Author Archives: diary of a tomato

The String Incident

Posted on September 6, 2012 by diary of a tomato

Last week, our cat’s attempt to eat an entire spool of thread required extensive surgical intervention. After many an anxious moment on our part, she’s well on her way to recovery while sporting an exotic haircut. 

Posted in interlude, le due sorelle | 8 Comments

Field Trip: Ramblers Way Farm, Kennebunk, ME

Posted on September 5, 2012 by diary of a tomato

“There is a lot to celebrate about farming in Maine, including the fact that more and more farmland owners see the value of permanently protecting their land and their legacy.”  —John Piotti, Maine Farmland Trust At the current rate of … Continue reading →

Posted in field trip | Tagged | 5 Comments

9.3.12 Summer’s end

Posted on September 3, 2012 by diary of a tomato

The rosa rugosa hedges are now laden with rose hips, their detritus scattered throughout the garden, left behind by those putting away seeds for the winter. Still harvesting: Tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, eggplant, filet beans, kale, chard, lettuces, arugula, radishes. Last … Continue reading →

Posted in garden | Tagged | 11 Comments

Peach Dumpling Pie

Posted on August 31, 2012 by diary of a tomato

As we go into the holiday weekend, Peach Dumpling Pie is a fine way of celebrating this last bit of summer. Based on the Apple Dumpling Pie I usually make all fall and winter, these just-ripe peaches are laid out … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Mastering Food Preservation: Freezing Fruit

Posted on August 29, 2012 by diary of a tomato

The fifth session of the Master Food Preserver Program was timed to coincide with raspberry season. Unfortunately, an infestation of Spotted Wing Drosophila decimated the local farmers’ crop. Fruit growers are keeping a watch on this new pest as it spreads throughout the region, the … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, preserving | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

8.27.12 Pomodorini appesi / hanging tomatoes

Posted on August 27, 2012 by diary of a tomato

The Italian hanging tomato plants are loaded with fruit, but still need to ripen before we can harvest and store them for winter. It’s again the time of tropical storms and Late Blight, and we’re now in a race against time. The season’s … Continue reading →

Posted in garden, tomatoes / pomodorini | Tagged , | 17 Comments

Mastering Food Preservation: Pickles & Relish

Posted on August 24, 2012 by diary of a tomato

Canning pickles helps to free up precious refrigerator space, and preserves them for longer term storage. With some of my previous attempts resulting in less than satisfactory pickles, I was looking forward to picking up some tips for crispier pickles … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, preserving | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments