Author Archives: diary of a tomato

5.6.13 Asparagus, Spring Onions and Chard

Posted on May 6, 2013 by diary of a tomato

Enough of the asparagus has finally made it’s way up to warrant harvesting. Along the way, we picked some of the over-wintered Fordhook chard, a handful of spring onions ( chives, walking onion, and garlic chives), and a couple of … Continue reading →

Posted in garden | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Duck Confit with Ginger-Braised Red Cabbage, and Pan-Fried Potatoes

Posted on May 3, 2013 by diary of a tomato

Despite the hardy souls we see walking around in shorts (we mean you, Mr. UPS Man) and sandals, it’s still considered early spring here and evenings can be downright chilly. We find ourselves craving such warming foods as this duck … Continue reading →

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

Green Almonds + Sour Plums

Posted on May 1, 2013 by diary of a tomato

“Another, even more important day for you will be… when Mercury will connect to benefit Jupiter in a very friendly way. This is a day a friend may go out of his or her way for you.” — Horoscope for … Continue reading →

Posted in interlude | 11 Comments

4.29.13 Preserving the New Season

Posted on April 29, 2013 by diary of a tomato

While inspecting our stores and planning this year’s garden, we’re making a mental list of things to preserve in the coming season: – Freezing peas — One of the earliest tasks; as with tomatoes, we can’t imagine not having some stored away … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, garden, preserving | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

The Science, Art and Lore of Pickling

Posted on April 26, 2013 by diary of a tomato

“On a hot day in Virginia, I know of nothing more comforting than a fine spiced pickle, brought up trout-like from the sparkling depths of the aromatic jar below the steps in Aunt Sally’s cellar.” — Thomas Jefferson Early one … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, preserving | Tagged , | 7 Comments

4.24.13 Storage Tomatoes + 5 Links

Posted on April 24, 2013 by diary of a tomato

Our Italian winter tomatoes — pomodorini appesi — made it through late-April, when we finished up the last of them. Until then, we’d been enjoying them roasted on pizza, sautéed for pasta, tossed into scrambled eggs and stuffed into frittatas, … Continue reading →

Posted in garden, tomatoes / pomodorini | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

4.22.13 Garden Emerging

Posted on April 22, 2013 by diary of a tomato

This week’s sunny weather is giving us days that range in the 50’s, with chilly overnight temperatures still in the 30’s. We’ve been patiently awaiting for the rhubarb to emerge, a sign to take stock of what else in the garden … Continue reading →

Posted in garden | Tagged , , | 20 Comments