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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.

2.

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.

2.

3.

Spreadtheoiledsideoftheotherfoursliceswithhummusinasimilarfashion,andplacethemhummussidedownonthefirstfourbreadslicestomakesandwiches.

Trimthecrustsfromthebread,usingakitchenknife.Thencuteachsandwichdiagonallyintoquarterstoformatotalofsixteentriangles.

OPTIONAL:Whilethesandwichesaredeliciousasis,youcanfancythemupconsiderablywiththissimpletrick.Carefullyspreadthelongsideofeachsandwichwithmayonnaise.Dipthemayonnaiseedgeintothemincedparsleytodecorate.Arrangethesandwichesonaplatter.Coverwithplasticwrap.Theywillkeepforseveralhours.

1.

2.

3.

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.

1.

2.

3.

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.

1.

2.

3.

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.

4.

5.

Pourthesoupintotheblenderjarwiththelettuceandallowtocool,about15minutes.Purée.Ifusinganimmersionblender,thecoolingtimeisnotnecessary.Addthepaprikaandafewgratingsoffreshnutmeg.

Reheatthesouptoservingtemperature;donotallowthesouptoboil.Tasteandadjustseasoningifnecessary.ServegarnishedwithfreshlygratedParmigiano-Reggianocheeseand/ormincedhard-cookedeggyolk.

1.

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.

1.

2.

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.

1.

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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2.

3.

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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4.

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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3.

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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2.

3.

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

1.

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.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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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2.

3.

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

4.

5.

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.

1.

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.

1.

2.

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.

1.

2.

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.

2.

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:

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

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

3.

4.

cream.Strainthebisquethroughafine-meshsieveintoaheatproofbowl.Addthelimejuice,salt,andSrirachasaucetotaste.Keepwarmonthebackofthestoveoverapanofhotwater.

Heattheskilletinwhichyoucookedthebaconovermedium-highheatandaddtheteaspoonofbutter.Whenthefoamsubsides,dropintheshrimpandcook,turningonce,untiltheyarepinkandcookedthrough,about30secondsperside.

Ladlesomesquashbisqueontoaheatedplate.Topwithsomeoftheshrimp,asliceofbacon,crumbled,andasprinklingoftheseeds.Servethesquashpicklesontheside.

1.

2.

3.

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.

1.

2.

3.

4.

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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

6.

7.

heat.Stirinthetomatosauce,tarragon,peasorasparagus,andsaltandpeppertotaste.Cookgentlyfor5minutes.Removethesaucefromtheheatandkeepwarm,covered.

Preheatthebroiler.Meltanothertablespoonofbutterinasmallskilletsetovermediumheat.Addtheshrimpandtoss,cookingthemuntiltheybarelyturnpink.Removefromtheheat.

Fillthecavitiesofthesquashwiththericemixture.Topeachsquashwithfouroftheshrimp.Drizzleanypanjuicesfromtheshrimpevenlyoverthesquashhalves.Placethefilledsquashesonheatproofplatesandrununderthebroilerfor1minute,oruntiltheshrimpbegintocharinaspotortwo.Removefromtheoven,topwithagenerousportionofthetomatosauce,andserveimmediately.

1.

2.

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.

1.

2.

3.

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.

4.

5.

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.

1.

2.

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.

1.

2.

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

3.

4.

5.

6.

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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3.

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.

1.

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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2.

3.

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.

1.

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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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.

1.

2.

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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2.

3.

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.

1.

2.

3.

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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4.

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.

1.

2.

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.

3.

4.

Puréethemixtureinablenderandstoreintherefrigeratorovernight.

Thefollowingday,lineafinesievewithacoffeefilteroracleanmuslinkitchentoweland“prime”itbybrushingwithateaspoonofoil.Thiswillkeepthefilterfromsoakinguptoomuchofyourrosemaryoil.Setthesieveoverabowl.Bringtherosemaryoiltoroomtemperatureandpouritthroughthesieve.Allowtheclearoiltodripthroughnaturally.Itmaytakeseveralhoursforalltheoiltodripthroughthefilter.

Afterfiltering,transfertheoiltoasterilizedglassbottleandstoreitintherefrigeratorwhereitwillkeepfor1month.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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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3.

4.

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

1.2.3.

4.

5.

6.

HowtoROASTBEETSPreheattheovento375°F.Trimthetopsoffthebeets,leavingaboutaninchattachedtotheroot.Washthebeetsthoroughly,drainwell,andplaceinabakingpanlargeenoughtoholdtheminasinglelayer.Drizzlewithatablespoonofoil,shakingthepanandrollingthebeetsaroundtocoatthem.Placethepanintheoven.After20minutescheckfordonenessbypiercingthebeetswiththetipofaparingknife.Iftheknifemeetslittleresistance,theyaredone.Removethepanfromtheovenandcarefullycoveritwithfoil.Allowthebeetstosteamuntilthepaniscool.Slipofftheskinsandthebeetsarereadytouse.

1.2.

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5.

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.

1.2.

3.

4.

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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5.

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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5.

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.

6.

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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6.

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.

1.

2.

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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2.

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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2.

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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6.

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

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