I went outside today and picked what will likely be the last of the mesclun mix lettuce still growing under cover in our mini greenhouse or cold frame. While the lettuce has survived several nights of below zero temperatures (including one -5C night) it is not growing. I was expecting to harvest lettuce further into… Read more »
Weed Identification Guide
Weeds are public enemy number one to most gardeners. Fighting persistent weeds without the use of chemical pesticides can be quite a challenge. One of the first steps is to know your weed. A great resource guide is produced by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The Weed Identification Field Guide (listed about half… Read more »
A Fall Harvest Menu
I was looking to create a menu to entertain some friends for dinner to celebrate the end of the harvest season and the wonderful produce from our vegetable garden. The end result was this Harvest Menu that incorporated not only items from our own garden (carrots, beets, onions, garlic and potatoes) but some local apples… Read more »
Spiced Apple Crumb Pie
A crumb topping makes a delicious change for this spicy apple pie. The cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are quite noticeable in this recipe. If you do not really love cinnamon, I would recommend reducing the spices by up to one half. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup unbleached flour 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground… Read more »
Too Late For This One
Well it’s that time of year again — the deer are roaming and that means many of my trees are susceptible to damage from bucks rubbing their antlers along the bark. Every year I debate — to cover or not to cover. Bucks rub their antlers on young, flexible trees to remove the velvet that… Read more »
Ice Wine Vinaigrette
Another part of my Harvest Menu, I used some of the Magnotta Vidal Ice Wine in this Ice Wine Vinaigrette. It is pleasantly not too sweet, and a perfect match with bitter baby arugula. INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons ice wine 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon grainy dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper… Read more »
Ice Wine Martini
A classic vodka martini with just a hint of sweetness. We enjoyed these as part of our Harvest Menu and used Magnotta 2008 Vidal Icewine. It is best served very cold. 1 oz vidal icewine 2 oz vodka Frozen grapes Freeze grapes ahead of time for a minimum of 4 hours. Place vodka in freezer… Read more »
Garlic Jelly and Cream Cheese Spread
Made with our home made Garlic Jelly these are a one bite treat. INGREDIENTS 3 parts cream cheese 1 part garlic jelly crackers DIRECTIONS In food processor or small blender, mix cream cheese with garlic jelly until well combined. Place in a plastic squeeze bottle with fairly large opening in top (about 1/4 inch). Refrigerate… Read more »
Tomato Scape Canapes
A simple yet tasty appetizer with a delightful use of garlic scape pesto. We make these when out of season using frozen pesto (frozen without the cheese). Have everything ready to assemble at the last minute. Assembling early will result in a soggy cracker. INGREDIENTS cherry tomatoes, ends removed and sliced in half to form… Read more »
Pasta Bolognese
A meat lovers sauce with a slight kick from the italian sausage, this Bolognese style pasta sauce is great on a cold winter day. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 125 grams (about 4 ounces) pancetta 1 pound ground beef 1 pound mild italian sausage meat (I used Johnsonville) 2-3 carrots, chopped fine (about 1 cup)… Read more »