Basil Madness...

I spend a lot of time in the winter thinking of fresh summer vegetables and herbs. I am grateful for our preserved garden goods, but fresh sweet basil and garlic are hands down so much more delectable! So, without further adieu... let me introduce you to the yum-masters of summer …

And what to do with these twin loves? Some of my quick recipes...

PASTA SALAD W/ ROASTED TOMATOES, GRILLED ZUCCHINI
Penne Pasta
Zucchini – grilled
Tomatoes – grilled
½ cup Kalamata Olives
½ Cup Chopped Fresh Basil
¾ Cup Xtra Virgin Olive Oil
¼ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 tsp. Honey
Sea Salt
2 Cups grated Parmesan

Cook Pasta, grill zukes and toms, toss all items together – Voila!


PESTO
Bunch of Basil
¼ Bunch of Parsley
½ Cup Xtra Virgin Olive Oil
¼ Cup White Wine (or more olive oil)
¼ Cup chopped nuts (pine or walnut or almonds...)
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 Cup shredded Parmesan
1 Tsp. Hot Pepper Flakes (optional)

Blend together in a food processor and slather on pasta, or sour dough bread, or mozerella cheese, or grilled chicken, or veggies...

And some more favorites - just follow the links...

Drunken Noodles

Bruschetta

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Summertime On The Farm

June has been a fun month on the farm with piglets being born, chicks hatching, the sun shining, new bee hives buzzing and the garden growing big. We're only a couple weeks away from fresh tomatoes and we can't wait!

Our local Head Start program and community families have participated in afternoon visits to the farm to help children learn more about where their food comes from. Sharing the farm with children is one of our favorite activities! All children love exploring the garden, sniffing herbs and flowers, picking fresh peas and greens, meeting all the farm critters and then sharing in a meal together. I believe that children not only enjoy being on the farm, they need it. Connecting to the cycle of life through growing food, tending the land and caring for animals beckons you to become a caretaker and to find your place in the great web. It is my feeling that bringing children back to nature and allowing them the room to explore is our best hope for a sustainable future.