What did you eat from the garden for dinner today.

[BrianSkilton]

Lets see here...I'm surprised how much I have harvested already

• I used up all my bok choy (pak choi) in April, which I used in salads and such and Pho' soup.
  
  One of the first things I harvest were the carrots I over-wintered. They've made it in a few stir frys and soups.
  
  Harvested Rocket and mixed lettuce greens for side salads
  
  I have harvested and used Broccoli in a few dishes. Made a broccoli tagliatelle. I was lucky to get some average broccoli since it was so hot...thanks to Applestar about the shade cloth!
  
  I've harvested onions throughout the late spring here.
  
  Used a Fairy Tale pumpkin for squash soup (stored from last year)
  
  Harvested 8 heads of napa cabbage and made Lion's Head Soup and a mean coleslaw and a few stir frys.
  
  Tuscan Kale and Curly kale is going bonkers (keeping it well watered) and shaded. I will be making a soup with some of it, just need a hamhock.
  
  I have also harvested a ton of strawberries. In which I made a strawberry dessert. It consisted of rice pudding with a jam I made with the strawberries and crunchy meringue.
  
  One of my favoirte things that I have harvest thus far would have to be the Cauliflower. It was a orange Cauliflower, I tossed that up in a stir fry with some left over broccoli and napa cabbage. still have a few growing out their that I can't wait to use.
  
  I have a few chilies and peppers I could pick...but I think I'll wait.
  
  I also overwintered some garlic that I have used in a ton of dishes. It is kinda small, but it formed some decent cloves. The garlic scapes were used in cooking as well. I love those things.
  
  I have also been using some of the canned roasted peppers and pickled peppers from last year as well .

I'm a bit of a foodie...

[cherishedtiger]

I have had 1 strawberry (before the dog ate the plant) peppers are almost ready, corn is but waist high... everything is coming just not quite yet, but everyone is making me sooo hungry with their talk of the fresh foods!!!

[Gary350]

Green beans, squash, potatoes, pesto, lots of herbs, blackberries. Tomatoes are green, corn and okra is not ready. We will have beets tonight.

[BrianSkilton]

Here are a few pictures...
[img]https://www.phantom360.com/Gardening/Dish1.jpg[/img]
Nothing beats fresh veg from the garden
[img]https://www.phantom360.com/Gardening/Dish2.jpg[/img]
[img]https://www.phantom360.com/Gardening/Dish3.jpg[/img]
Stir fry with napa, orange cauliflower and broccoli from garden
[img]https://www.phantom360.com/Gardening/Dish4.jpg[/img]
Broccoli with homemade tagliatelle.
[img]https://www.phantom360.com/Gardening/Dish5.jpg[/img]
Rice pudding with strawberries from garden
[img]https://www.phantom360.com/Gardening/Dish6.jpg[/img]
Lions Head Stew with Napa from garden

[cherishedtiger]

Oh that all looks absolutely delicious!!! Its almost lunch time here and I swear I can smell it!
I cant wait until next year when I can try some cabbage and broccoli and all those other wonderful veggies!

[Thomas CA]

stir fried some ground pork with garlic, ginger, eggplant, bell pepper, green onion, thai chiles, and thai basil.

Tasty!

[applestar]

The orange cauliflower -- is it Chedder? -- looks GREAT! Really brings out the colors. They're F1's though aren't they? I think that's why they didn't make the cut when I was buying seeds (I had to eliminate SOMEthing )

Overwintered carrots -- I let some of them go to flower. Try it! Well, basically Queen Ann's Lace, but they look beautiful. Why grow inedible wildflower when you can grow edible ones instead? I planted extra carrot seeds in my Sunny Meadow Garden for next years flowers. Same with parsley (chartreuse flowers).

[BrianSkilton]

Yeah AppleStar, the variety is Cheddar I believe. Yeah think they are F1's. The one I have in that picture is the one that started to separate on me. I have a real humdinger out there that is HUGE. You should try it Apple, its growing the best here for me. My romanesco is already starting to separate. If I can grow Cheddar good here you won't have a problem. Here's a little info on it:

"80-100 days. First discovered in the Bradford Marsh in Canada in 1970, Cheddar was smaller and less tasty than white cauliflower, but the color was alluring. Over the years, using conventional breeding techniques, it was crossed with a white variety to create a delicious, high vitamin content cauliflower. The curds contain approximately 25 times more beta carotene than white cauliflower. Excellent flavor and color whether eaten raw or cooked. The orange color will brighten any relish tray for sure."

I also have purple cape cauliflower growing, however it is an heirloom from the 1800's, which is really cool.

"240 days. A colorful winter garden treat. Purple Cape brings in the new year with its sweet tasting, bright purple curds. This cold tolerant cauliflower develops a head inside the protection of tightly wrapped leaves. When fully mature the leaves gently unfold revealing the scrumptious 6–8 inch crown. Holds nicely on the plant for up to three weeks. Matures in February."

stir fried some ground pork with garlic, ginger, eggplant, bell pepper, green onion, thai chiles, and thai basil.

Tasty!

Sounds good Thomas! Man I love stir-fry...so simple but yet so dang good.

[Halfway]

Well let's see......

Cabbage Looper

Hornworm

Fruitworm

mites

Oh wait....What did I eat from the garden as opposed to what is eating my garden.

hahaha...that changes things.

Nothing yet, but looking forward to the peppers and tomatoes in a few weeks!!!

[Garden Gal]

purple and orange cauliflower! oh my! I can't wait to try that! where do I sign up? I want some seeds!

[LindsayArthurRTR]

Got my first pickins of okra today. The weather is finally abusive enough for it soooooooooo... I FRIED IT! and it was good, really good! Almost as good as my first "may-moe!"

[Garden Gal]

just how long DOES it take for Okra? I planted from seed for the first time May 8, and to date I have about a 4 inch tall seedling. Then two more finally came up and they are two and three inches respectively. I love okra, so I planted about 8 plants, THANK GOD. I'm not sure I'm going to get any!

[bcallaha]

We have a Luby's cookbook, and one of my favorite vegetable dishes is their Roasted Mixed Vegetables. The main ingredients, Onions, Zucchini, and Yellow Squash came from our garden. We're still a week away for any green peppers and probably 3 weeks away from tomatoes (other main ingredients).

Boy was it good!!!

We've been eating Brocolli, Brussel Sprouts, Peas, and Cabbage also.

Brad

[LindsayArthurRTR]

just how long DOES it take for Okra?

I planted April 27. Late for my area. ( I think I was right on time ) I just got my first pickins! It was only maybe 20 pods and they were small and tender! I planted 2 45ft rows of it . You should DEF plant more! It likes hot humid weather too. My nanny always said, "You wouldn't be gettin any okree till you see the sweat drip off the end of ya nose."

it sure is worth the heat and sweaty face

[sjohnson9206]

I've been chowing on my Sun Sugar cherry tomatoes each night.. usually 2-3, but last night a feast of 10. Cukes are going crazy, I've given away 9 already and used 3... 3 more in the fridge. Zucchini are not faring well... BER, I've given away 3 and have 3 in the fridge. Getting about 10 strawberries a week from my new beds.. trying to train runners at the moment too.

Lots of green tomatoes, and I have one whopper turning red.. maybe tonight is my lucky night?

[tedln]

Okay Brian, it is unfair to save up photos from your garden meals and then post all of them at the same time. You have photos and we only have memories.

I suppose we have eaten some of everything in my garden except carrots. I'm thinking about getting up a little early tomorrow and harvesting some carrots. You have to do the heavy work in the morning before the sun gets a chance to become a blast furnace. We have eaten a ton of straight neck and crook neck squash and I've given a bunch away. The netting I have used to protect the squash beds from vine borers has worked well. I haven't lost a single plant. So far, we have eaten squash grilled, baked, steamed, fried (without oil), and a few other ways. We haven't eaten it raw in a salad, but we probably will.

The cucumbers were really good this year and produced well, but the heat has caught up with them. They don't produce well when it is this hot. They continue growing, but not producing.

I still have a lot of large onions in the ground. The tops are gone, so I have to take a small garden spade and turn some dirt over to find them, but they are super sweet and worth the effort.

I'm harvesting two or three tomatoes per day, and they are great; but I didn't get the production I was was hoping for this year due to the early arrival of the high heat. I'm working on a way to get them in the ground a full month earlier next year and protect them from late frost. I also will need to start my tomato seedlings germinating in January when I plant my onions outside.

We have eaten and given away a lot of vegetables this year and it has been a good garden with a nice fall garden to look forward to.

[BrianSkilton]

Haha tedln, sorry about that man. I have more pics, but I will hold off a little to keep your sanity. Just made some strawberry jam, the strawberries are just going nuts. Your way ahead with the squash and the tomatoes, sounds like you have been full into the garden, especially if you had to give some squash away and such. I also recently made a kale and potato soup with broc, napa, orange cauliflower. Not sure how I have kept the Black Tuscan Kale and the Curly Kale from bolting, but its doing well. Keep us updated on what your using tedln, we would love to see some pictures!

[Garden Gal]

Ok, I can't compete with Brian, but for breakfast this morning I had stir fried tofu seasoned with herbs from my garden. It was scrumptious! I can't wait till I can use my OWN peppers, onions, and tomatoes though!

[img]https://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad55/mphope/Welcome%20to%20My%20East%20Coast%20Garden/IMG_0615.jpg[/img]

YIPPIE!!!! I finally figured out how to add a PHOTO!!!!!!!

[GardenJester]

Chives... lots lots of chives... getting sick of it. snow peas, radishes, and carrots. peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, zukes are blooming but nothing eatible just yet.

[Garden Gal]

Well, this evening I went to check on my garden and discovered this beautiful purple eggplant whispering ever so softly to me. So I picked it. Washed it, and five minutes later (ok a few minutes longer than that) I ATE IT! Impromptu eggplant parmesean. OMG it was soooooo good. First one of the season. Here's the before and after! I'm having so much fun . . .

[img]https://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad55/mphope/IMG_0616.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad55/mphope/IMG_0617.jpg[/img]

ya'll have created a monster!

[DoubleDogFarm]

Strawberries for dessert.

[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/DSC02321.jpg[/img]

[Garden Gal]

Beautiful Eric!

[BrianSkilton]

You've made two amazing dishes GardenGal! I would like to tuck into that egg plant parmesan . Its so much fun to create a dish based on what's growing in the garden.

[LindsayArthurRTR]

MY FIRST MELON!!!This is an Ambrosia melon. Planted on April 27. I documented it's progress from the moment I first saw it!!! Here's from start to finish! And I kept seeds cause it tasted so sweet and was so early. AND perfect looking I cut it up and ate it while it was still heated from the sun. It was my very first homegrown melon...I'm extremely proud

[img]https://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac153/LindsayArthurRTR/gardenandhousestuff051.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac153/LindsayArthurRTR/gardenandhousestuff148.jpg[/img]
Last week! It was still green.
[img]https://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac153/LindsayArthurRTR/gardenandhousestuff155-1.jpg[/img]
It turned orange on the skin 3 days ago!!! Excitement and anticipation was mounting!
[img]https://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac153/LindsayArthurRTR/gardenandhousestuff164.jpg[/img]

Today I could smell it!!! and it slipped right off the vine
[img]https://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac153/LindsayArthurRTR/gardenandhousestuff165.jpg[/img]
The seeds to share
[img]https://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac153/LindsayArthurRTR/gardenandhousestuff167.jpg[/img]

[tedln]

Okay Gardengal,

Now tell us how to grow that tofu. It looks great!

Ted

[BrianSkilton]

Ted, its pretty exciting making the stuff. All one needs is some soymilk and bittern or something to thicken it. Then it is placed into a container with a heavy object over top of it. I saw Ming Tsai make some when foodnetwork consisted of actual cooking shows back in the day.

https://homepage3.nifty.com/Kume/naru/053/naru053d_e.gif

[DoubleDogFarm]

These are the first 3 beets of the year. Many more on the way.

How do you like your beets.

[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/DSC02328.jpg[/img]

[tomf]

You guys are getting me hungry!
Brian what is lions head stew? Where do you get the lions from?

[GardenJester]

Lion head stew is essentually Chinese meatball soup. [/quote]

[BrianSkilton]

I import the lion from China Tom, haha. Jester's right, they call it that because the meatballs are suppose to look like a stone lion, especially when the cabbage wilts down and surrounds the meatballs, that is suppose to be its mane. I know I know, kinda different....but I like the name

Lovely produce to all, by the way...looking good...

[garden5]

I'm getting close to harvesting my first hot banana pepper! I can't wait.

On a side-note, I've already eaten some lettuce and Swiss chard, but both were kind of bitter.

[applestar]

Harvested (robbed) Potatoes, Tall Telephonepole Peas, Yellow Crookneck (that's what I've been calling it - I checked because the neck doesn't "crook" -- it's "Early Summer Golden Crookneck"), onions and garlic, Jug of dill in vinegar (I have to add more) -- thanks Marlingardener!
[img]https://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/applesbucket/Image7312.jpg[/img]
(same onions and garlic) 2nd squash with Yellow Pencilpod bush beans, sugarsnap peas, and basil starting to flower)
[img]https://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/applesbucket/Image7315.jpg[/img]


Had the potatoes and peas, beans and snap peas, squash and cabbage from yesterday's harvest. Some dill went in the cabbage and squash. Wanted to add rosemary to potatoes and peas but was voted down. Didn't add onions and garlic to cabbage/squash hoping kids would eat them but might as well have. (In hindsight, should've harvested some carrots to add to cabbage/squash for splash of color) After dinner, chicken and pork were still left on the platter with two potatoes that nobody could eat anymore. ALL veg had disappeared.

[Farmer Bob]

Hi Folks.!

We've harvested some Japanese giant radish, Pak Choy, Mustard cabbage,Water cress , Chayote , Cherimoya and Cherry guavas which have started to ripen.

Friends and family have been delighted with all the freebies, as we produce more than we can use.

Made some pickles from the radish ( Sweet 'n Sour; Sweet 'n Hot; Kimchee), mustard cabbage ( Salty; Sweet 'n Sour ) and chayote ( Sweet 'n Sour ) as well.

The Chayote are selling for $US 1,2 per pound in the stores, while Cherimoya sell for $US 7 each here in South Africa. So we consider ourselves very blessed to have these from our garden. We've harvested 25 Chrimoya from our tree now and there are still about another 25 on the tree ripening.! A record bumper crop this year.! We use to get about 5 max per year, until I tried hand pollinating the flowers this year.! Working hard at it paid off handsomely.!

[LindsayArthurRTR]

We were tired of eating healthy, so we went out for Mexican! first time since the first squash came in

[gixxerific]

I have been eating salads like they are going out of style, with fresh cherry tomatoe and peas.

Fried zuchinni and just picked our first cucmbers of the season so they will find a way in to the mix somehow. Oh and the green onions and baby poatoes, how wonderful they are.

Got a big 'ol pepper to eat here this weekend as well.


Lindsay what's not healthy about Mexican food.

Oh and thanks for blurb about basil Apple I forgot I have some drying in the garage, going to check that now.

[LindsayArthurRTR]

Lindsay what's not healthy about Mexican food.

HAHA...Three words... Tacos De Carnitas

In my head it translates to mexical crack!!!

It's slow roasted pork butt that is then deep fried and served with flour tortillas. It comes with all kinds of topings (including some healthy sides)

and margaritas

But mostly the cheese sauce and the pickled Jalapenos that I crave. I can make the jalapenos (I only have a few that are at that size...many many more on the plant), just need to make that cheese sause.
Wish I could grow avocado here, too. That would be sweet.

[tedln]

Yep, Went shopping at my favorite Mexican grocery store last week. They have a grill back in the corner where they prepare carry out meals in the white styrofoam trays or a few tables where you can eat in the store. I also had tacos de carnitas with home made flour tortillas and all the sides. Better food in that little corner of Mexico than any high class Mexican restaurant in the world.

I also love to shop the Mexican grocery stores because everything seems more real in the produce area. Nothing is as pretty as it is in Walmart, but it seems to taste better. Where else can you buy avocados at six for one dollar, or fifteen large limes for one dollar, or sweet corn at six for one dollar? The list could go on but it doesn't matter because I will keep going back for the carnitas.

Ted

[gixxerific]

Never fear Lindsay if you have "many more on the plant" that means you will be overflowing with jalapenos this year. I think I'm on the same track. My Jalapenos are the best producing pepper I have so far with a dozen or more on the plant right now.

Can you say fresh Pico de Gallo?

Of course you need to wash that down with a margarita. Some Cabo and Grandma a little crushed ice and even less mix and you are golden.

I love Mexican and SUPER hot sauce too bad my wife hates anything not made from a box.

[tedln]

I just recycled three jalapeno and three habenero plants with peppers attached to the compost bin. I had way more than I can use since I am the only hot pepper lover in my family. I've tried to give the extras away. Most people simply say "I can't eat those things". The extra space will allow for a few more fall tomato plants.

Next year, I guess I will grow a lot more bell and other sweet peppers instead of a lot of hot peppers.

I was in my favorite Mexican grocery store last week. The lady in front of me in the checkout line had about ten pounds of those giant, hot, jalapenos. She also had a bunch of cilantro and tomatoes and limes. I asked her what she planned on doing with so many jalapenos. She said she was hosting a party that evening and preparing a hot salsa for the party. I was of course invited to the party to sample the salsa, but already had other plans. I bet that was one hot party.

Ted

[LindsayArthurRTR]

My Jalapenos are the best producing pepper I have so far with a dozen or more on the plant right now.

Once I make pickled japs, I will prolly make pepper jelly with the rest of them! . It is super easy and super yummy! Ted, no one has ever turned down a jar of pepper jelly! Serve it with cream cheese and crackers...drool...