Category Archives: cooking

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

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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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

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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Summer Pea Soup, with Walnut Bread and Herbed Cream Cheese

Posted on August 1, 2013 by diary of a tomato

A day of rest and recuperation called for gently heated minty pea soup mixed with potato leek from The Soup Guy, seasoned with some good olive oil and saved just for this occasion; walnut bread made with Maine Grains and baked off … Continue reading →

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Penne with Fava Beans, Summer Squash and Blossoms

Posted on July 28, 2013 by diary of a tomato

When the question of dinner came up, the garden answered loud and clear. This summery version of Vignarola makes use of everything starting to come in, and then some — the first of the fava beans, a mix of baby summer squash with … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, garden | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Macaroni Peas

Posted on July 14, 2013 by diary of a tomato

The reward for shelling ten pounds of peas for freezing is setting aside enough to make Macaroni Peas. A meetup of two English classics, mushy peas and macaroni cheese, this is the kind of seasonally vibrant dish that is completely of the … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments