Author Archives: diary of a tomato

Tassajara Egg Bagels

Posted on March 30, 2012 by diary of a tomato

“We’ve lost a lot of culture with marketing and manufacturing where we don’t do things anymore because supposedly machines can do them better, and supposedly it’s all labor saving. And we give away our capacity to do things with our … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking | Tagged | 13 Comments

3.28.12 Hailstorm

Posted on March 28, 2012 by diary of a tomato

As I was checking the weather report, it started hailing. A burst of sunshine immediately followed, evaporating the fallen hail in an instant. Snow showers possible tomorrow.

Posted in garden | 10 Comments

3.26.12 Phenology, or the Art of Observation

Posted on March 26, 2012 by diary of a tomato

Phenology is new to me, and my knowledge of it is only superficial. However, I like the idea of having a larger context for understanding plant life cycles and the seasonal changes that occur with climatic variations. With the dramatic shifts … Continue reading →

Posted in garden | 12 Comments

Kakai Pumpkin Seeds

Posted on March 23, 2012 by diary of a tomato

Last fall was the first time we’d heard about Kakai pumpkins, a unique variety desirable for its hulless seeds. It’s of Austrian origin, grown solely for its seeds, and is especially known for the valuable green pumpkin seed oil it produces. We picked … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking | Tagged | 15 Comments

3.21.12 Seedlings

Posted on March 21, 2012 by diary of a tomato

It’s always a gratifying surprise to watch seedlings come up, each shoot the embodiment of optimism. These Aprile pomodorini seedlings are from seeds saved last fall. Differing germination rates for fennel and leeks: the Finale fennel (top left) germinated before … Continue reading →

Posted in garden | 6 Comments

3.20.12 Spring Equinox

Posted on March 20, 2012 by diary of a tomato

The weather in Maine is well known for its capriciousness and changeability, but things seem to have taken a turn for the extreme lately. The events of the past ten days include snow, a microburst, an electrical storm, and record-breaking high … Continue reading →

Posted in garden | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Pappardelle with Braised Guinea Hen Ragu

Posted on March 16, 2012 by diary of a tomato

Homemade pasta with a slowly braised ragu is perfectly suited for making as a Sunday supper. The process fits in well with the pace of the day, and results in a lusciously rustic meal that leaves us fortified for the … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking | Tagged , | 3 Comments