Category Archives: In the Garden

green 3 In The Garden; Tomatoes

Posted on by

This will probably be our last post with the word garden in it (for a while anyway) since the days and trees are starting to turn to autumn.  So today I wanted to share one last garden inspired recipe with you all.  Since I still have tomatoes ripening in my garden, I decided to whip up a quick side for our dinner the other night.   I didn’t measure out a thing for this one but combined the following ingredients:

Garden fresh tomatoes.

Mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, Tuscan herb olive oil and basil

The Tuscan herb olive oil I picked up is from here.  The blend of flavor is really nice and light, which makes it versatile for use in numerous meals.  Even over a simple salad like this, it adds just the right amount of flavor.  If you still have tomatoes in the garden I would consider giving this very simple recipe a shot.  Enjoy!

 

 

Growing Oshkosh

Posted on by

I recently had the chance to sit down with Dani Stolley of Oshkosh and thought you’d like to hear about her amazing project.  This passionate and energetic woman is leading the charge for a self-sustainable community garden and her vision is quickly becoming a reality.

 

One point one six acres, of un-used land, is set to get a makeover that has the potential to, as the mission states, ”raise awareness and educate citizens about the numerous benefits of local food and food production by growing and teaching others how to grow, delicious, nutritious, and sustainable fish, food, flowers, jobs, and hope”.  Along with a degree in Environmental Studies, Dani has been trained by Will Allen of Growing Power and is dutifully prepared for the task at hand.

1.16 acres to be transformed. (photo courtesy of Don Stolley)

The first hoop house, which is similar to a green house, is set to be constructed this month. Remember the soda bottle greenhouse you made in 7th grade science class?  Well, that’s exactly what this first hoop house will contain, except on a much, much larger scale.  Dani is hopeful that produce will be ready for the winter farmers market and in about 9 months they will even have market size fish. Each drum inside the hoop house will contain a three-tiered self sustainable system made up of water, fish, gravel, soil, and plants.

Hoop House (photo courtesy of Growing Power)

(photo courtesy of Growing Power)

“It’s going to take a lot of people. It’s a 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, kind of project” says Dani and she adds that ”everyone in this town can get involved in one way or another, even it it’s just to buy the produce, that’s great. I think this is really going to revitalize alot of neighborhoods and communities”.   One thing is for sure, once this project gets off the ground the possibilities are endless.  It is going to take the whole community to make it happen and so far the Oshkosh community is embracing it with open arms.

If you are interested in getting involved or if you want to learn more about the project check out the Growing Oshkosh Facebook page here.

green 3 In The Garden: Cucumbers

Posted on by

My garden is having some serious cucumber over flow right now but to be honest there are only so many recipes that include the use of a cucumber.  I have done many of the typical recipes; tea sandwiches, chilled soup, a couscous salad, in a glass of water, even over sleepy eyes. I wanted a new and fresh way to incorporate cucumbers into a meal.  So the only possible next step was to browse the web for some inspiration.

This pasta salad I came across has been the ultimate dish to pass,  it uses a variety of refreshing, summer infused ingredients and has become a summertime favorite of mine.  For me, the combination of dill, feta and red onion in this recipe really turned up the YUM factor!  I did omit the shrimp, but for folks that like seafood I am sure it’s a great addition.

 Since my garden is turning out so much produce, I plan to turn them over to our local food pantry.  Our community pantry takes any and all fresh produce that you would want to donate.  They even have a program in spring where they adopt out tomato and cucumber plants at the farmers market.  They then encourage you to grow it, eat what you want and bring in any produce that you and your family cannot consume to share with others. Does your community pantry do anything like that?  Let us know if you try this recipe and what you think of it.  Enjoy!

Keeping It Fresh

Posted on by

July 4th was once again a fun day of celebration across the country and frankly I’m exhausted from all of that celebrating.  But for whatever reason when the bbq’s and fireworks are over I always feel as if summer is slipping away at an even faster rate.  So today I want to share a few things that will help to keep my summer memories fresh.  Does the 4th mark the downward turn of summer for you?  What are some of your favorite summer images?  How do you hold on to such a quick season?

Flags and sailboats

Farmer's market fresh

Garden fresh tomatoes

A row of adirondack chairs

Lavender with a lake view

Prepared fresh fruit

The pinkest peonies

 

 

5 Minutes, 5 Ingredients

Posted on by

A little over a week ago, we had a 70 degree, blue sky kind of day.  It was great to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and what better way to do so then with an impromptu cook out.  I wanted an easy and quick side dish to go with burgers on the grill.  After a quick switch at the grocery store, (I was planning to make the ever popular, but time consuming stuffed mushrooms) I went with a light and summery couscous inspired dish.  Couscous takes only 5 minutes to make (simplicity at its finest).  I cut up cucumbers, tomatoes and scallions, threw it all in a bowl with Italian dressing to taste and my work was done.

This dish could only get better with fresh veggies from the garden or the farmers market.   If your looking to make this for a main dish adding any meat or fish would complete this as a meal.  What’s your 5 ingredient go-to recipe for entertaining on a whim?

Green3 In The Garden

Posted on by

The sixty degree weather I woke up to this morning prompted me to head out into the yard and photograph a few things sprouting up in my garden.  This is by far my favorite time of year, not only for the warmer temps but being able to witness all of the life and growth that’s coming back.   I just love how the green is peeking out from under the dead leaves and soil as if to say, “move over, get out of my way, I’m back”.

Ladies Mantle

Chives

This year I am most excited for the strawberries. Three years ago I planted them in a pot and later transferred them to the yard.  Over the past two summers there have been a few handfuls picked, tasted and savored.  The plants have multiplied and I’m hoping for a larger batch this summer.

Strawberries

While you are out enjoying the warmth make sure to take a few minutes to also enjoy all of the life sprouting up around you.  What garden plant are you most excited for?