleoffrostskillthefoliage,sendingthemintodormancy.Standardvarietiesrequireadifferentpruningschedule.Afterthefrost,removeallthecanesthathaveproducedfruit,allowingthenew,un-fruitedcanesthatdevelopedtheprevioussummertodominatethecontainer.Thenewcaneswillbloomthefollowingseason,afterwhichtheytooshouldberemovedanddiscarded.Standardvarietiesgrowninacontainershouldbedividedandreplantedeveryfourtofiveyears.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
RaspberryHandPiesUnabashedlymakinguseofrefrigeratedcommercialpiecrust,this
recipeavoidshavingtodivideandre-rollthecrusttoachieveindividualsizepies.
YIELD:4HANDPIES
1pintfreshraspberries1¾cupgranulatedsugar1wholeclove19-inchrefrigeratedpiecrust
Placetheraspberriesandthesugarintoaheavy-bottomedpot.Stirgentlytocombineandrefrigerateovernight.
Thenextday,bringtheraspberriestoroomtemperature.Dropthecloveintothepot.Setthepotovermediumheatandcook,stirringoccasionally,untilthemixturecomestoaslowboil.Continuecooking,stirringconstantlyuntilthemixtureisthickened.Takecarenottoletitburn.Whenthemixturedropsslowlyfromthespoon,removethepanfromtheheatandallowittocool.Theraspberriesshouldhavetheconsistencyofthickjam.Pickoutanddiscardtheclove.
Preheattheovento350°F.
Unrollthepiecrustonaworksurface.Spoonsomeoftheraspberryjamintofourmoundsspacedevenlyaroundhalfofthepiecrust.Leavea1-inchborderattheedgesandbetweeneachmoundofjam.Brushtheedgeofthecrustandthespacesbetweenthemoundsofjamwithwater.Foldtheothersideofthecrustoverthejam,pressingdownattheedgesandinbetweenthemoundstosealthedough.
Withachef’sknife,cutbetweenthemoundstocreatefourhandpies.Pressdownontheedgeswithaforktoensureagoodseal.Transferthepiestoaparchment-linedbakingsheetandbakeuntilgoldenbrown,about20
minutes.
1.
2.
3.
Raspberry,Jicama,andPecanSaladwithRaspberryVinaigrette
Tart-sweetraspberries,juicyjicama,andcrunchypecansteamupinthissimplesummertimesalad.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
½pintraspberries2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil2teaspoonsredwinevinegar¼teaspoonsalt⅛teaspoongroundwhitepepper2cupsmixedsaladgreens½cuppeeledandshreddedjicama(orcarrot)¼cuppecans,toasted(page244)
Washandpickovertheraspberries.Selecttwotablespoonsofthemforthedressing,keepingtheremainingonesforthesalad.Drainthesaladraspberriesonpapertowelstoallowthemtodrythoroughly.
Inthejarofablender,combinethereservedberries,oil,vinegar,salt,andpepper.Blendtoasmoothemulsion.
Arrangethesaladgreensontwochilledplates.Topthemwithsomeofthejicama,raspberries,andpecans.Drizzlethedressingoverallandserveatonce.
ROSEMARY
Anidealplantforcontainergrowing,rosemaryisequallyathomeinanherbbed.Prostrateformsthatlookgoodcascadingovertheedgeofapotarepopular,asarethemorenumerousuprightones.LookforBarbecue,whichproduceslotsoflong,straightstemsidealforuseasskewers.OtherpopularonesareSalemandArp.Thelatterisparticularlycoldtolerant.Rosemaryseedlingsexhibitconsiderablevariationintheircharacteristics,soitisbesttopurchaseplantspropagatedbycuttingsfromknowncultivars.
Mixgroundlimestonewithyourregularpottingmix.Useateaspoonoflimestonepertwelve-inch-diameterpot.Growtheplantsinfullsunandkeepthemwellwatered.Awiltedplantmaynotrecover.Cutsprigsasyouneedthemforthekitchen.Rosemarytakessowelltopruningthatitcanbeusedfortopiary.Plantscanbemovedindoorsforthewinterifyoucansupplyasunnywindowandgoodaircirculation.Reducewateringforindoorplants,butdonotallowthegrowingmediumtodryoutcompletely.
1.
SkilletChickenwithRosemaryThisrecipecanbemadewithanycutofchickenoramixture.Iprefer
thedeeperflavorofboneless,skinlessthighsbecausetheyhaveagoodratiooflighttodarkmeat.Ifyouusebonelessbreasts,reducethesimmeringtimeto15minutestoavoidmakingthemtough.Poundbreaststoauniformthicknessbetweentwosheetsofplasticwrapsotheywillcookevenlyandquickly.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
½teaspoonpaprika½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoongroundblackpepper¼teaspoononionpowder¼teaspoongarlicpowder⅛teaspooncayennepepper4boneless,skinlesschickenthighs2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter¼cupchoppedonions¼cupchoppedcelery2tablespoonschoppedbellpepper,anycolor1teaspoonfreshordriedrosemaryleaves1cupchickenstockHotcookedriceChoppedfreshparsleytogarnish
Combinethepaprika,salt,pepper,onionpowder,garlicpowder,andcayenneinasmallbowl.Sprinklethechickenwithhalftheseasoningmixandrubitinwithyourfingers.Reservetheremainingmixinthebowl.Coverthechickenwithplasticwrapandplaceintherefrigeratorforatleastonehourorovernight.
2.
3.
Setalargeskilletwithalidovermediumheat.Addthebutter.Whenthefoamsubsides,addthechickenpieces.Cook,turningonce,untiltheyarebrowned,about4minutesperside.Afterturningthechickenthefirsttime,addtheonions,celery,bellpepper,androsemary.Stirthevegetablesoccasionallyasthechickenfinishesbrowning.Afterthechickenisbrownedonbothsides,stirtheremainingseasoningmixintothestockandpourintotheskillet.Reducetheheat,covertheskillet,andcookgentlyfor30minutes.Removethelid,raisetheheat,andreducetheliquidintheskilletbyabouthalf.
Foreachserving,setapieceofchickenonabedofriceandspoonsomeofthepansauceoverit.Garnishwiththechoppedparsley.
NOTE:Steamedfreshsummersquashisasplendidaccompanimentforthisdish.
1.
2.
Oven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOilYIELD:8APPETIZERS
½cuplooselypackedparsleyleaves4to5homemadeoven-driedtomatoes,abouthalfacup(page232)3glovesgarlic,peeled6wholefreshbasilleaves,eachabout1½incheslong2tablespoonsgratedParmigiano-Reggianocheese1tablespoonextravirginoliveoil8slicesofbread,about¼inchthick,cutfromacrustybaguetteonthediagonalRosemaryoil(page240)
Combinetheparsley,driedtomatoes,garlic,andbasilinthebowlofafoodprocessor.Pulsetomince.Addthecheeseandoliveoil.Pulsetocombine.Donotreducetoapaste.Thedishmaybecompleteduptothispointonedayinadvance.Refrigerateinacoveredcontainer.Bringtoroomtemperaturebeforeuse.
Spreadthebreadslicesonaparchment-linedbakingsheetandtoastunderthebroileruntillightlybrowned.Removefromtheoven,flipthebreadwithtongs,anddrizzlewiththerosemaryoil.Useabout¼teaspoonoilperslice.Returnthebreadtotheovenuntilitislightlybrownedontop.Removeandallowtocool.Distributethetomatomixtureamongtheslices,drizzlewithanotherdropofrosemaryoil,andserve.
NOTE:Youmaysubstituteanequalquantityofcommerciallyoil-packedsundriedtomatoesforthehomemadeones.Inthatcase,omittheoliveoilandsubstitute1½teaspoonsoftheoilinwhichthetomatoesarepacked.Donotreducetheamountofrosemaryoil.
STRAWBERRY
Strawberrieshavelongbeencontainergardensubjects,somuchsothatthe“strawberryjar”isever-presentingardencenters.Plantbreedershavecreatednewvarietiesevenmoresuitedtosmall-scalecontainergrowing.Someofthesehavetraitsthatmakethemdecorativeaswellasuseful,withlarge,colorfulflowersandvariegatedfoliage.Allaregrowninthesameway.
Whiletechnicallyperennials,strawberryplantsshouldbetreatedasannualsbythebackyardgrower,unlessyouarepreparedtodevoteconsiderablespacetotheproductionofnewplantseachseason.Afterthefirstseason,productivitydeclinessignificantly.Purchaseplantsfromacertifieddisease-freesource,andplantthemintwelve-inchpotsorhangingbaskets.Anycommercialgrowingmixwilldo.Mixinatablespoonofbalancedorganicfertilizerwitheachpotofsoil.Alternatively,youcanfeedtheplantswithsolublefertilizereverytwoweeksfromemergenceuntilthefirstbloomsappear.Stopfeedingwhenyouseeblooms,ortheharvestwillbereduced.Themodern,container-readyvarietieswillproduceafewberriesallseasonandthenalargeflushastheweathercoolsattheendofsummer.OldstandardvarietiesmaybeeitherJunebearingwithasinglelargecropnearthesummersolstice,oreverbearingwiththesamepattern
singlelargecropnearthesummersolstice,oreverbearingwiththesamepatternofproductionasthecontainertypes.
1.
2.
3.
4.
StrawberryShortcakeDesignedforcookswhoseldombake,thefakeshortcakeinthis
recipeisfatfree.
YIELD:4SERVINGS,WITHLEFTOVERSHORTCAKE
1poundstrawberries,rinsedanddrained⅓cupsugar3cupsall-purposeflour3tablespoonssugar1½tablespoonsbakingpowder1½teaspoonssalt112-ouncebottlebeer⅔cupheavycream2tablespoonspowderedsugar1teaspoonvanillaextract
Stemthestrawberries,cuttheminhalfiftheyarelarge,andplacetheminabowlwith⅓cupsugar.Stirtocombineandplaceintherefrigerator.
Greasealoafpan.Preheattheovento375°F.Placethedryingredientsinamixingbowlandcombinewellwithawirewhisk.Whiskinthebeer,mixinguntilyouhaveauniformbatter.Pourthebatterintothepreparedloafpan,placeintheoven,andbakeuntilthetopisgoldenbrown,45to60minutes.Removefromtheovenandallowtocool.Invertthepanoverawirerackandturnouttheloaf.Coolcompletelyonthewirerack.
Justbeforeserving,placethecreaminachilledbowl.Whiskwithawirewhiskuntilthecreamjustbeginstothicken.Addthesugarandvanillaextractandwhiskafewstrokesmore.Thecreamshouldhavetheconsistencyofhollandaisesauce.
Cut1-inch-thickslicesfromtheloafandplaceonservingplates.Topwith
thestrawberriesandcream.Serveatonce.
1.
2.
SaladofBabyLettuce,EarlyPeas,andStrawberries
Theingredientsforthissaladshouldbeavailableataroundthesametimeifyougrowtheminyourgarden.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
½cupshelledearlypeas1cupfreshlypickedstrawberries,stemmed2cupslooselypackedbabylettuceleaves2tablespoonssourcream1tablespoonlemonjuice¼teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonpinkpeppercorns,crushedinamortarToastedseedtopping(page252)
Bringasmallsaucepanofwatertoaboil,dropinthepeas,andcookfor3minutes.Drainthepeasinacolander,thenrefreshthemundercoldrunningwateranddrainagain.Setaside.Pickouttwostrawberriesforthedressingandsetaside.Slicetheremainingberriesinhalfiftheyarelarge.Arrangethelettuceleavesoneachoftwochilledsaladplates.Topwiththestrawberriesandscatterthepeasoverthem.
Inablenderjar,combinethereservedstrawberries,sourcream,lemonjuice,salt,andcrushedpeppercorns.Blenduntilsmooth.Ifthedressingseemstoothick,blendinalittlemilkorcream.Pourthedressingoverthesalads,garnishwithasprinklingoftheseedtopping,andserve.
THYME
Thymeisperhapsthebestchoiceforacontainerherbgarden.Mostcultivarsarenaturallycompactandtakewelltopruninganddivision.ThemostusefulformisFrenchthyme,whichproduceslong,straightstemsfromwhichitiseasytostriptheleaves.Youwillalsofindcreeping,orEnglishthyme,thymeswithvariouscitrusnotes,thymeswithvariegatedleaves,andthymesthataremoredecorativethanculinaryintheirappeal.Theyarealleasytogrow.
Asinglethymeplantwillgrowsatisfactorilyinaneight-inchpot,butagroupofseveralplantsinalargerplanterlooksgreatsittingonthepatiooratthewindowsill.Tocommercialpottingmix,addonepartsandorperliteperthreepartsmix.Afterplacingtheplants,fillthecontaineralmosttothetopwithgrowingmix,leavingroomforahalf-inchlayeroffinegravel.Thiswillhelpretainmoistureandpreventsoilfromsplashingontheleaves.Ifyourgardencenterdoesnothavesomethingsuitable,checkwithanaquariumshopforthegravel.Thymeisdroughttolerant,butshouldnotbeallowedtowilt.Mixingtwoteaspoonsofbalancedorganicfertilizerintoeacheight-inchpotsuppliesallthenutrientsneededforaseasonofgrowth.Harvesttheleavesasyouneedthem.Theplantsrespondwelltoregularpruning.
ChickenandThymeDumplingsThekeytotheselight,fluffydumplingsistoincorporatethemilkwitha
minimumofstirring.Toomuchmixingwillmakethedumplingsheavier.Traditionally,chickenanddumplingsismadewithawholechicken,butasimplermodernapproachistousechickenthighs,whichhaveplentyofflavorandagoodbalanceofbothwhiteanddarkmeat.
YIELD:6TO8SERVINGS
3to4poundschickenthighs(withboneandskin)6cupscoldwater½cupdicedcelery2teaspoonssalt1bayleaf1tablespoonfreshoreganoleavesor1teaspoondriedoregano¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper2cupsall-purposeflour1tablespoonbakingpowder1teaspoonsalt1½teaspoonsfreshthymeleavesor½teaspoondriedthyme3tablespoonsvegetableshortening1cupmilk
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PlacethechickenthighsinalargepotorDutchoven,addthewater,andsetthepotovermedium-highheat.Whenthewatercomestoaboil,reducetheheat,skimoffanyscumthathasrisentothesurface,andaddthecelery,salt,bayleaf,oregano,andblackpepper.Coverthepot,adjusttheheattoaslowsimmer,andcookuntilthechickenisverytender,30to45minutes.Usingtongs,removethechickentoaplatetocool.Coverthestockandkeepitwarm.Debonethechicken,reservingthemeatanddiscardingbonesandtrimmings.Thechickencanbeprepareduptothispointonedayinadvance.Insteadofkeepingthestockwarm,plungethepotintoasinkfulloficewatertocoolitrapidly,thenstoreit,covered,intherefrigerator.Storethebonedchickenintherefrigeratorinaseparatecoveredcontainer.
Itmaybetemptingtoremovethefatthataccumulatesatthesurfaceofthestockwhenitcools.However,itistraditionaltoleavethefatin.Thefinalresultwillnottasteasgoodwithoutit.
Measurethestockandaddwatertobringthevolumeto6cups,ifneeded.Setthestockonthestoveandbringittoasimmer.Whilethestockwarms,makethedumplings.
Inamixingbowl,combinetheflour,bakingpowder,salt,andthyme,usingawirewhisk.Youcanalsosifttheingredientstogetherifyouprefer.Usingapastryblender,cuttheshorteningintotheflouruntilitresemblescoarsemeal.Addthemilk,stirringtoincorporateitwithafewquickstrokes.
Raisethetemperatureofthebrothtoarollingboil.Dipaspoonintothe
boilingbroth,andthenuseittodropateaspoonfulofthedumplingbatterintothepot.Ifthespoonisdippedintothebrotheachtime,thebatterwillnotsticktoit.Whenallofthebatterhasbeenadded,reducetheheat,coverthepot,andcookgentlyfor12to15minutes,oruntilallofthedumplingsarefloating.Gentlystirthereservedchickenmeatintothebrothandserveatonce.
1.
2.
3.
SlowCookerBeefStewwithBeerYIELD:4SERVINGS
2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter2tablespoonsflour¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper2poundsleanbeefchuck,cutinto¾-inchcubes½cupthinlyslicedonions1bottlebeer,preferablyarichcraftbrew1clovegarlic,minced1teaspoonfreshthymeleaves½teaspoonbrownsugar½teaspooncidervinegar
Meltthebutterinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Placetheflourandpepperinapaperbag.Workinginbatches,addthebeefcubestothebagandshaketocoatthebeef.Removewithtongs,placeintheskillet,andbrownonallsides.Repeatuntilallthebeefisbrowned.
Whilethefirstbatchofbeefisbrowning,placetheonionsinthebottomofaslowcooker.Asthebeefisbrowned,usetongstotransferittotheslowcookeratoptheonions.Whenallthebeefisbrownedandintheslowcooker,combinetheremainingingredients,pourintothecooker,cover,andcookonhighfor2hours.
Thisdishisexcellentwithanyroastedrootvegetable,oracombination.IliketomakeitattheendoftheseasonwhenIhavewintersquash,carrots,andturnipsavailable,butanycombinationwillbedelicious.Choppedfreshparsley,dill,orbasilwouldalsocomplementthedish.
CHAPTER3
GardeninginRaisedBeds
Ifyouhaveasunnyoutdoorspace,youcangrowenoughvegetablesforbothseasonalcookingandpreservingbyinstallingraisedgrowingbeds.Althoughtherearesomedrawbacks,asIwillenumeratelater,raisedbedshelpeliminatemanyoftheproblemsthatsometimesplaguebeginningvegetablegardeners.
Raisedbedshaveexcellentdrainage.Wherethenativesoiliseitherdense,heavyclaythattendstodraintooslowly,oraloose,sandysoilthatdrainstoorapidly,itmaybecheaperandlessworktoconstructraisedbedsratherthantrytoimprovethenativesoil.
Raisedbedshavefewweeds,andthosethatdomanagetosproutareeasytopull.Youcancontrolmanyplantdiseasesandinsectsbyremovingandreplenishingthegrowingmixinthebedseveryfewyears.Mostgardenersfindraisedbedsaremorecomfortabletoworkin,also.
Onthedownside,vegetablesgrowninraisedbedswillbelessproductivethanthosegrowninthegroundwithproperspacing.Raisedbedstendtowarmupmoreslowlyinspringandcooldownmorequicklyinautumn,ineffect
upmoreslowlyinspringandcooldownmorequicklyinautumn,ineffectshorteningthegrowingseason.Perhapsthebiggestdrawbackisthetimeandexpensenecessarytobuildandfillthebedsinitially.
Nevertheless,whenallistakenintoconsideration,raisedbedsarethebestoptionforsmall-scalevegetableproductionwhenspaceorsoilconditionswillnotallowforin-groundbeds.
WhereandHowocateyourvegetablebedssotheywillreceivethemaximumamountofsunshine.Youwillneedapathatleasttwofeetwideforaccessbetween
bedsandanearbywatersource.Yourbestbetistosketchoutthedesignofyourgardenbeforeyoubegin.Itiseasytomakechangesonpaper,butnotsowhenconstructionhasbegun.
Abedthreefeetwideormorewillrequireaccesspathsonbothsides,asmostpeoplecannotcomfortablyreachbeyondthreefeet.Thelengthisarbitrary.Manygardenersbuildbedsthatareeightfeetlongsimplybecauselumberinthatlengthiseasiertohandle.Thechoiceofmaterialsisuptoyou.Naturallyrot-resistantwoods,suchascedarandcypress,arepreferred.Compositesofferthegreatestdurabilityandthehighestinitialcost.Metalisalsocostlyandcanbedifficulttoworkwithfortheinexperienced.Pressure-treatedlumberoffersaninexpensiveoption,butmanypeopleareconcernedaboutthecontaminationofvegetableswithpreservativechemicals.Idonotconsiderthisasignificantrisk,andallofmyraisedbedsaremadefrompressure-treatedpine.
L
KALE
Kalewillserveasourintroductiontothecabbagefamily.Thisgroupofvegetableshasbeeninthespotlightrecentlybecausetheyarerichinvitamins,minerals,andbeneficialphytochemicals.Alsoknownascolecropsorbrassicas,theentiregroupwasderivedfromanOldWorldplantsimilartomodernkale.
Dwarfcultivarsofkalecanbeproducedsuccessfullyinalargecontainer,butthisandtheothercabbagefamilycropsneedtheaddedspaceofaraisedbedinordertomaketheharvestworththeeffortofgrowingthem.
Kaleisacoolseasoncropthatcanbesowninearlyspringorlatesummer.Springsowingsshouldbeselectedfromfast-maturingcultivars,asyouwantthecroptomaturebeforetheonsetofsummerheat.Sowtheseedsingroupsofthreeorfour,spacingthegroupssixinchesaparteachway.Whengerminationiscomplete,afterabouttwoweeks,thintheseedlingstoonlyoneperspot.Feedthematthispointwithasolublefertilizersolution,andrepeatthefeedingeverytwoweeks.Keepthebedevenlymoistbutnotsoggy.Youshouldbeabletobeginharvestingleavesafterabouttwomonthsofgrowth.
Insomeregionsofthecountry,cabbagebutterflies(Pierisrapae)willdevastateanyofthecabbagefamilycropsifmeasuresarenottakentocontrolthem.SeethesectiononmanagementofthispestinChapter6.
1.
2.
CaldoVerdeThistraditionalIberianstewhasmanyvariationsandcanbemodified
tosuityourtaste.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
¼poundfreshkale2ouncesgarlic-seasonedsmokedporksausage,suchasSpanish(notMexican)chorizo,andouille,orkielbasa2mediumpotatoes3cupswater1teaspoonsalt¼cupSpanisholiveoilFreshlygroundblackpepper
Wash,trim,andfinelyshredthekale.Reserve.Slicethesausageintoroundsabout¼-inchthick.Filmaskilletwithalittleoilandfrythesausagepiecesuntillightlybrowned.Withaslottedspoon,transferthesausagestopapertowelstodrain.Reserve.
Peelthepotatoesandcutthemintochunks.Inalargesaucepan,combinethewater,salt,andpotatoes,bringtoaboil,andsimmeruntilthepotatoesaretender,about15minutes.Removethepotatoeswithaslottedspoon,reservingtheliquidinthepan.Transferthemtoabowlandmashwithafork,leavingafewchunks.Returnthepotatoestothesaucepanwiththekale,oliveoil,andafewgrindsofpepper.Bringtoaboilandsimmerfor3minutes.Addthereservedsausageandcontinuetocookjustuntilheatedthrough.Servethecaldoverdewithacrusty,country-stylebread.
BEET
Beetsofferthedoublepleasureofediblegreensaswellastheirsweet,earthyroots.Richinhealthfulphytochemicals,beetsgrowbestwhentheweatheriscoolbutwillneverthelessproduceacropduringsummerheat.Gardenerswithalonggrowingseasoncanplantbeetssequentiallyfromearlyspringtolatesummerforacontinuoussupply.Beetsalsostorewellandcanbepreservedsuccessfullyathomewithouttoomuchwork.
Directseedbeetsintoyourgrowingbedaboutamonthbeforethelastspringfrostinyourarea.Dropthelargeseedsonthesurfaceofthegrowingmedium,spacingthemabouttwoinchesaparteachway.Coverwithone-quarterinchofgrowingmedium,waterwell,andexpectgerminationintwotothreeweeks.Ifconditionsarenotright,thefirstplantingmaynotgerminate.Ifthishappens,simplyreplant.Whentrueleaveshaveappearedontheseedlings,thinthemtostandfourinchesaparteachway.Thiswillproducethebestqualityroots.Ifyouaregrowingthemmostlyforgreens,youcanleavethespacingattwoinches.
Beetsdonotrequireespeciallyfertilesoil,buttheydoneedaslightlyalkalinepHtoperformbest.Addlime,bonemeal,orwoodashestothegrowingareaatleastamonthbeforeplanting.Keepthebeetbedwellwatered.Maturitytimeistypicallyalittleovertwomonths.
Borscht:TwoVariationsItissaidthateveryRussianhouseholdhasitsownrecipeforborscht.
Herearesomeofmyowntakesonthisdeliciousbeetsoup.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
BorschtI1mediumbeet,roasted(page243)anddiced1mediumonion,diced1carrot,diced1mediumRussetpotato,peeledanddiced2cupsvegetablestockSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper½cupcoarselygratedstalebread
1.
1.
BorschtIIOnerecipeborscht(above)1cupwaterSaltFreshlygroundblackpepperSourcreamDillorotherfreshherb,finelyminced
BorschtI:
Combinethevegetablesandstockinasaucepanandbringslowlytoaboil.Simmer,partiallycovered,untilthepotatoisverytender.Tasteandseasonwithsaltandpepper.Stirinthebreadandcontinuetocookuntilthesoupisthickened.Ifthesoupbecomestoothick,addadditionalvegetablestockorwater.Serveatonceoruseasthebaseforthevariationbelow.
BorschtII:
Coolthesoupfromthepreviousrecipetoroomtemperature,orrefrigerateovernight.Transfertothejarofablenderandadd1cupwater.Blenduntilsmooth.Coverandchilluntilverycold.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning.Servecoldinchilledbowls,toppedwithadollopofsourcreamandasprinklingoffreshherbs.Dillgoesespeciallywell,butparsley,cilantro,chives,orbasilwillbefine.
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2.
3.
BeetCanapésTheideaforcombiningbeetswithstrawberriescamefromthe
legendaryBlackberryFarmandappearsinoneofthesplendidcookbooksbySamBeall,TheFoothillsCuisineofBlackberryFarm.Itooktheideaandcameupwiththiseasyappetizer.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
4sliceshomemade-stylewholewheatbread¼cupmascarponecheese2mediumbeets,roasted(page243)Freshlygroundblackpepper8pickledstrawberries(page234)
Cuteachsliceofbreadinhalfcrosswisetomake8pieces.Spreadeachpieceofbreadwithsomeofthemascarpone,dividingitevenly.
Slicetheroastedbeetscrosswiseinto¼-inch-thickslices.Savetheendpiecesforanotheruse,andplaceasliceontopofthemascarponeoneachappetizer.
Grindalittleblackpepperoverthecanapés.Topeachcanapéwithapickledstrawberryandserve.
NOTE:Youcouldalsomakethiswithpickledbeets.
LEEK
Theselarge,mild-flavoredrelativesoftheonionareoftenexpensiveatthegrocerystore.Theyareeasytogrowbutrequiresomeplanningandeffortonthegardener’spart.Yourtroublewillberewardedwithacropofsweet,tastyleeks—betterthanyoucanbuy.
Leekstakealongtimetoreachharvestablesize,sotheymustbestartedearly.Findingtransplantsinthemarketisoftennoteasy,butyoucanstartyourownifyouhaveasunnywindow.Alternatively,youcanstartplantsoutdoorsbeginninginmid-summerandgrowthemasafallcrop.
Fillasix-inchpotwithgrowingmedium,wateritthoroughly,andscatterleekseedsontop.Coverthemwithaboutone-quarterinchofgrowingmediumandplaceinawarm,sunnyspot.Expectgerminationinabouttendays.Whentheseedlingsareaninchtall,startfeedingthemeverytwoweekswithsolublefertilizersolution.Keeptheminthesamepotuntiltheyarealmostafoottallandmanyplantsareasthickasadrinkingstraw.Aboutamonthbeforethelastexpectedfrostinyourarea,knocktheclumpofplantsoutofthepotandseparatethem,usingthelargestandmostvigorousonesastransplants.Clipofftherootstoabouttwoincheslongandsettheminyourgrowingbeds,spacingthemsixinchesaparteachway.Burytherootsandthelowertwoinchesoftheplantinthegrowingmedium.Keepthebedirrigatedwhenrainfallisinsufficient,and
thegrowingmedium.Keepthebedirrigatedwhenrainfallisinsufficient,andcontinuetofeedtheplantseverytwoweeks.Whentheyhavedoubledindiameter,pileupadditionalsoilaroundthem,buryingthelowerendbyatleasttwoinches.Repeatthisprocedurewhentheyhavedoubledindiameteragain.Thereafter,letthemgrowuntiltheyhavereachedthesizeyouprefer.Harvestasneededforthekitchen.Theywillkeepwellundercool,moistconditions.
2.
3.
HeirloomPotatoandBabyLeekVichysoisse
Thisversionofvichysoisseutilizesdelicatelyflavoredbabyleeks.Pullsmallerspecimenstomakeroomfortheotherleekstogrow,andturnthemintothissoup,usingwhateverpotatoesyouhaveonhand.IparticularlylikethissoupmadewithRussianBananapotatoes,butyoucansubstituteatwill.
YIELD:2TO3SERVINGS
2cupspeeled,chunkedpotatoes3babyleeks,eachabout½to¾inchindiameter,carefullywashedandcoarselychopped½cupsourcream½cupvegetableorchickenstock¼teaspoonfreshlygroundwhitepepper1teaspoonkoshersalt,ortotastePinchofgroundmace¼cupfinelychoppedparsley,chives,oracombinationPlacethepotatoesinjustenoughwatertocover.Bringtoaboilandcook5minutes.Addthechoppedleeks,reducetheheat,andsimmeruntilthepotatoesaretender,about15minuteslonger.Removefromheatandallowtocool.
Transferthepotatoesandleekstoafoodprocessorandpurée.Addsourcream,chickenstock,whitepepper,mace,andsalt.Processtocombine.
Transfertoacoveredcontainerandchillatleast2hours.Thinwithalittlemorechickenstockifneeded.Topeachservingwithasprinklingofmincedherbs.
1.
2.
WinterGazpachoIlovegazpacho,buthavinggoodfreshtomatoesandcucumbersin
wintercanbeachallenge.Tosatisfymygazpachocraving,Iinventedthissoupwithingredientsthatareavailableoutsidethemaingardeningseason.Substitutecannedroastedpeppersifyoucannotfindgoodonesinthemarket.Thesoupwillbebetterwithyourownhome-cannedorfrozenproduce,ofcourse.Andsinceit’sforwinterdining,serveithot.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter2leeks,whiteandlightgreenpartsquarteredlengthwiseandthoroughlyrinsed,chopped1clovegarlic,minced2cupscannedwholetomatoeswiththeirjuices2cupschickenorvegetablestock2tablespoonstomatopaste1½tablespoonschoppedfreshparsleyleaves1½teaspoonsdriedbasilleaves,crumbledSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper1red,yellow,ororangebellpepper,roasted(page243),skinned,seeded,anddiced2scallions,chopped¼cupsourcream
Meltthebutterinasouppotandsautétheleekswiththegarlicfor5minutes.Addthetomatoes,stock,tomatopaste,andherbs,alongwithsaltandpeppertotaste,andbringtoaboil.Reducetheheatandsimmer15minutes.
Ladlethesoupintobowlsandgarnishwiththedicedpeppers,scallions,andsourcream.
WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth
Wintervegetablestendtobesweet.Theacidityofthetomatoesbalancesthesweetnessandenhancestheflavorofthebroth.Thebrothisenrichedbycookingachickenbreastandsomearomaticvegetablesinit.UsethechickenbreasttomakeTraderVic’sChickenSalad(page183).
YIELD:4SERVINGS
4cupschickenbroth,preferablyhomemade½carrot,in2pieces,eachabouttwoincheslong4-inchstalkofcelery,in2piecesInnergreenleavesof2leeks,chopped1largecloveofgarlic,peeled,butleftwhole1boneless,skinlesschickenbreastfillet1cupdiced,peeledbutternutsquashWhitepartofaleek,chopped½cupdicedcarrot(preferablyyelloworpurple)½cupparsnip,diced,cored¼cupradishes,trimmed,diced1sprigfreshrosemary½teaspoonsaltFreshlygroundblackpepper½cupcannedtomatoes,chopped1slicewheatbread,crustsremoved,tornintosmallpiecesFreshlygroundwhitepepperChoppedfreshparsleyleaves
1.
2.
3.
Inalargesaucepan,combinethechickenbroth,carrot,celery,leekleaves,garlic,andchickenbreast.Bringtoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmergentlyfor30minutes,skimmingoffanyscumthatappears.Usingaslottedspoon,removethechickenbreasttoaplate,reservingitforanotheruse.Strainthestockintoaheatproofbowl,discardingthevegetables,andreturnittothesaucepan.
Addtheremainingingredients,bringtoaboil,reducetheheatandsimmer,covered,for30minutesoruntilthevegetablesaretenderwhentestedwithadinnerfork.Removeanddiscardtherosemary.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning.Keepthesoupwarmwhileyoupreparethegarnish.
Combinethetomatoes,bread,andwhitepepperinasmallbowl.Stirwell.Ladlethesoupintobowls,addadollopofthetomatosauce,andgarnishwithsomechoppedparsley.
BROCCOLI
Broccoliisamemberofthelargecabbageclan,bredforitsclustersofflowerbuds.Oneofthemostnutritiouscropsyoucaneat,broccoliisnoteasytogrowinwarmsummerareas.Intheselocations,broccolidoesbestasafallcrop.
Homegardenersmaywanttopurchasestartedplantsfromareputablegardencenter,asstressduringearlylifewillreducetheproductivityofmaturebroccoli.Ifyouwanttotryyourhandatstartingplantsfromseed,starttheminJulyforafallcrop.Sowthreeseedsineachofseveralfour-inchpots,coveringthemwithone-quarterinchofgrowingmedium.Waterwellandkeepevenlymoistthroughoutdevelopmentoftheseedlings.Outdoorsinsummer,thismaymeanwateringseveraltimesaday.Whenmostoftheseedshavegerminated,selectthebestoneineachpotandcuttheothersoffatgroundlevel.Transplantseedlingstotheraisedbedaboutsixtydaysbeforeyouexpecttoharvest,spacingplantsontwelve-inchcenters.Whentheplantsareafoottall,sprinkleatablespoonofbalancedorganicfertilizeraroundthebaseofeachone.Applyatwo-inchlayerofmulchtoprotecttheshallowrootsfromheatandtoconservemoisture.Irrigateasneededtokeepthesoilevenlymoistbutnotsoggy.
Infestationbythecabbagebutterfly(Pierisrapae)isaseriousproblemwherethepestoccurs.Recommendationsforcontrolofthisinsect,aswellas
snailsandslugs,anothercommonbroccoliproblem,arefoundinChapter6.Harvestbroccoliwhiletheheadisdarkgreenwithoutatraceofyellow.
Smallsideshoots,eachwithaminiaturehead,willformafteryouremovethemainhead.Freshlyharvestedbroccolikeepsaweekunderrefrigeration.Italsofreezeswell.
1.
JadeGreenBroccoliAnancientChineserestaurantdish,thisremainsoneofthebestways
toservefreshbroccoli.Youcanusethesametechniquewithcauliflower,cabbage,bokchoystems,oracombinationofallthesecoolseasonvegetables.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1teaspoonbrownsugar1tablespooncornstarch1½tablespoonssoysauce½cupwaterorvegetablestock2tablespoonsvegetableoilPinchofsalt1clovegarlic,minced1poundfreshbroccoli,inbite-sizepieces2tablespoonsdrysherry
Combinethesugar,cornstarch,soysauce,andwaterinasmallbowlandsetaside.Heatawokorskilletuntilitishot,andaddtheoilandsalt.Reducetheheat,addthegarlic,andthenthebroccoli,andstirfryfor2minutes.Addthesherryandcoverthepan.Cookanadditional2minutes.Uncover,addthesauceingredients,andstiruntilthesaucethickens.Serveimmediatelyoverriceornoodles.
BroccoliSteamedwithBayLeavesHereisarecipewithamoreinterestingflavorthanplainsteamed
broccoli.Youcouldalsousethesametechniqueforothervegetables,oramixture.
1.
YIELD:2TO4SERVINGS
1cupwater1poundfreshbroccolifloretsanddicedstalks,about2cups3largebayleaves½teaspoonsaltFreshlygroundblackpepper3tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil
Bringthewatertoaboilinasaucepanthatwillholdthebroccoliinonelayer.Addallingredientsexcepttheoliveoil,reducetheheat,andsimmerslowly,covered,for10minutes,turningthebroccolionce.Removethebroccolifromthepanwithtongs,placeonaplate,andkeepwarm.Discardthebayleaves.Raisethetemperatureandreducethepanliquidtoaboutthreetablespoons.Servethebroccolidrizzledwiththepansauceandtheoliveoil.
NOTE:Substitutingvegetableorchickenstockforthewatergivesevenmoredepthofflavortothebroccoli.
CABBAGES
Cabbagesareanotherformofthesamebotanicalspeciesasbroccoli,Brassicaoleracea.Thefamiliarheadsmaybegreenorred,andtheleavesaredeeplycrinkledinsavoycabbage.Generallyconsideredtobeeasiertogrowthanbroccoli,cabbageneverthelessneedspropercaretoproduceadecentcrop.Ashasbeenmentionedregardingtheothermembersofthisgroup,thecabbagebutterflyisaseriouspestwhereitoccurs.SeetherecommendationsforcontrollingitinChapter6.
Cabbageseedsshouldbestartedinsmallpots,eitherindoorsunderstronglightoroutdoorsafteralldangeroffrostispast.Homegardenersmaywanttorelyonthelocalgardencenterforspringcabbageplants,unlessyouhaveidealconditionsforstartingseedsyourself.Outdoorsinsummer,youcaneasilystartafewplantsforafallharvest.Sowafewseedsonthesurfaceofsmallpotsofgrowingmedium,coveringthemaboutone-quarterinchdeep.Waterthoroughlyandplaceinawarm,brightlocation.Theyshouldgerminatewithintwoweeks.Whentrueleaveshaveformed,removeallbutthebest-lookingplantineachpot.Feedthematthispointwithsolublefertilizerandagaineverytwoweeks.Transplantthemtotheirpermanentlocationwhentheyhavethreepairsoftrueleaves.Spaceplantsafootaparteachway.Keepthebedwell-irrigatedifrainfallisinsufficient.Theyshouldreceiveaninchofwaterperweek.Unevenmoisture
isinsufficient.Theyshouldreceiveaninchofwaterperweek.Unevenmoisturemaycausetheheadstosplit.Harvestwhentheheadshavereachedthesizetypicalofthevarietyyouhaveplanted.Smaller,faster-maturingcultivarsperformbestinsmall-spacegardens.
1.
ColeslawBrassRail-StyleThecoleslawrecipedevisedin1958byFrankJ.Kotsianasforhis
BrassRailRestaurantindowntownKnoxville,Tennessee,waspublishedandlaterreprintedbytheKnoxvilleNews-Sentinel.Asaresult,itbecameastapleonmanytablesintheTennesseeValleyregion.Inevitably,peopledevelopedtheirowninterpretations.Hereismine.
YIELD:6-8SERVINGS
1mediumheadcabbage,chopped½cupchoppedpickledjalapenopeppers2tablespoonschoppedfreshparsley1tablespoonsugar½teaspoonsalt3tablespoonsredwinevinegar2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil
Tossallingredientsinalargebowluntilwellmixed.Refrigerateuntilreadytoserve.
1.
VirginiaPeanutColeslawThisrecipetakestraditionalcoleslawingredientsandcombinesthem
withAsianflavorsforadecidedlydifferenttake.Theslawgoeswellwithseafooddishesandgrilledchicken.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2tablespoonscidervinegar2tablespoonsmayonnaise2tablespoonschoppedgreenonions2tablespoonschoppedfreshcilantro2teaspoonssesameoil1teaspoonsugar1teaspoonpreparedhorseradish(nothorseradishsauce)½teaspoongratedfreshgingerroot¼teaspoonsalt⅛teaspooncayennepepper2cupsshreddedcabbage⅓cupoil-roasted,saltedVirginiapeanuts
Combineallingredientsexceptthecabbageandpeanutsinabowlorjarandshakeorbeatthoroughlywithaforkuntilwellcombined.Pourthedressingoverthecabbage,cover,andrefrigerateatleast1hourorovernight.Addthepeanutsjustbeforeserving.
CAULIFLOWER
Gardenersinwarmsummerareasfindcauliflowertobeachallenge.Whereitcanmatureduringcool,moist,sunnyweather,itperformsatitsbest.CauliflowerisanotherB.oleraceatype,anditscultureisidenticaltothatdescribedforbroccoli.Takegreatcareifyougrowyourplantsfromseed.Anysetbackthataffectstheseedlingsislikelytopreventheadformationwhentheplantmatures.Also,bepreparedforpestcontrolasdescribedfortheothermembersofthisgroup.
Giventhattheflavorofhomegrowncauliflowerisexceptionallygood,Irecommendlavishingalotofattentionononeortwoplantsratherthantryingtoproduceabumpercrop.Forexample,covereachplantindividuallywithfloatingfabrictokeepoutpests.
Plantbreedershaveproducedcauliflowervarietiesthataresuitedtoeitherspringorfallcultivation.Becauseheadproductiondependsupondaylength,theplantswillsucceedonlyduringtheseasonforwhichtheywerebred.
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3.
4.
5.
GratinofCauliflowerAclassicpresentationforcauliflower,thissimpledishletstheflavorof
thevegetableshinethrough.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2cupscauliflowerflorets,thawediffrozen,steamed5minutesiffresh1tablespoonunsaltedbutter½cupvegetableorchickenbroth¼teaspoondriedthymeleavesor½teaspoonfreshleavesSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper2tablespoonsfinedriedbreadcrumbs2tablespoonsshreddedParmigiano-Reggianocheese
Preheattheovento350°F.
Generouslybutterashallowgratindishlargeenoughtoholdthecauliflowerinonelayer.Arrangethefloretsinthebottomofthedish.Pourthechickenbrothoverthemandsprinklewiththethyme,salt,andpepper.
Placethedishintheovenandbakefor15minutesoruntilmostoftheliquidhasevaporatedandthecauliflowerisforktender.
Combinethebreadcrumbsandcheeseinasmallbowl.Removethedishfromtheovenandthensprinklethetopwiththecrumbmixture.
Turnonthebroilerandbroilthegratinuntilthetopislightlybrowned,about2minutes.
1.
2.
CauliflowerandPotatoSaladAddingcauliflowertopotatosaladincreasesthenutritionalvalueand
addsanewflavordimensiontothedish.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil2teaspoonsredwinevinegar½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper2poundswaxyboilingpotatoes,washedbutunpeeled2cupscauliflowerflorets,inbite-sizepieces½cupchoppedscallions,whiteandgreenparts½cupchoppedsweetpickle½cupmayonnaise,moreifdesired¼cupchoppedparsley1teaspoonDijonmustardGroundpaprika
Combinethefirstfouringredientsinalargemixingbowl,whiskingtoemulsify.Bringalargepotofwatertoaboil,addthepotatoesandcook,regulatingtheheattokeepthewateratagentleboil,untilthepotatoesofferlittleresistancewhenpiercedwiththetipofaknife,about20minutes.Drainthepotatoesinacolanderandallowthemtocool.Whenthepotatoesarecoolenoughtohandle,peelthem,cutthemintobite-sizepieces,andtossthemwiththedressingmixturewhiletheyarestillwarm.
Bringanotherpotofwatertoaboil,dropinthecauliflower,andcook,regulatingtheheattomaintainagentleboilfor3minutes.Drainthecauliflowerinacolander,rinsewellundercoldwater,anddrainagain.Addthecauliflowertothebowlwiththepotatoes.
3. Inamixingbowl,combinetheremainingingredients.Foldthismixtureintothevegetables,addingmoremayonnaiseforathinnerconsistency.Refrigerateovernighttoallowtheflavorstomarry.Servethesaladgarnishedwithadustingofpaprika.
COLLARDS
Collardsareanotherversionofcabbage,andtherecommendationsforgrowinganyoftheothermembersofthisgroupapplyequallytoit.LongassociatedwithSoutherncooking,collardshaveenjoyedrecentpopularityasanutritioussuperfood.Whiletheyaremoreheattolerantthantheircousins,gardenersinhotsummerareaswillhavebetterluckgrowingthemasafallcrop.
Sowseedsdirectlyinthegardeninmid-tolateJuly,coveringthemwithone-quarterinchofgrowingmedium.Sowthreeorfourseedsinclumps,spacingthemafootaparteachway.Keepthebedwellwateredandexpectgerminationwithintwoweeks.Whentrueleaveshavedeveloped,removeallbutthesturdiestplantineachclump.Sprinkleatablespoonofbalancedorganicfertilizeraroundthebaseofeachplantafterthinning.Forlarge,heftyleaves,removeeveryotheronewhentheplantsaresixinchestall,leavingthemspacedtwofeetapart.
Youcanharvestindividualleavesassoonastheyreachanicesizeofaboutsixincheslong,notcountingthestem.Youcanleavethemuntiltheyaretwicethatsize,ifyouprefer.Plantswillcontinuetoproducenewgrowthwellintocoldweather.Feedthemeverytwoweekstoencouragemoreleafdevelopment.Collardsaresubjecttodamagefromcabbagebutterfliesand,toalesserextent,
snailsandslugs.SeetherecommendationsforcontrollingthesepestsinChapter6.
1.
SouthernStyleCollardGreensThisSouthernstapleisaboutastraditionalasitgets.Youcanorder
Benton’sbacononlineifyouwantauthenticflavor,butthedishwillbealmostasgoodwithanytop-qualitysmokedbacon.
YIELD:2TO4SERVINGS
Abigbunchofcollardgreens,woodystemsremovedandtheleavescutinto1-inchribbons3stripssmokedbacon,suchasBenton’s,chopped1cupwaterorchickenstockFreshlygroundblackpepperCidervinegarforserving
Cookthebaconslowlyinalargesaucepanuntilmostofthefathasbeenrenderedandthebaconiscrisp.Removewithaslottedspoontoaplatelinedwithpapertowelsandreserve.Heatthebaconfatuntilitisalmostsmoking,addthecollards,andsauté.Adjusttheheatasneededtopreventburning.Whenthecollardsarewilted,addthestock,salt,andasmuchpepperasyoulike.Coverthesaucepanandcookuntilthecollardsaretender,about10minutes.Uncoverandcontinuetocookgently,allowingtheliquidtoevaporatesomewhat.Tasteandadjusttheseasoningasneeded.Servethecollardswarm,orcooltoroomtemperature,cover,andrefrigerateupto2days.Reheatgentlybeforeserving.Passcidervinegarsodinerscanaddasmuchastheylike.Thisdishistraditionallyservedwithcornbreadtosoakupthedeliciousjuices,or“potlikker.”
NOTE:Forevengreaterauthenticity,passhomemadehotpeppervinegarwiththecollards.Prickanysortofsmallhotpepperswithatoothpickandpackintoacleanglassbottleorsmalljar.Fillthejarwithvinegarandallowtositintherefrigeratorforafewdaysbeforeusing.
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3.
CayetteswithCollardsCayettesareacrossbetweenahamburgerandameatloaf.The
groundmeatisheldtogetherbystrandsofvegetablesratherthanbreadcrumbs.
YIELD:4CAYETTES
2teaspoonsoliveoil⅓cupchoppedonion3scallions,whiteandgreenparts,chopped1clovegarlic,minced4ounces,about2½cups,well-washedcollards,stemmedandshredded1egg,wellbeaten¼poundgroundbeef¼poundgroundpork¼teaspoonsaltPinchoffreshlygroundblackpepperGratingoffreshnutmeg
Heattheoilinaskillet,addtheonionsandscallions,andcook,stirring,untilthevegetablesaresoftened,about1minute.Addthegarlicandcollardsandcontinuetocook,stirringoccasionally,untilthecollardsarewilted.Taketheskilletofftheheatandsetitasidetocool.
Oilabakingpan.Preheattheovento375°F.Whenthecollardsarecool,combinethemwiththeremainingingredients,mixingwell.Formthemixtureintofourpattiesandplacetheminasinglelayerinthebakingpan.Bakefor25minutes.
Thecayettesmaybeeatenhotwithyourfavoritesauceorcondiment,oryoucanallowthemtocool,thenrefrigerateandeatthemcoldthenextdaywithmustardandhorseradish.
CORN
Traditionally,freshsweetcornhasbeentheprideofthebackyardgardener,primarilybecauseitspeakofflavorwassofleeting.Afewdecadesago,theconventionalwisdomwastosetwaterontoboilbeforegoingouttoharvestthecorn,asthetimefromstalktoplatewastobeminimizedatallcosts.Plantbreedersfoundawaytoincreasethewindowoftimeduringwhichcornremainsusablebymanipulatingtheamountofsugarstoredintheseeds.Thus,todaywehavesugar-enhancedandsupersweethybridcornsthatremainsweetandtastyforasmuchasaweekafterharvest.
Cornneedslong,warm,sunnydaystoproduceacrop.Plantswithacompactgrowthhabitareessentialforproductioninlimitedspace.Cornshouldbeplantedinblocks,ratherthaninrows,asblockplantingaidsinpollination.Corniswind-pollinated,althoughthegardenercanassisttheprocessbyjostlingthestalksnowandthenwhentheyhaveproducedmaleflowers,ortassels,ontop.Thefemaleflowersare,ofcourse,theears,withtheirprotrudingsilksthatcatchthepollengrains.
Cornshouldbeplantedingroupsofthreeseeds,spacedafootaparteachwayinthebed.Isuggestplantingatleasttwenty-fivesquarefeetinordertohaveaworthwhileharvest.Cornbenefitsfromaddednitrogenandshouldreceiveregularfeedingwithabalancedorganicfertilizereverytwoweeksfrom
receiveregularfeedingwithabalancedorganicfertilizereverytwoweeksfromthetimetheplantsarethreeorfourinchestall.Thatisalsothesizeatwhichtheyshouldbethinned,leavingthestrongestplanttogrowineachspot.Cornisdroughttolerant,butshouldneverbeallowedtowilt.
Whenthesilkhasturnedbrown,theearswillbenearharvesttime.Carefullypullbackthehuskonanearandpressakernelwithyourthumbnail.Ifthejuicesaremilkyandsweet,thecornisreadytopick.Ifthejuiceisclear,replacethehuskandcheckagaininafewdays.Intraditionalcornvarieties,suchasGoldenBantamorSilverQueen,thesweetstageisbrief,lastingonlytwoorthreedays.
1.
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3.
SweetCornSoupAlthoughyoucanmakethissoupwithout-of-seasoncornfromthe
grocerystore,itsoarstonewheightswithfreshcornfromthegarden.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
4to6earsoffreshcorn(iftheyaresmallish,gowiththelargernumber)2quartswater1smallyellowonion,trimmedbutunpeeled,cutintoquarters1carrot,trimmedandcutinto2-inchpieces1wholeclovegarlic,unpeeled2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter¾cupchoppedonions¾cupchoppedredbellpepper½cupheavycream1teaspoonsaltFreshlygroundblackpepper1tablespoonshreddedfreshbasilleaves
Shuckandsilkthecorn,trimoffanydamagedkernels,andplaceitinalargepot.Addthewater,bringtoaboil,thenreducetheheatandsimmer3minutes.Removetheearswithtongs,reservingthewaterinthepot.Whentheearsarecoolenoughtohandle,cutthecornfromthecobsintoabowl.Reserve.
Breakthecobsinhalvesorthirdsandreturnthemtothepotwiththeonion,carrot,andgarlic.Againbringtheliquidtoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmerslowlyuntiltheliquidisreducedbyhalf.
Strainthecornstock,discardingthesolids,andkeepitwarmandcoveredwhileyoucompletethesoup.
4. Inalargesaucepan,heatthebutter.Whenthefoamsubsides,addtheonionsandbellpepperandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheonionsaretranslucent.Addthereservedcornkernelsandcook,stirringoccasionally,untilsomeofthevegetablesbegintobrown.Addthereservedcornstock,bringtoasimmer,andcookfor10minutes.Stirinthecream,salt,andafewgrindsofblackpepper.Donotallowthesouptoboilafterthecreamhasbeenadded.Tasteandadjusttheseasoningasneeded.Servehot,garnishedwiththebasilleaves.
1.
EdamameSuccotashThisrecipeoffersanupdateonanage-oldNativeAmericandish
usinganancientingredientfromtheothersideoftheworld.“Succotash”isderivedfromaNarragansettwordmeaning“brokencornkernels.”IntheSouth,almostanydishwithcornandbeanstogethermaybecalledsuccotash.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1tablespoonoliveoil½cupshellededamame,frozenandthenthawed,orfreshandblanched½cupfreshcornkernels,orfrozenandthawed¼cupchoppedredonion,plusadditionalforgarnish¼cupredbellpepper,in¼-inchdice½cupvegetablestock,homemadeorcanned¼teaspoondriedthyme,or1teaspoonfreshthymeleavesSaltFreshlygroundblackpepperChoppedfreshparsleyforgarnish
Heattheoilinasmallskilletovermedium-highheat.Addtheonionsandcookgently,stirringonceortwice,untiltheyaresoftened,about2minutes.Addtheremainingvegetablesandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheonionsaretranslucent,about2minutes.Pourinthevegetablestockandaddthethyme,apinchofsalt,andafewgrindsofpepper.Reducetheheatandsimmeruntiltheedamamearetender,about10minutes.Removefromtheheatandkeepwarmorserveimmediately.Garnishwithchoppedredonionandparsley.Thisdishisaperfectaccompanimenttotonkatsu-styleporkcutlets(recipefollows).
Thawedfrozenlimabeanscanbesubstitutedfortheedamame,ifnecessary.
1.
2.
3.
Tonkatsu-StylePorkCutletsThisisagreatwaytopreparebonelessporkloinchopsforavariety
ofdishes.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2bonelessporkloinchops,eachabout½-inchthick1clovegarlic,minced1tablespoonsoysauce⅓cupriceflour1egg⅓cuppankoorbreadcrumbsCanolaoilforshallowfrying
Slashthefatattheedgeofthechopsabouteveryhalfinch,barelycuttingthroughthefatlayer.Placethechopsinashallowdishandsprinklewiththegarlicandsoysauce.Refrigerateuntilreadytouse,upto3hours.Bringtoroomtemperaturebeforecontinuing.
Removethechopsfromthemarinade,discardingtheliquid.Placethericeflour,egg,andpankoineachofthreeshallowbowls.Beattheegguntilthewhiteandyolkarecombined.Oneatatime,dipeachchopintothericeflour,turninguntillightlycoated.Dipthecoatedchopintotheegg,allowingtheexcesstodrainoffbeforetransferringthechoptothepanko.Turnthechopuntilwell-coatedwithpankoandtransfertoaracksetoveraplate.Preparetheotherchopinthesamemanner.Placetherackwiththebreadedchopsintherefrigeratorforatleast1hour,orovernightifyouwish.
Inaheavyskillet,preferablycastiron,pour¼inchofcanolaoil.Placetheskilletovermedium-highheat,andheattheoiluntilacrumbofpankodroppedintoitsizzlesandturnsbrown.Carefullyplacethepreparedporkchopsintotheoil,oneatatime,andcook,turningonce,about4minutesoneachside,oruntilthecoatingisgoldenbrown.Regulatetheheattoprevent
4.
5.
thecoatingfromscorching.
Whenthechopsaredone,transferthemtoawirerackoveratraylinedwithpapertowels.Keepwarmuntilreadytoserve.
Foravegetarianversion,useportabellomushroomsinsteadoftheporkchops.Drizzlethemwithalittleoilduringthemarinatingprocessandproceedasdirected.Ifyoudonotliketheblacksporesportabellosproduce,useamelonballertoremovethisportionofthecapbeforeplacingthemushroomsinthemarinade.
1.
2.
3.
4.
SweetCornPuddingSweetcornpuddingisaSouthernclassic,andtherearefewbetter
waystodressupsweetcornforcompany.Thisrecipecanbeeasilymultiplied.Ittravelswellandtastesgoodatroomtemperature,makingitafrequentchoiceforpotlucksuppers.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
3earsfreshsweetcorn,suchasAmbrosia¼to½cupheavycreamSaltWhitepepperButter
Generouslybutteranovalgratindish.Preheattheovento325°F.
Scrapethecornoffthecobwithaparingknife,holdingtheknifewiththeedgetowardthecenterofthecob.Youshoulddothisoveralargebowltocatchsplatters.Thescrapedcornwillhavelotsofmilkyjuiceandnotmanykernelswillremainwhole.
Combinethecornwithenoughcreamtogivethemixturethetextureofawetbatter,about¼cupcreampercupofcorn.Seasonwithapinchofsaltandseveralgrindsofwhitepepper.
Transferthecorntothepreparedgratindish.Dotthetopwithbutter.Bakefor1hour,oruntilalmostalltheliquidisgoneandthepuddingisbrowningattheedges.Serveimmediately.
1.
FreshCornChowderwithTortillaShreds
YIELD:4SERVINGS
¾teaspoonpaprika½teaspoongarlicpowder½teaspoondrymustard½teaspoonblackpepper¼teaspoonwhitepepper¼teaspoondriedthymeleaves¼teaspoondriedbasilleaves½teaspoonsalt2corntortillasVegetableoilforfrying1cupcornkernels½cupwater¼cupdrywhitewine½cup,ormore,vegetablestock2tablespoonsoliveoil¾cupchoppedonions¾cupchoppedcelery¾cupchoppedbellpepper(anycolor)1½cupsvegantomatobullion(page2302tablespoonschoppedfreshcilantro
Combinethefirsteightingredientsinasmallbowl.Reserve.Preparethetortillashredsbycuttingthetortillasintonarrowstrips,about¼inchwide.Pourenoughvegetableoilinthebottomofaskillettocoverittoadepthof
2.
3.
¼inch.Heatovermediumheatuntiltheoilripples.Droptheshreds,afewatatime,intotheoil.Cookafewseconds,untillightgolden.Removetheshredswithaslottedspoon,drainonpapertowels,andsprinklewhilehotwith½teaspoonoftheseasoningmixture.
Inasaucepan,placethecornkernelswiththewaterovermedium-highheat.Bringtoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmerfor5minutes.Drainthekernelsinasieve,reservingtheliquidinabowl.Addthewinetothecornliquid,togetherwithenoughvegetablestocktoyieldatotalof1½cups.Reserve.
Heattheoliveoilinasaucepanandsautétheonionsuntiltranslucent.Totheonions,addhalfoftheremainingspicemixtureplustheceleryandbellpeppers.Sautéuntiltheonionisgolden.Addthecorn,vegetariantomatobullion,andthereservedcornliquidmixture.Simmerthesoupfor10minutes.Servegarnishedwithchoppedcilantroandsomeofthetortillashreds.
NOTE:Leftovertortillashredsmakeagreatsnackorcanbeusedtogarnishotherdishes.Trymakingthemwithredorbluecorntortillas.Iffreshcornisoutofseason,substitutean11-ouncecanofwhole-kernelcorn.Tortillachipsbrokenintobite-sizepiecescanbesubstitutedforthetortillashreds.
1.
2.
KaribbeanKebabsThisistherecipethatappearsonthecoverofthisbook.The
sweetnessofripebellpepperspairsperfectlywithpineappleandpork.Servethesekebabswithriceandasideofcrispcoleslaw.Whilethereistechnicallynocornintheingredients,thesekebabspairsodeliciouslywellwithsummercorn,makingacompletemealforanybarbecue.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
3tablespoonssunfloweroil1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlimejuice1tablespoonmincedfreshparsley,plusmoreforgarnish1teaspoonmincedfreshoregano1teaspoonmincedfreshbasil1teaspoonunsulfuredmolasses½teaspoongroundcoriander½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoongroundblackpepper1poundbonelessporkloin½ofafreshpineapple1redbellpepper1yellowbellpepper1redonion
Inasmallbowl,combinethefirstnineingredients,stirringtocombinewell.Dividethemixturebetweentworesealableplasticbags.
Cuttheporkloinintoone-inchcubesandplacetheminoneofthebagswiththemarinade.Cutthepineappleintoone-inchchunksandplacetheminthesecondbag.Refrigeratebothbagsatleastthreehours,orovernight.Bringtoroomtemperaturebeforecontinuing.
3.
4.
5.
Removethestemsandseedsfromthebellpeppersandcutthemintosquaresaboutoneinchoneachside.Peelandtrimtheonionandcutitlengthwiseintoeighths,keepingthepiecesattachedattherootend.(Thiscanbedonethedaybeforeyouplantoservethedish.Storethevegetablesinacoveredcontainerintherefrigerator.)Soakbambooskewersincoldwaterforatleast30minutesbeforeyoubegintocook.Prepareyourgrillforcooking.Removetheporkfromthemarinade,discardingtheliquid.Removethepineapplefromitsmarinade,retainingtheliquidforbastingthekebabs.
Threadthevegetables,pineapple,andporkonthesoakedskewers,dividingthefoodevenlyandarrangingitattractively.Grillthekebabsovermoderateheat,turningandbastingthemuntiltheporkisdoneandthevegetablesaremarked,about20minutestotal.Cutintoapieceofporktocheck.Itshouldnotbepinkatthecenter.Ifso,cookafewminuteslonger.Brushthekebabswiththelastofthepineapplemarinadejustbeforeyouremovethemfromthegrill.Serveatonce.
1.
MâqueChouxTheoriginsofthisdish,nottomentionthename,aresomewhat
obscure.SomesaythenamederivesfromtheCreolewordforcorn(mâque)andtheFrenchwordforcabbage(choux).However,othersclaimthenamederivesfromtheNativeAmericanwordforcornstewedwithtomatoes.ChefPaulPrudhomme,inChefPaulPrudomme’sLouisianaKitchen,offersnoderivationforthenamebutdoesstatethateveryCajunfamilyhasapreferredrecipe.Inresearchingrecipes,Ifoundtheonlyconstantstobecornandonions.Substitutions,therefore,arefine.
YIELD:6TO8SERVINGS
4tablespoonsvegetableoilorbacondrippings½cupfinelychoppedonions¼cupfinelychoppedgreenbellpepper1clovegarlic,minced4cupscornkernels,freshorfrozen(thawed)½cuppeeled,seeded,anddicedtomatoes,orcanneddicedtomatoesinsauce½cupchickenbrothorwater½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonblackpepper¼teaspoongroundwhitepepper⅛teaspooncayennepepperDiced,cookedsmokedsausage,suchasAndouilleCookedsmallshrimp(optional)Mincedfreshparsley,chives/greenonionsforgarnish(optional)
Ina12-inchskillet,preferablycastiron,heatthefatuntilitbeginstorippleandaddtheonions.Reducetheheatandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheonionsaresoft.Addthebellpeppersandcorn.Cook,stirringoccasionally,
untiltheonionistranslucent.Addthetomatoes,broth,andseasonings.Bringtoasimmer,adjusttheheat,andcookuntilalmostalloftheliquidhasevaporated.Ifusing,addsausageorshrimp.Tosstocombineandheatthrough.Garnishwiththeherbsandserveatonce.
FIELDPEAS
ThisgroupoflegumesoriginatedinAsia,madeitswaytoAfrica,andarrivedintheUnitedStateswithenslavedpeopleduringthecolonialperiod.Tolerantofdroughtandpoorsoil,fieldpeas,likeotherlegumes,havebeenselectedandre-selectedovertheyearstoyieldanamazingvarietyofcolors,tastes,andtextures.Theymaybeknownasfieldpeas,crowderpeas,ladypeas,cowpeas,redpeas,orblack-eyedpeas,butallaregrowninthesameway.
Sowtheseedsaftertheweatherhaswarmedupinlatespring,spacingthemsixinchesaparteachwayandpressingthemintothegrowingmediumaboutaninchdeep.Keepthebedwellwatereduntiltheseedsgerminate,afterwhichtheyarefairlydroughttolerant.Allowthemtogrowwithoutfurtherattentionapartfromoccasionalwateringuntilthepodsarefullyfilledoutandtheseedshavecoloredup.Openapodtocheck.Or,ifyouprefer,leavethemtodryontheplants.Whenthepodsarethoroughlydry,harvestthemall.Placethepodsinanoldpillowcaseandbashitaroundonaconvenientwallorrock,thenseparatethepeasbydumpingeverythingoutonarimmedbakingsheetandallowingthewindtoblowthechaffaway.
1.
TennesseeCaviarOnereasonforthepopularityoflittlebrownfieldpeasisthattheycan
becookedwithoutpriorsoaking.Thisdipisessentialtailgatingfare.
YIELD:8TO12SERVINGSASPARTOFABUFFET
1cupdriedfieldpeas1clovegarlic,peeled1bayleaf3grindsofblackpepper6cherrytomatoes,choppedPinchofsalt½cupfrozenwholekernelcorn,thawed¼cupdicedredbellpepper¼cupmincedgreenonions¼cupbottledmildtacosauce2tablespoonschoppedfreshcilantro1tablespoonfreshlimejuicePinchofsaltPinchofgarlicpowder
First,cookthefieldpeas.Placethepeasinamediumsaucepanandrinsewellundercoldwater.Discardanypeasthatfloattothetop.Drainwell.Addwatertocoverthepeasbyaboutaninch.Setthepanovermediumheatandaddthegarlic,bayleaf,andblackpepper.Bringtoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmeruntilthepeasaretender,aboutanhour.Testfordonenessbyremovingafewpeaswithaspoon.Blowonthem.Iftheskinssplit,theyaredone.Youcanalsotastefordoneness.Removethepanfromtheheatandallowittocoolfor30minutes.Removeanddiscardthegarlicandbayleaf.Removeanddrainonecupofthepeas,reservingtheremainderforanotheruse.
2.
3.
Placethechoppedtomatoesinastraineroverasmallbowl.Sprinklewithsalt.Allowtodrain10minutes.
Combinethecupoffieldpeasandthedrainedchoppedtomatoeswiththeremainingingredients.Stirwellandrefrigerate,covered,atleast1hourandforupto3days.Servewithtortillachips.
1.
2.
Hoppin’JohnNooneseemstoknowwherethistraditionaldishoffieldpeasand
ricegotitsname.Usingbothfreshandpowderedonionsandgarlicandaddingtheseasoningblendintwostagescreateslayersofflavorinthedish.Benton’sbaconcomesinextra-longslices.Ifyoucannotfindit,use5stripsofanygoodsmokedbacon.
YIELD:8SERVINGS
1¾cupsdriedblack-eyedpeas3stripsgoodqualitysmokedbacon,suchasBenton’s,chopped1cupchoppedonions2clovesgarlic,minced1tablespoonchoppedjalapenopepper,freshorpickled1½teaspoonsfreshoreganoleaves,or½teaspoondried½teaspoonsalt½teaspoongarlicpowder½teaspoononionpowder¼teaspoongroundblackpepper⅛teaspooncayennepepper2cupswater3cupshotcookedriceChoppedfreshscallionsforgarnish
Wash,sort,andsoakblack-eyedpeasovernightinwatertocover.Whenreadytopreparethedish,drainthemwell.
Inalarge,heavypotovermediumheat,cookthebaconslowlyuntilitiscrispandhasrendereditsfat.Whilethebaconiscooking,combinetheoregano,salt,garlicpowder,onionpowder,blackpepper,andcayenneinasmallbowl,stirringwelltocombine.Removethebaconwithaslottedspoon
3.
andplaceonpapertowelstodrain.Whenitiscoolenoughtohandle,crumblethebacon.Cookonioninthebaconfatuntilitistransparent.Addthegarlic,jalapeno,andhalftheseasoningmixandcook2moreminutes.Addthewater,thereservedbacon,theremainingseasoningmix,andthesoakedblack-eyedpeas.
Coverandcookabout30minutes,oruntilthepeasaretender.Combinethepeaswiththehotcookedriceandserveimmediately,garnishedwiththescallions.
MELONS
Melonsdemandwarmweather,afertilegrowingmedium,andconsiderablespace.Recentlydevelopedcultivarstakeuplessroomthantheirconventionalancestors,butneverthelessyoushouldbepreparedtodevoteabouttwenty-fivesquarefeettoeachplanting.Fromthis,youshouldexpectanywherefromonlyonetoperhapsfiveorsixmelons,dependinguponthecultivarandyourgrowingconditions.
Inthecenterofthebedyouaredevotingtomeloncultivation,buildupamoundofgrowingmediumabouteightinchesindiameterandhalfashigh.Burytwotablespoonsofbalancedorganicplantfoodinthecenterofthehill,afewinchesbelowthesurface.Plantfiveseedsinthehill,spacingthemevenlyandpressingthemintothesoilaboutaninch.Waterthebedwellandexpectgerminationinaweekorso.Theplantsshouldgrowrapidly.Wheneachseedlinghasapairoftrueleaves,removethetwosmallerplantsandleavethreetogrow.Youcanallowtheplantstosprawl,butthefruitwillremaininbetterconditionifyouprovideasturdytrellisforthevinestoclimb.Nylonnettingoraseriesofstringsworkbest.Whenfruitsform,youwillneedtofashioneachonea“hammock,”usingastripofclothtiedtothetrellissupport.Differentvarietiesofmelonsmatureatdifferentrates,withlargerfruitstakingthegreatesttimetomature.Asageneralrule,thefruitwillslipeasilyfromitsstemwhenfullyripe.
mature.Asageneralrule,thefruitwillslipeasilyfromitsstemwhenfullyripe.
1.
ChilledMelonSoupRefreshingonasultryAugustday,youcanmakemelonsoupwith
anymelon.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1cupcubedmelon,anyvariety½cupcoconutwater,freshorcanned2strawberries2teaspoonssugar2teaspoonsfinelyshreddedlemonverbenaleaves
Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréealltheingredientsexceptthelemonverbena.Transferthesouptoacoveredcontainerandchillatleast2hoursorovernight.Servethesoupverycold,garnishedwiththelemonverbenaleaves.
NOTE:Youmaysubstitutefinelygratedlemonzestifyoudon’thavelemonverbenainthegarden.
1.
2.
SaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciutto
Benton’scountryhamhasbeencalledTennesseeprosciuttobecauseofitsfineflavor.Itssavory,saltypunchpairswellwiththecool,softsweetnessofmelon.SubstituteItalianprosciuttofortheBenton’s,ifyoumust.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1smallsliceBenton’scountryham2teaspoonssaffloweroil2cupsmixedsaladgreens1cupmelon,anyvariety,inbite-sizechunksJuiceofhalfalemon1teaspoonagavenectar1teaspoonmincedfreshbasilleavesPinchofsaltFreshlygroundwhitepepper
Inasmallskillet,cookthecountryhamintheoilovermediumheat,turningoccasionally,untilitiscrispandlightlybrowned.Transferthehamtoaworksurfaceandchopitintosmallbits.Reserve.Pourthedrippingsfromtheskilletintoasmallheatproofbowlandreserve.Thiscanbedoneseveralhoursaheadofserving.
Dividethegreensbetweentwochilledsaladplates.Topwiththemelon.Addthelemonjuice,agavenectar,basil,salt,andpeppertothecooleddrippings.Whisktocombine.Pourthedressingoverthesaladsandgarnishwiththereservedcountryhambits.
OKRA
AnothervegetabletraditionallyassociatedwiththeAmericanSouth,okrahasreceivedrenewedattentioninrecentyears,thankstotheeffortsofdedicatedchefsstrivingtokeepSouthernfoodattheforefrontofculinarytrends.Itisamemberofthehibiscusfamily,relatedtocottonandtheornamentalhibiscusshrubsfoundingardencenters.Thelarge,showyflowersgivewaytoelongatedpodsthatareeateninavarietyofways.Okrarequiresheatbutisnotfussyaboutsoil.Theplantsaredroughttolerantbutshouldreceiveaninchofwaterperweekduringthegrowingseason.
Plantscanbestartedinsmallpotsandtransplanted,butmostpeoplesowtheseedsofokradirectlyintheground.Inaraisedbed,spacethemafootaparteachway.Tentotwentyplantswillprovideagoodpickingofokraeveryfewdayswhentheymature.Atplantingtime,sprinkleatablespoonofbalancedorganicfertilizerovereveryfoursquarefeetofgrowingarea.Furtherfeedingshouldnotberequired.Keepthebedmoistuntiltheplantsemerge.Thinoutanysicklyonesafterallhaveatleastonepairoftrueleaves.Whenpodsbegintoappear,keepthempickedtoencouragefurtherproduction.Mostvarietieshavethebestqualitywhenthepodsarethreetofourincheslong.Somecultivarscangetmuchlargerthanthiswithoutbecomingtough,however.Okracouldnotbeeasiertopreserve.Justwipethepodswithakitchentowel,dropthemintofreezerbags,
preserve.Justwipethepodswithakitchentowel,dropthemintofreezerbags,andfreeze.Ifyouprefer,youcanslicethemforcooking,butthiscanalsobedoneaftertheyarethawed.
John’sCreoleStyleGumboNotonlydoesthisrecipefeaturethebestvegetablesandherbsof
highsummer,alltheotheringredientsareatyourfavoritegrocerystoreorfarmer’smarket.TherecipeinvolvesmakingaCreole-styleroux.Followthedirectionscarefullyforbestresults.
YIELD:6SERVINGS
½poundfreshmediumshrimp,preferablywild-caughtGulforAtlanticshrimp1bayleaf1clovegarlic,unpeeled3tablespoonsvegetableoil3tablespoonsflour¼cupchoppedonions¼cupchoppedgreenbellpeppers¼cupchoppedcelery2tablespoonsgarlic1teaspoonCreoleseasoning(page252)1teaspoonsalt¼cuppeeled,seeded,anddicedtomatoesFreshlygroundblackpepper3cupsseafoodorchickenstock3bayleaves½teaspoonWorcestershiresauce2to3dasheshotsauce¼teaspoondriedthymeor¾teaspoonfreshthymeleaves2ouncesAndouillesausage,choppedinto½-inchpieces1cupfreshokra,slicedcrosswiseinto½-inch-thickslices1tablespoonfinelychoppedfreshoreganoleaves
1.
2.
3.
4.
1tablespoonfinelychoppedfreshbasilleavesSteamedrice3scallions,whiteandgreenparts,chopped2hard-boiledeggs(optional)
Peelanddeveintheshrimp,reservingtheshellsforthestock.Storetheshrimpintherefrigerator.Placetheshellsinasaucepanwiththebayleafandgarliccloveandcoverwithcoldwater.Cover,bringtoasimmer,andcook5minutes.Strain,reservingthestockanddiscardingthesolids.
Inalarge,heavy-bottomedpotovermedium-highheat,heattheoiluntilitripples.Addtheflour.Stirringconstantlywithawirewhisk,reducetheheatandcooktherouxuntilitbecomesthecolorofmahogany,arichred-brown.Havepatienceandtakecarenottogettherouxonyourskin.Itisextremelyhot.Regulatetheheatsotherouxbarelybubblesasyoucookit,takingcarenottoletitburn.Whentherouxisapproachingthedesiredcolor,carefullyaddthechoppedonions,bellpeppers,andcelery.Continuestirringuntiltherouxstopsgettingdarker,avoidingthesteamthatwillbeproducedfromthevegetables.Addthegarlic,Creoleseasoning,salt,afewgrindsofpepper,tomatoes,thereservedshrimpbroth,thestock,bayleaves,Worcestershiresauce,hotsauce,andthyme.Bringtoasimmerandcook8to10minutes,stirringoccasionally.StirintheAndouilleandokra.Simmer20minutes.
Meanwhile,steamtherice,chopthescallions,andpeeltheeggs.
Addtheshrimp,oregano,andbasiltothegumbo.Simmer10minutes,oruntiltheshrimparepink.Tasteandadjusttheseasoningasneeded.Gumboistraditionallyservedinawide,shallowbowl,aswithsomepastadishes.Moundriceinthecenterofthebowl,ladlethegumbooverit,andgarnishwiththechoppedscallions.Topwithhalfaboiledegg.
1.
FriedOkra(akaCajunPopcorn)Fryingokracouldnotbesimplerbecauseitmakesitsown“breading”
whenitissliced,releasingagelatinousjuicethatbrownsupnicely.Ifyouwanttoreallyshowoff,breadtheokraasdescribedintheappendednote.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1poundfreshokra3tablespoonsvegetableoilorbacondrippingsSaltCreoleseasoning(page252)
Avoidwettingtheokra.Wipeoffanydebriswithacleankitchentowel.Slicetheokracrosswiseinto½-inchslices.Placethefatinaheavyskillet,preferablycastiron,andheatitovermediumheatuntilalighthazeformsoverit.Addtheslicedokraallatonce,andstirtocoatitwellwiththeoil.Regulatetheheatsotheokrasizzlesbutdoesnotburn.Continuecooking,stirringoccasionally,untilalloftheokrapieceshavesomebrownedareas.Withaslottedspoon,transfertheokratoapapertowel-linedbowltodrain.Whiletheokraishot,sprinkleitwithasmuchsaltandCreoleseasoningasyoulike.Serve.
NOTE:Tobreadtheokra,pourabeateneggovertheslicedokraandtosswelltocoat.Usingaslottedspoon,removetheokrafromtheegg,allowittodrainwell,andtransferittoabowlwith½cupcornmealtowhichyouhaveaddedateaspoonofCreoleseasoning.Tosstocoattheokrawell,thendumpthebowlintoacolandertogetridofallthesmallerpiecesofcoating.Frytheokrainbatchesinhotfatuntilthecoatingisgoldenbrown,turningoccasionally.DrainonpapertowelsandaddmoreCreoleseasoningifdesired.
1.
2.
OkraKarenHereisanotherwaytofryokra,thistimewithsummervegetablesand
aPhilippine-styleadobosauce.Feelfreetoaddorsubstitutewhatevervegetablesyouhaveonhand.Peppers,celery,broccoli,orothercrunchytypesworkbest.Therecipenamehonorsthefriendwhosuggestedthismethodforpreparingokra.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
½poundsmall,perfectokrapods,wipedcleanbutleftwhole1smallyellowonion,peeled,quartered,andseparatedintosegments1smallsummersquash,sliceddiagonallyinto½-inchslices2teaspoonsvegetableoil1tablespoonchoppedgarlic2largebayleaves2tablespoonssoysauce1tablespoonwhitevinegar1tablespoonwater
Placethepreparedvegetablesinabowl.Putthegarlicandbayleavesinasmallbowl.Inasecondsmallbowl,combinetheliquids.Haveeverythingnearthestovewhenyoubegin.
Setawokoralargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenthewokishot,addtheoilandheatuntilitdevelopsalighthazeaboveit.Addthevegetablesallatonceandstirfryfor1minute.Addthegarlicandbayleavesandstirfryfor30seconds.Addtheremainingingredientsandcontinuetocook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheliquidisalmostevaporated.Thevegetablesshouldbecrisp-tender.Serveatoncewithrice.
SUMMERSQUASH
Productive,versatile,andeasytogrow,summersquashesofferplentyofpossibilitiestoboththegardenerandthecook.Straightorbent,flying-saucer-shaped,bi-colored,hugeortiny,thevarioustypesofsummersquashesareallselectionsfromtwoorthreewildsquashspecies.Allthriveonwarm,sunnyweatherandabundantmoisture.Whereinsectpestsareaproblem,theycanbegrownunderarowcover.
Sowthelargeseedswheretheplantsaretogrow,placingfiveseedsinaspot,andseparatingthehillstwofeetaparteachway.Burytwotablespoonsofbalancedorganicfertilizerinthemiddleofeachhill.Theseedsshouldgerminatewithintwoweeks,andtheplantswillgrowrapidly.Whentheyallhaveapairoftrueleaves,pinchoffthetwosmallerplantsandleavetheotherthreetogrow.Onlyafewsummersquashesproduceclimbingvines.Thoseneedasuitabletrellisofstringsornylonnetting.Theothervarietiescanbeallowedtosprawl.Compactcultivarsmakethebestuseofspaceinaraised-bedgarden.Withafewexceptions,summersquashesneedinsectpollinators.Plantsgrownundercovermustbeuncoveredwhenbloomsappeartoallowpollinatoraccess.Pickfruitsearlyandoften.Leavingfruitstomatureontheplantwillreduceorstopproduction.
FallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing
WithadressinginspiredbythehousedressingatBayouBayrestaurantinKnoxville,hereisacomposedsaladthattakesadvantageoffallvegetablebounty.Varytheingredientstoaccommodatewhateverisavailablefromyourgardenorfarmer’smarket.MakingthiswithSingingBrookcheesefromBlackberryFarmandhomemadepurplebasilvinegarraisesittoawholenewlevel,butitwillbedeliciouswithanygoodvinegarandparmesan,too.
1.
SaladArugula,lettuceorotherleaves,washedandspundryAlfalfasproutsHeirloomtomato,slicedSugarsnappeasSummersquash,trimmedandcutintomatchsticksCucumber,peeled,seeded,anddicedMint,parsley,orbasilleaves,oracombinationDressing
YIELD:2SERVINGS
3tablespoonsmayonnaise3tablespoonsgratedParmesancheese1teaspooncidervinegarorothervinegar1teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper⅛teaspoongarlicpowder
Combinethedressingingredientsinasmallbowlandsetaside.Arrangethesaladonchilledplatesanddrizzlewiththedressing.
1.
LemonBasilZucchiniGarden-freshsummersquashbenefitsfromsimplepreparation.You
canmakethisintoarawdishbyomittingtheoilandcookingthesquash;justsaltitlightlyandthendressitwiththeotheringredients.
YIELD:4TO6SERVINGS
2teaspoonscanolaoil4mediumzucchini,trimmedandslicedintorounds¼cupfreshbasil,tornintobitsZestof1lemon,grated
Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthezucchiniandcookuntillightlybrownedononeside.Flipthesliceswithaspatulaandcookuntilthesecondsideislightlybrowned,about2to3minutes.Sprinklewiththebasilandlemonzestandserveatonce.
NOTE:Thisrecipeworksequallywellwithanyothervarietyofsummersquash.
FriedCornwithZucchiniThisdishgoesparticularlywellalongsideseafoodwithatouchof
sweetness,suchasscallops,shrimp,orlobster,andwithpork.Foravegetarianmeal,pairfriedcornwithabeandish.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2tablespoonsvegetableoilFreshcornkernels,cutfromtwoears,about1½cups1mediumzucchini,trimmedandslicedinto¼-inchthickrounds2teaspoonsmincedfreshtarragon
1.
SaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Heattheoilinaheavycastironskilletandsautétheonionuntilitistranslucent.Addthecornandcook,stirringoccasionally,untilitbeginstobrownandstickstothebottomoftheskillet.Addthezucchini,stirringandtossingtopreventfurthersticking.Continuecookinguntilthesquashbeginstobrownandmostofthecornhasbrownedlightly.Removefromtheheat,stirinthetarragon,andseasonwithsaltandpepper.Serveimmediatelyasasidedish.
1.
2.
SummerSquashCasseroleWhenIwasakid,thiscasseroleappearedonthetableonceortwice
aweekwhensquashwasinseason,yetwenevergottiredofit.Makethecasserolewithanytypeorcombinationofsummersquashyouhappentohave.Inmyneckofthewoods,itisamust-havewithroastporkloin.
YIELD:6SERVINGS
2½poundssummersquash2cupsbreadcrumbs,fromtwoslicesday-oldhomemade-stylewhitebread2tablespoonsdicedonion,moreifyouprefer¼cupbrownsugar1clovegarlic,peeledandmashedtoapaste½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper4tablespoons(½stick)unsaltedbutter,melted2eggs,lightlybeaten
Trimthesquashandcutitintouniform,bite-sizechunks.Inalargesaucepan,placethesquashinenoughwatertocover.Bringthewatertoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmergentlyuntilthesquashistenderwhenpiercedwiththepointofaknife.Thetimerequiredwilldependuponthetypeofsquashandthesizeofthechunks.Drainthesquashandthenplaceonacleansurface,suchasarimmedbakingsheet.Setacleancuttingboardoranotherbakingsheetontopofthesquashandweighitdownwithcannedgoodsorotherheavyobjects.Letsitfor10minutes.Thistechniquehelpstoremoveremainingmoisture,resultinginafluffierfinishedcasserole.
Transferthesquashtoafoodprocessorandcoarselychop,orchopitbyhand.Placethesquashinalargemixingbowlwithbreadcrumbs,brownsugar,garlic,salt,andpepper.Pourthemeltedbutteroverthemixtureandtosstocombine.Addtheeggsandmixwell.Turnthemixtureintoagreased
casseroledish.Bakeat350°Ffor35to40minutes,oruntillightlybrownedontop.
SWEETPOTATOES
Thesweetpotatoisamemberofthemorninggloryfamily,anativeoftheNewWorldthathasspreadfarandwide.Richinvitaminsandhighincomplexcarbohydrates,sweetpotatoesproduceagoodcroptostoreforout-of-seasonuse.Properlystored,theywillkeepatleastsixmonths.Besidesthefamiliarorange-fleshedsweetpotatoes,thereareyellow,white,andpurplevarieties.Thedifferentvarietiesvarysomewhatinflavor,texture,andmoisturecontent,butallaregrownbasicallythesameway.Forsmall-spacegardens,compactvarietieslikePuertoRicomakesense.Sweetpotatoesareveryproductiveinwarmclimates,soyoudon’tneedahugepatchtoyieldareasonableharvest.
Purchasesweetpotatoplantsfromyourlocalgardencenter,wheretheywillappearattheproperplantingtimeforyourarea.Youcanalsostartplantsfromasavedrootifyoubegininmid-winterandgrowtheplantsinabright,warmindoorlocation.Waituntilamonthafteryourlastfrostdatebeforeplantingsweetpotatoesoutside.Settheminarich,organicgrowingmedium,allowingaboutthreefeetbetweenplants.Keepthemwellwateredbutdonotfertilize,asthismayreducethenumberofrootsproduced.Astheplantsgrow,youcanharvestafewleavesnowandthen.Theyaredeliciouswhenpreparedlikespinach.Waitaslongaspossibletoharvestattheendoftheseason,butdonotallowfrosttotouchtheleaves,orthekeepingqualityoftherootswillbe
allowfrosttotouchtheleaves,orthekeepingqualityoftherootswillbeimpaired.Digallthepotatoesatonce,spreadthemonnewspapersinacool,dryspotforaweek,andthengentlyruboffanydebrisclingingtothem.Theywillkeepinbasketsinawarm,dry,darklocationformonths.
SweetPotatoMascarponeGnocchiDon’tletthelengthofthisrecipeputyouoff.Thisdishissimpleand
foolproof,yetfancyenoughforguests.
YIELD:4SERVINGSASANAPPETIZERORSMALLPLATE
¼poundroastedsweetpotato,skinremoved(2smallsweetpotatoes)¼cupmascarponecheese2tablespoonsfinelygratedParmigiano-Reggianocheese1egg,wellbeaten¼teaspoonsalt¼teaspoongroundblackpepper¼cupall-purposeflour,divided6tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,inallSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper1teaspoonmincedfreshrosemaryleaves¾teaspoonfinelygratedParmigiano-Reggianocheese
1.
2.
3.
Inamixingbowl,mashtheroastedsweetpotatowiththecheesesuntiltheyarewellcombined.Addhalftheegg,reservingtheremainderforanotheruse.Stirtocombine.Addthesalt,pepper,and2tablespoonsoftheflour.Stirgentlyuntiltheflourisincorporated.Addtheremainingflour,atablespoonatatime,untilthedoughjustcomestogether.Youmaynotneedalltheflour,dependinguponhowdrythesweetpotatoesweretobeginwith.Coverthebowlwithplasticwrapandrefrigerateatleast8hoursorovernight.
Bringthedoughtoroomtemperature.Heatalargepotofsaltedwateruntilitcomestoaboil.Place1tablespoonofbutterinasmallskilletoverlowheat.Heattheovento180°F.Warmtheservingplatesintheoven.
Whenthewaterisboiling,regulatetheheatsoitremainsatagentleboil,andincreasetheheatunderthebutterifitisnotyetmeltedandseparating.Using2teaspoons,formpiecesofdoughintosmalldumplingsanddropthemintotheboilingwater,5or6atatime.Maintaintheheatsothatthewatercontinuestoboilgently.Whenallofthegnocchihavefloatedtothesurface,wait1minute,thenremovethemwithaslottedspoon,drainwell,andtransfertothemeltedbutter.Thebuttershouldbewarmenoughtosizzlewhenthegnocchiaredroppedin.Cookthegnocchiuntiltheyaregoldenbrownonthebottom,turn,andbrowntheotherside.Transferthebrownedgnocchitoaservingplate,returnittotheoventostaywarm,andrepeatwiththeremainingdough.Youshouldhaveenoughdoughforfourbatches,or
4.
about2dozengnocchi.Wipeouttheskilletbetweenbatches,ifnecessary,topreventover-browning.
Whenallofthegnocchiarebrownedandreadytoserve,heattheremaining2tablespoonsofbutterinacleanskillet.Whenithasbeguntoseparate,addthemincedrosemary,apinchofsalt,andafewgrindsofpepper.Stirovermediumheatuntilthefoamsubsides,andthenpouroverthegnocchi,distributingtherosemarybutterevenlyamongtheplates.SprinkleeachservingwithadustingofParmegianno-Reggianoandserve.Insteadoftherosemarybutterandcheesegarnish,youmaywishtoservethe
gnocchiwiththepecansorghumbrownbuttersaucethatfollows.
1.
PecanSorghumBrownButterSauceUsethisasanalternativetotherosemarybutterandcheesegarnish,
andyouturnthegnocchidishintoalightdessertoranaccompanimentforroastporkorham.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2tablespoonsbutter2tablespoonssorghumsyrup⅛teaspoongroundcinnamonPinchofsalt1tablespoonchoppedpecans(preferablythenativevariety)
Afterpreparingthegnocchiandplacingthemonwarmservingplates,meltthebutterinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Assoonasthefoamsubsides,stirinthesorghumsyrup,cinnamon,andsalt.Stirtocombine,andthendrizzlethesauceoverthewarmgnocchi.Garnishwiththechoppedpecans.
SweetPotatoesStuffedwithWinterGreens
WhilethisisnotatraditionalSouthernsidedish,thecombinationtakessometraditionalSoutherningredientstogourmetheights.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
½cupbalsamicvinegar4shapely,uniformsweetpotatoes,washedandtrimmed2cupsmixedwintergreens,suchasdandelions,mustards,endive,etc.,washed
1.
andspundryVegetableoil1tablespoonextravirginoliveoil¼cupchopped,cookedleancountryham
Preheattheovento325°F.Placethevinegarinasmallsaucepanandsimmerovermediumheatuntilreducedto¼cup.Reserve.Asyoutrimthewashedpotatoes,dryeachonewithpapertowelsandcoatwithoiltopreventdarkening.Placepotatoesinasmallbakingpanandroastfor20minutes.Pierceeachpotatowithaforkandcontinuecookinguntiltheyaretender,another20to25minutes.Removethesweetpotatoesfromtheoven,splitthemlengthwise,andplaceonservingplates.Placesomeofthegreensbetweenthehalvesofeachpotato,topwithsomeoftheham,drizzlethebalsamicreductionoverall,andserveimmediately.
1.
2.
SweetPotatoCasserolewithMarshmallows
Thisrecipemakesenoughforacrowdaspartofadinnercelebration.Youwanttoendupwithabout6cupsofroastedpotato.Ifyourpotatoeslookasthoughtheywillneedalotoftrimming,cookanextrapound.
YIELD:6ORMORESERVINGS
3poundswhite-fleshedsweetpotatoes,scrubbedandtrimmedVegetableoilforthebakingpan½stickbutter,melted½cupbrownsugar⅛teaspoongroundcinnamon(moreifdesired)½to1cupminiaturemarshmallows
Placethescrubbedsweetpotatoesinanoiledbakingpan,turningthemtocoatwiththeoil.Placethepaninapreheated375°Fovenandroastuntilthepotatoesaretender.Thepointofaknifeshouldmeetnoresistanceallthewaytothecenterofthelargestpotato.Startcheckingafterthefirst25minutesorso,dependinguponhowlargethepotatoesare.Totalcookingtimewillbeaboutanhour.Whentheyaredone,removethemfromtheovenandcooltoroomtemperature.Theywillkeepfineatroomtemperatureovernight,ortheycanbeusedimmediately.Theywillbeeasytopeelafterroasting.
Reducetheoventemperatureto350°F.Peelthepotatoes,trimoutanydarkspotsorblemishes,andslicethemintoalargebowl.Havethemeltedbutterready.Startmashingthepotatoes,sprinklewiththesugarandcinnamon,andkeepmashinguntilthoroughlycombined.Thiscantakeawhilebutgetseasierasyougoalong.Drizzleinthebutteralittleatatimeandkeepmashinguntilyouhaveauniformmixture.Transfertoabuttered,10-inchdeep-dishpieplateandcoverthetopwithasinglelayerofminiature
marshmallows.Pressdowngentlyonthemarshmallows.Bakeuntilthemarshmallowsarenicelybrowned,about45minutes.
NOTE:Usetheleftovers.Coverthepieplatewithfoilandrefrigerate.Thefollowingday,removefromtherefrigerator,bringtoroomtemperature,transfertoapreheated350°Foven,andbakeuntilthemarshmallowsmeltintothepotatoes,about30minutes.Uncoverandserve.
1.
2.
SweetPotatoSalad
YIELD:4TO6SERVINGS
2poundssweetpotatoes2tablespoonscanolaoil1cookingapple1navelorange1cupwalnuts½cupchoppedscallions,whiteandgreenparts¼cupchoppedcilantroorItalianparsley¼cupapplecidervinegar2tablespoonsmincedshallots2tablespoonsbrownsugar2tablespoonsfreshorangejuice½teaspoondrymustard(suchasColman’s)½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper½cupextravirginoliveoil
Preheattheovento425°F.Linearimmedbakingsheetwithheavy-dutyaluminumfoil.Peelthesweetpotatoesandcutthemintobite-sizepieces.Placetheminabowl,addthecanolaoil,andtossuntilthepotatoesarewellcoated.Spreadthepotatoesinasinglelayeronthebakingsheet,transfertotheoven,androastuntiltheedgesofthecubesbegintobrown,about20minutes.Theyshouldbebarelyforktenderwhendone.Testonewithaforkandcookalittlelonger,ifneeded.
Whilethepotatoesareroasting,coretheappleandcutintobite-sizepieces.Placethepiecesinabowlandtosswithafewdropsofvinegartokeepthemfromdarkening.
3.
4.
5.
Peeltheorangeandcutthesectionsfromthemembranes,workingoverabowltocatchthejuice.Reservethesegmentsandjuiceseparately.Oneorangeshouldprovidemorethanenoughjuicefortherecipe.
Placethewalnutsinadryskillet.Settheskilletoverhighheatandtoast,stirringfrequently,untilthewalnutsbegintobrown.Removefromtheheatandtransfertoaheatproofbowltostopcooking.Whencool,chopthewalnutsintosmallerpieces.
Combinethesweetpotatoes,apples,orangesegments,walnuts,andparsleyinabowl.Inasmallbowl,combinethevinegar,shallots,brownsugar,orangejuice(useanyremainingjuiceforanotherpurpose),drymustard,salt,andpepper.Whiskuntilthoroughlycombined,thenwhiskintheoliveoilinastreamandcontinuewhiskinguntilemulsified.Pourthevinaigretteoverthesalad,stirtocombine,andrefrigerateuntilreadytoserve.
1.
2.
SweetPotatoPieIprefermakingthiswithwhite-fleshedsweetpotatoes,suchas
O’Henry,butitwillbeequallydeliciouswithregularyelloworevenpurplesweetpotatoes.Useyourfavoritepiecrustrecipe,orpurchaseonefromthegrocery.
YIELD:19-INCHPIE
1⅓cupsmashedcookedsweetpotatoes19-inchpieshell,unbaked2eggs¼cupbrownsugar½cupwhitesugar15-ouncecanevaporatedmilk3tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,melted1teaspoonpurevanillaextract¼teaspoongroundcinnamonAgratingoffreshnutmeg
Preparethemashedsweetpotatoes.Drizzlealittlecanolaoilinthebottomofabakingpanlargeenoughtoholdthepotatoesinonelayer.Washandtrimthepotatoes,placingeachoneinthebakingpanasyougo.Shakethepantorollthepotatoesaroundandcoatthemwiththeoil.Placethepaninapreheated350°Fovenandbakeuntilaknifeinsertedinthethickestpotatomeetsnoresistance,about30to45minutes.Removefromtheovenandleaveatroomtemperatureuntilcoolenoughtohandle.Usingaspoon,scrapethefleshfromthepotatoesintoabowl.Useimmediatelyorcoverandrefrigerateuptothreedays.
Chillthepieshelluntilreadytofill.Preheattheovento350°F.Inamixingbowl,beattheeggswiththesugarsuntillight.Addthemilk,butter,vanilla,andspices.Whiskwell,thenwhiskinthemashedsweetpotatoesuntil
3.
smooth.
Pourthefillingintothechilledcrust,covertheedgeswithfoil,andplaceintheovenfor30minutes.Removethefoil,returntotheoven,andbakeuntilaparingknifeinsertedinthecentercomesoutclean,about25to30minuteslonger.Coolthepiecompletelyonawirerackbeforeservingwithwhippedcream.Ifbakedmorethan2hoursbeforeserving,coverandrefrigerate.
TOMATOES,INDETERMINATE
Forthegreatestvarietyofsizes,shapes,colors,andtastes,indeterminatetomatoesarethehands-downchoiceforbackyardgardens.Indeterminatetomatoesdonotceasegrowingasdeterminatetomatoesdobutinsteadkeepgettingbigger,producingadditionalbloomsandfruitthroughouttheseason.Amongtheindeterminategrouparemanymodernhybridsaswellastreasuredheirlooms.Inexperiencedgardenersshouldbegingrowingthehybrids,astheyhavemuchmoreresistancetocommontomatodiseasesthantheheirloomsdo.Onceyouhavesomeexperiencewithtomatoes,youcantrytheheirlooms.Youshouldhavethebestluckwithheirloomsthatarealreadypopularinyourregionofthecountry.Theseold-fashionedplantswereoftenperpetuatedbygardenerswhofoundthemtobeespeciallywell-adaptedtoacertainlocale.
Althoughyoucanstarttomatoesfromseedathome,youwillneedtodothisaftertheweatherwarmsup,unlessyouhaveaverybrightindoorlightsource.Tomatoes,especiallywhensmall,donotthrivewithanythinglessthanfullsunshine.Beginnersarethereforeurgedtopurchaseplantsfromagardencenter.Thestaffshouldbeabletodiscussthecharacteristicsofthevarietiestheyoffer.
Ifyoustartseedsyourself,sowtwoorthreeineachofseveralfour-inchpotsofgrowingmedium.Theywillgerminatewithintwoweeks.Whentrueleavesarepresent,removeallbutthesturdiest-lookingplant.Feedthemwithasoluble
arepresent,removeallbutthesturdiest-lookingplant.Feedthemwithasolublefertilizersolutionatthistime,andagaineverytwoweeksuntilthefirstbloomsappear.Theyshouldbetransplantedtotheirpermanentspotinthegardenwhentheyhavetwotothreepairsoftrueleaves.Donotleavetheminpotsanylongerthannecessary.Spaceplantseighteentotwenty-fourinchesapartingrowingbeds,andprovideasturdysupporttowhichyoucantiethevines.Indeterminatetomatoescanreachashighaseightfeetormore.
1.
FriedGreenTomatoNapoleonsWanttoknowadirtylittlesecret?Friedgreentomatoeswerenotall
thatpopular,evenintheSouth,untiltheadventofFannieFlagg’snovelFriedGreenTomatoesattheWhistlestopCafé.Nevertheless,youseethemreferredtoasaSouthern“classic,”asiftheywereRobertE.Lee’sfavorite.Thisrecipe,easilydoubled,isgoodenoughforcompanybutcomestogetherquicklyforaweeknightdinner.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
2greentomatoes,eachaboutthesizeofabaseballSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepperCornbreadmixfordredging(IusetheWhiteLilybrand)4tablespoonscanolaoil2ouncesfreshgoatcheese2handfulsoffreshfieldgreens,washedwellandspundryGreendressing(page24)Srirachaorotherhotsauce(optional)
Slicethetomatoesintouniformslicesabout⅜-inchthick,discardingtheendpieces.Youshouldhave6niceslices.Arrangetheslicesonaplateortrayandsprinklelightlywithsaltandafewgrindsofblackpepper,turningtoseasonbothsides.Heattheoilinalarge,heavyskilletuntilitssurfaceripples.Dipthetomatoslicesinthecornbreadmix,coatingthemwellonbothsides.Shakeofftheexcessandfryinbatchesinthehotoiluntilgolden,turningonce,about4minutesperside.Transferthecookedtomatoestoaracksetoverpapertowelsandkeepwarm.Whenallofthetomatoesarecooked,assemblethedishontotwowarmedplates.Placeatomatosliceinthecenteroftheplateandtopwithatablespoonofgoatcheeseandasecondtomatoslice.Repeatwiththeremainingcheeseandtomatoes.Surroundthetomatonapoleonswithfieldgreensanddrizzlethegreendressingoverall.SpiceitupwithSrirachasauceifdesired.
PepperCrustedPorkProvençalTomatoescombinewithotherMediterraneanflavorstocreatea
vibrantsauceforthepeppercrustedpork.Ifyoucannotfindthemixedpeppercorns,useanythatareavailable,regardlessofthecolor.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2tablespoonsmixedpeppercorns(green,black,white,andred)1wholeporktenderloin½teaspoonsalt1tablespoonDijonmustard2tablespoonsoliveoil1cupchoppedonions½cupthinstripsofredbellpepper½cupthinstripsofyellowbellpepper2teaspoonsmincedgarlic1bayleaf1teaspoonsweetpaprika¼cupdrywhitewine1cuppeeled,seeded,anddicedtomatoes¼cupsmallripeolives,suchasNiçoiseorCoquillo,pittedFreshlygroundblackpepper1tablespoonchoppedfreshbasil2tablespoonsmincedfreshparsley
1.
2.
3.
Preheattheovento400°F.Crushthepeppercornsinamortar,orplacethembetweensheetsofplasticwrapandcrushwiththebottomofaheavyskillet.Youwantcoarseparticlesofpepper,notapowder.Patthetenderloindryandsprinkleitwiththesalt.Brushthetenderloinalloverwiththemustard,thenrollitinthepeppercornstocoatthoroughly.Placethetenderloinonanoiledrackinabakingpan.Setthepanintheoventocookwhileyoupreparethesauce.
Inalargesaucepan,heattheoilovermediumheatandaddtheonions.Cook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheonionsaresoft,about4minutes.Addthepeppersandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheonionsaretranslucent.Addthegarlic,bayleaf,andsweetpaprikaandcook,stirringoften,untiltheonionshavebarelybeguntobrown,another2or3minutes.Pourinthewineandthetomatoesandstir,scrapingupanybrownedbitsfromthebottomofthepan.Adjustthetemperature,bringthesaucetoasimmer,andcook,uncovered,untilitisslightlythickened,about15minutes.Stirintheolives,basil,andafewgrindsofblackpepper.Tasteandadjustthesalt,ifneeded.Coverthesauceandkeepitwarm.
Whenthetenderloinisdone,removeitfromtheovenandtransfertoacarvingboard.Slicethetenderloinintomedallions,transferringthemtoheatedservingplatesanddistributingtheslicesevenly.Topwiththesauceandgarnishwiththeparsley.
NOTE:Ifyoudesire,moundmashedpotatoesorsteamedriceontheservingplatebeforeplatingtheporkandsauce.
1.
2.
YellowTomatoandBaconJamBesidesbeinggoodonbiscuits,thisjamcanbeusedtoaddflavorto
steamedvegetables.Tryitwithcrackersandcheese,too.
YIELD:ABOUT1CUP
2½ouncessmokedbacon(about3strips)½cupfinelydicedsweetonion10ouncesyellowcherrytomatoes,halved¼cupdarkbrownsugar2¼teaspoonsapplecidervinegar1sprigoffreshthyme½teaspoonsaltAfewgrindsofblackpepperDashhotpeppersauce
Cookthebaconinaskilletovermedium-lowheatuntilitiscrispandbrowned.Transferthebacontoaplatelinedwithpapertowels.Placeatablespoonoftherenderedbaconfatinasmallsaucepan,reservingtheremainderforanotheruse.Setthepanovermedium-lowheatandcooktheonionsinthebaconfat,stirringoccasionally,untiltheyarecaramelized,about15minutes.Addthetomatoes,sugar,vinegar,salt,pepper,andhotsauce.Bringtoaboil.Reduceheatandcook,stirringoccasionally,untilthickenedtoyoursatisfaction.Crumblethebaconandadditneartheendofthecookingtime.
Transferthejamtoasmalljar,cool,andrefrigerateorfreeze.Keepsrefrigeratedfor1weekorfrozenfor6months.
TURNIPS&TURNIPGREENS
Theturnipisacool-seasonmemberofthebrassicaclanthatproducesediblegreensandroots.Easytogrowandproductive,turnipsareenjoyinganewroundofpopularityasgardenersandcooksrediscovervegetablesthatlikecoldweather.
Sowturnipsdirectlyinyourraisedbedsassoonasthegrowingmediumcanbeworkedinspring.Ifyouaregrowingthemprimarilyforgreens,sowthickly,allowingonlyaninchortwobetweenseeds.Thegreenscanbecutbackhardandwillresproutmultipletimes.Fertilizelightlyaftereachharvestofleaves.
Forrootcrops,spacetheplantsoutabit.Thinthemtostandsixinchesaparteachwayaftertrueleavesappear.Harvestonlyoneortwoleavesfromeachplant.Rootcropsneedonlyonefeeding,whentheplantsareabouttwoinchestall.Useanysolublefertilizersolution.Turniprootsarebestwhensmall,aroundthesizeofagolfballuptobilliardballdiameter.Largerspecimensarelikelytobetoughandharshlyflavored.
1.
2.
TurnipGreensOshitashiThisJapanesedishistypicallymadewithspinach,butturnipgreens
bringadifferentflavorandworkjustaswell.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1largebunchturnipgreens1tablespoonsaffloweroil1tablespooncidervinegar1teaspoonsoysauce¼teaspoonsesameoil1tablespoonsesameseeds
Rinsetheturnipgreenswell,andpickoverthemtoremoveanyyellowedorotherwiseunusableleaves.Arrangethegreenssothestemsareallinonedirection,aswithabouquetofflowers.Bringalargepotofwatertoarollingboil.Holdingtheturnipgreensbythestems,immersetheminthewaterfor45seconds.Removethegreensandholdthemundercoldrunningwatertostopthecookingandsetthebrightgreencolor.Drainthoroughly.Laythebundleofgreensonatraylinedwithpapertowelsandcutofftheuncookedstems.Usingthepapertowelsasanaid,rollupthegreensintoarollaboutaninchindiameter.Squeezegentlytodrythegreensandhelpthemholdtogetherintheroll.
Carefullyunrollthegreensonaworksurface.Trimtheendsoftherollneatlyandthensliceitinto1-inchslices.Arrangetheslicesoneachoftwoservingplates.Inasmallbowl,combinetheremainingingredients.Whiskwithaforktoemulsifytheliquids,pourthedressingovertheappetizers,andserve.
1.
2.
3.
MixedTurnipMashTheflavorofJapanesewhiteturnipsisdelicateandsweet,making
themagreatchoiceforthisdish.Formaximumcontrast,useayellow-fleshedpotato,suchasYukonGold.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1cuppeeledandcoarselychoppedturnips1cuppeeledandcoarselychoppedcarrots1cuppeeledandcoarselychoppedpotatoes3tablespoonsmilk,divided1tablespoonbutter,divided¾teaspoonsalt,dividedFreshlygroundwhitepepperGroundmace
Youwillneedthreesmallsaucepans,oryoucanmakeeachofthemashesoneatatimeandkeepinsmallbowlsuntilreadytocombinethemattheend.Therecipeassumesyouhavethreesaucepans.
Placeeachofthevegetablesinaseparatesaucepan,coverwithcoldwater,andbringtoaboil.Adjusttheheatandcookuntilthevegetablesaretender.Thiswilltakeabout6minutesforthepotatoesandabout5minutesfortheturnipsandcarrots.Testbymashingapieceagainstthesideofthepanwithafork.Itshouldmasheasily.Whenthevegetablesaredone,drainthemthoroughly.Toeachvegetable,add1teaspoonofbutterand1tablespoonofmilk.Masheachvegetablewithaforkuntilyouhaveauniformtexture.Ifthemashseemstoodry,dribbleinalittlemoremilk.Seasoneachvegetablewith¼teaspoonofsalt.Addnothingelsetotheturnips.Addafewgrindsofwhitepeppertothepotatoes,andaddapinchofmacetothecarrots.Stirtheseseasoningsintocombine.
Transferthevegetablestoalargebowlandgentlyfoldthemtogetherusinga
rubberspatula.Youwanttheindividualcolorsandtexturesofthevegetablestobevisibleinthefinalmixratherthancombiningthemintoauniformblend.Keepthemashwarminalowovenuntilyouarereadytoserve.
WINTERSQUASHES
Thisgroupofcucurbitsincludespumpkins,gourds,andothersquashesthatarelefttomaturebeforetheyareharvested.Mostaregoodkeepers,withfleshthatisrichinvitaminsandcarbohydrates.Oneortwohillsofwintersquashshouldprovideallyouwillneedforstoringoverwinter,unlessyoureallylovesquash.
Afteralldangeroffrostispastandtheweatheriswarmandsettled,sowthelargeseedswheretheplantsaretogrow.Mostwintersquashesneed90daysormoreofwarmthtomatureacrop.Sowfiveseedsperhillinsmallhillsplacedthreefeetaparteachway.Atplantingtime,burytwotablespoonsofbalancedorganicfertilizerunderneaththehill.Germinationwilloccurinaweektotendays.Whentheplantsallhaveapairoftrueleaves,removethetwoweakestonesandleavethreetogrow.Thevinescanbelefttosprawl,butthefruitwillbecleanerandmorenearlyperfectifyouprovideasturdytrellisfortheplantstoclimb.Compactvarietiesarealsoavailablethatdonotrequireatrellis.Theseareidealforlimited-spacegardens.
Allowthesquashtomatureuntiltheskinistoughenoughnottobepiercedbyyourthumbnail.Theskinshouldalsodevelopthecolorcharacteristicofthetype,rangingfromdeepgreenthroughorangeandyellowtotan.Removethefruitswithaboutaninchofstemstillattached.Dothisaslateintheseasonas
fruitswithaboutaninchofstemstillattached.Dothisaslateintheseasonaspossible,butbeforethefirsthintoffrost.Fruitswillkeepinawarm,dryplaceforaboutsixmonths.
1.
2.
WinterSquashPickleWedon’toftenthinkofmakingpickleswithwintersquash,butthese
shouldconvinceyouitisworthwhiletodo.Theycanaccompanyavarietyofdishesinadditiontotheoneonthefollowingpage.
YIELD:2CUPS
2cups½-inchcubesofpeeled,seededwintersquash2teaspoonskoshersalt4wholefreshsageleaves¼cupsorghum½cupcidervinegar¼cupapplejuice
Combinethesquashandsaltinabowl.Stirwell,thencoverandallowtositatroomtemperaturefor4hours.Drainwellinacolander,rinseundercoldwater,drainagain,andpatdrywithkitchentowels.
Combinetheremainingingredientsinalargesaucepan.Bringtoasimmer,stirringconstantly.Addthesquash,returntoasimmer,andcookgentlyfor5minutes.Cooltoroomtemperature,cover,andrefrigerateuptoamonth.Allow2daysfortheflavorstodevelopbeforeusing.
WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany
IgottheideaforthisdishfromareviewofElevenMadisonPark,asreportedintheNewYorkTimesMagazine.Oneaverage-sizedwintersquashshouldbeenoughforboththepicklesandthebisque.
2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter2cups½-inchcubesofpeeled,seededwintersquash¼cupslicedcelery2piecesginger,eachaboutthesizeofaquarterand⅛inchthick1clovegarlic,peeledandsmashed2tablespoonsall-purposeflour1tablespoonsherryvinegar½cuppeeled,seeded,anddicedripetomatoes4cupsshrimpstock(recipefollows)¼cuptarragonleaves1tablespoonsourcream½teaspoonsaltJuiceof½alimeSrirachasaucetotaste4slicesbacon12ouncesmediumshrimp,preferablywild-caught,peeled,anddeveined(about20)1teaspoonunsaltedbutterSquashpickles(page173)Toastedseedtopping(page252)
YIELD:4SERVINGS
Forthestock:
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Forthestock:Shellsfrom12ouncesshrimp1shallot,chopped1stalkcelerywithleaves,chopped1clovegarlic,smashed
Afewdaysaheadoftime,makethesquashpickles.Cutamediumwintersquashinhalflengthwise.Removetheseeds.Peelonehalfandcutintocubesforthepickles.Peelandcubetheotherhalfandstoreinacoveredcontainerintherefrigeratoruntilyouarereadytocompletethedish,foruptooneweek.
Peelanddeveintheshrimpafewhoursahead,usingtheshellsforthestockandreservingthepreparedshrimp,coveredandrefrigerated,preferablyonice.
Twohoursorlessbeforeserving,cookthebaconovermediumheatuntilcrisp.Drainthebacononpapertowelsandreserve.Pouroffthefatfromtheskillet,reservinganybrownedbits,andsettheskilletasideforcookingtheshrimpjustbeforeserving.
ShrimpStock:
Puttheshrimpshellsinalargesaucepanorstockpot.Coverwithtwoquartsofcoldwater.Tothestockpotaddtheshallot,celerywithleaves,andgarlic.Bringthestocktoasimmerovermediumheat,thenlowertheheatandcookslowlyuntilreducedbyhalf,about1hour.Strainanduseimmediately,orcooltoroomtemperatureandstorecoveredintherefrigeratoruntilreadytouse.Stockwillkeepintherefrigeratorfor3daysorinthefreezerfor1month.
Tocompleteandservethebisque,meltthebutterinalargesaucepanorDutchovenovermediumheat.Addthesquash,celery,shallot,ginger,andgarlic.Coverthepan,lowertheheat,andsteamthevegetablesslowlyuntiltheyaresoft,about15minutes.Stirintheflourandcookfor5minutes.Addthevinegarandtomatoesandstirtoincorporate.Cookslowlyfor3minutes,thenaddthestock.Simmergentlyfor30minutes.Addthetarragon,cover,andremovefromtheheat.Allowtosteepfor5minutes.Whiskinthesour
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cream.Strainthebisquethroughafine-meshsieveintoaheatproofbowl.Addthelimejuice,salt,andSrirachasaucetotaste.Keepwarmonthebackofthestoveoverapanofhotwater.
Heattheskilletinwhichyoucookedthebaconovermedium-highheatandaddtheteaspoonofbutter.Whenthefoamsubsides,dropintheshrimpandcook,turningonce,untiltheyarepinkandcookedthrough,about30secondsperside.
Ladlesomesquashbisqueontoaheatedplate.Topwithsomeoftheshrimp,asliceofbacon,crumbled,andasprinklingoftheseeds.Servethesquashpicklesontheside.
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WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth
Makethisdishwithfrozenravioli(recipeonfollowingpage)whentheothervegetablesareinseason,orsubstitutewhatevervegetablesyouhappentohaveavailableandmakethedishatanytime.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
¼cupone-inchpiecesofharicotsverts4asparagusstalks,cutintoone-inchpieces,tipsreservedseparately1earoffreshwhitesweetcorn6wintersquashravioli(page177)2mediumfirmripetomatoes,peeled,seeded,andcoarselychopped2scallions,whiteandgreenparts,chopped4leavesoffreshbasil,shredded1teaspoonmincedfreshtarragonleaves2cupsvegetablestock
Bringapotofwatertoaboil.Addateaspoonofsaltandtheharicots.Boil1minute.Addtheasparagusstemsandcontinuecookingfortwominutes.Addtheasparagustips.Cook1minute,thendrainthevegetablesinacolander.Rinsewellundercoldrunningwater,drain,andreserve.Bringanotherpotofwatertoaboil.Dropintheearofcorn,andcookforfiveminutes.Drain.Whenthecorniscoolenoughtohandle,standitinabowlandcutoffthekernels.Reserve.
Bringalargepotofwatertoaboil.Addatablespoonofsaltandtheravioli.Cook3minutes,oruntiltheraviolifloat.Removetheravioliwithaslottedspoon,drainbriefly,andtransferthemtotwoservingbowls.
Meanwhile,heatthevegetablestockovermediumheat.Addthetomatoesandscallions,apinchofsalt,andafewgrindsofblackpepper.Simmer
whiletheravioliarecooking.Whentheravioliaredone,addthepreparedvegetablestothebrothandwarmuntiljustheatedthrough.Ladlethebrothovertheravioli,sprinklewiththefreshherbs,andserve.
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WinterSquashRavioliWontonskinsmakeperfectravioliandcanbeusedwithavarietyof
fillings.Thecompletedraviolimaybefrozenonwaxedpaperonabakingsheetandstoredinplasticbagsinthefreezer,wheretheywillkeepforthreemonths.
YIELD:2–3SERVINGS
½cuproastedwintersquashpulp(page244)¼cupmascarponecheese,softened10grindsofwhitepepper5grindsofblackpepper
teaspoonofgroundmace30wontonwrappers
Creamthefirstfiveingredientstogetherinasmallbowl.Thismakesenoughfillingfor15ravioli.
Layout15ofthewontonwrappersonasheetpancoveredwithwaxedpaper.Placeapproximately1roundedteaspoonofthefillinginthecenterofeachwrapper.Sealtheraviolionebyone.Wetyourfingerandmoistenallfouredgesoftheravioli.Placeanotherwontonwrapperontopoftheonewiththefilling.Pressdowngentlysothatthefillingspreadsoutalittleandyouareabletoaligntheedgesofthepasta.Sealtheedgestogetherbypressingthemfirmlywithyourfingers.Youmayneedtoremoistenhereandthereiftheyrefusetostick.Repeatuntileachoftheravioliissealed.
Coverthepreparedravioliwithanothersheetofwaxedpaper.Placethesheetpaninthefreezerovernight.Thefollowingday,removetheraviolifromthefreezer,transfertoareclosablestoragebag,andreturntothefreezer.
Tocooktheravioli,bringalargepotofwatertoaboilandaddatablespoonofsalt.Dropinthefrozenravioliandcookgentlyfor3minutesoruntiltheyfloat.Removewithaslottedspoon,drain,andservewithyourfavoritesauce.
Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce
Burpee’sButterbushwintersquashmakesloadsofperfectlittlebutternutswithdeeporangeflesh.Forthisrecipe,cutofftheneckofthesquashaboutthree-quartersofaninchabovetheenlargedportion.Usetheneckforanotherpurpose.Wrappedinplasticwrap,itwillkeepseveraldaysintherefrigerator.YoucanalsosubstituteacornsquashfortheButterbush.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
ThelargerendofaButterbushsquash1teaspoonvegetableoil,approximately1packageherb-seasonedwildandlonggrainricemix,preparedaccordingtopackagedirections1tablespooncoconutoil½cupchoppedonions½cupchoppedcelery½cupchoppedgreenbellpepper¼teaspoongarlicpowderFreshlygroundblackpepper½cuptoastedgreenpepitas,divided8largewildCarolinashrimp¼cupdicedcelery¼cupdicedshallots1bayleaf1tablespoonbutter2tablespoonsmincedshallots1tablespoonall-purposeflour1cupshrimpstock
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½cuptomatosauce¼teaspoondriedtarragonleavesor¾teaspoonfreshleaves¼cupfreshgreenpeasorasparagustips1tablespoonbutter
Preparethesquash.Preheattheovento400°F.Cutathinsliceofftheblossomendsothesquashwillstandupright.Setthesquashonacuttingboardandsplititinhalflengthwise.Usingamelonballerorspoon,scoopoutalltheseedsandpulp.Brushthesquashwithoilinsideandout.Placeitskinsideupinabakingpan.Setthepaninthemiddleoftheovenandbake15minutes.Usingtongs,turnoneofthepiecesoverandcheckfordoneness.Itshouldbebarelytenderwhenpiercedwithafork.Ifnecessary,cookafewmoreminutes,checkingfrequently.Whenthesquashisdone,removethepanfromtheovenandallowtocool.
Preparethestuffing.Youwillnotneedallofthewildricemix.Covertheremainderandstoreintherefrigerator.Itreheatseasilyinthemicrowaveandmakesagoodsidedishonitsownordressedupwithfresh-cookedvegetables.
Meltthecoconutoilinasmallskilletandcooktheonions,celery,andbellpepperuntiltheonionsaretranslucent.Transfertoabowlwith1cupofthericemixture,andaddthegarlicpowderandseveralgrindsofblackpepper.Mixin¼cupofthetoastedpepitas.Reserve.
Preparetheshrimp.Peelanddeveintheshrimp,reservingtheshellsinasmallsaucepananddiscardingtheveins.Coverandstorethepeeledshrimpintherefrigerator,preferablyinaplasticbagonice.Tothereservedshells,addthecelery,shallot,andbayleaftogetherwithenoughwatertocoverthem.Bringtoasimmer,reducetheheat,andcookgently,covered,for30minutes.Strainthestockintoaheatproofbowl,discardingthesolids.Reserve.
Tomakethesauce,meltthetablespoonofbutterinasmallsaucepanovermediumheat.Addthemincedshallotsandcook,stirringoccasionally,for2minutes.Addtheflour,stirtoincorporate,andcook,stirringoccasionally,for1minute.Addtheshrimpstock,increasetheheat,andcontinuetocook,stirringconstantly,untilthemixtureisthickenedandbubbling.Reducethe
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heat.Stirinthetomatosauce,tarragon,peasorasparagus,andsaltandpeppertotaste.Cookgentlyfor5minutes.Removethesaucefromtheheatandkeepwarm,covered.
Preheatthebroiler.Meltanothertablespoonofbutterinasmallskilletsetovermediumheat.Addtheshrimpandtoss,cookingthemuntiltheybarelyturnpink.Removefromtheheat.
Fillthecavitiesofthesquashwiththericemixture.Topeachsquashwithfouroftheshrimp.Drizzleanypanjuicesfromtheshrimpevenlyoverthesquashhalves.Placethefilledsquashesonheatproofplatesandrununderthebroilerfor1minute,oruntiltheshrimpbegintocharinaspotortwo.Removefromtheoven,topwithagenerousportionofthetomatosauce,andserveimmediately.
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TraditionalThanksgivingDressingThisrecipehasbeeninmyfamilyforatleast100years.
YIELD:8SERVINGS
4tablespoonsunsaltedbutter½cupchoppedonion½cupchoppedcelery1½cupschickenbroth1teaspoonsalt1teaspoonrubbedsage1teaspoonfreshthymeleaves½teaspoondriedoreganoleavesFreshlygroundblackpepper6cupscrumbledday-oldcornbread(112-inchskillet)
Preheattheovento350°F.Greasea9x12-inchrectangularbakingpan.Meltthebutterinalargepotovermediumheatandcooktheonionsandcelery,stirringoccasionally,untiltheonionsaretranslucentbutnotbrowned,about3minutes.Addthebrothandbringjusttoasimmer.
Meanwhile,inalargebowl,combinetheotheringredientsandstirwell.Stirthedryingredientsintothepot.Gentlystirthepotuntilallthedryingredientsaremoistened.Turnthedressingintothepreparedbakingpan,gentlyspreadingitintoanevenlayer.Bakeuncoveredfor30minutes.
NOTE:Stirringtoovigorouslyorpackingthedressingintothebakingpantoofirmlywillresultinaheavy,cake-liketexture.
CELERY
Amemberofthelargeandusefulparsleyfamily,celerygrowsbestincoolsummerregions,althoughgardenersintheSouthandSouthwestcansuccessfullyproduceacropifplantsarestartedearlyenough.Celeryseedlingsareweakandslow-growing;therefore,theymustbestartedindoorsaboutthreemonthsbeforethelastfrostdate.Moveintothegardenwhenthefrostdangerispastandtheweatherismild.Sowthetinyseedsonthesurfaceofsmallpotsofgrowingmediumandkeepwellwatered.Itmaytakethreeweeksfortheseedlingstoappearwhentheroomtemperatureisaround65to70°F.Whentheseedlingshavefeatherytrueleaves,snipoffallbutthestrongestplantineachpot.Feedwithasolublefertilizersolutionatthispoint.Whentheplantsaresixinchestall,theyarereadyfortheirpermanentspotinthegarden.Iftheweathergetshotquicklywhereyoulive,trytoplacecelerywhereitwillreceivesomeshadeduringthehottestpartoftheday.Spaceplantseightinchesaparteachway.
Celeryisabogplantandmusthaveabundantmoisturethroughoutthegrowingseason.Agrowingmediumrichinorganicmatterwillgivethebest
results,anditneednotbeexceptionallyfertile.Asmallamountofbalancedorganicfertilizersprinkledaroundtheplantsattransplanttimeisallthefoodtheywillneed.Celery’smainpestisslugs.SeethesectiononcontrollingtheminChapter6.
Harvestindividualcelerystalksfromtheoutsideofthebunchasyouneedthemforthekitchen.Astheweatherwarmsup,harvesttheentireplant,cuttingitoffatgroundlevelwithasharpblade.Celerywillkeepwellinaplasticbagintherefrigerator.
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CelerySoupwithSweetPotatoesandBlueCheese
Thepersonwhotestedthisrecipeadmittedshewasatfirstskeptical,butbecameconvincedthatthissoupisdeliciousaftermakingit.Substitutepeeled,choppedceleryrootfortheceleryforaslightlydifferentflavorprofile.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1tablespoonbutter⅓cupthinlyslicedonion1cupchoppedcelery2cupschickenstock¼cupheavycream½teaspoonsalt⅛teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper1cupcubedsweetpotato(preferablythewhite-fleshedvariety)2teaspoonsbutter¼cupcrumbledbluecheeseChervilleavesforgarnish
Meltthebutterinasouppotovermediumheat.Addtheonion,cover,reducetheheat,andsweatuntiltheonionissoft,about3minutes.Addtheceleryandcontinuetocook,covered,untilitissoftened,another5minutes.Addthestock,bringtoasimmer,cover,andcookuntilthevegetablesareverytender,15to20minutes.
Whilethesoupsimmers,bringasmallpanofwatertoarollingboil.Dropinthesweetpotatocubesandboil3minutes.Draininacolanderandrinsequicklyundercoldwater.Drainthoroughlyandreserve.
Removethesoupfromtheheatandallowtocoolatleast15minutes.
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Transfertoablenderandpurée.Ifyoupuréethesoupwithanimmersionblender,nocoolingperiodisnecessary.Strainthesoupbackintothesaucepanandplaceoverlowheat.Stirinthecream,salt,andpepper,andheatthrough.Donotallowthesouptoboil.Tasteandadjusttheseasoningifneeded.Keepwarmwhileyoufinishcookingthepotatoes.
Meltthe2teaspoonsofbutterinasmallskillet.Patthepotatoesdrywithkitchentowels.Whenthefoamsubsidesintheskillet,addthepotatoes.Cook,turningoccasionally,untilthepotatoesarenicelybrowned,about6minutes.
Ladlethesoupintowarmedbowls.Withaslottedspoon,removethepotatoesfromtheirskilletanddistributethemevenlyamongthebowls.Similarlydistributethebluecheese,garnishwithchervilleaves,andservethesoupatonce.
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TraderVic’sChickenSaladTraderVic’shasbeenaroundforeightyyears.Thisrecipecameto
mefromafriendwhoreceiveditfromawomanwhoclaimedsherefusedtoleavetherestaurantuntilthechefyieldedtherecipe.Itisdoubtful,therefore,thatthisistheauthenticdish,butwhoknows?VisitaTraderVic’slocationanddecideforyourself.Likeallgoodchickensalads,thisonegetsplentyofcrunchfromcelery.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1skinless,bonelesschickenbreastfillet,poachedandcubed,about¾cup½cupchoppedscallions,whiteandgreenparts½cupdicedwaterchestnuts½cupmandarinorangesegments½cupdicedcelery½cupmayonnaise¼cupsourcream1½teaspoonssoysauceFreshlygroundblackpepperPackagedchowmeinnoodlesFreshcilantro,chopped
Combinethechicken,scallions,waterchestnuts,mandarinoranges,andceleryinalargebowl.Inaseparatesmallbowl,combinethemayonnaise,sourcream,soysauce,andafewgrindsofpepper.Stirtocombine,thenpouroverthechickenmixture.Tossgentlytocombine.Refrigerateuntilreadytoserve.
Scattersomechowmeinnoodlesonabakingsheetandplacetheminapreheated350°Fovenforafewminutestocrisp.Watchcarefullyanddonotletthembecometoobrown.
3. Servethesaladinindividualbowls,toppedwithsometoastednoodlesandgarnishedwithchoppedcilantro.
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PotatoStackswithCelerySauceAsafirstcourseorsmallplate,thisdishwouldbeappropriatefor
dinnerguests.Itcomestogetherquicklyandcanstarasaweeknightentrée,too.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1largebakingpotato1tablespoonsaffloweroil6stalkscelery,chopped1cupchoppedonion1cupvegetablestock1bayleaf6parsleystems,chopped6wholeblackpeppercorns¼teaspoonsalt1tablespoonsaffloweroil2cupsslicedmushrooms,anyvariety½cupchoppedonion1clovegarlic,minced1tablespoonoliveoilMincedfreshparsleyforgarnish
Bringalargesaucepanofwatertoboil.Peelthepotatoandcutitcrosswiseintoslicesabout¼inchthick.Droptheslicesintotheboilingwater,adjusttheheat,andsimmerfor12minutes.Drainthepotatoesinacolander,rinsethemundercoldwatertostopthecooking,drainagain,andallowtocool.Reserve.
Heatonetablespoonofsaffloweroilinasaucepanovermediumheat.Addtheceleryandonion,stirwell,cover,andcookoverlowheatuntiltheonions
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aresoft,about5minutes.Addthestock,bayleaf,parsleystems,peppercorns,andsalt.Bringtoasimmerandcookgently,covered,untilthevegetablesareverytender,about20minutes.Removethebayleaf.Coolthesaucefor15minutesthentransferittoablenderjarandpurée.Ifyouuseanimmersionblender,thereisnoneedtocoolthesauce.Strainthesaucethroughafinesieve,discardinganyfibrousmatter.Coverthesauceandkeepitwarm.
Preheattheovento375°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchment.
Inasmallskillet,heatanothertablespoonofsaffloweroilovermediumheat.Addthemushroomsandonionandsautéuntiltheonionsaretenderandanyjuicesreleasedbythemushroomshavealmostevaporated.Addthegarlicandcontinuetocook1minutelonger.Removethemushroomsfromtheheatandkeepwarm.
Spreadthepotatoslicesinanevenlayeronthepreparedbakingsheet.Brushwithsomeoftheoliveoil.Placethesheetintheovenandbakefor6minutes.Turnthesliceswithaspatula,brushwithmoreoliveoil,andreturnthesheettotheoven.Bakeforanadditional6minutes,oruntilgoldenbrownontop.
Toserve,placeapotatosliceinthecenterofawarmedservingplate.Topwithsomeofthemushroomsandthenanotherpotatoslice.Repeatwithadditionalmushroomsandathirdpotatoslice.Ladlethecelerysauceoverthepotatostacksandgarnishwithmincedparsley.
DILL
Dillisnotonlyusefulinthekitchen;itsflowersaredecorativeinthegardenandattractpollinators.Plantingdillnearothervegetablesisthoughtbymanytohelpdeterinsectpests.Growingdillcouldnotbesimpler.Justscattertheseedswhereyouwantplantstogrow.Dothisaroundthefrostdateinyourarea,andtheplantswillappearwhenthetimeisright.Theyoungseedlingshavefine,featheryfoliage,andtheygrowquicklyonceestablished.Ifyouwantseeds,lettheplantsgetlargeenoughtobloom.Youcanalsoharvestsmallamountsoffoliagewithoutharmingthem.Ifyouprimarilywantthefoliage,youcanbeginharvestingassoonastheplantsareaboutafoottall.Again,donottaketoomuch—nomorethan20percentofthefoliagefromanyoneplant.Dillwillgrowinacontainerinasunnywindow,butyouareunlikelytogetbloomsthatway.Youcan,however,getajumpontheseasonbyplantingdillindoors.Lightlyharvesttheleavesuntilalldangeroffrostispast,atwhichtimeyoucantransplanttheherbtoagardenbed.
Theseedsofdillwillchangecolorfromgreentotanastheymature.Harvesttheentireflowerheadwhenmostoftheseedshavechanged.Droptheheadsupside-downintoapaperbag.Hangthebagtodrywhereit’swarmandairy,andtheseedsshouldfalloffthestems.Ifnot,encouragethembycrushingthestems
theseedsshouldfalloffthestems.Ifnot,encouragethembycrushingthestemsgently.Bothdriedstemsandseedscarrygooddillflavor.
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DilledGreenTomatoesorGreenBeansThisrecipeisagreatwaytouseuptheend-of-the-seasontomatoes
orbeans.Selectonlyperfectvegetablesforthebestqualitypickles.Freshlypickedhomegrowndillproducesaflavorthatisimpossibletoduplicatewithdrieddill.Thesepicklesbrightenupwinterdinnerswiththeirsummerytang.
YIELD:2TO3PINTS
Small,greenhardtomatoesnolargerthantwoinchesindiameterormature,well-filledgreenbeansAbatchofUniversalPicklingSolution(page233)Fresh,wholegarliccloves,peeledDillseedsordillflowerheads,freshordriedBayleavesWholesmallhotredpeppers,freshordried
Tomatoescanbeusedwholeiftheyareassmallasagolfball.Iflarger,halveorquarterthem.Justmakesurethereisnotraceofripeningortheymaybecomemushy.Beansshouldbewashedandthenblanchedinboilingwaterfor3minutes.Drain,thenplungeintocoldwatertostopthecookingandsettheircolor.Drainthoroughlybeforecontinuing.
Bringthepicklingsolutiontoaboil,removefromheat,andkeephot.
Packthevegetablesintoclean,hotpintjars,addingalongwiththemonegarlicclove,onebayleaf,oneteaspoonofdillseeds(oroneheadofdill),andonewholepepperperjar.Coverwithpicklingliquid,leaving¼inchofheadspace.Applylidsandprocess15minutesinawaterbath,orstoreintherefrigeratorwithoutprocessing.Waitatleast2weeksfortheflavortofullydevelopbeforeconsuming.
SAGE
Sageaddsaspecial,savorynotetomanydishes,notablysausages,Thanksgivingdressing,andrecipesusingwintersquashorsweetpotatoes.Numerousvarietiesofsagecanbefoundingardencentersinspring.Someofthesearemoredecorativethanflavorful.Itiswisetotastealeaftomakesuretheflavorisnottooassertive.Bettercultivarsforthekitchenmaybelabeledasculinarysagetodistinguishthemfromothertypes.Adwarfculinaryformalsoexists,butitisnoteasytofind.
Differentvarietiesofsagemayexhibitdifferentlevelsofwinterhardiness.Sometimesplantsareevergreen,buttheymayalsobekilledtothegroundbyharshweather.Sagerespondswelltohardpruningandshouldbecutbackinlatewinterbeforenewgrowthemerges.Growsageinanywell-drainedlocation.ItmakesagoodcompanionforotherMediterraneanherbs,suchasrosemaryandthyme.Likethem,itneedsonlyaveragemoistureandlittlefertilizer.Itypicallysprinkleacoupletablespoonsofbalancedorganicfertilizeronmyherbbedinearlyspringeachyear,andthenpaynofurtherattentiontotheplants,otherthanpruningtokeepthemtidy.
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BrownButterandSageSauceThisextremelysimplebutdelicioussaucegoesgreatwithpasta,
sweetpotatoes,wintersquash,andcarrots.Multiplytheingredientsforthenumberofdinersyouareserving.
YIELD:1SERVING
1tablespoonbutter2sageleaves,shreddedthinlyPinchofsalt½teaspoonlemonjuice
Inasmallskillet,heatthebutterovermediumheatuntilthefoamsubsides.Watchingcarefully,cookthebutteruntilbrownedbitsappearandanuttyfragrancedevelops.Addthesageandsalt,stirwell,andremovefromtheheat.Addthelemonjuiceandserveimmediately.
TARRAGON
GenuineFrenchtarragondoesnotproduceseedsandmustthereforebegrownfromcuttings.Itisoneofthemostusefulandprolificherbsyoucangrow.Startwithaplantortwofromyourlocalgardencenter,settingthemintowell-drainedsoilofaveragefertility.YoucancreateagrowingbedjustfortheMediterraneanherbs,ifyouhaveroom,fortarragonthrivesunderconditionssimilartothoseneededbyrosemary,thyme,oregano,andsage.Wateringisrequiredonlyifthesoilbeginstodryoutcompletely.Addasmallamountoffertilizertothebedinearlyspring,butdonotoverdoit.Toomuchnitrogenwillleadtorampantgrowthandpoorflavorintarragonanditscompanionherbs.Althoughseveraloftheseherbsremaininleafallwinter,tarragonwilldietothegroundafterfrostarrives.
Afteracoupleofyears,yourtarragonclumpwillneeddividing.Replantaportionfromtheouteredgeoftheclumpandusetheremainderforanotherbedorasagifttoafriend.
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GoudaMac’n’CheesewithFreshTarragon
Theultimatecomfortfoodgetsalldressedupwithgoudaandfreshtarragon.Perfectasasideforanythingfrombarbecuetoveggieburgers,thismaciscompanygood.
YIELD:6TO8SERVINGS
Butterforthedishes1½cupswholewheatpasta2tablespoonsbutter2tablespoonsall-purposeflour2cupswholemilk2cupsshreddedraw-milkGouda-styledomesticcheese1teaspoonmincedfreshtarragonleaves¼cupfinedrybreadcrumbs2tablespoonsgrateddomesticParmesancheese1tablespoonbutter,melted
Preheattheovento350°F.Greasea2-quartcasseroledishandalarge,heatproofbowlusingdabsofvegetableoil.Setaside.
Bringalargepotofwatertoarollingboilandaddatablespoonofsaltandthepasta.Cook9minutes.Drainthepastaandtransfertotheoiledbowl.Reserve.
Inasaucepanovermediumheat,meltthebutter.Whiskintheflourandcook,whisking,toproducearoux,about3minutes.Addthemilkslowlyandcontinuetostiruntilyouhaveasmooth,bubblingBechamelsauce.Addthecheeseandcontinuetostiruntilitmelts.Stirinthetarragon.Pourthesauceintothebowlwiththepasta,mixwell,andtransfertothepreparedcasserole.
4. Inasmallbowl,combinethebreadcrumbsandParmesan.Stirinthemeltedbutter,thentransferthetoppingtothesurfaceofthecasserole.Bakeuntilbrownandbubbly,about30minutes.
NOTE:ForaSoutherntakeontheItalianclassicarancini,chillleftovermac’n’cheeseovernight.Cutintosmallsquares.Dipthesquaresinflour,theninbeatenegg,andfinallyindrybreadcrumbsorpanko.Coatthesquareswellonallsides.Placeonarackandchillforatleastonehourbeforecooking.Frythesquaresinhotfatuntilgolden,andservewithyourfavoritehotsauce.
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MarinatedCheesewithTarragonVinegar
Infusecheesewithherbalflavorsandcreateasensationatyournextdinnerparty.Thisdishcouldbepartofanantipastoplatter.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1cupcubesofanyfirm,whitecheese,suchasfeta,Montereyjack,orwhitecheddar¼teaspoondriedbasilleaves,or1teaspoonchoppedfreshbasil¼teaspoondriedoreganoleaves,or1teaspoonchoppedfreshoregano¼teaspoondriedthymeleaves,or1teaspoonfreshthymeleaves¼teaspoondriedhotpepperflakes,moreifdesiredFreshlygroundblackpepper½cupextravirginoliveoil3tablespoonstarragonvinegar(page242)
Inasuitablecontainerwithafittedcover,tossthecheesecubeswiththeherbs,pepperflakes,andafewgrindsofblackpepper.Inasmallbowl,combinetheoilandtarragonvinegar.Whisktoemulsifyandpouroverthecheese,turningtocoatthecheesewellwiththedressing.Coverthecontainer,placeintherefrigerator,andallowtomarinateovernightorupto3daysbeforeserving.
CHAPTER4
TheEdibleLandscape
Expandingyourfoodgardentoincludein-groundoutdoorgrowingspacesaffordsyouthegreatestopportunityforincreaseddiversityandproductivityforallcrops.Allofthevegetablesmentionedintheprevioussectionswillgrowwellinproperly-preparedgardenbeds.Theplantsmentionedinthissectioncanalso,insomecases,begrowninraisedbedsorcontainersbutwilldomuchbetterifgrownintheground.
Somepeopleturntheirentirepropertyintoafood-producingspace.Thatisagreatideaifyouhavethetimeandenergytodevotetotheproject.Youcanprobablyproduceallthefruits,herbs,andvegetablesyourequire,providedyoudry,can,and/orfreezeasubstantialamountofthebounty.
Manygardenersmaychoosetoincludeonlyoneortwooftheplantsdiscussedinthischapter.Itisworthwhiletoconsiderthatallthesefoodcropshavefeaturesthatcanbeintegratedintoexistinglandscapes.Forexample,a
havefeaturesthatcanbeintegratedintoexistinglandscapes.Forexample,adwarffruittreecanstandinforanyothersmall-staturetree,suchasaJapanesemapleordogwood.Apatchofasparagus,itsfeatheryfoliagewavingyellow-goldupontheautumnbreeze,cantaketheplaceofaclumpofornamentalgrasses.
NewIssuesardeninginthegroundraisesafewnewissuesnotpresentedbyeithercontainerorraised-bedcultivation.Inparticular,youwillneedtoexamine
theconditionoftheexistingsoil,decideonappropriateamendments,ifany,andmakepreparationsattherighttimeforplantinginyourlocation.Inotherwords,anin-groundgardenneedsmorecarefulplanningthanasmaller-scalegarden.
Itisneithernecessarynordesirabletouseonlyoneapproachtogrowingfood.Mostavidgardenershavesomeplantsgrowingincontainers,someinraisedbeds,andanin-groundpatchofstrawberriesorrhubarbsomewhereontheproperty.Aswithanylargehome-basedproject,thekeyistochooseacombinationoftechniquesthatmakessenseforthetypesoffoodcropsyouwanttogrow.Forexample,ifIwishedtogrowonlyfine-qualitytomatoes,Iwouldprobablyuseonlyraisedbedsoutdoors.IfIwantedonlyafewherbs,Iwouldusepotsonthedeck.However,ifIwantedcherries,Iwouldputthetreesintheground.
G
BLACKBERRIES
Likeallotherbramblefruits,blackberriesbloomandproducefruitonlyonone-year-oldgrowth.Blackberriesshouldbegrownwithatrellisarrangementthatallowsyoutoseparatethepreviousyear’scanesfromthecurrentyear’s.Tworowsofpostswithtwoparallelwiresrunningalongeachsideisthesimplestapproach.Youtiethefirstyear’scanestooneside’swiresandthefollowingyear’scanestotheoppositeside,alternatingwitheachsubsequentyear.
Preparetheblackberrybedinfallorlatewinterpriortosettingoutplantsinspring.Ifthesoilistoosandyorcontainsheavyclay,addorganicmattertoimprovethewaterretentionproperties.Spreadabalancedorganicfertilizerattheraterecommendedbythemanufactureronthebedaboutamonthbeforeyousetoutplants.Plantsinnurserycontainersshouldbesetatthesamelevelastheplantwasgrowinginthecontainer.Barerootplantsshouldbesetsothecrown,whererootsandstemsconverge,isjustbelowthesoilsurface.Digaholelargeenoughtoaccommodatetherootball,afterlooseningtherootsandspreadingthemout.Settheplantinthehole,firmthesoilwell,andwaterthoroughly.Keepthebedirrigatedifrainfallislessthanoneinchperweekduringthegrowingseason.
Thesecondyearafterplanting,bloomswillappearinspringontheold
Thesecondyearafterplanting,bloomswillappearinspringontheoldcanes.Shortlythereafter,newcaneswillappear.Separatethenewcanesandtiethemtoonesideofyourtrellis.Infall,afteratleasttwofrostshaveoccurred,cutallofthetwo-yearcanesdowntotheground.Theywillneverbloomagain.Youwanttoencouragetheplanttoproducemorecanesnextspring.Afterpruning,applytwoinchesofloose,organicmulchoverthebed.Eachspringwhennewgrowthisemerging,feedthebedwithbalancedorganicfertilizer.
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BlackberryCobblerCobblersareeasytomake.Othersummerfruitscanbesubstituted
fortheblackberries.
YIELD:19-INCHBAKINGPAN
1½cupsall-purposeflour1½teaspoonsbakingpowder¾cuplard3tablespoonsicewater,approximately6cupsblackberries1½cupssugar4tablespoonsbutter
Buttera9x9-inchbakingpan.
Combinetheflour,bakingpowder,andsaltinamixingbowl.Cutinthelardwithapastryblenderortwoknivesuntilthemixtureresemblescoarsecrumbs.Usingadinnerfork,tossthemixturewiththeicewater,addingitalittleatatimeuntilthedoughcomestogetherinaball.
Rollthedoughinplasticwrapandchillatleastonehour.
Dividedoughintwopieces,withabouttwo-thirdsforthebottomofthepan.Rollthispieceoutbetweentwopiecesofplasticwrap.Peeloffthetopplasticandusetheotherasanaidinhandlingthedough.Linethebakingpan,includingthesides.Keeptheremainingdoughpiecewrappedinplasticintherefrigeratoruntilyouneedit.
Washandpickovertheblackberriescarefully,thendrainthemthoroughlyonkitchentowels.Blotanyexcessmoisture.Transfertheberriestoabowlandtosswiththesugaruntilafewberriesarebruisedandsomejuiceappears.Spoonthemixtureintotheunbakedcrustandthendotthetopwiththebutter.
5. Rollouttheremainingcrust,covertheberries,andcutslitstoallowsteamtoescape.Bakeat325°Ffor1houroruntilgoldenbrown.
LEMONVERBENA
ThissubtropicalshrubisnotreliablywinterhardynorthofZone8.Itisabitunwieldyforcontainercultivation,unlessyouhaveagreenhousetowinterit.Ithereforerecommendplantingitoutdoorsandgrowingitasanannualinareaswhereitwillnotsurvivewintercold.Inasingleseason,asmallplantfromthegardencenterwillgrowtoafour-foot-diametershrub,withmoreleavesthanyoucanprobablyuse.
Lemonverbenahasauniquelemonflavorwithfloralundertonesthatgobeautifullywithfruitsandcheeses.Itretainsflavorwellwhendriedandcanbeusedforarefreshingtea.Notfussyaboutsoiltype,itdoesnotdowellwithconstantlymoistsoil.Irrigateonlyifrainfallisinsufficient.Plantsgrowrapidlyandproducealotofleaves,andthusbenefitfrombiweeklyapplicationsofsolublefertilizersolution.Harvesttheleavesasyouneedthem.Neartheendoftheseason,cuttheentireplantandusetheleavestomakejelly,ordrythemforfutureuse.Inlong-summerareas,theplantsmayproducewhiteorpalelavenderflowersthatareflavorfulandcanbeusedasagarnish.
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FreshFruitwithLemonVerbenaSyrupSugarsyrupprovidesanexcellentmediumforextractingflavorfrom
herbs,zest,orspices.Lemonverbenagivessyrupaflavorthatgoesespeciallywellwithfreshfruit.
YIELD:APPROXIMATELY1CUPSYRUP
1cupsugar1cupwater1cuplooselypackedlemonverbenaleavesFreshfruit
Placethesugarandwaterinasaucepan.Setthepanovermediumheat,cook,andstiruntilthesugardissolves.Bringtheliquidtoasimmerandcook1minute.
Removethepanfromtheheat,addthelemonverbena,andcoverthepan.Allowtocooltoroomtemperatureandthenrefrigerateovernight.
Thefollowingday,strainthesyrup,discardingthelemonverbena.Thesyrupwillkeepintherefrigeratorforaweek.Serveitdrizzledoveranyfreshseasonalfruit.
NOTE:Youcanusethissamerecipetomakeherbsyrupsfrommint,lemongrass,orbasil,amongothers.Simplysubstituteonecupoflooselypackedherbforthelemonverbena.
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SteamedLemonVerbenaFishThisrecipecaneasilybemultipliedtoserveadditionaldiners.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
26-ouncefiletsoffirm-fleshedwhitefish,suchasflounder,grouper,seabass,orhalibut8lemonverbenaleaves4slicesfreshginger,eachaboutthesizeofaquarter6wholecorianderseeds½teaspoonsesameoil¼teaspoonkoshersaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Preheattheovento375°F.
Layouttwosheetsofheavy-dutyaluminumfoilonaworksurface.Placeafishfiletinthecenterofeachpieceoffoil.Topthefishwiththelemonverbenaleaves,ginger,coriander,andsesameoil,dividingtheingredientsequally.Sprinkleeverythingwiththesaltandafewgrindsofpepper.Bringthesidesofthefoiluptothecenterandfoldtheedgestogether.Foldtheendsovertosealthepackets.
Placethepacketsonabakingsheet,setintheoven,andcookfor15to20minutes.Openthepackets,liftthefishoutwithaspatula,andtransferittoservingplates.Drizzlethejuicesfromeachpacketoverthefish,discardingthesolids.
OREGANO
Althoughoreganowillgrowinapot,itstendencytospreadmakesitbettersuitedtoanin-groundherbgarden.Itisnotfussyaboutsoiltype,althoughitprefersawell-drained,slightlysandysoilwithonlyalittleorganicmatter.Wetrootswillrot,sotheplantshouldbeirrigatedonlyifthesoilisdrytothetouchwhenyouinsertyourforefingertothefirstjoint.Locatetheplantswheretheywillreceivefullsun.OreganoisagoodcompanionfortheotherMediterraneanherbs:rosemary,thyme,sage,andtarragon.
Oreganocomesinanumberofcultivarsandselections,withsomeofthembeingmoredecorativethanflavorful.ManycookspreferGreekoreganoforitsdistinctivearomaandtall,straightstemsfromwhichtheleavesareeasytostrip.Forbestresults,startyourpatchwithplantsofanamedcultivar.Althoughtheycostless,seedlingsvaryconsiderablyinflavor.Itisagoodideatotasteabitofleaftomakesureyougetwhatyouwerehopingfor.Anestablishedoreganopatchisrelativelycarefree.Ifyouliveinawarmlocation,plantswilllikelybloomattheendoftheseason.Atthistime,theflavorbecomesharsh.Itisbesttoletthembloomandthensheartheplantsoffatgroundlevel.Theywillremainrelativelyshortthroughthecoldmonthsandthenreturnreinvigoratedthefollowingspring.
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ChickenMinestroneSummervegetablesandoreganoteamupinthisflavor-packedsoup.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2boneless,skinlesschickenbreasts3cupschickenstock½cupdicedcarrots½cupdicedzucchiniorothersummersquash½cupdicedgreenbeans½cupdicedscallions½cuppeeled,seeded,anddicedtomatoes1bayleaf1tablespoonchoppedfreshoregano2tablespoonsfineeggnoodlesorsmallpasta1tablespoonchoppedfreshparsley
Placethechickenbreastsandthestockinamediumsaucepan.Setthepanovermediumheat,bringtoasimmer,andcook,regulatingtheheatasnecessary,untilthechickenisfullycooked,about25minutes.
Usingtongs,removethechickentoaplate.Addallthevegetables,bayleaf,andoreganotothestockinthesaucepan.Bringtoaboil,adjusttheheat,andsimmer20minutes.
Meanwhile,chopthechickenintobite-sizepieces.Addthechickenandeggnoodlestothestock.Cookuntilthenoodlesaredone,about6minutes,dependinguponthetypeofnoodleorpastaused.
Ladlethesoupintobowlsandgarnishwithchoppedparsley.
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4.
GreekSaladPizzaAmongthebetterideasfromtheTomatoHeadRestaurantin
Knoxville,Tennessee,isapizzatoppedwithingredientsyoumightfindonaGreek-stylesalad.Hereismyversionofthispizza.Fortwoservings,youneedaballofdoughaboutthesizeofanapple.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
Pizzadough(page246)Oliveoil1cupbabyspinachleaves½cuparugulaleaves1firm,ripetomato,coredandthinlysliced1smallredonion,trimmed,thinlysliced,andseparatedintorings6pittedKalamataolives,chopped2teaspoonsredwinevinegar1tablespoonchoppedfreshoreganoleaves½cupcrumbledfetacheese
Preheattheovento500°F.Positionarackinthetophalfoftheoven.
Onafoil-linedbakingsheet,patoutthedoughtoformacircleabout12inchesindiameter.
Brushthedoughwitholiveoil.Sprinklethespinachandarugulaleavesevenlyoverthesurfaceofthedough.Toptheleaveswithslicesoftomatoandonionrings.(Dependinguponyourpreference,youmaynotwanttoaddallthesevegetables.)SprinkletheKalamataolivesevenlyoverthevegetables,followedbythevinegarandoregano.Finally,topthepiewiththefetacheese.Drizzleanotherteaspoonortwoofoliveoiloverthepizza.
Bakeuntilthetopisbrownandbubbly,about10to15minutes.
SAFFRON
Theworld’smostexpensivespice,saffronisactuallyfairlyeasytogrow.Youneedagood-sizedpatchtomaketheeffortworththetrouble,butifyoucanspareabouttwenty-fivesquarefeetinasunny,well-drainedspot,youcangrowyourown.Saffronistheanthers,ormaleflowerparts,ofaspeciesofautumn-bloomingcrocus.Thebulbsarewidelyavailableandareplantedinsummer,whentheyaredormant.Setthemaboutsixinchesapartandthreeinchesdeep.Theycanbeoverplantedwithsummerbloomingannualflowers,aslongastheannualsdonotneedtoomuchwater.Keepingthebedtoowetinsummerwillrotthesaffronbulbs.
Whenthefoliagepokesthroughthesoilinlatesummer,removetheoverplantingtogivethesaffronalltheroom.Whenthebloomsappear,usetweezerstoplucktheanthers,threefromeachflower.Thesaffroncanbeusedimmediatelyordriedforfutureuse.Itwilldrysuccessfullysimplylyinginaplateonthecounter,coveredwithaclothtoprotectitfromdust.Likeitsspring-bloomingcousins,saffronwillbenefitfromanapplicationofbonemealeachyearaftertheplantsbloom.
PennsylvaniaDutchChickenTurnoverDeep-dishchickenpieisaPennsylvaniaDutchspecialty,andsaffron
oftenturnsupinrecipesforit.Hereisarecipethatisbettersuitedtoasmallerhouseholdandaweeknightmeal.Forevenquickerresults,usearefrigeratedpastrycrust.
YIELD:2-3SERVINGS
Crust1cupall-purposeflour½teaspoonsalt6tablespoonsbutter3tablespoonslard3tablespoonsicewater,oralittlemore
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Filling2boneless,skinlesschickenbreastfillets2cupschickenstock1bayleaf¼teaspoonsaffronthreads1tablespoonwarmwater2tablespoonsbutter¼cupchoppedonion½cupslicedcelery½cupslicedcarrots2tablespoonsflour1tablespoonchoppedfreshparsley½teaspoonsaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
Chillalltheingredientsforthecrust,alongwiththebowl,foratleastanhourbeforeyoubegin.
Makethecrustbycombiningtheflourandsaltinabowl.Withapastryblender,cutinthebutterandlarduntilthemixtureresemblescoarsecrumbs.Usingafork,tossthemixturewiththeicewateruntilthedoughformsaball.Wrapthedoughinplasticwrapandrefrigerateforatleast30minuteswhileyoumakethefilling.
Forthefilling,placethechickenbreasts,thestock,andthebayleafinasaucepan.Bringtoaboil,adjusttheheat,andsimmer,covered,for25minutes.Removethechicken,reservingthebroth,andallowittocool.Discardthebayleaf.Whenthechickeniscoolenoughtohandle,cutitintocubesandsetaside.
Crumblethesaffronintoasmallbowl.Addthewarmwaterandstirtoextracttheflavor.Setaside.
Meltthebutterinasaucepansetovermediumheat.Whenthefoamsubsides,
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addtheonionandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheyhavesoftened,about2minutes.Addtheceleryandcarrotsandcookuntiltheonionsaretranslucent,about3minutesmore.Stirintheflourandcook,stirring,untilthefatandflourarewellcombined.Slowlyaddonecupofthereservedchickenstockandcook,stirring,untilthemixturecomestoaboil.Itwillbethickerthangravy.Addthesaffronandwater,parsley,salt,pepper,andreservedchicken.Stirtocombine,thensetasidetocoolslightly.
Preheattheovento350°F.Removethepastrydoughfromtherefrigeratorandrollitoutintoacircleabout9inchesindiameter.Spoonthefillingontoonehalfofthepastrycircle,leavinga1-inchmarginaroundtheedge.Brushtheedgeofthecirclewithwater,foldoverthepastrytoenclosethefilling,andpinchtheedgestoseal.Withasharpknife,cutthreeslitsintothetopofthepastry.Carefullytransfertheturnovertoaparchment-linedbakingsheet.
Bakefor25to30minutes,oruntilgoldenbrown.Cutintoslicesandservehot.
NOTE:Useleftoverchickenbrothtomakegravyforthedish,ifyoulike.
ASPARAGUS
Amemberofthelilyfamily,asparagushasbeenconsumedbyhumansforcenturies.ItissaidthatwhenAugustusCaesarwantedquickaction,hedemandedresults“inaslittletimeasittakestocookasparagus.”Althoughyouhavetowaittwoyearstoharvestyourfirstspears,anasparaguspatchiswellworththewaitifyouenjoytheuniqueflavorofthisvegetable.Ahalfdozenplantsinatwenty-five-square-footbedwillproduceenoughfortwotoenjoyasanoccasionaltreat.Forabumpercrop,youwillneedatleast100squarefeet,oraboutthirtyplants.Purchaseasparaguscrownsfromagardencenter.Youcanstartplantsfromseeds,buttheseedlingsaredelicateandslowgrowing.Purchasingcrownsnotonlyensureshealthyplants,butyougainayear.Seedlingsrequirethreeyearstoharvest,crownsonlytwo.
Asparaguslikesrich,well-drainedsoilinfullsun.Preparethebedwellandtheasparaguswillrewardyoufordecadestocome.Digdownafootandspreadalayerofgoodcompostonthebottomofthehole.Addtwotablespoonsofbalancedorganicfertilizer,andmixitandthecompostintothesoil.Settheasparagusplantswiththeirrootsspreadoutinanaturalmannersothatthecrownisaboutthreeinchesbelowthesurface.Refillthehole,firmingthesoilwellandtakingcarenottodamagethecrowns.Waterthoroughlytosettlethesoilandtoeliminateanyairpockets.Whentheshootsbegintoproducefeatheryfoliage,
eliminateanyairpockets.Whentheshootsbegintoproducefeatheryfoliage,feedthemagainbysprinklinganothertablespoonoforganicfertilizeraroundthebaseoftheplants.Donotharvestduringthefirstseason.Thefollowingspringyoucanbegintoharvest,cuttingspearsbelowthesoilline.Takecaretoavoidcuttingintothecrown.
Asparagus“Rockefeller”TherecipeforOystersRockefeller,createdatAntoine’sinNew
Orleans,remainsasecret.Numerousversionshavebeenpublished,thoughnonecanclaimauthenticity.Ihaveadaptedtheideaofsumptuoustoppingsfromthatfamouscreationforadishofasparagussetonasavoryricecake.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
Prepareadayortwoinadvance:1poundasparagus1onion,chopped1stalkcelery,chopped1bayleaf1boxherb-seasonedwildricemix
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Ricecakes1cupcookedwildricemix¼cupchoppedwalnuts,toasted(page244)¼cuppepitas,toasted1tablespoonall-purposeflour¼teaspoongranulatedgarlic1scallion,whiteandgreenparts,finelychoppedPinchofdriedthymeSaltFreshlygroundblackpepper1egg2tablespoonsmilkOilforfrying
“Rockefeller”Sauce½cupfrozenpeas,thawed1teaspoonunsaltedbutter1cupheavycream¼teaspoondriedtarragonleaves,crumbled(or¾teaspoonfresh)Freshlygroundwhitepepper2teaspoonsunsaltedbutterShreddedParmesancheesePoachedeggs,1or2perserving2tablespoonsfinelychoppedfreshparsley
Rinsetheasparagusandsnapoffthebottomends.Setthestalksuprightinajar,withtherootendsinaboutaninchofwater,untilyouarereadytocookthem.Apinchofsugaraddedtothewaterwillimprovetheflavor.
Placetheasparagusbottomends,onion,celery,andbayleafinasaucepanandcoverwithwater.Bringtoasimmer,adjusttheheat,andcook30
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minutes.Strainthestock,discardingthesolidsafterpressingdownonthemtoextractalltheflavor.
Returnthestocktotheheatandbringittoaboil,dropintheasparagusstalks,andcookgentlyfor3minutes.
Removethepotfromtheheatandaddacupofcoldwatertostopthecooking.Setthepotinanicewaterbathtocoolitquicklytoroomtemperature.Coverandrefrigeratetheasparagusinthestockuntilyouarereadytouseit.
Cookthewildricemixaccordingtothelabeldirections.Coolitinthepan,fluffwithafork,andstorecoveredandrefrigerateduntilyoumakethericecakes.
Finalpreparationandassembly:
RiceCakes:
Combinetherice,nuts,flour,garlic,scallion,andthymeinabowl.Seasontotastewithsaltandpepper.
Inasmallbowl,beattheeggwiththemilkuntilwellcombined.Pouroverthedryingredientsandmixwellwithawoodenspoon.Coverthebowlwithplasticwrapandplaceitintherefrigeratortochill,atleast1hour.
Preheattheovento200°F.Placealarge,heavyskilletovermediumheatandcoatthebottomwellwithoil.Formthericemixtureintopattiesandfryafewatatime,turningonce,untiltheyarenicelybrownedonbothsides.Transferthepattiesastheyarecookedtoabakingsheetlinedwithpapertowelsandplaceintheoventokeepwarm.
“Rockefeller”Sauce:
Inasmallsaucepan,meltthebutter.Addthepeas,stiruntiljustheatedthrough,andthenaddthecream,tarragon,andwhitepepper.Cookgentlyuntilslightlythickened.Tasteandaddsaltifneeded.Keepthecreamedpeaswarmuntilyouarereadytoserve.
Inasmallskillet,melt2teaspoonsofbutteroverlowheat.Addsomeofthe
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previouslycookedasparagusandtosstoreheat.
Placeoneortworicecakesonaheatedservingplate.Topeachcakewithsomeoftheasparagus,followedbysomeofthecreamedpeas.Sprinklewithparmesancheeseandtopwithpoachedeggs.Garnishwithchoppedparsleyandserveimmediately.
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AsparagusWrappedwithTennesseeProsciutto
ThinlyslicedcountryhamhasbeendubbedTennesseeprosciuttobyafficionados.Whenyoutryit,youwillunderstandwhy.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
8freshasparagusspears1centersliceTennesseecountryham,preferablyBenton’sFreshlygroundblackpepper2tablespoonsCoca-Cola(regular,notdiet)
Greaseabakingdish.Preheattheovento375°F.
Holdinganasparagusspearinonehand,bendbackthestalknearthebottomuntilitsnapsoff.Savethebottomendsforthestockpot.Cutthehamintostripsabout½inchwideand6incheslong.Wrapeachspearwithastriportwoofham,beginningbelowthetipandwrappingthespearinaspiral.Aseachspeariswrapped,placeitwiththeendsofthehamontheundersideinthepreparedbakingdish.Sprinkletheasparaguswithafewgrindsofblackpepper.
Placethedishintheovenandcookuntilthehambeginstobrown,about10minutes.Removethepanfromtheoven.
Takingcaretoavoidthesteam,pourtheCoca-Colaovertheasparagusandreturntotheovenforanother2or3minutes,oruntiltheliquidhasalmostevaporated.Serveimmediatelyasafirstcourse.
BLUEBERRIES
BlueberriesarenativetoNorthAmerica.Theirwildcousins,fromwhichdomesticatedblueberriesweredeveloped,areknownashuckleberries.Gardenerswhowishtogrowblueberriesshouldchooseplantsadaptedtotheirlocation.Highbushblueberriesarenativetomountainousareasanddobestwheresummersarecool.Theymakethelargestandmostproductivebushes.Lowbushandrabbiteyeblueberriesarebetteradaptedtowarm-summerareas.Recently,container-sizeblueberrieshavebeenintroducedtothehome-gardeningmarketandareprovingpopular.ThesediminutivehybridscanbegrownthroughoutmostoftheUnitedStates.
Allblueberriesrequirestronglyacidic,organicallyrichsoil.Becausefewotherfruitsorperennialcropsliketheseconditions,blueberriesshouldbegrownincontainersorinaseparatebeddesignedjustforthem.Thesoilforblueberriesshouldcontainaddedpeatmossandpinebarkfines/compost,andthebushesshouldbemulchedwithpineneedlesorpinebarkchips.Annualfertilizationshouldbedonewithaformulationintendedforacid-lovingplants.Selectatleasttwoblueberryplants,becausecrosspollination,whilenotalwaysrequired,willincreaseproduction.Setplantsatleasttwofeetapart,fourfeetapartforthelargercultivars.Blueberriescanbeincorporatedintoplantingsofornamentalsthatlikethesameconditions.Blueberrybusheswillproduceafewberriesthe
thatlikethesameconditions.Blueberrybusheswillproduceafewberriesthefirstseason,buttheirproductivitywillincreasetoapeakintheirthirdorfourthyear.
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MeyerLemonCurdandBlueberryTartLemoncurdandblueberriesseemmadeforeachother,asthis
luscioussummerdessertamplydemonstrates.Meyerlemonsareactuallyatypeoftangerine,andthejuiceisnotastartasaregularlemon’s.Ifyouuseregularlemons,increasethesugarto1cup.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
19-inchroundpiecrust2eggs,beaten¾cupsugar½cupfreshlysqueezedMeyerlemonjuice2teaspoonsfinelymincedMeyerlemonzest3tablespoonsbutter,cutinsmallbitsandthoroughlychilled1pintblueberries1cupsugar½teaspoongroundcinnamon¼teaspoongroundcloves
Linea9-inchtartpanwithremovablebottomwiththepiecrust.Prickthecrustinseveralplaceswithafork.Placeacircleofparchmentonthecrustandtopthiswithbakingstonesorbeans.Bakethecrustinapreheated450°Fovenuntillightlybrowned,about9minutes.Removeandletcoolonarack.Removetheparchmentpaperandweight.
Placetheeggs,sugar,juice,andzestinaheavy-bottomedsaucepanandcookovermedium-lowheat,stirringconstantlywithawirewhisk,untilthecurdisthickened,about8to10minutes.
Removethepanfromtheheatandwhiskinthechilledbutter,abitatatime,waitinguntileachpieceisfullyincorporatedbeforeaddinganother.Coolthelemoncurdtoroomtemperaturethencoverandrefrigerate.Itwillkeepatleastaweekintherefrigerator.
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Placetheblueberries,sugar,cinnamon,andclovesinamediumsaucepanandsetthepanovermediumheat.Cook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheblueberriesreleasesomejuiceandthesugarisincorporated.Bringthemixturetoaboilwhilestirring,andthenremovethepanfromtheheat.Cooltoroomtemperature.
Spreadalayerofthelemoncurdonthebottomofthepreparedcrust,topwithalayeroftheblueberrymixture.Chilluntilreadytoserve.Saveanyleftoverfillingsforanotheruse.
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SeafoodBisquewithBlueberriesWedon’toftenthinkofblueberrieswithseafood,butthesweet-tart
flavorofblueberriescomplementsperfectlythesweetnessofthescallopsandcrabmeat.ThisrecipewasinspiredbyafirstcourseweenjoyedattheVictoriaInninAnniston,Alabama.Foralessformalpresentation,skipthepastrycupsandservethebisquewithoystercrackers.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
1stickbutter¼cupshallots¼cupall-purposeflour16ouncesbottledclamjuiceSprigoffreshtarragon¼poundbayscallops16-ouncecanpasteurizedlumpcrabmeat1cuphalf-and-half3tablespoonsMadeira¼teaspoonssaltFreshlygroundwhitepepperFrozenpuffpastrycups½cupfreshblueberries,washedanddriedFinelychoppedscallions
Inalargesaucepansetovermediumheat,meltthebutter.Whenthefoamsubsides,addtheshallotsandcook,stirring,untiltheyaretranslucent,about3minutes.Addtheflourandstirwelltocombine.Cook,stirring,foraminute,inordertoeliminatetherawflourtaste.Removethepanfromtheheatandsetaside.
Inasecondsaucepan,combinethebayscallopswiththetarragonandthe
3.
4.
5.
clamjuice.Bringtoaboil,cook1minute,andaddthecrabmeat.Continuetocookanotherminute.Coverthepan,removefromtheheat,andallowtheseafoodtopoachfor10minutes.Removethetarragonsprig.
Returnthefirstsaucepantomedium-lowheat.Slowlyaddtheseafoodmixture,stirringwelltoincorporatetherouxintotheliquid.Heatthesoupjusttotheboilingpoint.Cookgently,stirringconstantly,untilitisthickened.Addthehalf-and-half,Madeira,salt,andpepper.Keepthesouphot,butdonotallowittoboilafteraddingthehalf-and-half.Tasteitandadjusttheseasoningasneeded.
Whilethesoupcooks,bakethepastrycupsaccordingtothepackagedirections.
Setapastrycupinthecenterofawarmedsoupplate.Ladletheseafoodbisqueintothecup,allowingsomeofittospilloverintotheplate.Scattersomeblueberriesontopofthebisqueandgarnishwiththechoppedscallions.Servepipinghot.
TREEFRUITS
Treefruitsincludeapples,cherries,peaches,plums,pears,andcitrus.Whileafewofthesecategoriesincludevarietiessmallenoughtoadapttocontainercultivation,themajorityofcultivarswillberepresentedamongdwarftreessuitedtoasmallpropertyorsideyard.Citrus,byandlarge,arenotcoldhardy,whileapplesandpearsneedaperiodofcoldinordertobloomandsetfruit.Gardenersarelimitedbytheirclimateastowhichofthesetreefruitstheycansuccessfullygrow.Thatsaid,withinanycategoryyoucanfindaremarkableabundanceofcultivars.Mostofthemwillrequireapollinator,thatis,asecondtreeofasimilarbutoftennottheexactsamevariety.Eventhosevarietiesthataresaidtobeself-fertilewillproduceabiggerharvestifcrosspollinated.Therefore,besureyouhaveroomforatleasttwotreesbeforeembarkingonyourbackyardorchardproject.Citrus,althoughlimitedtomildwinterareas,donottypicallyrequireapollinatorinordertosetfruit.
Allfruittreesrequirefeeding,pruning,andoftenspraying.Thelaborrequiredtobringinagoodcropissignificant,buttherewardsoffreshlypickedapplesorplumsmakethetroubleworthitfordedicatedgardeners.Itisimpossibletogiveuniversalrecommendationsinsuchabriefdiscussion.Researchonlinetodiscoverthefruittreevarietiesthatarebestsuitedtoyourlocation,andfocusyourattentiononthose.Poorlyadaptedcultivarswillbe
location,andfocusyourattentiononthose.Poorlyadaptedcultivarswillbedisappointing,nomatterhowmuchworkyouputintothem.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CampfireApplesIlearnedhowtomakethisoldstandbywhenIwasintheBoyScouts,
anditremainsoneofmyfavoritewaystoprepareapples.
YIELD:1SERVINGS
1largeapple¼teaspoongroundcinnamonPinchofgroundnutmeg¼cupdarkbrownsugar2tablespoonsraisins1teaspoonbutter
Preheattheovento350°F.
Cutoffthetopoftheappleinsuchawayastoleavethestemattached.Makethecutbelowthelevelofthestemdepression.Usingamelonballer,firstcoretheapple,discardingthecore,thenenlargethecavity,transferringtheapplefleshtoasmallbowl.
Sprinklethecavitywithcinnamon.Choptheapplefleshandmixitwithbrownsugarthenmixintheraisins.Packthismixtureintothecavityandtopwiththebutter.Replacethetopoftheapple.
Wraptheappleinheavy-dutyaluminumfoilandbakefor30minutes.Removeandallowtocool.Theapplewillcontinuetocookasitcools.Servewarm.
NOTE:Forsomereason,theappleisevenbetterifcookedintheashesattheedgeofacampfireunderneathacanopyofstars.
1.
2.
3.
4.
GrilledPeacheswithBlueCheeseWearenotaccustomedtothinkingofpeachesasafirstcourse,but
whynot?Thisrecipecanbeeasilymultipliedtoserveadditionaldiners.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1largefreestonepeachSaffloweroilFreshlygroundblackpepper2ouncesbluecheese,softenedBasilsyrup(page88)1teaspoonmincedfreshbasilleaves
Preparethegrill.
Splitthepeachinhalfandremovethepit.Brushtheinnersurfacesofthepeachwithsaffloweroil.
Placethepeachescutsidedownonthegrillandcook,shiftingpositiononce,for2minutes,oruntiltheyhavegrillmarks.Removefromthegrillwithtongsandtransfer,cutsideup,toservingplates.
Grindalittlepepperovereachpeach.Fillthecavitywithbluecheese,drizzlethesyrupover,garnishwiththebasilleaves,andserve.
CherryBarbecueSauceIwouldberunoutofMemphis,nottomentionKnoxville,ifIproposed
thisasbarbecuesaucetoanyofourdiehardbarbecueexperts.Nevertheless,itisprettydarngoodonslow-cookedporkorbeef.Thissaucecontainsalotofsugar.Ifappliedduringthecookingprocessitmayburn.
1.
2.
burn.
YIELD:ABOUT1PINT
2cupscherrypreserves(page239)1cuptomatosauce¼cuppreparedchilisauce2tablespoonshotsauce1teaspoonWorcestershiresauce1teaspooncoarse-grainedmustard1teaspoonsoysauce
Combineallingredientsinasaucepan.Bringtoasimmer,stirringconstantly.Cook1minute,stirringconstantly.
Removefromtheheatandallowtocool.Theflavorisbetterifitsitsovernight.
1.
2.
3.
PoachedPearswithMintMascarponePoachedpearsseemtohavejusttherightcombinationoffirmness
andsilkiness,allshroudedinfloralandspiceflavors.Themintandmascarponefillingcreatesacreamycounterpointtotheslightlyaldentepear.
YIELD:2SERVINGS
1cupwater1cupsugar¼cupRiesling1pieceofstickcinnamon,about1inchlong1allspiceberry1largepear,suchasBosc¼cupmascarpone,softened1tablespoonmintsyrup*(page88)
Placethewater,sugar,Riesling,andspicesinalargesaucepan.Bringtoasimmer,stirringconstantly,untilthesugardissolves.Raisetheheatandbringtoaboil.Withtongs,slipthepearintotheboilingsyrup,reducetheheat,andsimmer1minute.Withthetongs,turnthepearoverandsimmeranother30seconds.Coverthepan,removeitfromtheheat,andallowtocooltoroomtemperature.Keepcoveredandrefrigerateduntilreadytoserve.
Removethepearfromthesyrupandsliceitinhalflengthwise.Sliceathinsliceofftheskinsideofeachhalfsothefruitwillsitonaplatewithoutrollingover.Scoopoutthecorewithamelonballeranddiscardit.
Mixthemascarponewiththemintsyrup,andfillthecavitywiththemixture.Servethepearsdrizzledwithalittleofthecookingliquid.
NOTE:*Tomakemintsyrup,followthebasicrecipeonpage88,butsubstitutemintforthebasil.
RHUBARB
Rhubarbisaperennialvegetablegrownforitsthick,succulentstemswithalemon-likeacidityanduniqueflavor.Theleavesandrootstockcontainsomuchoxalicacidthattheyaretoxicandshouldneverbeconsumed.Butmanypeoplecannotresisttheflavorofthestems,especiallywhenpairedwithsweettastes,likestrawberries.
Gardenersinthewarmerpartsofthecountrywillnotbeabletogrowrhubarbsuccessfully,asitisaplantofcool,moistregions.EvenintherelativelycoolEastTennesseeValley,thisplantsuffersinsummertimeandmaydieback.Rhubarbcanbegrownsuccessfullyfromseedifthegardenerispatient,butmostpeoplewillpurchaserootdivisionsfromagardencenter.Settheseinorganicallyrich,moistureretentivebutnotsoggysoilinfallorwinter,whiletheplantsaredormant.Inwarmerlocations,chooseaspotthatreceivessomeprotectionfromafternoonsun.Afterthefoliageappears,keeptherhubarbpatchwellwatered;plantsshouldreceiveaninchofwaterperweek.Applyabalancedorganicfertilizerasnewshootsappearinspringandagainaftereachharvest.Itiswisetowaituntilthesecondyearaftertransplantingbeforeharvesting.Inanycase,takenomorethanone-thirdofthestalksonanygivenplant.Ifyouareabigfanandhaveroom,youmaywantthreeorfourclumps.Rhubarbisgenerallytroublefreeonceestablished.
freeonceestablished.
2.
3.
RhubarbandStrawberryPieRhubarbgeneratesalotofliquidwhenitiscooked.Hence,thispieis
madewithprecookedfillingandaprebakedshell.Tryingtocookthefillinginthepieshellmayresultinthefillingboilingoverandmakingamessintheoven.
YIELD:19-INCHPIE
19-inchpastrycrust3cupsdicedrhubarb1cupslicedstrawberries1½cupssugar2tablespoonscornstarch1tablespoonthreadsoforangerind,removedwithazesterPreheattheovento450°F.Lineapiepanwiththepastrycrust.Trimandflutetheedgesasyouprefer.Coverthebottomofthecrustwithacircleofparchmentpapercuttofit.Placealayerofbeans,riceorbakingstonesontheparchment.Placethepanintheovenandbakeuntilthecrustislightlybrowned,about10to12minutes.Removefromtheoven,cool,andremovetheweightsandparchmentbeforecontinuingwiththerecipe.
Whiletheshellisbaking,preparethefilling.Combinetheremainingingredientsinalargesaucepanandbringtoaboil,stirringconstantlyuntilthesugarisdissolved.Reducetheheatandcook,stirringoccasionally,for12minutes.Removethepanfromtheheatandallowtocool.
Spoonthefillingintothepreparedpieshell.Refrigerateuntilreadytoserve.
EDIBLENORTHAMERICANNATIVEPLANTS
NumerousplantsthatarenativetotheNorthAmericancontinentareedible.Indeed,theyprovidedhumansustenanceforcenturiespriortothearrivalofEuropeancolonists.Undisturbedstandsofnativeplantsarebecomingincreasinglyrareoutsideofparksandpreserves,andyetnativeplantsadapteasilytogardencultivation.Itisnosurprise,therefore,thatsomegardenersarelookingtoincludenativeplantsintheirfood-centriclandscapes.
Itisworthnotingthatmanynativespecies,thepawpawandpersimmon,forexample,havenotescapedtheattentionofhorticulturistsbentuponimprovingonnature.Cultivatedvarietiesoftheseandanumberofothernativeplantsoffersuperiorflavor,bettergrowthcharacteristics,andotheradvantagesovertheircompletelywildcounterparts.Forexample,allblueberryvarietiesarederivedfromtheseveralspeciesfoundineasternNorthAmerica.
Whatfollowsisabriefintroductiontotheworldofnativeplantsandtheiruses,togetherwithafewrecipes.ThefocusisuponthesoutheasternUnitedStates,butallregionsofthecountryhavenativefoodplants.Readersareencouragedtoresearchtheindigenousfoodsoftheirregionforabroaderrangeofpossibilities.
Nuts
Americanwalnuts,pecans,andhickorynutscanprovideabounteousharvesttoanyonewithenoughroomforapairofthetoweringtrees.Walnutscanbeproblematicbecausenotmanyotherplantswillsurviveunderneaththem.Forsmallerproperties,hazelnutsmakemoresense,asthetreesremainrelativelysmall.
Fruits
Blueberrieswerediscussedearlier,andpawpawandpersimmonhavealreadybeenmentioned.BotharetreesfoundintherichhardwoodforestsoftheeasternUnitedStates,andbothremainsmallenoughtobeaccommodatedonatypicalsuburbanlot.Chokecherries,botanicallyAronia,aresmall,shrubbyplantsthatproduceaberryhighinantioxidants.ElderberriesareavailableasseveralselectionsandhybridswithbothEuropeanandAmericanparents.Wildplums,suchastheChickasawplum,Prunusangustifolius,andnativegrapes,suchasmuscadines,canalsobeincorporatedintothelandscape.Alltheseplantsfavororganicallyrich,moistureretentivesoils,butmostaresomewhatadaptable.
MiscellaneousPlants
Thesassafrastreeisthesourceoffilépowder,usedintheDeepSouthforthickeninggumbo.Young,tenderleavesarecollectedinspringaftertheyarefullyunfurled,thendriedandgroundtoapowder.Thesmalltreeiseasytogrowandtroublefreebutnotalwayseasytofindinnurseries.
Sumacisawoodyplantwithbrightredseedclustersthatcanbeharvested,dried,andusedtoaddalemonytangtoavarietyofdishes.Theplantsaredecorativeandeasytogrowbutcanspreadaggressively.
FiléGumboNativeAmericanstaughtFrenchcolonistshowtousetheleavesof
sassafrastreestothickensoup.Gumbocanbethickenedinotherways,suchasbytheadditionofokra.However,sassafras,orfilepowder,alsolendsasubtleanduniqueflavortothegumbo.
YIELD:8SERVINGS
4ouncesandouillesausage,orothersmokedporksausage4chickenthighsGroundcayennepepperKoshersalt1tablespoonbacondrippingsorvegetableoil1quartchickenbroth3bayleaves3wholegarliccloves1cupchoppedonion¾cupchoppedcelery¾cupchoppedbellpepper,anycolor1teaspoonmincedgarlic2cupscannedtomatoes,withtheirjuices½teaspoonfreshthymeleaves1teaspoonfilépowder2tablespoonschoppedfreshparsleySteamedrice
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Slicetheandouilleinto¼-inchthickslices.
Sprinklethechickenwithcayennepepperandsaltandsetasideintherefrigerator.
Inaheavycast-ironskilletovermediumheat,cookthesausageinthefatuntilitislightlybrowned.Removeitwithaslottedspoontoabowlandreserve.
Inthefatremainingintheskillet,cookthechicken,turningitonceortwice,untilitislightlybrowned.Asthechickeniscooked,transferittoalargesouppot.Whenallthechickenisbrowned,removetheskilletfromtheheat,savingthedrippings.
Tothesouppotaddthebayleaves,wholegarliccloves,andbroth.Bringtoaboilandsimmerfor20minutesoruntilthechickenisdone.Skimanyscumthatrisestothesurface.Usingtongs,removethechickentoaplate.Removeanddiscardthebayleavesandgarliccloves.Keepthebrothsimmeringhot.
Pouroffallbuttwotablespoonsofthefataccumulatedintheskillet.Placetheskilletovermediumheat,thenaddtheonionsandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheonionsaresoftened,about3minutes.Addtheceleryandbellpeppersandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheonionsaretranslucent.Addthemincedgarlicandcook30seconds.Ladlesomeofthechickenbrothfromthesouppotintotheskilletanddeglaze,scrapingupanybrownedbitsfromthebottomoftheskillet.
Transferthecontentsoftheskillettothestockpot.Addthetomatoes,thyme,
andfilépowdertothestockpot,adjusttheheat,andsimmer20minutes.Meanwhile,removeanddiscardtheskinandbonesfromthechicken.Addthechickenmeattothesoup.Servethesoupoversteamedriceandgarnishwiththechoppedparsley.Itwillbetastierifpreparedthedaybeforeitisserved.
NOTE:Ifyoupreferathickerconsistency,addmorefilépowder.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
ASoupofNutsNativeAmericansknewhowtoextract“milk”fromnutsgatheredfrom
theforestfloor.Theyboiledtheminapotandskimmedtheoily“cream”fromthesurface.Thiscreamysoupwasinspiredbythatdish.Foradifferenttake,usesweetpotatoesinsteadofwhitepotatoes.
YIELD:4SERVINGS
2tablespoonsbutter½cupfinelymincedshallots1cupdicedpeeledwhitepotatoes3cupswhitevegetablestock(page230)1cuppecans,Englishwalnuts,orhazelnuts,or½cupnativeblackwalnuts,toasted(page244)
½teaspoonsalt⅛teaspoongroundwhitepepper2teaspoonswalnutoil(optional)
Inasaucepanovermediumheatmeltthebutter.
Addtheshallotsandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheyaresoftened,about3minutes.Addthepotatoesandcookuntiltheytakeonawaxyappearance,another1or2minutes.Addthestock,bringtoasimmer,andcook20minutes.
Addthenuts,salt,andpepperandcook2minutes.
Removethesoupfromtheheatandallowittocoolatleast15minutes.
Transferthesouptoablenderandpurée.Returnthesouptothesaucepantoheatthrough.Servethesoupinwarmedbowls,garnishedwith½teaspoonofthewalnutoil,ifyouwish.
NOTE:Ifusinganimmersionblender,itisnotnecessarytocoolthesoupbeforeyoupuréeit.
CHAPTER5
ThePantry
Inthischapteryouwillfindrecipesforingredientscalledforinrecipeselsewhereinthebook.
BrothsandStocksothingelseyoucandointhekitchenwillimprovetheflavorofyourcookinglikemakinghomemadebrothsandstocks.Althoughtimeis
neededtoextracttheflavors,theeffortrequiredtopreparetheingredientsisminimalandrequiresnospecialskills.Allthesepreparations,exceptwhereindicatedotherwise,canbefrozenforseveralmonths.
N
1.
2.
RichBeefBrothThisrecipewasinspiredbyonefromsuper-chefEmerilLagasse.
YIELD:ABOUT6CUPS
3poundsbeefmarrowbones,cutin3-inchpieces,about6pieces2quarts(ormore)coldwater1tablespoonkoshersalt1tablespooncanolaoil3tablespoonstomatopaste1cupcannedtomatoes,withtheirjuices1yellowonion,trimmed,butwithpeelintact,quartered1carrot,scrapedandbrokenin2-inchpieces1stalkcelery,cutin2-inchpieces3clovesgarlic,unpeeled2quartswater3bayleaves1teaspoondriedbasil1teaspoondriedthyme½teaspoondriedoregano½teaspoondriedtarragon¼cupchoppedfreshparsleystems¾teaspoonwholeblackpeppercorns
Placethemarrowbonesinalargebowlandcoverwithabout2quartsofcoldwater.Addatablespoonofkoshersalttothebowl.Soakthebonesfor1hourthendrainwell.
Preheattheovento425°F.Placethemarrowbonesinaroastingpanlargeenoughtoholdtheminonelayeranddrizzlewiththeoil.Roast15minutes.Turntheboneswithtongsandpainttheiruppersurfaceswiththetomato
3.
4.
paste,usingabastingbrush.Returnthepantotheovenandroastanadditional10minutes.Addthetomatoes,onions,carrot,celery,andgarlic,androastanother25minutes.
Removethepanfromtheovenandallowtocoolslightly.Withtongs,transferthesolidstoalargestockpot.Carefullypouroffanyexcessfat.Pourinacupofwater,placethebakingpanoverhighheat,anddeglaze,scrapingupanybrownedbitswithawoodenspoon.Pourthisliquidintothestockpotandaddtherestofthewater,herbs,andpeppercorns.Bringtoaboil,adjusttheheattoaslowsimmer,andcookfor3½hours.Removetheboneswithtongsandliftoutthevegetableswithaslottedspoon.Discardthebonesandvegetables.
Chillthestock,removethefatfromthesurface,andstrainthroughafinesievebeforeusing.Thestockmaybestoredintherefrigeratorforupto3days.Itmayalsobefrozenorcannedusingapressurecanner.Frozenstockshouldbeusedwithin6months.
1.
2.
3.
4.
ChickenBrothSupremeUsethisdeliciousbrothinanyrecipecallingforchickenbrothor
stock.Itisalsoexcellentforbraisingorsimmeringvegetables,whereitreallykicksuptheflavor.
YIELD:ABOUT2QUARTS
3to3½poundschickenbacks,legs,thighsorleg-thighquarters3quartswater1yellowonion,about3inchesindiameter,leftunpeeledbuttrimmed,washed,andquartered1½cupschoppedcelerywithleaves2carrots,chopped2clovesgarlic,peeled3bayleaves1teaspoonwholewhitepeppercorns¼teaspooneachdriedoreganoandtarragon
Coverthechickenwiththecoldwaterinalargepot.Bringtoaboil,thenregulatetheheatandsimmer30minutes,periodicallyskimmingthescumfromthesurface.
Addtheremainingingredients.Bringtoasimmerandcookuncovered2hoursonlowheat.Regulatetheheattomaintainaslowsimmer.Thesurfaceoftheliquidshouldbarelytremble.Removefromtheheatandremovethelargestpieceswithaslottedspoon.Setthepotinasinkfulloficewatertocoolasrapidlyaspossible.
Whencool,storecoveredintherefrigeratorovernight.
Thefollowingday,removethefatthathasaccumulatedatthesurfaceandstrainthestockthroughafinesieve.
Keepthestockrefrigeratedandusewithin1week.Stockmaybecannedinapressurecannerorfrozenforupto6months.
1.
2.
DashiTheingredientsareavailableinAsianmarkets,whichalsostock
instantdashi.
YIELD:2CUPS
2cupswater3-inchsquareofdriedkelp(konbu),wipedwithadampcloth¼cupbonitoflakes(katsuibushi)
Placethewaterinasaucepan,setthepanovermediumheat,andaddthekelp.Watchthepancarefully,andjustbeforethewatercomestoaboil,removethekelpwithtongs.Allowthewatertocometoafullboil,addthebonitoflakes,andimmediatelyremovethepanfromtheheat.
Allowtosit5minutes,thenstrainthedashithroughafinesievelinedwithcheesecloth.Discardthesolids.Usethedashithesameday.
LemongrassStockThiswonderfullylight,refreshingstockwasadaptedfromFieldsof
GreensbyAnnieSomerville.Itcanbeusedasaconsommé,garnishedwithblancheddiceofcolorfulvegetablesandsomechoppedscallions/leavesofcilantro.Cookedtinyshrimporbayscallopscouldbeaddedforamorecomplexdish.Includingtheyellowpeelfromtheoniontintsthestockalovelygoldencolor.
YIELD:4CUPS
6stalkslemongrass,trimmedandchopped1mediumyellowonion,unpeeledbutwashed,trimmed,andcoarselychopped8
1.
2.
slicesfreshginger¾cupchoppedcilantrostemsandroots1teaspooncorianderseed6cupscoldwater
Combineallingredientsinamediumsaucepan,bringtoaboil,andsimmeruntilreducedto4cups,about1hour.
Strainthestock,discardingthesolids.
1.
2.
VegetableStock
YIELD:ABOUT3QUARTS
4mediumonions,chopped3carrots,chopped3stalkscelery,chopped1smallturnip,peeledandchopped12largeparsleysprigs,chopped6clovesofgarlic,peeledandcrushed1cupwell-washedpotatopeelings(optional)¼cupdrygreenorbrownlentils1teaspoonwholeblackpeppercorns1bayleaf¼teaspoonwholefennelseeds3½quartscoldwater
Combineallingredientsinalargestockpot.Placethepotoverhighheatandbringtoaboil.Reducetheheatandsimmerslowlyfor1hour.Ifanyscumrisestothetop,skimitoffanddiscard.
Removethestockfromtheheatandsetthepotinasinkfullofcoldwatertocool.Strainthestockthroughafinesieveandstore,covered,intherefrigerator.Thestockwillkeepfor3daysintherefrigerator,oritmaybefrozenforupto3months.
ZucchiniBrothThisrecipeoffersagoodwaytouseupoverlymaturezucchini.Any
othersummersquashmaybesubstituted.
1.
2.
othersummersquashmaybesubstituted.
YIELD:6CUPS
2cupschoppedmaturezucchini1cupchoppedyellowonion1cupchoppedcarrots1cupchoppedcelery4clovesgarlic,crushed5wholepeppercorns1freshbayleaf3quartswater
Placealltheingredientsinalargestockpot.Bringtoaboil,reduceheat,andsimmeruntilreducedbyhalf.Strainthestockthroughafinesieveintoanotherpot.
Placethepotinasinkfulloficewaterandallowtocool.Thestockisbestwhenfreshlymade.Itcanbestored,covered,intherefrigeratorforupto3days,orfrozenfor1month.
1.
1.
WhiteVegetableStockThisvegetablestockisagoodchoicewhenyouwanttokeepthe
souporsauceaspaleincoloraspossible,withoutsacrificingflavor.
YIELD:ABOUT3CUPS
4cupswater4inchesofthebaseportionoffourcelerystalks,chopped1whiteonion,chopped1leek,whitepartonly,chopped1parsnip,chopped1teaspoonwholewhitepeppercorns
Placeallingredientsinastockpotandbringtoaboil.Reducetheheattoasimmerandcook1hour.Strainthestock,discardingthesolids.
VeganTomatoBullionTheheartyvegetarianbullionisagreatsubstituteforbeefbrothwhen
youwantto“veganize”arecipe.
YIELD:ABOUT3CUPS
1leek,chopped1tablespoonoliveoil2cupsvegetablestock1cupcannedtomatoes,crushed1teaspoonvinegar(anytype)
Placetheleekandoliveoilinasaucepanandsetovermediumheat.Cover,
2.
3.
adjusttheheat,andcookuntilthewhitepartoftheleekjustbeginstobrown,about5minutes.
Addthevegetablestock,bringtoaboil,andthenreducetheheattoaslowsimmer.
Coverandcookfor10minutes.Addthetomatoesandthevinegar.Continuetosimmerfor10minuteslonger.
1.
2.
3.
OvenDriedTomatoesThebesttomatoesforthisrecipearepastevarieties,suchasRoma.
Becausetheoven-dryingprocessaddsandconcentratesflavor,youcandrytomatoesfromthegrocery,buthomegrownwill,ofcourse,befarbetter.
YIELD:40PIECES
20firm,ripetomatoes2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper
Preheattheovento200°F.Positionarackintheupperhalfoftheoven.Linearimmedbakingsheetwithaluminumfoil.
Washthetomatoes,drythemwell,andsliceinhalflengthwise.Corethemonlyifthestemscarislarge.Arrangethetomatohalvescutsideuponthebakingsheet.Drizzlethetomatoeswiththeoliveoilandsprinklethemwiththesaltandpepper.Placethebakingsheetintheoven.
Reducetheheattoitslowestpossiblesetting,andallowthetomatoestodryundisturbeduntiltheyarewrinkledandhavealeatherytexture.Thismaytake2hoursormore,dependinguponhumidityandotherfactors.Opentheovendoortospeedtheprocessifyoudon’tmindtheextraheatinthehouse.Whenthetomatoesaresufficientlydry,removethebakingsheetfromtheovenandallowthetomatoestocooltoroomtemperature.Theymaybestoredinacoveredcontainerintherefrigeratorforaweek,orinthefreezerforupto6months.
1.
UniversalPicklingSolutionUsethismixtureforrefrigeratorpickles,oraddspicesandseasonings
tocreateyourowncannedpicklerecipes.
YIELD:2CUPS
1cupwater1cupdistilledwhitevinegar1tablespoonpicklingsalt
Combineallingredientsandstiruntilthesaltisdissolved.
PicklingSpiceMixtureUseateaspoonofthismixturetoenlivenapintofanyrefrigerator
pickle,oraddtoyourfavoritecannedpicklerecipethatcallsforpicklingspice.
YIELD:ABOUT¼CUP
23-inchsticksofcinnamon,brokenupwithaheavyskilletormallet1tablespoonyellowmustardseeds2teaspoonsblackpeppercorns1teaspoonwholecloves1teaspoonwholeallspiceberries4driedbayleaves,crumbled1teaspoonwholecorianderseed½teaspoondriedgingerroot¼teaspoonhotredpepperflakes
1. Combineallingredientsandstoreinanairtightcontainerforupto6months.
1.
2.
3.
PickledStrawberriesThesweetandsourflavorofthesepicklesgoeswellwithavarietyof
dishes,bothsavoryandsweet.
YIELD:VARIABLE
1cuphalvedstrawberries½cupredwinevinegar½cupsugar2tablespoonswater
Washahalf-pintjar,rinsingitinhottapwater.Invertonatoweltodrain.Whenthejariscool,placethestrawberriesinitandreserve.
Inasmallsaucepan,bringtheotheringredientstoaboil.Removefromheatandcarefullypouroverstrawberries.
Cooltoroomtemperatureandstoreintherefrigeratorforupto3months.
GreenCherryTomatoPreservesThisdeliciousrecipeusesleftoverextrasyrupfromtheRipeCherry
TomatoPreservesrecipewhichfollows.
YIELD:2HALFPINTS
2cupsgreencherrytomatoes,halved¾cupwhitevinegar1½cupsleftoversyrupfromripetomatopreserves(nextpage)Combineallingredientsinalargepotandbringtoasimmer.Watchcarefullytoavoidafullboil,asitwillboiloverandmakeamess.Assoonastheboilingpointis
2.
3.
reached,removefromheatandcover.
Allowtostandatroomtemperatureovernight.
Usingaslottedspoon,transferthetomatoestoacleanjar,thencoverwiththesyrupandstoreintherefrigerator.
1.
2.
3.
4.
RipeCherryTomatoPreservesGardenersoftenfindthemselveswithanabundanceofcherry
tomatoesneartheendoftheseason.Thesepreservesaredeliciouswithtoastorasatoppingforgrilledporkorchicken.UsetheleftoversyruptomaketheGreenTomatorecipeonthepreviouspage.
YIELD:ABOUT6HALFPINTS
5to6cupsripecherrytomatoes,peeled1½cupsplus2tablespoonssugar2½cupswater1sprigrosemary6sprigsthyme
Topeelthetomatoes,slashthebottomofeachonewithasharpknife,barelycuttingthroughtheskin.Dropthetomatoesintoapotofrapidlyboilingwater,countto15,andthendrainthetomatoesinacolander.Rinsethetomatoesundercoldrunningwater.Theskinsshouldslipoffeasily.
Combinesugarandwaterinasaucepan,bringtoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmer1minute.
Removefromheatandcool10minutes.
Placetheherbsprigsinthebottomofalargebowl,addthepeeledtomatoes,andpourthewarmsyrupoverall.Coverandletstandatroomtemperatureovernight.Youwillhavesomesyrupleftover.
Bringtoasimmer,packintohotjars,andprocess15minutesinboilingwater.Youwillhaveaboutapintofsyrupleftover.
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3.
PimentoRelishThisisagreatwaytouseanend-of-seasonabundanceofripe
peppers.Anycolorwilldo,butthepeppersshouldberipe.Thisrecipemakeseightquarter-pintjars.Youcaneasilydecreasetheamountsbyhalforafourthifyoudon’twantthatmuchrelish.Withoutcanning,therelishwillkeepthreemonthsintherefrigerator.
YIELD:8QUARTER-PINTJARS
4cupsfinelychoppedsweetredpeppers1tablespoonsalt1cupsugar2cupsdistilledwhitevinegar
Inalargesaucepanorkettle,combinethepeppersandsalt.Letstand4hoursatroomtemperature,orovernightintherefrigerator.
Addthesugarandvinegartothepeppersandplaceovermediumheat.Cook,stirringfrequently,45minutes.
Ifyoudonotcantherelish,transferittoacleanjarandcooltoroomtemperaturebeforestoringitintherefrigerator.Ifyouarecanningtherelish,whileitcookspreparejarsandlidsbywashingtheminhotsoapywater.Rinsewellandplacethejarsina200°Foventokeepwarm.Placelidsandbandsonacleankitchentoweltodrain.
Readyyourwaterbathcannerbyaddingenoughwatertocoverthejarsandheatingitovermedium-highheat.Ladlethehotrelishintothepreparedjars.Wipethejarrimwithadamppapertowel,applythelidandband,andplacethejarinthecannerrack.Whenallthejarsarefilled,lowertherackcarefullyintothecannerandbringthewatertoafullboil.Coverandreducetheheattomaintainasteady,gentleboil.Process10minutes.Ifyourelevationisabove1000feet,process15minutes.
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4.
5.
PepperJamYoucanvarytheratiosofpepperstocreateahotterormilder
product.Youmayalsoaddafewdropsoffoodcoloringtothemixtureaftertakingitfromtheheat.ThisjamisagreatsubstitutefortheducksaucethatoftenaccompaniesChineseappetizers.
YIELD:6HALF-PINTJARS
2½cupsfinelychoppedredbellpeppers1¼cupsfinelychoppedgreenbellpeppers¼cupfinelychoppedjalapenopeppers1cupapplecidervinegar1(1.75ounce)packagepowderedpectin5cupswhitesugar
Sterilize6half-pint(8ounce)canningjarsaccordingtomanufacturer’sinstructions.Heatwaterinahotwatercanner.Washlidsandbandsandspreadthemouttodryonacleankitchentowel.
Placeallthepeppersinalarge,deepsaucepanorstockpot.(Usinganextra-largepothelpspreventthevinegarmixturefromboilingover.)Mixinthevinegarandfruitpectin.
Setthesaucepanoverhighheat.Stirringconstantly,bringthemixturetoafullrollingboil.Quicklystirinthesugar.Returntofullrollingboilandboilexactly1minute,stirringconstantly.Removefromheatandskimoffanyfoam.
Quicklyladlethejamintosterilejars,fillingtowithin¼inchofthetops.Coverwithflatlidsandscrewonbandstightly.
Placethefilledjarsinthecannerrack,andslowlylowerthemintothecanner.Thewatershouldcoverthejarscompletelyandshouldbesteaminghotbutnotboiling.Bringwatertoaboil,coverthecanner,andadjustthe
heattomaintainaslowboil.Processfor5minutes.
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4.
5.
6.
UniversalRecipeforHerbJellyMakingjellyisagreatwaytopreservetheflavorofsummerherbs.
Mintjellyisaclassicaccompanimenttolamb,andotherherbjelliescanbeusedtoenhanceroastedmeatsofallkinds.Combineherbjellywithcreamcheesetomakeaspreadforcrackers.
YIELD:5QUARTER-PINTJARS
1½cupsapplejuice1ouncefreshherbleaves3tablespoonsfruitpectin2cupssugar
Preparethejarsandlidsaccordingtothedirectionsonpage237.Keepthejarswarmina200°Fovenuntilreadytouse.
Placetheherbsandtheapplejuiceinalargesaucepanandheatovermedium-highheatuntilthemixturecomestoaboil.Reducetheheatandsimmergentlyfor5minutes,stirringoccasionally.Makesurealltheherbleaveswiltandaresubmergedinthejuice.
Removethepanfromtheheat,cover,andletstandfor10minutes.Straintheliquidthroughafinesieveintoaheatproofcontaineranddiscardtheherbleaves.Theinfusionmaybecooledtoroomtemperatureandstoredunderrefrigerationovernight.Bringtoroomtemperaturebeforecontinuing.
Measuretheinfusionandaddenoughapplejuicetomake1½cups.
Placetheliquidinalargesaucepanandaddthepectin.Placethepanovermediumheatandbringtoafullrollingboil,stirringconstantly.Addthesugarallatonceandbringtoafullrollingboilagain,stirringconstantly.Boilfor1minute,stirringconstantly.
Removefromheatandquicklyskimoffanyfoamthataccumulatesonthesurface.Ladlethejellyintothehotjars,adjustthecaps,andprocessina
boilingwaterbathfor5minutes.
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5.
BerryorCherryPreservesThegoalofmakingpreservesistoretaintheshapeandtextureofthe
fruit.
YIELD:4HALF-PINTS
1quartfreshlypickedberriesorcherries1½cupssugar
Pitthecherries.Ifusingberries,washandpickovertheberries,removinganystems.
Placethecherriesorberriesinalargesaucepan,addthesugar,andtossgentlytocombine,bruisingasfewofthefruitsaspossible.
Setthesaucepanovermedium-lowheatandcook,stirringoften,untilthejuicehasdissolvedallthesugar.Removefromtheheatandallowtocooltoroomtemperature.
Coverthepanandrefrigerateovernight.
Thefollowingday,liftoutthefruitwithaslottedspoonandtransfertoclean,hot,half-pintjars.Bringthesyruptoaboilandpouroverthefruit,leaving¼-inchheadspace.Applylidsandbands.Processthepreservesfor20minutesinaboilingwaterbath.
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3.
2.
CompoundButterMakingcompoundbutterisaneasywaytopreservetheflavorofany
freshherb.Itisparticularlyusefulforherbsthatdonotdrywell,suchasparsley,basil,cilantro,chives,andchervil.
YIELD:1STICK
1stickunsaltedbutter2tablespoonsfinelymincedfreshherbsSaltorlemonjuice
Softenthebutteratroomtemperature.
Usingafork,blendtheherbsintothebutteruntilyouhaveauniformmixture.Seasonwithapinchofseasaltorafewdropsoflemonjuice,asyouprefer.
Onapieceofplasticwrap,formthebutterintoalog.Rolluptheplastictoenclosethebutterandchillforatleastonehour.Thecompoundbuttermaybefrozenforupto6months.Wrapheavydutyfoilaroundtheplasticwrap,label,andfreeze.
RosemaryOilYIELD:ABOUT½CUP
¼cuprosemaryleaves,removedfromtheirstems½cupcanolaorsunfloweroil,plusateaspoonforfilteringPlacetherosemaryinthetopofadoubleboilerormetalbowl.Addtheoil.
Placetheboilerorbowloversimmeringwaterandallowtoinfusefor20minutes.Removethebowlfromthesteamandallowtocool.
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4.
Puréethemixtureinablenderandstoreintherefrigeratorovernight.
Thefollowingday,lineafinesievewithacoffeefilteroracleanmuslinkitchentoweland“prime”itbybrushingwithateaspoonofoil.Thiswillkeepthefilterfromsoakinguptoomuchofyourrosemaryoil.Setthesieveoverabowl.Bringtherosemaryoiltoroomtemperatureandpouritthroughthesieve.Allowtheclearoiltodripthroughnaturally.Itmaytakeseveralhoursforalltheoiltodripthroughthefilter.
Afterfiltering,transfertheoiltoasterilizedglassbottleandstoreitintherefrigeratorwhereitwillkeepfor1month.
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7.
CilantroOilOilcanbeusedtocapturetheflavoroffreshherbstopreservethem
forwinteruse.Storeallhomemadeherboilsintherefrigerator.
YIELD:ABOUT½CUP
1bunchcilantro,rinsedandpickedover½cupcanolaorsunfloweroil,plusateaspoonforfilteringSpinthecilantroinasaladspinnerorusekitchentowelstodryitthoroughly.
Chopleavesandstemscoarselyandtransfertothetopofadoubleboilerortoametalbowl.
Addtheoil.
Placetheboilerorbowloversimmeringwaterandallowtoinfusefor20minutes.
Removethebowlfromthesteamandallowtocool.
Puréethemixtureinablenderandstoreitintherefrigeratorovernight.
Thefollowingday,lineafinesievewithacoffeefilteroracleanmuslinkitchentoweland“prime”itbybrushingwithateaspoonofoil.Thiswillkeepthefilterfromsoakinguptoomuchofyourcilantrooil.Setthesieveoverabowl.Bringthecilantrooiltoroomtemperatureandpouritthroughthesieve.Allowtheclearoiltodripthroughnaturally.Itmaytakeseveralhoursforalltheoiltodripthroughthefilter.
Afterfiltering,transfertheoiltoasterilizedglassbottleandstoreitintherefrigerator,whereitwillkeepfor1month.
OtherHerbOilsYoucanusethesametechniqueasdescribedaboveforrosemaryand
cilantrooilstoflavoroilwithanyherbsyouhave.Use¼cupwell-packed,choppedherbsto½cupoil.Experimentwithdifferenttypesofoiland
choppedherbsto½cupoil.Experimentwithdifferenttypesofoilandcombinationsofherbs.
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5.
TarragonVinegar(andOtherHerbVinegars)
Makinghomemadevinegarisanothergreatwaytopreservetheflavoroffreshherbsoredibleflowers.Experimentwithcombinationsofdifferentherbsandvinegars.Storeallhomemadeflavoredvinegarsintherefrigerator,wheretheywillkeepforayear.
YIELD:1PINT
4cupsmoderatelypackedfreshherbs,flowers,oracombination,intwobatches2cupsvinegar,anytype
Fillajarwithtwocupsoftheherbs.Pourthevinegarovertheherbs.
Usingawoodenspoon,tampdowntheherbleaves,bruisingthemslightly,toensuretheyarecoveredbythevinegar.
Placethejarintherefrigeratorfor2weeks.
Strainthevinegarthroughafinesieve,pressingdownontheherbswiththebackofaspoontoextracttheirflavorbeforediscardingthem.Washanddrythejar,fillitwithanother2cupsofherbs,andpourthevinegarbackoverthem.Tampdownasbeforeandreturnthejartotherefrigerator.
Afteranother2weekshavepassed,strainthevinegaragain,onceagainpressingdownontheherbswiththebackofaspoon.Storethevinegarinabottleintherefrigerator.
TECHNIQUES
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6.
HowtoROASTBEETSPreheattheovento375°F.Trimthetopsoffthebeets,leavingaboutaninchattachedtotheroot.Washthebeetsthoroughly,drainwell,andplaceinabakingpanlargeenoughtoholdtheminasinglelayer.Drizzlewithatablespoonofoil,shakingthepanandrollingthebeetsaroundtocoatthem.Placethepanintheoven.After20minutescheckfordonenessbypiercingthebeetswiththetipofaparingknife.Iftheknifemeetslittleresistance,theyaredone.Removethepanfromtheovenandcarefullycoveritwithfoil.Allowthebeetstosteamuntilthepaniscool.Slipofftheskinsandthebeetsarereadytouse.
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HowtoROASTPEPPERSPreheattheovento500°F.Placewhole,washed,anddriedpeppersinabakingpanlargeenoughtoholdtheminonelayer.Drizzlewitholiveoil.Placethepanintheovenandroast5minutes.Usingtongs,turnthepeppersandcontinueroastinguntilthetopsareblackenedandthepeppershavebeguntocollapse,about5minutesmore.Removethepanfromtheovenandcoveritwithaluminumfoil.Allowthepepperstosteaminthepanuntiltheyarecoolenoughtohandle.Removetheskinandstemsfromthepeppers,slicethemopen,andscrapeouttheseedsandmembraneswithyourfingers.Storethepepperscoveredintherefrigeratoruntilreadytouse.Youcanpourtheflavoredoilfromthepanoverthemifyouwish.
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HowtoROASTSWEETPOTATOESPreheattheovento375°F.Scrubthepotatoesandtrimofftheends.Placethepotatoesinabakingpan.Drizzlewithatablespoonofoil,shakingthepanandrollingthepotatoesaroundtocoatthemwell.Placethepanintheovenandcook,shakingthepannowandthen,untilthepointofaparingknifemeetsnoresistancewheninsertedintothelargestpotato.Removethepanfromtheovenandallowittosituntilthepotatoesarecoolenoughtohandle.Slicethepotatoesinhalflengthwiseandscoopthefleshintoabowl.
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1.2.
HowtoROASTWINTERSQUASHPreheattheovento350°F.Usingalarge,heavyknife,slicethesquashinhalflengthwise.Usingamelonballer,scrapetheseedsandpulpfromtheseedcavity.Brushthecutsideofthesquashwithvegetableoil.Placethesquashcutsidedownonafoil-linedbakingsheet.Placethesheetintheovenandroastuntiltheskinhaswrinkledandbeguntobrownontop.Removethepanfromtheovenandallowtocooltoroomtemperature.Scrapethefleshfromtheskinusingasoupspoon.Ifyouwish,placethesquashseedsinacolanderandrinsethemunderrunningwateruntilmostofthepulphasbeenremoved.Draintheseeds,drytheminakitchentowel,andspreadtheminasinglelayeronafoil-linedbakingsheet.Drizzletheseedswithalittlevegetableoil.Placetheseedsintheovenwhilethesquashisroasting.Stirthemoccasionallywithawoodenspoon.Whenmostoftheseedshavebeguntobrown,removethemfromtheoven,transfertoaheatproofbowl,andsprinklewithsalt,ifdesired.Usetheseedsasagarnishorsnack.Theywillkeepcoveredinanairtightcontainerforaweek.
HowtoTOASTNUTSorSEEDSPlacethenutsorseedsinasmall,heavyskillet,preferablycastiron.Settheskilletovermedium-highheatandcook,stirringandtossing,untilthenutsarelightlytoastedandfragrant.Ifusingseeds,cookthemuntilafewseedspoplikepopcorn.Assoonastheyaredone,transferthenutsorseedstoametalbowltostopthecookingandpreventoverbrowning.
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PizzaDoughJustabouteveryoneagreesthatthecrustdeterminesthequalityof
thepizza.Trythishomemadecrustandyouwillnevergobacktogrocerystorepizzacrustagain.
YIELD:210-INCHPIZZASOR1LARGERONE
1teaspoondryyeast1teaspoonsugar1teaspoonsalt2cupsall-purposeflour⅔to¾cupwarmwaterOliveoilforthebowl,about¾teaspoon
Mixthedryingredientstogetherinalargebowl.
Addthewater,beginningwiththesmalleramount.Workwithawoodenspoonuntilthedoughcomestogether,addingtheadditional2tablespoonsofwater,oneatatime,ifnecessary.Donotallowthedoughtobecometoosticky.Ifitdoes,addalittlemoreflour.
Withyourhands,gatherthedoughintoaball.Kneadinthebowlfor1minute.
Drizzlealittleoilintothebowl,addthedough,turningittocoat,coverthebowlwithadishtowel,andletriseatroomtemperaturefor1hour.Ifyouwish,youcandividethedoughinhalfandkeepone-halfinanoiledzipperbagintherefrigeratorforupto3days.Refrigerateddoughisneverascrispasthefreshlymadedough,however.Forthecrispiestcrust,useapizzastone,preheatingitalongwiththeoven.Youwillalsoneedawoodenpeeltosafelytransferthepreparedpizzatothehotstone.Ifyoudonothaveastone,simplyplacethedoughonalightlyoiledbakingsheet.
Flattenthedoughintoadiskwithyourhands.Topasdesiredandbakeina
preheated500°Fovenuntilcrispandbrowned.
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BasicYeastBreadandVariationsHomemadebreadisalwaysawelcomeaccompanimenttoameal
featuringvegetablesfromthegarden.
YIELD:1LOAF
1packagedryyeast¼cupwarmwater(110°F)½teaspoonsugar1teaspoonsalt1tablespoonsugar2tablespoonsvegetableoil1cupmilk3cupsbreadflour,ormoreifneeded
Inalargebowl,dissolvetheyeastinthewaterandsugar.Wait5to10minutes,untilfoamy.(Ifnofoamforms,discardandstartoverwithfreshyeast.)
Addthesalt,additionalsugar,oil,andmilk,andstirtocombine.
Addtheflour,aboutacupatatime,stirringwithawoodenspoonandswitchingtoyourhandifthedoughbecomestoostiff.Whenthedoughcomestogetherinaball,ceaseaddingflour.
Kneadthedoughinthebowl,turningandfoldingitwithyourhandsfor3or4minutes.Drizzlealittleoilintothebowlandaddtheballdough,turningittocoatallsurfaces.Coverthebowlwithakitchentowel.Setinawarmlocation,freefromdrafts,toriseuntildoubledinbulk,about1hour.
Punchthedoughdown,knead30seconds,andshapeitintoaroundedloaf.Placetheloafonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Coverwithadrykitchentowelandletriseanotherhour.
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7.
Preheatovento375°Fafterthedoughhasrisenfor30minutes.Slashthetopoftheloafwitharazorbladeorverysharpknife.Bake35to40minutes,oruntilbreadsoundshollowwhentapped.
Removefromtheovenandcoolonawirerack.
Variations:Add½cupofnutsorseedsbeforekneadingthedough.Largenutsshouldbe
chopped.Seedscangenerallybeleftwhole.Don’tforgetthatgrains,suchasamaranthandmillet,arealsoseedsandcanbeincludedinthemix.
Addupto½cupmincedfreshherbsalongwiththeflour.Substitutebeer,wine,juice,orstockforthemilk.Foraglossyfinish,brushthetopoftheloafwithaneggwash.Combinea
beateneggwithatablespoonofwaterandbrushthetopoftheloafbeforebaking.Youcanalsousetheeggwashtoattachanutandseedmixturetothetopsurfaceoftheloaf.
Soakatablespoonofrolledoatsinatablespoonofmilk.Sprinklethesoakedoatsontopoftheloafbeforebaking.
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7.
CornbreadIfyoucannotfindWhiteLilyCornbreadMix,youcansubstituteany
self-risingcornbreadmix,solongasitdoesnotcontainaddedsugar.Sweetcornbread,whilefinebyitself,isnotrecommendedforanyoftherecipescallingforcornbreadelsewhereinthisbook.
YIELD:19-INCHSKILLET
¼cupvegetableoil,divided1cupWhiteLilyCornbreadMix1egg½to¾cupmilk,alittlemoreifneeded
Preheatovento425°F.
Place2tablespoonsofthevegetableoilina9-inchcastironskillet.Settheskilletintheoventoheatwhileyoupreparethebatter.Theskilletshouldheatforatleast10minutes.
Meanwhile,placethecornbreadmixinalargebowl.
Inasecondbowl,combinetheegg,theremaining2tablespoonsvegetableoil,and½cupofthemilk.Mixwellwithawirewhisk.
Makeawellinthecornmealanddumpintheliquids.Whiskuntiljustcombined.Youmayneedtoaddmoremilktomakethebatterpourable.
Carefullyremovetheskilletfromtheovenandsetitonthestovetop.Quicklypourthebatterintothehotskillet.Itshouldsizzleattheedges.
Carefullyplacetheskilletintheoven.Bakeuntilthecornbreadhasbeguntopullawayfromthesidesofthepanoruntilatoothpickinsertedintocenteroftheponecomesoutclean.Removefromtheovenandallowtocoolforafewminutes,theninverttheskilletoveraservingplate.Thecornbreadshoulddroprightoutontheplate.
CornbreadwithCornKernelsandBaconYoucanturncornbreadintoaserioussidedishwiththisvariation.Add½
cupcookedcornkernelsand2stripsofcookedandcrumbledbacontothebatterjustbeforepouringitintotheskillet.
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6.
ScratchBiscuitsHomemadebiscuitscanmakeanymealaspecialoccasion,and
makingthemiseasyifyouunderstandafewsimpletricks.Keepeverythingcoldwhenmixingthedough.Handlethedoughasgentlyaspossibletoavoidbuildingupthegluten,whichmakesthebiscuitstough.Whencuttingoutthebiscuits,avoidtwistingthecutter,whichwillsealtheedgeandimpederising.
YIELD:6BISCUITS(RECIPECANEASILYBEDOUBLED)
1cupsoftwheatflour(notbreadflour),plusalittlemoreforkneadingthedough1½teaspoonsbakingpowder½teaspoonsalt4tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,chilled(½stick)½cupbuttermilkMeltedbutterforbrushingfinishedbiscuits
Chillaboxgraterovernightintherefrigerator.
Inamixingbowl,combinetheflour,bakingpowder,andsalt.Setthebowlintherefrigeratortochillforatleast10minutesbeforeyoucontinuewiththerecipe.
Usingtheboxgrater,gratethebutterintosmallbitsdirectlyintothebowlwiththedryingredients.Returnthebowlwiththebuttertotherefrigeratorfor5minutes.
Preheattheovento400°F.
Usingarubberspatula,makeawellinthecenterofthedryingredients.Pourinthebuttermilk.Withthespatula,combinetheingredientsintoasoftdoughbypullingtheflourinfromthesidesandfoldingitintotheliquid.Workquickly,butgently.
Flourapastryboard,usingaboutonetablespoon.Turnthedoughoutonto
7.
theboard,applyanothertablespoonofflourtothetopofthedoughball,androllthedoughout,usingaflouredrollingpin,intoasquareaboutahalfinchthick.Foldinthirdslikealetter,turn,andfoldinhalf.Rolloutagain.Repeatthisprocedureasecondtime.Usingabiscuitcutter,cutsixbiscuitsandtransferthemtoanungreasedbakingsheet.Youcancombinethescrapsandformanotherbiscuitortwo,butthesewillbetougherthatthefirstsix.
Placethepanintheovenandbakeuntilthebiscuitsarelightlybrowned,about15minutes.Checkabouthalfwaythroughbakingandrotatethebakingsheettoensureevenbrowning.Removethebiscuitsfromtheoven,brushthetopswithmeltedbutter,andserve.
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3.
WarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghum
Icameupwiththisdressingforleftovers.Itgoesgreatwithanycombinationofroastedorsteamedvegetables.Itisalsoexcellentwithassertivesaladgreens,suchasmizuna,dandelion,tatsoi,radicchio,andarugula.
YIELD:ABOUT¾CUP
2tablespoonsredwinevinegar2tablespoonssherryvinegar1tablespoonsorghumsyrup1tablespoonwater1clovegarlic,minced½cupextravirginoliveoilSteamedbroccolifloretsRoastedpotatoes,cutinbite-sizepiecesRoastedzucchini,cutinbite-sizepiecesRoastedredsweetpepper,cutinbite-sizepiecesRoastedmushrooms,cutinbite-sizepiecesAfewleavesofItalianparsley,toserve
Arrangethevegetablesonaplatterorindividualplates.
Inasmallsaucepan,combinefirstfiveingredients.Placethepanoverlowheat,bringtoabaresimmer,andsimmergentlyuntilreducedto¼cup.Addtheoliveoil,stirringtocombine.
Removefromheat.Pouroverthevegetableswhilestillwarm.Scattertheparsleyoverthesaladandserveimmediately.
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ToastedSeedMixtureThismélangeofseedsisnotonlypackedwithnutrition,itmakesa
delicious,crunchyalternativetocroutonsorothersaladtoppings.Useitanywhereyouwantalittlehealthycrunch.
YIELD:ABOUT1/2CUP
¼cuprawpumpkinseeds2tablespoonssesameseeds1tablespoongoldenflaxseeds2teaspoonsamaranthseeds2teaspoonssoysauceDashofhotsauce
Placetheseedsinasmall,heavyskillet.Settheskilletovermedium-highheatandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiloneortwoseedspop.
Immediatelytransfertheseedstoametalbowl.Workingquickly,stirthesoysauceandhotsauceintothehotseeds.Themixtureshouldsizzle.Stiruntilnomoresizzlingoccurs,coolcompletely,andstorethemixtureinanairtightcontaineruntilyouarereadytouseit.
CreoleSeasoningMixCommercialpreparationsareloadedwithsaltandpreservatives.
Makeyourownseasoningmixusingorganicspicesandflavorings,andyoucanaddasmuchoraslittlesalttothedishasyouprefer.
YIELD:ABOUT3TABLESPOONS
1tablespoonsweetpaprika
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1½teaspoonsonionpowder1½teaspoonsgarlicpowder1teaspoongroundblackpepper1teaspoondriedoregano1teaspoondriedthymeleaves½teaspoongroundwhitepepper½teaspoongroundcayennepepper
Combineallingredientsinasmallbowl.
Storeinanairtightcontaineratroomtemperature,whereitwillkeepfor6months.
MinestraofSummerVegetablesIdevisedthisrecipefifteenyearsagotocelebrateaparticularly
bountifulsummerinthegarden.Aminestra,orserving,consistsofavarietyofvegetables/meatsbraisedinasmallamountofflavorfulliquid.Youcanvarythisrecipeendlesslybychangingtheingredientstoreflectwhatiscurrentlyavailable.Aslongasyoufollowthebasictechnique,theresultwillbedelicious.Anothergoodthingaboutthisdishisthatitcancookwhileyoudootherprojects.Itreheatsperfectly,sodon’tworrythattherecipemakesalot.Aftercoolingtoroomtemperature,coverleftoversandstoreintherefrigeratorforuptothreedays.Reheatoverlowheat,stirringoccasionally.
YIELD:8SERVINGS
½poundgroundbeef¼cuppestosauce(page87)½cupfreshbreadcrumbs2tablespoonsoliveoil1largeonion,chopped2carrots,chopped1cupmincedpar-cel3cupsbeefstock1clovegarlic,minced3cupsunpeeledpotatoes,cutintobite-sizepieces1cupbrokenpiecesofgreenbeans2smallsummersquash,cutinbite-sizepieces½cupshelledpeas,orchoppedsnappeas1can(19ounces)chickpeas¼cupchoppedfreshbasil¼cupchoppedfreshparsley
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½cupchoppedzucchiniblossoms(optional)SaltFreshlygroundblackpepper
The“par-cel”calledforintherecipeisanherbthatlookslikeparsleyandtasteslikecelery(onlymorestrongly,soalittlegoesalongway).Youcansubstitutecelerytopsorribsofceleryforthisingredient.Youcanalsogrowpar-celfromseeds.Itgrowslikecelery.
Combinethegroundbeef,pesto,andcrumbsinabowl.Addsaltandpepper,andcombinethoroughly.
Inalarge,heavy-bottomedpot,heattheoiluntilitisfragrant.Wetyourhandsandformthebeefmixture,ateaspoonatatime,intomeatballsabout¾inchindiameter.Asyoumakethem,addthemtothehotoil.Cook,turningfrequently,untilnicelybrowned.Transferthemeatballsastheyarecookedtoaplate,usingaslottedspoon.
Totheoilremaininginthepot,addtheonionsandcookuntiltheyaretranslucent.Addthecarrotsandparsley,andcookuntiltheonionsstarttoturngoldenbrown.Addthestock,garlic,reservedmeatballs,andpotatoes,andbringtoaboil,stirringwellandscrapingupanybrownedbitsonthebottomofthepot.Reducetheheatandsimmer,uncovered,untilthepotatoesaretender,about15minutes.
Addthegreenbeans,peas,andsquash,andcookfor10minutesmore.
Addthechickpeasandcookuntilheatedthrough.Addsaltandpeppertotaste.Thereshouldbeonlyabout1cupofliquidremainingattheend.
Ladletheminestraintobowlsandtopwiththefreshherbsandsquashblossoms.Passadditionalpestosauceatthetable.
NOTE:Becausethestockisreducedincooking,itisimportanttostartwithalow-saltorsalt-freestock.Otherwise,theendresultmaybetoosalty.Foralowerfatcontent,substitutegroundturkeyforthebeefandchickenstockforthebeefstockandproceedasdirected.Foravegetarianminestra,usevegetablestock.Omitthemeatballsandinsteadadd1drainedcanofredkidneybeansalongwiththechickpeas.Addthepestodirectlytotheminestrawiththebeansforthisvariationoftherecipeandomitthebreadcrumbs.
CHAPTER6
HowtoGrowGreatVegetables
Thischaptercontainsallthebasicinformationyouneedtogrowvegetables,regardlessofthevariety,yourskilllevel,ortheamountofspaceyouhaveavailable.Armedwiththerecommendationspresentedhere,theaspiringgrowercanmakeappropriatechoicestocreateagardenthatisunique,beautiful,andproductive.
TheFourEssentialsllvegetables,herbs,andfruitsneedfourbasicthingstothrive:sunshine,water,minerals,andair.Sunshineisbyfarthemostimportantofthese,as
itprovidesalloftheenergynecessaryforutilizationoftheotherthree.Solarenergydrivestheconversionofwaterandcarbondioxideintosugarduringtheprocessofphotosynthesis.Themineralsareneededforotheraspectsoftheplant’sgrowthanddevelopment.
SunshineYoucandoverylittletoreplacesunshineoutdoors.Ifyourpropertyis
heavilyshaded,itwillbeachallengetogrowthevastmajorityofvegetables.Indoors,artificiallightcantaketheplaceofthesun,butprovidingthatlightforanythingbutatabletop-sizespacecanbecostly,bothtosetupandtomaintain.Thisisthemainreasonourdiscussionofwindowsillgrowingwaslimitedtoafewvarietiesthatremainsmallandtoleratelowlightconditions.
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Ifyougardenoutdoors,locateyourvegetableplantswheretheywillreceiveatleastsix,andpreferablyeight,hoursofsunshineeverydayduringthegrowingseason.
WaterWaterisvitaltothesuccessofanyvegetablegarden.Allvegetablesshould
receiveatleastaninchofrainfallperweek,ortheequivalentamountofirrigation.Foratwenty-five-square-footgrowingbed,oneinchofrainfallisaboutsixteengallonsofwater.Inallcases,athoroughsoakingoftherootseveryfewdaysismoresatisfactorythanalightdailywatering.Alwaysavoidwettingfoliageasahedgeagainstdiseaseproblems,andendeavortowaterearlyinthedaysotheplantscandryoffbeforenightfall.
Despitesomeclaimstothecontrary,plantswilldojustfineifirrigatedwithchlorinatedwaterfromamunicipalsupply.Rainwaterispreferableonlybecauseitisfree.
Todeterminehowmuchwateryourhosedelivers,setafive-gallonbucketnearyourvegetablebedandtimehowlongittakestofillthebucketfromthehose.Simplemathwillenableyoutodeterminehowlongtoapplywatertoagivenamountofgardenspace.Forexample,supposeittakesthreeminutestofillthebucket.Dividingfivegallonsbythreeminutesgivesaflowrateof1.67gallonsperminute,or100gallonsperhour.Forthetwenty-five-square-footbedmentionedabove,therefore,wewouldneedtorunthishoseforabout10minutes
mentionedabove,therefore,wewouldneedtorunthishoseforabout10minutestodelivertheequivalentofoneinchofrain(16gallons).
MineralsPlantsrequireseveralchemicalelements,orminerals,inordertocarryout
theirlifeprocesses.Chlorophyll,forexample,containstheelementmagnesium.Thethreemajorelementsplantsrequirearenitrogen,phosphorus,andpotassium.ThesearethecomponentsidentifiedbytheNPKnumbersfoundonpackagesoffertilizer.Ifabagoffertilizer(organicorotherwise)islabeled14-12-8,itcontainsbyweight14percentnitrogen,12percentphosphorus,and8percentpotassium.Afertilizerthatcontainsroughlyorexactlyequalamountsofthesethreeminerals,forexample10-10-10or6-7-5,issaidtobebalanced.
Ofthethreemajornutrients,nitrogenisbyfarthemostimportantonebecauseitisrelativelyrareinnature.Thereareplentyofwaystoobtainphosphorusandpotassium,butfixednitrogen(nitrogeninaformthatcanbeusedbyplants)isproducedonlyviatheactionofcertaintypesofbacteria,orthroughanindustrialprocessthatconsumesalotofenergy.Muchnitrogenintheenvironmentisrecycledthroughthedecompositionofplantdebrisandotherorganicmatter.Decayreleasesthenitrogeninaformthatplantscanuse.
AirAirisallaroundus,andthesmallamountofcarbondioxideitcontains
constitutestherawmaterialforsugarproductionviaphotosynthesis.Airismostlycomposedofnitrogen,butinitsgaseousform,nitrogenisunavailabletoplants.Itmustbefixedorchemicallyalteredtoaformthateasilydissolvesinwater.Atnight,plantsconsumeoxygenfromtheatmosphere,justasanimalsdo.
Youcannotinfluencethecompositionoftheairsurroundingyourplants,butyoushouldrememberthatfreeairmovementaroundtheleavesisbeneficial.Notonlydoesplentyofairmovementfacilitatetheuptakeofgasesbytheplants,italsohelpstopreventdiseasebykeepingleavesfreeofbacteriaandfungalspores.Asmallfanblowinggentlyawayfromindoorplantsincreasestheaircirculationaroundthemandimprovesplanthealth.Airmovementalsohelpstallplantsdevelopsturdystemsbystimulatingtheplanttoproducestructuralmolecules.Outdoors,payattentiontoplantspacingrecommendations.Plantingtooclosecanreduceairmovementandincreasethechancesfordisease.
Gardenersneedonlymanagetofulfillthesefourbasicplantessentials,and
Gardenersneedonlymanagetofulfillthesefourbasicplantessentials,andyourvegetables,herbs,andfruitsshouldthrivewithfewproblems.
Containers,Boxes,andBedshoosingsuitablecontainersforyourfoodgardendependsupontheneedsoftheplants,yourpersonalaestheticpreferences,andthepracticalityof
thecontainerforthepurpose.Whileanynumberofitemscanbepressedintoserviceasgrowingcontainers,certaincharacteristicsareimportanttosuccess.
MaterialsAnythingthatresistswaterandwillholdsoilcantheoreticallybeusedasa
growingcontainer.Forwindowsill,balcony,andpatiogardens,traditionalterracottapots,glazedorunglazed,mustsurelyrankasthemostpopular.Plasticpotscomeinallshapesandcolors.Theyarealsolightweightandnearlyunbreakable.Manyofthemwill,however,succumbtotheeffectsofsolarradiationafteraseasonortwo.Woodenboxes,crates,andevenrecycledshippingpalletsmakegreatgrowingcontainers,althoughunlesstheyaremadeofnaturallyrot-resistantwoodsuchascypressorcedar,theywillneedacoatofpaintorvarnishtoweatherproofthem.Rustproofmetals,suchasgalvanizedsteel,copper,andaluminum,arealmostindestructiblebutexpensiveandheavy.Galvanizedsteel,inparticular,canbeusedtocreatedramatic,free-formdesignsforraisedbeds.
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SizeBiggerisbetterwhenitcomestocontainers,regardlessofthevegetable
underconsideration.Trytousethelargestcontainerthatcanotherwisebeaccommodatedinthegrowingspace.Vegetablesneedsufficientspacefortheirrootstoexpand.Potssmallerthaneighttotwelveinchesindiameteraresuitableonlyforgrowingseedlingstotransplantorfortrueminiaturecultivars.Adeep,narrowcontainerwillgivebetterresultsthanabroad,shallowone.Ifyouwishtogroupmultiplecontainersinasmallspace,youwillfindthatsquareorrectangularshapeswillmakethemostefficientuseoftheareaavailable.
Whereroompermits,usecontainersthatholdaboutfivegallonsofgrowingmediumforallyourvegetables.Tomatoes,peppers,brassicas,eggplants,andcucurbitswillalldobestincontainersofatleastthiscapacity.
Designconsiderationsforraisedgrowingbeds,theultimateplant“container,”werediscussedinChapter3.
Self-WateringContainersManygardenershavesungthepraisesofself-wateringcontainers.
Vegetablesappreciateevenlymoistsoil,andthatiswhatself-wateringcontainersprovide.Withminimalattentionfromyou,theplantsreceivewaterfromareservoiratthesamerateatwhichwateristranspiredfromtheirleaves.Thiskeepsgrowthgoingfastandconstant.Commerciallyavailableself-wateringcontainerscomeinsizesappropriatetoeverythingfromindoorapplicationstoanextensivegrowingspaceonapatioordeck.Manyofthemhaveaccessories,suchastrellisesorwheels,thatrenderthemversatileenoughforalltypesofvegetablesandsituations.Increasingly,newcolorsanddesignshavebeendevelopedbyvendors,resultinginaestheticallypleasing“growboxes”thatblendwithanystyleordécor.
PlanningYourGardenhespaceavailablewill,ofcourse,determinehowmanycontainersorbedsyoucanaccommodateandwhetheryouhaveroomforaseparatepatchof
berriesorasparagus.Thus,thescaleofyourgardenwillbetheprimaryfactorinT
creatingaplantingplan.Getthefamilytogetherandcreatealistofcropseveryonelikestoeat.Asa
firststep,separateyourlistintocool-seasonversuswarm-seasoncrops.Dependinguponthelengthofthegrowingseasonandthegeneralclimateinyourarea,youmaybeabletofollowacool-seasoncropwithawarm-seasononeand,inturn,plantanothercoolseasoncropforfallorwintergrowth.Forthisreason,youdonotneedaseparatecontainerorbedforeachindividualcropinmostareasofthetemperatezone.Onegrowingspacecanproducedifferentcropsatdifferenttimesoftheyearbypracticingsuccessionplanting.
Asimplegardenplancouldincludethreecontainersorbeds,eachplantedwithtwovegetablecropsforaseason.Inthecoolseason,forexample,youmightgrowpeasandspinachtogetherinonecontainer.Youcouldgrowbroccoliandcarrotsinthesecondspace,andpotatoesinthethird.Whentheseasonwarmsup,replacethepeaswithcucumbersandthespinachwithbushbeans.Replacethecabbageandbeetswithtomatoesandbasil.Plantsquashwherethepotatoesgrew.
Numerousonlineresourcesandappsareavailabletofacilitatethecreationofgardenplans.Planningsoftwareoftenlinkstoagardeningdatabasethatautomaticallycalculatesdaystomaturityandprovidesrecommendationsonplantspacing.Ofcourse,theexactformatofyourgardenplanisuptoyou.Apenandsmallnotebookcanbejustaseffectiveasasoftwarepackage.
Atminimum,yourplanshouldincludealistofwhatwillbeplantedandwhen,togetherwithanestimateoftheharvestdate.Notethatthedaystomaturitylistedonseedpacketsandinvegetablecatalogsarecountedfromthetimeofgermination,nottheplantingdate.Maturitydatesalsovarydependingupontheweather,soilconditions,andotherfactors,andsoarenotironclad.Expectthecroptomatureaweektotendaysearlierorlater.Anunexpectedcoldspellcandelaymaturity,whileanespeciallyfavorablestretchofweathercanhurrythingsalong.
Yourgardenplanwillbemoreusefulifyoukeeptrackofactualeventsandtheiroutcomesasareferenceforthefollowingyear.Ifyouhadabumpercropofcontainer-growncherrytomatoes,itwillbehelpfultotrytoduplicateyoureffortsinsubsequentsummers.
UsingTransplants
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ovicegardenerswillfindgoodresultseasiertoobtainwhenbeginningwithplantsthathavealreadybeenbroughtthroughtheircriticalseedlingstage.
Usingtransplantsnotonlyavoidsseedlingdiseases,itallowsyoutospaceplantsprecisely,animportantfactorwhenplantsaregrownwithlimitedroom.
Asageneralrule,thefollowingaretypicallygrownfromtransplants:asparagus,broccoli,cabbage,cauliflower,celery,eggplant,herbs(most),kale,leeks,peppers,sweetpotatoes,andtomatoes.Thefollowingvegetablesaredirectseededbutcanalsobegrownfromtransplants:beans,corn,cornsalad,cucumber,lettuce,melons,okra,scallions,spinach,andsquashes.Specialprecautionsmustbetakenwithsomeofthese.Forexample,beansandcucurbitsshouldbestartedinpeatpotsthatcanbeburiedwithoutdisturbingtheplant’sroots.Otherwise,theydon’ttransplantwell.
Whetheryoustartplantsathomeyourselforpurchasethematagardencenter,inordertokeepthemhealthyandgrowing,theymustbecorrectlytransplanted.Youngplantsareoftentenderandeasilydamaged.Removingtherootsystemfromthecontainerwithoutdamageisnecessaryiftheplantistogrowproperly.
Decidefirstwhereeachplantwillgo,usingyourgardenplan.Starttheprocessbywateringalltheseedlingsthoroughly.Thiswillcausethegrowingmediumtoclingtotheroots,reducingthepotentialfordamage.Removeaseedlingfromitsnurserypotbypushinggentlyupwardonthebottomofthecontainerwithonehand,whilesimultaneouslygraspingtheplantbytheuppermostleavesandgentlypullingitfromthecell.Takecarenottopulltoo
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uppermostleavesandgentlypullingitfromthecell.Takecarenottopulltoohard,lestyoutearleaves.Iftheplantseemsstuckinitspot,runakitchenknifearoundtheperimeterbetweenthepotandthegrowingmedium.Thisshouldfreeuptheplantanditshouldslideeasilyoutofthepot.
Intheplant’snewlocation,makeaholealittlelargerthantherootmass,usingahandspadeoryourhands,andplacetheseedling’srootmassinthehole.Ifrecommended,addfertilizertotheholebeforeinsertingtheseedling.Firmthesoilaroundtheseedling.Makesurethecrownoftheseedlingissittingatthesamelevelasitwasinthenurserycontainer.Waterthetransplantthoroughlytosettlethesoilaroundtheroots.
Sometimesyouwillfindseedlingsthathavesatalittletoolonginthenurserycontainer.Theirrootsmaybemattedatthebottomofthepot.Inthiscase,afterremovingtheseedlingfromthepot,pinchorcutofftheentangledportionoftherootmass,freeingitfromtherestoftheroots.Thiswillstimulatetheplanttoproducenewrootsinitsnewlocation,anditwillsetgrowthbackonlyslightly.
Tomatoespresentaspecialcase.Whentheplantshavegrowntoolargeinanurserycontainer,removeallbutthetoptwoorthreetiersofleavesbeforetransplanting.Burythestemuptowithinaninchortwoofthebottomleaftier.Thiswillcauserootstodevelopallalongtheburiedportionofthestem,andresultinahealthierplantwithabiggerharvestlaterintheseason.Also,removeanybloomsonthetomatoattransplanttime.Thisforcestheplanttoestablishahealthyrootsystembeforeitexpendsenergyinflowerandfruitformation.
SowingSeedhemajorityofrootcropsdonottransplantwell,oftendevelopingmisshapenrootsasaresult.Besidesbeets,carrots,radishes,andturnips,the
cropsmostoftensowndirectlyinthegardenincludearugula,Asianmustards,beans,cress,cucumbers,dandelion,fieldpeas,greens,melons,okra,peas,scallion,spinach,andsquashes.
Sowingseedcanbedoneinvariousways.Forgreenslikearugula,spinach,andtheAsianmustards,seedsmaybebroadcast;thatis,scatteredoverseveralsquarefeetofgrowingspace.Theseplantsarelaterthinnedout.Tinyseeds,likethoseofcarrots,canbeplantedthiswayalso.Thinningtotheproperspacing,however,isessential.
Onewaytoachieveproperspacingwithsmallseedsistouseseedtapes.
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Onewaytoachieveproperspacingwithsmallseedsistouseseedtapes.Thisismerelyastripofabsorbentpapertapetowhichseedshavebeenaffixedattheirproperspacing.Yousimplyplacethetapewhereyouwanttheplantstogo,andcoverittotheproperdepthwithgrowingmedium.Seedtapesavesalotoftimethatwouldbespentthinningbabyplants.Youmayhavetopullaplanthereandthere,butthetimerequiredwillbemuchless.
Largerseedsthatareeasytohandlearetypicallyplantedinhills.Thegrowingmediumismoundedslightlywhereplantsaretogrow,andthreetofiveseedsareplanted.Whengerminationiscompleteandplantshavegrownabit,allbuttwoorthreeareremoved,leavingtheresttomature.Beans,cucurbits,andpeasarefrequentlyplantedthisway.Hillsareplacedtoprovidetheproperspacingbetweenplants,sonofurtherthinningisrequired.
Itisimportanttocoverseedsproperly.Theyshouldbeburiednodeeperthantwicethewidthoftheseed.Lightisrequiredforgerminationofsomeseeds—notablylettuce—andtheseshouldbebarelycovered.Aftersowing,manygardenerscoversmallseedswithathinlayerofvermiculite,whichnotonlyholdstheseedsinplacebutmaintainshighmoistureneededforgermination.Largeseeds,likethoseofsquashes,canbepokedintothesoil,buryingthemuptothedepthofthefirstjointofyourforefinger.Thisalsoworkswellforbeans,corn,andpeas.
Alwayswaterthegrowingareathoroughlyafterplantingseeds.Thisensuresgoodcontactbetweentheseedandthegrowingmediumandprovidesthewaternecessaryforpropergermination.Seedbedsshouldbewateredfrequently,moresothanamaturingvegetablegarden.Wiltedseedlingsseldomrecover.
Trellisesanyvegetablesperformbetterandareeasiertopickiftheplantsaretraineduponasupportofsomekind.Growingonatrellisalsohelpsto
preventdiseases,astheplantsstaycleanerandaircirculationisimproved.Whatkindofsupporttousedependsuponthematerialsyouhaveavailable
andwhatplantsyouaregrowing.Thetrellismustbestrongenoughtosupporttheweightofplantsandtheirfruits,anditmustbesecurelyanchoredtopreventwinddamage.Atrelliscoveredwithvinespresentsalargesurfaceareatothewind.Ifpossible,orientthelengthofthetrellisparalleltothedirectionoftheprevailingwind.
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Asturdytrellissupportcanbemadeofwood,butamorelong-lastingonecanbefashionedfromelectricalconduit.UsingpartsavailablefromanyDIYstore,youcanmakeaU-shapedstructurethatcanbeattachedwithappropriatebracketstoagrowingbed,adeckpost,orsomeothersecurefoundation.Onceyouhavethissupportstructureinplace,youcanusewire,strings,nylonorplasticnetting,oranynumberofotherthingstoallowplantstoclimb.Gardencentersandonlinevendorsalsosellavarietyofready-madetrellisessuitableforallsortsofapplications.
Maintenancehechiefmaintenanceactivityyouwilllikelyengageiniswateringyourvegetablesandherbs.Othertasksincludeapplyingfertilizer,checkingfor
problemsandsolvingthem,andpullingweeds.Youmayalsospendalittletimetyingsomeplantstotheirsupports,applyingmulch,andmakingnotesabouttheprogressofyourgarden.
WateringAspreviouslymentioned,vegetablesneedaninchofwaterperweek,or
aboutsixteengallonspertwenty-fivesquarefeetofgrowingspace.Forsmallergardens,anold-fashionedwateringcanmaybeallyouneed.Ifthereisafaucetnearby,ahosewithasimplewateringwandattachmentdoesagreatjobandiseasierthanluggingawateringcan.
Self-wateringcontainershavealreadybeenmentionedandaregreattimesavers.Foraraisedbedorin-groundgarden,asoakerhoseallowsyoutoautomateirrigation.Soakerhosesreleasewaterslowly.Placednearthecrownoftheplant,thesoakerhosesaturatesthesoilwithoutwastingwater.Connectittoawatertimerandyoucanwaterautomatically.Soakerhosesworkgreatforraisedbeds,whereasinglehosedownthemiddlewaterstheentirebed.
FertilizerVegetablesgrowingincontainersneedmorefertilizationthanthosegrownin
raisedbedsortheground.Thisisbecausefrequentwateringflushesnutrientsfromthegrowingmedium.Containerplantsshouldreceiveaweakdoseof
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balancedfertilizeronceaweekwhiletheyareactivelygrowing.Plantsgrowninbedsorinthegroundneedfeedingonlyaboutonceamonth.Theserecommendationsareforfertilizersthatcontainabout10percentnitrogen.
Themostconvenientfertilizersareconcentratesdesignedtobedilutedwithwaterbeforeapplication.Thesetypesoffertilizerscanbeappliedwithawateringcan.Usingthemgivesyoucompletecontrolovertheamountyouapply,andverylittleiswasted.Granularfertilizersarealsowidelyavailable.Theytendtobelesscostlythanliquidconcentratesanddeliverlessnitrogenperpound.Applygranularfertilizerbysprinklingitonthegrowingmediumaroundthebaseoftheplant.Afterapplication,waterwell.
Compostingakingthekitchenscrapsyougeneratewhencookingfromthegardenandconvertingthemintocompostthatiseventuallyreturnedtothegardento
nourishanothercropseemsliketheultimateinrecycling.Compostingmerelytakesadvantageofthenaturalprocessofdecomposition.Organicwastesbecomenutrientsourcesforplantsthroughtheactivitiesofbeneficialinvertebrates,bacteria,andfungi.
Compostcontributestothesoil’scapacitytoholdbothairandwater.Italsocontainsvaryingamountsofmajor,minor,andtraceelementsthatplantsrequire.Compostalsointroducesbacteria,fungi,andtinyinvertebratestothegrowingarea.Theseorganismsinteractwithoneanotherandwithplants,reducingcomplexmaterialsintoplant-availableforms.Theyalsohelptokeepharmfulorganismsundercontrol,soplantsarelessaffectedbypathogensandpests.
CompostIngredientsCompostismadefromthreeingredients:brownorganicmatter,green
organicmatter,andwater.Brownorganicmatterconsistsofdry,woodymaterialslikefallenleaves.Greenorganicmatterincludeswetmaterialslikevegetablepeelings.Youshouldaddequalamounts(byweight)ofgreenandbrownmattertoyourcompostpileorbin.Irrigatethecompostalongwiththerestofthegarden.Locatethecompostpileorbinintheshadetofacilitatekeepingitmoist.Gardenerswhogrowindoorsoronapatioorbalconycanstillobtainthebenefitsofcompost.Variousdevicesareavailableforindoorcompostingofkitchenscraps,oryoucanpurchaseready-madecompostin
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compostingofkitchenscraps,oryoucanpurchaseready-madecompostinplasticbags.
HowtoMakeaCompostPileThisisthesimplestapproachtooutdoorcomposting.Simplypileeverything
up,hoseitdown,andcoveritwithatarp.Keepaddingmaterialsasyouhavethemavailable,mixingtheminwell.Keepthepileevenlymoistbutnotwet.Compostwillbereadyinacoupleofmonthstoayear.
UsingaCompostBinUseacompostbinfortidier,fastercomposting.Youcanpurchaseaplastic
orwoodenbin,orbuildanenclosure.Athree-sidedbin,fourfeetoneachside,accommodatesabout500gallonsofmaterial.
Tomakecompostinabin,startbyplacingsixinchesofbrownmaterialinthebottomoftheenclosure.Addtwoinchesofgreenmaterial.Keepthevolumeratioofbrowntogreenaroundthreetoone.Addacommercialcompoststarterorashovelfulofgoodgardensoil.Mixthematerialstogetherwithagardenfork.Waterthecompostthoroughly.
Turnthecompostwithagardenforkweekly,andaddnewmaterialontopasyouhaveitavailable.Afteraweek,thecompostshouldheatup.Keepaddingmaterial,mixing,andwatering.Oncethecompoststopsgeneratingheat,itisreadyforuse.Thiswilltakeonetofourmonths.
IndoorCompostingIndoors,theprocessisbasicallythesame,althoughthemuchsmallervolume
ofmaterialmeansitwillbereadytousemorequickly.YoucanfindmultipleplansforDIYindoorcompostersonline,oryoucanpurchaseaready-madeindoorcomposteratyourlocalgardencenter.Aproperlydesignedindoorcomposterwilldothejobquicklywithoutattractinginsectsorproducingunpleasantodors.Makesuretofollowthemanufacturer’srecommendationsforproperuse.Indoorgardenerscanusetheircompostasacomponentofgrowingmix.
StartingPlantsIndoorsoonerorlater,youwillwanttostartyourownplantsfromseeds.Youwillneedabrightlyilluminatedspaceindoors.Ifyouhavealonggrowing
season,youcanstartseedsforsomevegetablecropsoutdoors,also.Vegetableseedlingsarecaredforjustliketheirlargercounterparts,butyoumustpayattentiontopreventthemfromdryingoutandtokeepthemwarmenough.
Seed-StartingEquipmentForplantsthataretransplantedafteramonthofgrowth,nurserytraysthat
aredividedintoeighteenortwenty-fourcompartments,orcells,arethemostsatisfactory.Thesetrays,togetherwithplasticflatsforholdingthem,andotheraccessories,areavailableatmostgardencenters.Youwillalsoneedagrowingmediumforseedstarting.Typically,thisismerelythesamemediumusedforpottingbutofamuchfinertexture.Makeyourownbycombiningequalpartsofscreenedpeatmossandvermiculite.
Atransparentcoverthatfitsovertheflat,holdinginhumiditywithoutexcludinglight,isagoodidea.
Insteadofplasticcellswithgrowingmedium,youcanalsopurchasepeatplantingpellets.Theseservethepurposeofboththecontainerandthegrowingmedium.Yousimplyaddwaterandthepelletsexpandtoausablesize.Likecelltrays,peatpelletsareusuallygroupedinaplasticflatforconvenience.
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trays,peatpelletsareusuallygroupedinaplasticflatforconvenience.Fortransplantsthatwillremainintheirseedlingpotsformorethanamonth,
selectlargercontainerstopermitmorerootgrowth.Four-inchplasticpotsareausefulchoicefortomatoes,peppers,andbrassicas.Tensuchpotswillfitastandardflat.Fillthemwithgrowingmixandplantasdescribedforcelltrays.
SowingSeedsFillacelltrayorplasticpotswithgrowingmedium,orsetoutasmanypeat
pelletsasyouintendtouse.Waterthegrowingmediumorpelletsthoroughly,thenwaitabouttwentyminutesforthemtosoakandallowexcesswatertodrainaway.Sprinkleafewseedsonthesurfaceofeachcontainer.Threetofiveseedsshouldbesufficient.Allbutonewillberemovedsoonaftertheygerminate.Covertheflatwithatransparentcoverorwithplasticwrap.Ifyouusethelatter,inspecttheflatdailyandremoveitimmediatelywhenyouseegreenshoots.Otherwise,plantsmaybetrappedundertheplasticandgrowimproperly.Thetransparentcoverishighenoughtoallowtheplantstogrowaninchbeforetheybumpintoit.
CaringforSeedlingsWhenalltheseedshavegerminated,removetheplasticcoverifyouhavenot
alreadydoneso.Fromthispointon,takecarenottoallowthegrowingmediumtodryout.Checkdailyandwatertheplantswhenthesoilsurfaceisdry.Feedseedlingsaccordingtotherecommendationsgivenelsewhereinthisbook.Mostvegetablesshouldreceiveasolublefertilizersolutioneverytwoweeksfromgerminationuntiltransplanttime.
Whenalltheseedlingsintheflathaveapairoftrueleaves,thinthem,leavingonlyoneplantpercell,pellet,orcontainer.Thebestwaytodothisistocutofftheweakerseedlingsatthesoilline,usingasmallpairofscissors.Pullingthemupbytherootsrisksdamagingtheplantyouwanttokeep.
Transplantseedlingsassoonastherootsprotrudefromthedrainageholesinthecontainer.Ifweatherconditionsdonotpermittransplanting,itisokaytoleavetheminthecontaineralittlelonger.Seetherecommendationsfortrimmingcrowdedroots(page261)beforetransplanting.
PestManagementlthoughintegratedpestmanagement,orIPM,wasdevelopedforcommercialgrowers,thebackyardvegetablegardenercangreatlybenefit
fromapplyingthisapproachtocontrolplantpestsanddiseases.Whenmultipleelementsofthepestmanagementstrategyareusedtogether,thecropisleastlikelytosufferpestproblems.
Healthy,unstressedplantsareleastpronetodevelopingproblems.Planthealthbeginswithproperamountsofthefouressentials:sunshine,water,minerals,andfreshair.Plantingattheproperseasonisofobviousimportance.Lessobviousistheneedforproperplantspacing,whichallowsforbetteraircirculationandkeepsplantsfromcompetingwithoneanother.Oneofthesimplestthingsyoucandotomanagepestsistochecktheconditionoftheplantsdaily.Theearlierproblemsaredetected,theeasiertheyaretosolve.
TrappingPestsSimpletrapsdotheleastenvironmentaldamageofanyformofinsect
control.Aphidsandothersuckinginsectsmaybetrappedwithstickyyellow-coloredtraps,whichattractthem.Potatobeetleswillbefoiledbyatrencharoundthepotatopatch,whichactslikethetrenchesaroundamilitaryencampment.Haplessbeetlesfallintothetrenchandcannotescape,andcanthenbedrownedwiththehose.Squashbugsmaybetrappedbyplacingpiecesofwoodorcardboardonthegrowingmediumunderneathplants.Bugscollectunderthewoodatnight.Checkinthemorningandsweepthebugsintoabucketofsoapywater.
BarrierstoPestsCreatingabarriertopestinvasionisasimple,environmentallyfriendlypest
controltechnique.Coveringvulnerablecropswithafloatingrowcoverisanexampleofthis.Anothergoodexampleistheuseofcoppertothwartslugsandsnails.Themolluskswillnotcrawloveracopperbarrier.Youcanpurchaseinch-widecoppertape.Attachingthecoppertothetopofyourgrowingbedwithsmallnailswillpreventsnailsandslugsfromclimbingin.Youcanalsousebarecopperwireorcopperflashing.Wrapseveralturnsofwirearoundthebaseofa
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pottoprotecttheplantsgrowinginit.Setapotonapieceofcopperflashingtoholdslugsandsnailsatbay.
BiologicalPesticidesSprayingwithsoapsolutioncanbeaneffectivewaytokillmanytypesof
insects.Thesoapbreaksdowntheinsects’naturaldefensesagainstdehydration,andthebugsdiefromlackofmoisture.Chooseasoapmadeforkillingbugs.Householdcleanersmaycontaincomponentsthatwillharmplants.
Diatomaceousearth,anindustrialproductusedfornumerouspurposes,isaneffectivecontrolformanytypesofinsectpests.Itiscomposedofextremelyfineparticlesofsilica,producedbytrillionsofmarinealgaecalleddiatoms.Whensprinkledonplants,diatomaceousearthaffectsinsectsintwoways.Thecrystalspreventsomeinsectsfromchewingleaves,presumablybecausetheydamagetheinsects’mouthparts,andthecrystalsmayalsoclogtheinsects’respiratorysystems,asphyxiatingthem.Theproductiscompletelyharmlessandwashesrightofftheplantlikesand.
Aneffectivecontrolforcaterpillars,BtisanabbreviationforBacillusthuringensis,aspeciesofsoilbacteriathatcausesfataldiseaseininsects.Soldundervariousbrandnames,Btiseffectiveagainstcabbageworms,armyworms,tomatohornworms,andahostofotherchewingpests.Repeatedapplicationisnecessarybecauserainwillwashoffthedust,buttheproductisalmost100percenteffectiveincontrollingsomepests.
Extractedfromatropicaltree,neemoilhasinsecticidal,repellant,andfungicidalproperties.Itisaneffectiverepellantforsquashbugsandstinkbugs.Thisproductalsocontrolspowderymildewandotherfungalfoliardiseases.Itissoldasaconcentratethatisdilutedandappliedwithasprayer.
Spinosadisaninsecttoxinderivedfromatypeofbacterium.Ittargetstheinsectnervoussystembutisharmlesstobirdsandmammals.Itiseffectiveagainstmanyinsects,butyoushoulduseitwithcare.
Pyrethrinisextractedfromatypeofchrysanthemum.Thisnaturalinsecticideissafeforbirdsandmammalsbuttoxictofish.Itisaneffectivecontrolformanyagriculturalpests.
Ferroussulfate,aharmlesschemicalsometimesaddedtohumanfood,istoxictosnailsandslugs.Baitscontainingitarewidelyavailableandeffective.Theattractivenessofthebaittothetargetmollusksisenhancedwhenthebaitis
Theattractivenessofthebaittothetargetmollusksisenhancedwhenthebaitismixedwithcoffeegrounds.Placesmallpilesofgroundsandbaitnearyourgrowingbedstotemptsnailsandslugsastheyapproach.
SeasonExtendersorgainingafewweeksonthenormalgrowingseason,eitheratitsbeginningoritsend,gardenerscanuseavarietyofdevicescollectively
knownasseasonextenders.Anythingusedforthispurposecounts,fromasimplecovertoacoldframe.
ClochesAnythingusedtocoverindividualplantswhileadmittingsunshineiscalleda
cloche.Amongthesimplestofclochesisanordinaryplasticmilkjugwiththebottomcutout.Placethejugoverarecenttransplanttoprotectitfromlatefrost.Leavethecapoffthejugduringtheday,andreplaceitatnighttoholdinheat.Forsmallerplantsorplantsgrowinginpots,usea2-litersodabottleforthesamepurpose,cuttingittoanappropriateheight.
CoveredTomatoCageAtomatocagecanactasasupportforclearplasticsheetingdrapedoverand
helddownwithweights.Thisproducesamini-greenhousefortheplants.Takecaretoremovetheplasticonsunnydays,orthegreenhousemaybecomeadeathchamberbecauseofexcessiveheat.
RowCoversSometimesitisdesirabletocoveranentirebedorrowofplantstoprotect
them.Arowcoverprovidesfrostprotectionwithoutcrushingthetenderplantsbeneath.Thecoverissupportedabovetheplantsbyaseriesofwireorplastichoops.Youcanalsopurchaseafloatingrowcover.Thislightweightinsulatingfabricisplacedoverplantswithoutcrushingthem.Itisfloatingbecauseitneedsnohoopsorothersupports.
F
ColdFramesAcoldframeisactuallyjustanunheatedgreenhouse.Itcanbesmalland
simpleorelaboratelyconstructed.Thebasicpointofanycoldframedesignistoshieldplantsfromcoldairwhileadmittingsunlightandtrappingheatduringtheday.
Onewaytomakeatemporarycoldframeistoarrangebalesofhayor(better)strawaroundaraisedbed,stackingthemtwohighontheendsandalongthenorthsideofthebed.Coverthewholethingwithtransparentplastic.Makesurethecoverissecuredagainstwind.Thetemperatureinsidetheenclosedspacewillbemuchwarmerthanoutside,andyoucancontinuetogrowcool-seasonplantsinthebedforatleastamonthbeyondyourfallfrostdate.
IfyouliveinUSDAZone5orfarthersouth,youmaynotneedalltheinsulationastraw-balecoldframewillprovide.Youcaninstallaplasticgrowtunneloveranysizebedoragroupofcontainers.Use½-inchPVCpipe,bentintoasemicircle,tospanthegrowingarea.Howyousecuretheendsofthepipedependsuponyourset-up.Ifyouhavearectangularwoodengrowingbed,attachthepipetothesideswithconduitclamps.Bendthepipeovertotheothersideandinstallasecondclamp.Placeoneofthesehoopsateachend,andoneortwointhemiddle,spacingthemevenly.Usingplasticzipties,attachanotherpieceofPVChorizontallyacrossthetoparcofthehoops.Thisridgepolegreatlyenhancesthestabilityofthearrangement.Covertheentirethingwithtransparentplasticfilm,andsecuretheedgeswithweights,suchasstonesorconcreteblocks.
Gardenerswhopreferamoreprofessional,finishedlookcanchoosefromanarrayofready-madecoldframes,someofferinghelpfulfeatureslikeautomaticventingwhentheinteriortemperaturebecomestoowarm.Dependinguponthesizeoftheunitandthequalityofconstruction,aready-madecoldframecancostseveralhundreddollars.Butforproducingfreshgreensonyourpatioinwinter,thismaybeareasonableinvestment,giventhatagood-qualitycoldframecanbeusedformanyseasons.
LearnAsYouGrowLearnfromyourgardeningmistakesandtriumphs.Thebestwaytodothisis
tokeepajournal,butsimplybeingadedicatedobserverofthelifeinyourgardenwillleadtoinsights.Youwilldiscoverwhichinsectsarefriends,how
gardenwillleadtoinsights.Youwilldiscoverwhichinsectsarefriends,howgrowingsomevegetablessidebysideseemstoimproveboth,andpossiblythatitispointlesstotrytogrowokrainBangororcauliflowerinMobile.
NobookonvegetablegardeningcancoverallthepossiblescenariosforgardensinacountryaslargeandclimacticallydiverseastheUnitedStates.Fortunately,gardenerseverywherecanaccessinformationthatisspecifictotheirregion.TheUSDepartmentofAgriculturehasextensionofficesineverystate.Findyoursathttp://nifa.usda.gov/partners-and-extension-map.Thiswebpagealsohaslinkstouniversityagricultureprogramsacrossthecountry.Theseprogramsregularlypublishinformationpertinenttobackyardvegetablegardening,foodpreservation,andrelatedtopics.Forthemostup-to-dateinformationaboutpreservingyourharvest,visittheNationalCenterforHomeFoodPreservationwebsite,maintainedbytheUniversityofGeorgiaathttp://nchfp.uga.edu/.
Publicgardensrecognizetheever-increasingpopularityofhomefoodgardeningandarerespondingwithseminars,workshops,anddemonstrationvegetablegardens.Avisittoapublicgardennearyouwillprovideinspirationfordesigningyourowngarden.Forthenovicegrower,apublicgardenprovidesanobjectiveviewofwhatplantswillfitintoagivenamountofspace,somethingthatmaybedifficulttovisualizewithoutdirectexperience.YoucanfindapublicgardeninyourareawiththehelpoftheNationalGardeningAssociation’slocatortoolathttp://www.garden.org/public_gardens/.
Donotoverlookopportunitiestocommunicatewithothergardenersinyourarea.Talktotheprosatthefarmer’smarket.Theyareoftenwillingtosharetipsifthemarketisnottoobusy.Ifyounoticecorntasselspeekingaboveaneighbor’sfence,youmayhavediscoveredagardeningally.Mostgardenersareeagertotalkabouttheirpassions,vegetablegardenersnolesssothanrosariansororchidists.IfthereisaMasterGardenerprograminyourarea,participatinginitwillbringyouintocontactwithyourmostexperiencedgardeningneighbors.TheAmericanHorticulturalSocietyhaslinkstoMasterGardenerprograminformationathttp://www.ahs.org/gardening-resources/master-gardeners.
Foodgardeningchallengestheintellect,requireshealthyphysicalexertion,andbringsthefreshest,mostnutritiousproducetoyourdinnertable.Mysincerehopeisthatthisintroductiontovegetablegardeningandcookingwithhomegrownproducewillleadeachreadertowardarewardinglifelonghobby.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Manythankstomyhusbandandmasterfulgardener,JerryYarnell,forhismanycontributionstothisbook.
Myagent,GraceFreedson,nevergaveuponthisproject.Thankyou,Grace.Thankstomyeditor,AllisonJanse,forherenthusiasticresponsetotheidea
ofadifferentkindofgarden-to-tablecookbook.Specialthankstoallwhotestedrecipes:GrahamByars,LoriChavez,
MelanieHall,ConnieKillian,RussellPeeler,andJ.R.Shute.Yourcommentsandsuggestionsmadetherecipesbetterandeasiertofollow.
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
John Tullock is a lifelong gardener, self-taught gourmet cook, and trainedecologist whose previous books have covered a range of topics includingaquariums,hardyorchids,sustainable living,andstartingasmallbusiness.HisNaturalReefAquariumssoldover75,000copiesandisconsidereda“classic”inits subject area. Growing Hardy Orchids was named by the AmericanHorticulture Society as one of the five best garden books of 2006.Pay Dirt,released in2010, soldover10,000copiesduring its first sixmonths.TheNewAmericanHomestead:Sustainable, Self-SufficientLiving in theCountryor theCity has inspired people all over the country to grow food at home.HismostrecentworksareIdiot’sGuides:VegetableGardeningandIdiot’sGuides:StrawBaleGardening,bothpublishedbyAlphaBooks.Hewrites,cooks,andgardensonhissuburbanhomesteadnearKnoxville,Tennessee.
INDEX
AAgavenectar
SaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciutto,146Airasgrowingvegetablesessential,257Alfalfasprouts
FallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing,154Amaranthseeds
ToastedSeedMixture,252Anise
JapaneseFlowerSoup,90WinterSquashSoupwithAsianFlavors,93
ApplejuiceUniversalRecipeforHerbJelly,238
ApplesCampfireApples,215
Arugula,10ArugulaPesto,12ArugulaSaladwithCranberriesandWalnuts,11GreekSaladPizza,202
ArugulaSaladwithCranberriesandWalnuts,11Asianmustard,44
StirFryofAsianMustardswithGroundPork,46Asparagus,206
Asparagus“Rockefeller,”207–209AsparagusWrappedwithTennesseeProsciutto,210Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179SteamedVegetableBundles(tiedwithchives),36WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176
Asparagus“Rockefeller,”207–209AsparagusWrappedwithTennesseeProsciutto,210
BBabybokchoy
BabyBokChoyinVegetableHerbBroth,45BabyBokChoyinVegetableHerbBroth,45Babygreens
ArugulaSaladwithCranberriesandWalnuts,11Bacon
BraisedDandelionGreens,48
FiléGumbo,222–223GreenBeansand“Shellies”withCountryHam,72GumboZ’herbes,49Hoppin’John,143KiltLettuce,30SouthernStyleCollardGreens,131YellowTomatoandBaconJam,168
BambooshootsFooYungEggswithScallions,29
Barriersforpestmanagement,268–269BasicYeastBreadandVariations,247Basil,86
Beans,GreatNorthernCornbreadPanzanella,82CressTeaSandwiches,18DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust,68–69FallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing,154FreshCornChowderwithTortillaShreds,138Gazpacho,85GrilledPeacheswithBlueCheese,216John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149KaribbeanKebabs,139LemonBasilZucchini,155MarinatedCheesewithTarragonVinegar,192MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254Oven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOil,103PeachesinBasilSyrup,88PepperCrustedPorkProvençal,166–167Pesto,87SaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciutto,146SweetCornSoup,134WhiteChili,80WinterGazpacho,120WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176
BasilsyrupGrilledPeacheswithBlueCheese,216
BayleafAsparagus“Rockefeller,”207–209BroccoliSteamedwithBayLeaves,123ChickenandThymeDumplings,108–109ChickenBrothSupreme,227CressTeaSandwiches,18–19DilledGreenTomatoesorGreenBeans,187GumboZ’herbes,49John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149OkraKaren,152PepperCrustedPorkProvençal,166RichBeefBroth,226Shrimp“Scampi”withChervil,33TennesseeCaviar,142
VegetableStock,229Beans,kidney
ThreeBeanSalad,71Beans,shelled
GreenBeansand“Shellies”withCountryHam,72Beans,snap(green),70
ChickenMinestrone,201GreenBeanswithRoastedPeppers,73MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254ThreeBeanSalad,71VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice,94
Beans,yellowwaxThreeBeanSalad,71
Beef,chuckSlowCookerBeefStewwithBeer,110
Beef,groundCayetteswithCollards,132MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254
Beef,marrowbonesRichBeefBroth,226
BeerSlowCookerBeefStewwithBeer,110
Beet,115BeetCanapés,117Borscht:TwoVariations,116
BeetCanapés,117BenedictineSpread,77Berries
BerryorCherryPreserves,239BerryorCherryPreserves,239Biologicalpesticides,269Biscuits
Old-FashionedTomatoBreadPudding,83Blackberries,195
BlackberryCobbler,196BlackberryCobbler,196Blueberries,211
MâcheSaladwithBlueCheese,Blueberries,andPecans,16MeyerLemonCurdandBlueberryTarts,212SeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213
BonitoflakesDashi,228
Borscht:TwoVariations,116BraisedDandelionGreens,48Bread
BeetCanapés,117Borscht:TwoVariations,116MinestraofSummerVegetables,253Old-FashionedTomatoBreadPudding,83Oven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOil,103
WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121Broccoli,122
BroccoliSteamedwithBayLeaves,123JadeGreenBroccoli,123WarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghum251
BroccoliSteamedwithBayLeaves,123BrownButterandSageSauce,189Bulgurwheat
WinterTabouli,40Buttermilk
ScratchBiscuits,249
CCabbages,124
ColeslawBrassRail-Style,125GrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlaw,97VirginiaPeanutColeslaw,126
CaldoVerde,114CampfireApples,215Carrots,57
Borscht:TwoVariations,116ChickenBrothSupreme,227ChickenMinestrone,201CreamofCarrotSoupwithCuminandThyme,58DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust,68GoldenPotatoSoup,66GrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlaw,97MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254MixedTurnipMash,171PennsylvaniaDutchChickenTurnover,204–205Raspberry,Jicama,andPecanSaladwithRaspberryVinaigrette,100RawVeganThaiCurrySoup,96RichBeefBroth,226RoastedCarrotsandWinterVegetables,59SteamedVegetableBundles(tiedwithchives),36SweetCornSoup,134VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice,94VegetableStock,229WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121ZucchiniBroth,229
Cauliflower,127CauliflowerandPotatoSalad,129GratinofCauliflower,128PotatoSaladwithArugulaPesto,12
CauliflowerandPotatoSalad,129CayetteswithCollards,132Celery,181
Asparagus“Rockefeller,”207–209CelerySoupwithSweetPotatoesandBlueCheese,182ChickenBrothSupreme,227
CreamyChilledVegetarianSnowPeaSoup,61DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust,68End-of-SeasonFreshPeaSoup,62FiléGumbo,222–223FreshCornChowderwithTortillaShreds,138GoldenPotatoSoup,66John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149PennsylvaniaDutchChickenTurnover,204–205PotatoStackswithCelerySauce,184–185RawVeganThaiCurrySoup,96RichBeefBroth,226Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179SkilletChickenwithRosemary,102SmokyGrilledCaponata,52–53SouthernStylePotatoSalad,65TraditionalThanksgivingDressing,180VegetableStock,229WhiteVegetableStock,230WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany,174–175WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121ZucchiniBroth,229
CelerySoupwithSweetPotatoesandBlueCheese,182Cheese,blue,crumbled
CelerySoupwithSweetPotatoesandBlueCheese,182GrilledPeacheswithBlueCheese,216MâcheSaladwithBlueCheese,Blueberries,andPecans,16
Cheese,fetaGreekSaladPizza,202
Cheese,mascarponeBeetCanapés,117PoachedPearswithMintMascarpone,217SweetPotatoMascarponeGnocchi,158–159WinterSquashRavioli,177
Cheese,melting(gouda,Gruyere,Swiss)DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust,68–69GoudaMac’n’CheesewithFreshTarragon,191
Cheese,MontereyjackMarinatedCheesewithTarragonVinegar,192WhiteChili,80
Cheese,ParmesanGoudaMac’n’CheesewithFreshTarragon,191
Cheese,Parmigiano-ReggianoCornbreadPanzanella,82CreamofCornSaladSoup,15CreamofSpinachSoup,55GratinofCauliflower,128LettuceSoup,23Oven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOil,103Pesto,87PotatoSaladwithArugulaPesto,12–13
SweetPotatoMascarponeGnocchi,158–159TraderVic’sChickenSalad,183
CherriesBerryorCherryPreserves,239
CherryBarbecueSauce,216Cherrypreserves
CherryBarbecueSauce,216Chervil,31
CelerySoupwithSweetPotatoesandBlueCheese,182ChervilinPotatoChip“Windows,”32Shrimp“Scampi”withChervil,33
ChervilinPotatoChip“Windows,”32ChickenandThymeDumplings,108–109Chicken,breasts
ChickenBrothSupreme,227ChickenMinestrone,201FooYungEggswithScallions,29Japanese-StyleGardenVegetableSoup,26PennsylvaniaDutchChickenTurnover,204–205TraderVic’sChickenSalad,183WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121
ChickenBrothSupreme,227ChickenMinestrone,201Chicken,thighs
ChickenBrothSupreme,227FiléGumbo,222–223SkilletChickenwithRosemary,102WhiteChili,80
ChickpeasMinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254
ChilledMelonSoup,145ChiveandRiceFlourPancakes,35Chives,34
BeetCanapés,117ChiveandRiceFlourPancakes,35Gazpacho,85MâqueChoux,140SteamedVegetableBundles(tiedwithchives),36
ChowmeinnoodlesTraderVic’sChickenSalad,183
Cilantro,37CilantroOil,241FreshCornChowderwithTortillaShreds,138KeyLimeandCilantroShrimpSalad,38LemongrassStock,228SweetPotatoSalad,162TennesseeCaviar,142TraderVic’sChickenSalad,183
CilantroOil,241Clamjuice
SeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213Cloches,270Coconutmeat
RawVeganThaiCurrySoup,96Coconutwater
ChilledMelonSoup,145RawVeganThaiCurrySoup,96
Coldframes,271ColeslawBrassRail-Style,125Collards,130
CayetteswithCollards,132SouthernStyleCollardGreens,131
Compostingbin,265–266construction,265indoor,266ingredients,265process,264–265
CompoundButter,240Containerizedfarming
choosingcontainer,41–42feeding,43growingmedia,42–43materials,258size,258–259sowingvs.notsowing,43
CorianderKaribbeanKebabs,139
Corn,133EdamameSuccotash,135FreshCornChowderwithTortillaShreds,138FriedCornwithZucchini,155MâqueChoux,140SweetCornPudding,137SweetCornSoup,134WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176
Cornbread,248CornbreadPanzanella,82CornbreadSalad,27FriedGreenTomatoNapoleons,165TraditionalThanksgivingDressing,180
CornbreadPanzanella,82CornbreadSalad,27Cornsalad,14Cornsaladleaves
CreamofCornSaladSoup,15Coveredtomatocage,270Crabmeat
SeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213Cranberries,dried
ArugulaSaladwithCranberriesandWalnuts,11Cream,heavy
Asparagus“Rockefeller,”207–208BenedictineSpread,77CelerySoupwithSweetPotatoesandBlueCheese,182CreamofCarrotSoupwithCuminandThyme,58ParsleyCream,40StrawberryShortcake,105SweetCornPudding,137SweetCornSoup,134Vichysoisse,64CreamofCarrotSoupwithCuminandThyme,58
CreamofCornSaladSoup,15CreamofSpinachSoup,55CreamyChilledVegetarianSnowPeaSoup,61CreoleSeasoningMix,252Cress,17
CressTeaSandwiches,18DeviledEggswithCress,20
CressTeaSandwiches,18–19Cucumber,74
BenedictineSpread,77CornbreadPanzanella,82CornbreadSalad,27Cucumber,Onion,andTomatoSalad,76FallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing,154Gazpacho,85WhiteGazpacho,75
Cucumber,Onion,andTomatoSalad,76Cumin
CreamofCarrotSoupwithCuminandThyme,58
DDashi,228
JapaneseFlowerSoup,90Japanese-StyleGardenVegetableSoup,26
DatesSpinachSaladwithDates,56
DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust,68–69DeviledEggswithCress,20Dill,186
Borscht:TwoVariations,116DilledGreenTomatoesorGreenBeans,187
DilledGreenTomatoesorGreenBeans,187
EEdamame
EdamameSuccotash,135EdamameSuccotash,135Edibleflowers,89
JapaneseFlowerSoup,90Ediblelandscape,192–193EdibleNorthAmericannativeplants
fruits,221miscellaneousplants,221nuts,220
EggnoodlesChickenMinestrone,201
Eggplant,50KoreanEggplant,51SmokyGrilledCaponata,52–53
End-of-SeasonFreshPeaSoup,62
FFallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing,154Fertilizer,264Fieldgreens
FriedGreenTomatoNapoleons,165FiléGumbo,222–223Fish
GrilledFishwithThreePepperSauces,79SteamedLemonVerbenaFish,199
FlaxseedsToastedSeedMixture,252
Fluorescentlight,8FooYungEggswithScallions,29FreshCornChowderwithTortillaShreds,138FreshFruitwithLemonVerbenaSyrup,198FriedCornwithZucchini,155FriedGreenTomatoNapoleons,165FriedOkra(akaCajunPopcorn),151
GGardenmaintenance,263–264Gardenplanning,259–260Gazpacho,85Ginger,91–92
JapaneseFlowerSoup,90LemongrassStock,228SteamedLemonVerbenaFish,199StirFryofAsianMustardswithGroundPork,46VirginiaPeanutColeslaw,126WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany,174–175
GoldenPotatoSoup,66GoudaMac’n’CheesewithFreshTarragon,191GratinofCauliflower,128GreekSaladPizza,202GreenBeansand“Shellies”withCountryHam,72GreenBeanswithRoastedPeppers,73GreenCherryTomatoPreserves,234
GrilledFishwithThreePepperSauces,79GrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlaw,97GrilledPeacheswithBlueCheese,216Growingvegetablesessentials
air,257minerals,256–257sunshine,255–256water,256
GumboZ’herbes,49
HHalf-and-half
SeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213Ham
AsparagusWrappedwithTennesseeProsciutto,210GreenBeansand“Shellies”withCountryHam,72SaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciutto,146SweetPotatoesStuffedwithWinterGreens,160
HaricotsvertsWinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176
HeirloomPotatoandBabyLeekVichysoisse,119Herbleaves
CompoundButter,240TarragonVinegar(andOtherHerbVinegars),242UniversalRecipeforHerbJelly,238
High-intensitylight,8Homegrownproducts,benefits,3Hoppin’John,143Horseradish
VirginiaPeanutColeslaw,126
IIndoorstartingofplants
caringforseedlings,267–268seed-startingequipment,266–267sowingseeds,267
Industrialagriculture,3
JJadeGreenBroccoli,123JapaneseFlowerSoup,90Japanese-StyleGardenVegetableSoup,26Jicama
Raspberry,Jicama,andPecanSaladwithRaspberryVinaigrette,100John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149
KKale,113
CaldoVerde,114KaribbeanKebabs,139Kelp,dried
Kelp,driedDashi,228
KeyLimeandCilantroShrimpSalad,38Keylimes
KeyLimeandCilantroShrimpSalad,38KiltLettuce,30KoreanEggplant,51Korean-StylePotatoes,67
LLEDlight,8–9Leek,118
BeetCanapés,117VeganTomatoBullion,230Vichysoisse,64WhiteVegetableStock,230WinterGazpacho,120WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121
LemonBrownButterandSageSauce,189CompoundButter,240LemonBasilZucchini,155SaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciutto,146Shrimp“Scampi”withChervil,33SteamedVegetableBundles(tiedwithchives),36WinterTabouli,40
LemonBasilZucchini,155Lemongrass,95
GrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlaw,97LemongrassStock,228RawVeganThaiCurrySoup,96
LemongrassStock,228Lemon,Meyer
MeyerLemonCurdandBlueberryTarts,212Lemonverbenaleaves,197
ChilledMelonSoup,145FreshFruitwithLemonVerbenaSyrup,198SteamedLemonVerbenaFish,199
Lettuce,21LettuceSoup,23
Lettuce,babySaladofBabyLettuce,EarlyPeas,andStrawberries,106
Lettuce,BibbSouthernStyleThaiLettuceCups,22
Lettuce,leafKiltLettuce,30
Lettuce,mixedspringleavesSpringLettuceswithGreenDressing,24
Lettuce,redleafPotatoSaladwithArugulaPesto,12
LettuceSoup,23Light
fluorescent,8high-intensity,8LED,8–9sunshine,9
LimejuiceGrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlaw,97TennesseeCaviar,142
MMâcheleaves
MâcheSaladwithBlueCheese,Blueberries,andPecans,16MâcheSaladwithBlueCheese,Blueberries,andPecans,16MâqueChoux,140MarinatedCheesewithTarragonVinegar,192Melons,144
ChilledMelonSoup,145SaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciutto,146
MeyerLemonCurdandBlueberryTarts,212Mineralsasgrowingvegetablesessential,256–257MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254Mintsyrup
PoachedPearswithMintMascarpone,217Miso,red
JapaneseFlowerSoup,90Mixedsaladgreens
Raspberry,Jicama,andPecanSaladwithRaspberryVinaigrette,100SaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciutto,146
MixedTurnipMash,171Mixedwintergreens
SweetPotatoesStuffedwithWinterGreens,160Mizuna
SpringLettuceswithGreenDressing,24Mushrooms
PotatoStackswithCelerySauce,184–185WarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghum251
Mushrooms,shiitakeFooYungEggswithScallions,29Japanese-StyleGardenVegetableSoup,26
MustardgreensSpringLettuceswithGreenDressing,24
NNationalGardeningAssociation,2
OOkra,147
FriedOkra(akaCajunPopcorn),151John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149
OkraKaren,152OkraKaren,152Old-FashionedTomatoBreadPudding,83Olives,Kalamata
GreekSaladPizza,202Onion,green
BraisedDandelionGreens,48KoreanEggplant,51MâqueChoux,140VirginiaPeanutColeslaw,126WhiteChili,80
Onion,redCornbreadPanzanella,82Cucumber,Onion,andTomatoSalad,76EdamameSuccotash,135Gazpacho,85GreekSaladPizza,202Hoppin’John,143KaribbeanKebabs,139ThreeBeanSalad,71
Open-FacedRadishSandwiches,27Orange
RhubarbandStrawberryPie,219Orange,mandarin
SpinachSaladwithDates,56TraderVic’sChickenSalad,183
Oregano,200ChickenandThymeDumplings,108–109ChickenMinestrone,201CreoleSeasoningMix,252DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust,68–69GreekSaladPizza,202MarinatedCheesewithTarragonVinegar,192TraditionalThanksgivingDressing,180WhiteChili,80
Oven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOil,103OvenDriedTomatoes,232
PPanko
Tonkatsu-StylePorkCutlets,136Pantry,225Parsley,39
CauliflowerandPotatoSalad,129ChickenMinestrone,201ColeslawBrassRail-Style,125DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust,68EdamameSuccotash,135FallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing,154FiléGumbo,222–223
Gazpacho,85HeirloomPotatoandBabyLeekVichysoisse,119KaribbeanKebabs,139MâqueChoux,140MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254Oven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOil,103ParsleyCream,40PennsylvaniaDutchChickenTurnover,204–205PepperCrustedPorkProvençal,166–167Pesto,87PotatoStackswithCelerySauce,184–185RichBeefBroth,226SkilletChickenwithRosemary,102VegetableStock,229WarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghum251WinterGazpacho,120WinterTabouli,40WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121
ParsleyCream,40Parsnip
WhiteVegetableStock,230Peaches
GrilledPeacheswithBlueCheese,216PeachesinBasilSyrup,88
PeachesinBasilSyrup,88Peanuts,dryroastedunsalted
PotatoSaladwithArugulaPesto,12Peanuts,Virginia
VirginiaPeanutColeslaw,126Pears
PoachedPearswithMintMascarpone,217Peas,60
Asparagus“Rockefeller,”208–210MinestraofSummerVegetables,252
Peas,black-eyedHoppin’John,143
Peas,earlySaladofBabyLettuce,EarlyPeas,andStrawberries,106
Peas,field,141TennesseeCaviar,142
Peas,greenShrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179
Peas,sugarsnapCreamyChilledVegetarianSnowPeaSoup,61End-of-SeasonFreshPeaSoup,62FallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing,154PotatoSaladwithArugulaPesto,12
PecansPecanSorghumBrownButterSauce,160Raspberry,Jicama,andPecanSaladwithRaspberryVinaigrette,100
PecanSorghumBrownButterSauce,160PennsylvaniaDutchChickenTurnover,204–205Pepitas,green
Asparagus“Rockefeller,”208–210Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179
Pepper,AnaheimchileGrilledFishwithThreePepperSauces,79WhiteChili,80
Pepper,bellFreshCornChowderwithTortillaShreds,138Gazpacho,85John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149MâqueChoux,140PepperJam,236Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179SkilletChickenwithRosemary,102ThreeBeanSalad,71WinterGazpacho,120
PepperCrustedPorkProvençal,166–167Pepper,jalepeno
Hoppin’John,143Pepper,jalepeno,pickled
ColeslawBrassRail-Style,125PepperJam,237Pepper,redbell
EdamameSuccotash,135GreenBeanswithRoastedPeppers,73GrilledFishwithThreePepperSauces,79KaribbeanKebabs,139PepperCrustedPorkProvençal,166–167PepperJam,237PimentoRelish,236SpinachSaladwithDates,56SweetCornSoup,134TennesseeCaviar,142VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice,94WarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghum,251
Peppers,78Pepper,Thaichili
RawVeganThaiCurrySoup,96Pepper,yellowbell
GrilledFishwithThreePepperSauces,79KaribbeanKebabs,139PepperCrustedPorkProvençal,166–167
Pestmanagementbarriers,268–269biologicalpesticides,269trapping,268
Pesto,87Pestosauce,87
MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254PickledStrawberries,234Pickles,sweet
CauliflowerandPotatoSalad,129SouthernStylePotatoSalad,65
Picklingsolution,233DilledGreenTomatoesorGreenBeans,187
PicklingSpiceMixture,233Piecrust
MeyerLemonCurdandBlueberryTarts,212RaspberryHandPies,99RhubarbandStrawberryPie,219SweetPotatoPie,163
PimentoRelish,236Pineapple
KaribbeanKebabs,139PizzaDough,246
GreekSaladPizza,202PoachedPearswithMintMascarpone,217Pork,ground
CayetteswithCollards,132StirFryofAsianMustardswithGroundPork,46
Pork,loinGrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlaw,97KaribbeanKebabs,139PepperCrustedPorkProvençal,166–167Tonkatsu-StylePorkCutlets,136
Potatoes,63BeetCanapés,117Borscht:TwoVariations,116CaldoVerde,114CauliflowerandPotatoSalad,129ChervilinPotatoChip“Windows,”32CreamyChilledVegetarianSnowPeaSoup,61DeepDishVegetablePiewithPotatoCrust,68GoldenPotatoSoup,66Korean-StylePotatoes,67MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254MixedTurnipMash,171PotatoSaladwithArugulaPesto,12PotatoStackswithCelerySauce,184–185SoupofNuts,224SouthernStylePotatoSalad,65VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice,94Vichysoisse,64WarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghum251
PotatoSaladwithArugulaPesto,12–13PotatoStackswithCelerySauce,184–185Puffpastrycups
SeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213
PumpkinseedsToastedSeedMixture,252
RRadish,25
CornbreadSalad,27GrilledLemongrassPorkKebabswithSlaw,97Japanese-StyleGardenVegetableSoup,26Open-FacedRadishSandwiches,27SouthernStylePotatoSalad,65
Raisedbedgardening,111–112Raspberry
RaspberryHandPies,99Raspberry,Jicama,andPecanSaladwithRaspberryVinaigrette,100
RaspberryHandPies,99Raspberry,Jicama,andPecanSaladwithRaspberryVinaigrette,100RawVeganThaiCurrySoup,96Rhubarb,218
RhubarbandStrawberryPie,219RhubarbandStrawberryPie,219Riceflour
ChiveandRiceFlourPancakes,35Tonkatsu-StylePorkCutlets,136
Rice,longrainShrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179
RichBeefBroth,226RipeCherryTomatoPreserves,235RoastedCarrotsandWinterVegetables,59Roasttechniques
beets,243peppers,243sweetpotatoes,243–244wintersquash,244
Rosemary,101Oven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOil,103RosemaryOil,240SkilletChickenwithRosemary,102SweetPotatoMascarponeGnocchi,158–159RipeCherryTomatoPreserves,235WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121
RosemaryOil,240Rowcovers,270–271Rutabaga
RoastedCarrotsandWinterVegetables,59
SSaffron,203Sage,188
BrownButterandSageSauce,189TraditionalThanksgivingDressing,180
WinterSquashPickle,173SaladofBabyLettuce,EarlyPeas,andStrawberries,106SaladwithMelonandCrispTennesseeProsciutto,146Sausage,andouille
CaldoVerde,114FiléGumbo,222–223GumboZ’herbes,49John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149MâqueChoux,140
Scallion,28Asparagus“Rockefeller,”207–209CauliflowerandPotatoSalad,129CayetteswithCollards,132ChickenMinestrone,201CreamyChilledVegetarianSnowPeaSoup,61FooYungEggswithScallions,29Gazpacho,85Hoppin’John,143JapaneseFlowerSoup,90John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149KiltLettuce,30RawVeganThaiCurrySoup,96SeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213SouthernStylePotatoSalad,65SweetPotatoSalad,162TraderVic’sChickenSalad,183VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice,94WhiteGazpacho,75WinterGazpacho,120WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176WinterSquashSoupwithAsianFlavors,93WinterTabouli,40
ScallopsSeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213
ScratchBiscuits,249SeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213Seasonextendersforgrowing
cloches,270coldframes,271coveredtomatocage,270rowcovers,270–271
Seedlingcare,267–268Seed-startingequipment,266–267Sesameseeds
Korean-StylePotatoes,67ToastedSeedMixture,252
ShallotsSeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213SoupofNuts,224
Shrimp
KeyLimeandCilantroShrimpSalad,38John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149MâqueChoux,140Shrimp“Scampi”withChervil,33Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany,174–175
Shrimp“Scampi”withChervil,33Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179SkilletChickenwithRosemary,102SlowCookerBeefStewwithBeer,110SmokyGrilledCaponata,52–53SoupofNuts,224Sourcream
BeetCanapés,117Borscht:TwoVariations,116TraderVic’sChickenSalad,183WhiteGazpacho,75WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany,174–175
SouthernStyleCollardGreens,131SouthernStylePotatoSalad,65SouthernStyleThaiLettuceCupsor“LarbHaveMercy,”22Sowingseed,262–263,267Spinach
CreamofSpinachSoup,55GreekSaladPizza,202SpinachSaladwithDates,56
SpinachSaladwithDates,56SpringLettuceswithGreenDressing,24Squash,acorn
WinterSquashSoupwithAsianFlavors,93Squash,butterbush
Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179Squash,butternut
WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121Squashpickles
WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany,174–175Squash,summer,153
FallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing,154MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254OkraKaren,152SummerSquashCasserole,156VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice,94
Squash,winter,172RoastedCarrotsandWinterVegetables,59WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany,174–175WinterSquashPickle,173WinterSquashRavioli,177WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176
SteamedLemonVerbenaFish,199SteamedVegetableBundles(tiedwithchives),36
StirFryofAsianMustardswithGroundPork,46Strawberries,pickled
BeetCanapés,117Strawberry,104
ChilledMelonSoup,145PickledStrawberries,234RhubarbandStrawberryPie,219SaladofBabyLettuce,EarlyPeas,andStrawberries,106StrawberryShortcake,105
SummerSquashCasserole,156Sunshine,9,255–256SweetCornPudding,137SweetCornSoup,134SweetPotatoCasserolewithMarshmallows,161SweetPotatoes,157
CelerySoupwithSweetPotatoesandBlueCheese,182SweetPotatoCasserolewithMarshmallows,161SweetPotatoesStuffedwithWinterGreens,160SweetPotatoMascarponeGnocchi,158–159SweetPotatoPie,163SweetPotatoSalad,162
SweetPotatoesStuffedwithWinterGreens,160SweetPotatoMascarponeGnocchi,158–159SweetPotatoPie,163SweetPotatoSalad,162
TTarragon,190
Asparagus“Rockefeller,”207–209End-of-SeasonFreshPeaSoup,62FriedCornwithZucchini,155SeafoodBisquewithBlueberries,213TarragonVinegar(andOtherHerbVinegars),242WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany,174–175WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176
TarragonVinegar(andOtherHerbVinegars),242TennesseeCaviar,142ThreeBeanSalad,71Thyme
BabyBokChoyinVegetableHerbBroth,45ChickenandThymeDumplings,108–109CreamofCarrotSoupwithCuminandThyme,58CressTeaSandwiches,18–19EdamameSuccotash,135FiléGumbo,222–223GoldenPotatoSoup,66GoudaMac’n’CheesewithFreshTarragon,191GratinofCauliflower,128John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149MarinatedCheesewithTarragonVinegar,192
SlowCookerBeefStewwithBeer,110TraditionalThanksgivingDressing,180RipeCherryTomatoPreserves,235Vichysoisse,64YellowTomatoandBaconJam,168
ToastedSeedMixture,252Toastingnutsorseeds,244Tomato,cherry
TennesseeCaviar,142GreenCherryTomatoPreserves,234RipeCherryTomatoPreserves,235
Tomato,determinate,81Tomatoes,canned
FiléGumbo,222–223Old-FashionedTomatoBreadPudding,83RichBeefBroth,226SmokyGrilledCaponata,52–53VeganTomatoBullion,230WinterTabouli,40WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121
Tomato,green,234DilledGreenTomatoesorGreenBeans,187FriedGreenTomatoNapoleons,165
Tomato,heirloomFallGardenSaladwithParmesanPeppercornDressing,154
Tomato,indeterminate,164Tomato,red
CornbreadPanzanella,82Cucumber,Onion,andTomatoSalad,76Gazpacho,85GreekSaladPizza,202John’sCreoleStyleGumbo,148–149Oven-DriedTomatoBruschettawithRosemaryOil,103OvenDriedTomatoes,232VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice,94WhiteGazpacho,75WinterGazpacho,120WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176
TomatosauceCherryBarbecueSauce,216Shrimp-StuffedButterbushSquashwithSeafoodTomatoSauce,178–179
Tomato,yellowCornbreadPanzanella,82YellowTomatoandBaconJam,168
Tonkatsu-StylePorkCutlets,136Tortilla
FreshCornChowderwithTortillaShreds,138TraderVic’sChickenSalad,183TraditionalThanksgivingDressing,180Transplants,260–262
Trappingforpestmanagement,268Treefruits,214Trellises,263TurnipGreensOshitashi,170Turnips,turnipgreens,169
MixedTurnipMash,171TurnipGreensOshitashi,170VegetableStock,229
UUniversalPicklingSolution,233UniversalRecipeforHerbJelly,238
VVeganTomatoBullion,230VegetableandWhiteBeanCurrywithRice,94VegetableStock,229Vichysoisse,64VirginiaPeanutColeslaw,126
WWalnuts,English
Asparagus“Rockefeller,”207–209Pesto,87SoupofNuts,224
WarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghum,251Waterasgrowingvegetablesessential,256Watering,264WhiteChili,80WhiteGazpacho,75WhiteVegetableStock,230Wholewheatpasta
GoudaMac’n’CheesewithFreshTarragon,191WinterGazpacho,120WinterSquashandShrimpBisqueforCompany,174–175WinterSquashPickle,173WinterSquashRavioli,177WinterSquashRavioliwithVegetablesinBroth,176WinterSquashSoupwithAsianFlavors,93WinterTabouli,40WinterVegetablesinRichChickenBroth,121Wontonwrappers
WinterSquashRavioli,177
YYellowTomatoandBaconJam,168
ZZucchini
ChickenMinestrone,201
FriedCornwithZucchini,155Japanese-StyleGardenVegetableSoup,26LemonBasilZucchini,155MinestraofSummerVegetables,253–254SteamedVegetableBundles(tiedwithchives),36WarmDressingofTwoVinegarswithSorghum251ZucchiniBroth,229
ZucchiniBroth,229