Author Archives: diary of a tomato

Cucumber Gazpacho with Shrimp, Basil and Lime

Posted on August 21, 2013 by diary of a tomato

This week’s burst of August heat calls for a bowlful of cool Cucumber Gazpacho topped  with a salad garnish of Northern shrimp, basil and lime. Serving as a base, the gazpacho easily adapts to what’s freshest or on hand — … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, garden | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

8.19.13 Fennel: Bulb and Herb

Posted on August 20, 2013 by diary of a tomato

We’re refining our planting list, and took a closer look at which of the various fennel varieties best suit our needs. Of the three fennel we planted this year (left to right): Orion had the plumpest bulbs, Finale had the most … Continue reading →

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Okra Cornmeal Cakes

Posted on August 16, 2013 by diary of a tomato

Okra is uncommon here in New England, and when it appears at the farmers’ market we make sure to buy a bagful. Making gumbo first comes to mind but, tucked away with other preparations to try, we had our eye on Okra Cornmeal … Continue reading →

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8.12.13 Hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature

Posted on August 14, 2013 by diary of a tomato

“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul.” — Alfred Austin Spring planting has long given way to … Continue reading →

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Mastering Food Preservation: A Pickle Primer

Posted on August 10, 2013 by diary of a tomato

“The laws of hair care are simple and finite.” — Elle, “Legally Blonde” We’ve all had them, bad hair days. And, for those who practice the art of canning, the same goes for less than optimum pickles. Luckily, like hair … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, preserving | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

8.5.13 Mid-Summer Harvest

Posted on August 5, 2013 by diary of a tomato

The beginning of August marks the midpoint between the summer solstice and fall equinox. Known as Lammas or Lughnasa, this is the time when harvesting begins in earnest. Above: Costata Romanesco zucchini, Zephyr summer squash, National Pickling and Boothby Blonde … Continue reading →

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Beet Carpaccio with Feta and Agretti

Posted on August 2, 2013 by diary of a tomato

One of the benefits of eating locally is tasting things as they change flavor, texture and uses through the seasons. In the case of beets, save for a brief period in early spring, locally-grown ones are available for most of … Continue reading →

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