Author Archives: diary of a tomato

11.25.14 Rossa di Sulmona Garlic

Posted on November 25, 2014 by diary of a tomato

Late November may be pushing it but, as long as the ground is workable, it’s not too late to plant garlic. Of the 3 varieties of we grow, the Rossa di Sulmona from Seeds from Italy is my favorite — a terrific balance … Continue reading →

Posted in garden | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Fall Foraging: Horse Chestnuts

Posted on November 11, 2014 by diary of a tomato

Learning to forage is a way of naming the world. Little by little, what was once unknown becomes known, and as familiar as picking a loved one’s face out of a crowd. In the process, we become aware of what’s edible and, just as importantly, recognizing what’s not. While … Continue reading →

Posted in local food | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Fall’s Bounty from Orange Circle Farm

Posted on November 7, 2014 by diary of a tomato

As we face shorter days and cooler temperatures, there’s something comforting about having a well-stocked kitchen. Though it’s that time between the end of our outdoor farmers’ market season and the beginning of the indoor one, Orange Circle Farm offers a way to help bridge the gap. Organic farmer Jeff Benton makes local … Continue reading →

Posted in local food | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Seaside Foraging: Beach Lovage, Sea Beans & Sea Plantain

Posted on October 13, 2014 by diary of a tomato

Fall finds — just a handful of the edibles discovered with local forager Jenna Rozelle, who shared her wealth of knowledge with us on a recent walk (clockwise, from top left): parsley-like beach lovage or wild celery; crunchy sea beans or glasswort; and … Continue reading →

Posted in field trip | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

10.6.14 National Noodle Day: Soba Master Tatsuru Rai

Posted on October 6, 2014 by diary of a tomato

In answer to the question “What is Cooking?” Soba master Tatsuru Rai choose to demonstrate making soba noodles by hand. Though he remains silent, the process itself is far from it. His rhythmic movements beat out a precise rhythm, resulting in a kind … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, interlude | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

2014 Master Food Preserver Volunteer of the Year

Posted on September 29, 2014 by diary of a tomato

I’m honored to be chosen by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension as the 2014 Master Food Preserver Volunteer of the Year — many thanks to them for sponsoring this very special program, to food preservation educator Kathy Savoie for sharing her extensive knowledge … Continue reading →

Posted in preserving | Tagged | 13 Comments

9.1.14 Labor Day

Posted on September 3, 2014 by diary of a tomato

The summer’s been full of unexpected changes, with the garden remaining the one constant, providing comfort and moments of joy. Thank-you to all who’ve asked about our absence — as we sort things out, we’ll be posting when we are able. Though we cannot foretell … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, garden, preserving, tomatoes / pomodorini | 13 Comments