tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30767377188443279052024-03-10T03:00:34.979-07:00urban food producerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-11781133254763445712016-03-28T13:34:00.000-07:002016-03-28T13:34:03.258-07:00Post Easter Kale Quinoa Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been about 3 years since I last posted. In that time I've birthed two beautiful boys, completely transformed our backyard garden and play space, planted veggies with my toddler, let him take one bite of many homegrown tomatoes before spitting them out and throwing the remainders like baseballs, worked very hard at my office job, worked very hard at my parenting job, been a less than perfect but loving wife, and cooked hundreds of meals for my family. In the last three years, however, I have not spent much time being creative. Little to no time has been spent writing, crafting, painting, or playing music. The innate desire, or perhaps need, for personal creativity has been calling me recently, and for that reason I've decided to start writing on this blog again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two boys at last night's Easter celebration.</td></tr>
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Today I sit at the keyboard with a fussy infant strapped to my chest (thank you <a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/" target="_blank">Ergobaby</a>!). Neither of us slept last night, it's mid day and I'm still in my PJs, and I have twenty pounds to loose before I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Not my prettiest moment, but I'm thankful for this snuggly baby, I'm happy spring has arrived, and I'm enjoying this season of awakening and rebirth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our leftover Easter eggs</td></tr>
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Partly in an attempt to get healthy and loose the pregnancy weight, I've recently been making several delicious kale & quinoa salads. I keep washed kale and cooked quinoa in the fridge so they're ready for me to use at any moment. These salads are healthy, light, and the nutrition is excellent for postpartum healing and milk production. My other motive for making these salads is that I have scads of kale that overwintered in the garden, and I want to use it up before planting my spring garden. The salad changes based on what I have on hand and what I'm desiring in the moment. Below is a picture and recipe of what I made today. I definitely recommend it.</div>
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<b><u>Tuscan Style Kale & Quinoa Salad</u></b><br />
<i>A couple handfuls of fresh kale </i><br />
<i>Juice of half a lemon</i><br />
<i>Pinch of salt</i><br />
<i>A half cup or so of cooked quinoa (I like the red kind best)</i><br />
<i>A half cup or so of garbanzo beans</i><br />
<i>1 hard cooked egg</i><br />
<i>1 Tbs parsley</i><br />
<i>1 Tbs scallions</i><br />
<i>A sprinkling of parmesan cheese</i><br />
<i>A few Tbs of pesto vinaigrette</i><br />
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Add the kale, lemon juice, and salt to a medium bowl and gently massage the leaves for about one minute. This step is important because it helps the kale to become tender and easier to chew. Next add the remaining ingredients, toss, and enjoy.<br />
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<b><u>Pesto Vinaigrette</u></b><br />
<i>1/4 cup vinegar, lemon juice, or combo of the two</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup olive oil</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp dijon mustard</i><br />
<i>1 garlic clove</i><br />
<i>1 tsp honey</i><br />
<i>3 Tbs prepared pesto</i><br />
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Combine all ingredients and blend on high speed until the mixture is emulsified and you can no longer see evidence of the garlic clove. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to one week. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-1890901558469956532013-02-23T09:45:00.000-08:002013-02-23T09:45:31.669-08:00Big news and what I'm craving right now!Big news! I'm currently growing a baby boy inside my abdomen. It's so crazy, it's so fun, and it's already changed everything.<br />
The second and third months felt like a bad hangover, but now I'm in my sixth month and I'm feeling really good. I'm still working out with my trainer, I'm walking a lot, and really enjoying prenatal yoga.<br />
I'm not riding my bike or snowboarding this winter, which I miss a lot, but neither of those activities feels safe to me right now. Besides, I'd have to change my position on the bike a lot so that I don't knee myself in the abdomen. Ha! I suppose my bikes will be waiting for me this summer after baby comes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 months and counting...</td></tr>
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At 2 months I was flat-bellied but feeling sick. Ugh.</div>
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Look at that forced smile and tired eyes. So glad that part is over!</div>
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I've been having intense cravings for certain foods, which is fun and whacky and expected. Topping the cravings list are avocado, eggs, cabbage (especially bok choy), and citrus. The citrus craving was most intense with grapefruit in the first trimester when I was feeling nauseated, but has evolved to cara cara navel oranges now that I'm in the second. Food aversions are few, but they include salmon and on occasion coffee. I know caffeine is not ideal during pregnancy, but my midwife says it's fine for me to have a little to get me going in the mornings.<br />
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Here's the meal I'm craving most intensely right now (which means I have it for breakfast almost every day).<br />
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<b>Avocado toast with a fried egg and a cara cara navel orange</b></div>
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I tell my husband that I'm turning all that good fat into a baby brain in order to score extra avocado. It works every time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-86432694121653228772012-10-25T18:07:00.001-07:002012-10-25T18:07:20.255-07:00Recipe testing: Chocolate Chunk MuffinsMy dear friend <a href="http://www.huckleberrycafe.com/about.html" target="_blank">Zoe Nathan</a> is writing her first cookbook, and it's going to be major. The collection will focus on baked goods, and she's asked a few of her nearest and dearest to do some recipe testing for her. Of course I jumped at the opportunity to both help her out, and to preview what's to come in the forthcoming book.<br />
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My first assignment: Chocolate Chunk Muffins. They were crispy on the edges, tender inside, and full of good dark chocolate. What's not to love?<br />
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I can't wait for this book to come out.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-22607480014360385362012-10-21T15:37:00.001-07:002012-10-21T15:37:44.363-07:00This week in the garden & basil pestoScarves, raincoats, and bike fenders have come out of summer storage and that is my cue to harvest and rip out all our summer season vegetable plants. Tomatoes, squash, basil, cucumbers, and tomatillos have all met their final resting place in the compost pile. I've brought the last of summer's bounty inside to eat right away, freeze, can, or to allow green tomatoes (still on the vine) to ripen on the counter.<br />
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<b>Disease prevention:</b> I harvest these plants not only so that I can get to them before our cold night time temperatures destroy them, but also for disease suppression. A good fall cleanup is one of the most effective steps we can take to prevent both insect and disease problems in the following growing season. I don't leave any roots, stems, leaves or fallen fruit behind because these residues provide food for vegetable-eating microbes and larvae over the winter, and I'm not interested in hosting the buggers.<br />
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To 'handle the harvest', this time of year I typically make a lot of sauces, and either freeze or can them to eat throughout the winter. My most frequently used freezer sauce is basil pesto. Everybody makes it slightly differently, but here's how I do it.<br />
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<b>Basil Pesto</b><br />
<i>All measurements are approximate and exact ingredients will change depending on what I have on hand.</i><br />
<i>3 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves</i><br />
<i>1 tsp kosher salt</i><br />
<i>2 cloves garlic</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds are all good)</i><br />
<i>1/3 grated cup hard cheese (parmesan and pecorino romano are both delicious)</i><br />
<i>3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil</i><br />
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In addition to the basil I add olive oil, salt, garlic, a hard cheese like parmesan or pecorino, and toasted nuts (usually pine nuts or walnuts, but today I only had almonds and they turned out delicious).<br />
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In a food processor I chop two cloves garlic with a good pinch of kosher salt. Then I add the nuts and combine until smooth. This way I can get the garlic and nuts very fine without having to over process the basil.<br />
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Next I add about 3-4 cups of basil, about a third of a cup of grated cheese, and about 1/2 -1 cup of olive oil. <br />
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I blend until smooth and silky, and adjust the amounts of olive oil and salt to my liking. I typically like my sauce pretty thin and smooth so I use a lot of oil, but you may not like it this way as much as I do. If not, just use less oil. Sart with 1/4 cup and add more until you reach the consistency you like best. <br />
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My favorite way to freeze pesto is in ice cube trays. I put 1 Tbs in each square and then freeze for at least 24 hours. I only have 4 ice cube trays, so any extra gets frozen in small tupperware containers. 24-48 hours later I pop the pesto out of the trays and transfer to a resealable freezer bag. </div>
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I (almost) always write the contents and date on the freezer container. I typically think that I'll remember what's inside, and when I made it, but 6 months later there's just no way.<br />
I <i>believe</i> that this pesto will last at least one year in the freezer, but I've never made it past 9 months before running out.<br />
<br />
I love to use the 1 Tbs servings to spread on toast for fried egg sandwiches, and to mix with mayonaise for roasted turkey or BLT sandwiches. I defrost the tupperware containers when I want to use it to coat pasta.<br />
<br />
What's your favorite way to make pesto? Have you tried it with greens or herbs other than basil? I once was at a dinner party where someone added butter to their basil pesto and it was delicious!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-21600387416348331872012-06-04T22:49:00.003-07:002012-06-04T22:49:37.302-07:00The best spinach you'll ever eatA few years ago a stumbled upon the best spinach variety I've ever had - anywhere. The variety is called "Catalina" and I get it from <a href="http://www.reneesgarden.com/seeds/seeds-hm/vegR.htm" target="_blank">Renee's Garden</a> seed company. It's not only delicious, but also a reliable grower.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilagseSx2qGpg98KT_-KlqP-MK2Dl6LKUcjenFXmHA4ijQob3THskTj8k-gGLnpax3vFWA8StgYXwcX1CTtXc1bPr-DmyiiIx9mfK1KDg2RnQysol4U_teox5GxEjpLwfdI6Ir16eHpLg/s1600/IMG_4694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilagseSx2qGpg98KT_-KlqP-MK2Dl6LKUcjenFXmHA4ijQob3THskTj8k-gGLnpax3vFWA8StgYXwcX1CTtXc1bPr-DmyiiIx9mfK1KDg2RnQysol4U_teox5GxEjpLwfdI6Ir16eHpLg/s400/IMG_4694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
I hate it when raw spinach makes my mouth feel funny, or more specifically my teeth feel funny. Do you know what I'm talking about? Well this variety doesn't do that! Amazing right? It's tender and sweet, and even a bit soft. Like other spinach varieties it grows best in spring, and then bolts (goes to flower) once the temperatures pick up in early summer. At that point all spinach varieties need to be pulled up and replanted for fall harvest latter on in the summer (in Seattle that means mid July).<br />
Spinach like this can't be cooked. I mean, how could you? Lately we've been eating classic spinach salads with hardboiled egg, white mushrooms, crispy bacon, and balsamic vinaigrette. Yumm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyx5TJEsucWNd87bVvbtS3x1bURHAkIBm0zuKaSV5Z6p02fIXDpex5H5h7Ksdr6dyhXBM1n6o7ZtYjpdWA3wFPeU0NP02aGnFn9TfTEM3g-K-zCqQTTrJzZTj1kmWIGRoa2XY3oen7m0/s1600/IMG_4673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyx5TJEsucWNd87bVvbtS3x1bURHAkIBm0zuKaSV5Z6p02fIXDpex5H5h7Ksdr6dyhXBM1n6o7ZtYjpdWA3wFPeU0NP02aGnFn9TfTEM3g-K-zCqQTTrJzZTj1kmWIGRoa2XY3oen7m0/s400/IMG_4673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Simple balsamic vinaigrette</i></b><br />
<i>3 Tbs balsamic vinegar</i><br />
<i>5 Tbs best quality olive oil</i><br />
<i>1 tsp maple syrup</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp dijon mustard</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp sea salt</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Whisk until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust for personal preference - everyone likes a slightly different oil to vinegar ratio, so adjust until it's perfect for you. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-33424008511618045112012-06-03T23:03:00.001-07:002012-06-03T23:03:16.629-07:00Green salad with feta, mint, peas, and cucumberWhen the days are warm but not hot, and the nights are cool but not cold, it is prime lettuce season. Now is the time of year when Jacob and I eat big meal salads every day. Despite our constant picking, the lettuce keeps on coming. It grows so lush, it looks like we never harvest at all. Amazing. I grow a 'cut and come again' mix from<a href="http://www.reneesgarden.com/seeds/seeds-hm/vegK.htm" target="_blank"> Renee's Garden</a> This means that I usually harvest the outer leaves from the plants, and they just keep growing. I find this WAY more efficient than harvesting an entire head of lettuce, and having to replant each time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpgQIaDSzeg/T8xJCRlAwGI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/KYWv7v-_Oxw/s1600/IMG_4682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpgQIaDSzeg/T8xJCRlAwGI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/KYWv7v-_Oxw/s400/IMG_4682.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lettuce growing like gangbusters in our backyard <br />garden as of this afternoon (June 3rd).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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To some a meal salad sounds too light to be satisfying, but this shouldn't be the case if you pack it with all kinds of delicious (and not so light) items like chicken and cheese. Such is the case as with this salad, which is an iteration of a <a href="http://patriciawells.com/" target="_blank">Patricia Wells</a> recipe.<br />
<br />
This salad is delicious, simple, and oh so fresh tasting. Paired with a glass of wine and some crusty bread, it's perfect for a late spring dinner in the back yard. Here's how I make it:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQJAdP3qxV_cCpgIVAwEzzk3aF99gxOk5Ow1gC9Oaqmt29HhyphenhyphenMvH2Gzms1lCmKQEELCkq5sj-6SpFY5cSMEoFxrOhbC83XraF4FyHjjLYio6JWO23BPqjJ4lxkHXoKMycBxwsvvDzFpc/s1600/IMG_4675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQJAdP3qxV_cCpgIVAwEzzk3aF99gxOk5Ow1gC9Oaqmt29HhyphenhyphenMvH2Gzms1lCmKQEELCkq5sj-6SpFY5cSMEoFxrOhbC83XraF4FyHjjLYio6JWO23BPqjJ4lxkHXoKMycBxwsvvDzFpc/s400/IMG_4675.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Green salad with feta, mint, peas, and cucumber</b><br />
<i>A couple handfuls of fresh salad greens (about 2-3 cups)</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup diced cucumber</i><br />
<i>1 Tbs chopped mint leaves</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup shredded chicken</i><br />
<i>1/3 cup chopped raw sugar snap peas, still in pods</i><br />
<br />
Toss salad with the juice of half a lemon, a drizzle of your best olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt.<br />
<br />
Other items that sound good, but I didn't have on hand today: avocado, sliced radish, salty sunflower seeds, chives.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-42713207560252800402012-04-26T16:44:00.002-07:002012-04-26T16:53:54.394-07:00Kale and apple smoothie<h3>
Kale and apple smoothie: yumm or yuck?</h3>
Have you ever tried a kale smoothie? I hear people talking about green smoothies all the time, but I'd never tried one before this week. Frankly, they always looked and sounded gross to me. I mean come on, I don't think I want to drink pureed greens! Gross.<br />
Then a few weeks ago, during our regular Monday night "yoga" session (aka stretching and girl time), my friends Amber and Haripurkh were talking about how much they love kale smoothies. Really? They like the way they taste? Then Haripurkh said that she adds apple to hers, uses water as a base, and that they taste sweet and refreshing. My curiosity was piqued.<br />
After searching for recipes on internet, and rummaging through the garden and fridge for ingredients, I ended up with something surprisingly delicious. My girls were right!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6glSBelMLOE/T5nMyX-sejI/AAAAAAAAEC0/tVQQm9qfG-4/s1600/IMG_4559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6glSBelMLOE/T5nMyX-sejI/AAAAAAAAEC0/tVQQm9qfG-4/s400/IMG_4559.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale and apple smoothie made with <br />
water, lemon juice, and fresh mint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>1 cup kale - packed (or greens of your choice)</i><br />
<i>1 cup water</i><br />
<i>1 medium apple, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)</i><br />
<i>juice of 1 lemon</i><br />
<i>2 sprigs mint (10-15 leaves)</i><br />
<i>1 cup crushed ice</i><br />
<br />
<i>Blend together kale, water, apple, lemon juice and mint until completely smooth. Then add crushed ice and blend a little more, until desired consistency is reached.</i><br />
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The kale doesn't really add that much flavor, it tastes more like an apple, lemon, mint drink. Surprisingly refreshing is right. Thanks Amber and Haripurkh!<br />
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Have you ever made a green smoothie? What do you put in yours? I'd love to know for inspiration.<br />
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Above are the ingredients for the smoothie I made today. That's '<i>lacinato'</i> or '<i>dinosaur'</i> kale in the front and chard in the back (both overwintered in my garden really well). This is the last of my winter kale so I subbed in some chard, and it worked out just fine. There is also a Eureka lemon from California, a Fuji apple from Washington, Moroccan mint from my backyard, and crushed ice from the Cedar River watershed (okay I put that last bit in just to be obnoxious).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlbsTN6wXQatsqX1njRL5H2BZoH84xFoK2zgqVVo_nH-_UgnZYtdEGZ1XEtF61wKOpSyUpxGCBpRoj27u4r870fwJvQWsGPTbg59fCrZZw095CiVFFlbHWdjTpks_96EFOdeYSv1i6P0/s1600/IMG_4568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlbsTN6wXQatsqX1njRL5H2BZoH84xFoK2zgqVVo_nH-_UgnZYtdEGZ1XEtF61wKOpSyUpxGCBpRoj27u4r870fwJvQWsGPTbg59fCrZZw095CiVFFlbHWdjTpks_96EFOdeYSv1i6P0/s400/IMG_4568.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Lacinato' </i>kale seedlings. If I want more kale I have to<br />
wait for these little cuties to grow up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have plenty of <i>'bright lights'</i> chard left in the garden from last year. It overwintered really well, which is perfect for early spring, when everything else is so tiny.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT3EpXteYeT8iKmwbnmh0dJAyh1Hsq3OoWjY0PsEF0gGe_zvJgj24FEf5QsIFarzfQTcw1BornXQLFQVuEjveybco7MZRbPzksJA7v6pZPWIY0gPOVHWiVq5vHvb4SE6hTvTHcd_enF0/s1600/IMG_4570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT3EpXteYeT8iKmwbnmh0dJAyh1Hsq3OoWjY0PsEF0gGe_zvJgj24FEf5QsIFarzfQTcw1BornXQLFQVuEjveybco7MZRbPzksJA7v6pZPWIY0gPOVHWiVq5vHvb4SE6hTvTHcd_enF0/s400/IMG_4570.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Bright lights'</i> chard is an assortment of different colors, but I love the fuschia pink!<br />
Can you see the chives tucked behind the chard leaves? I'm so happy it's spring. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpecBE9UFDAS3nLHDTqcUor4KOCu4VbqECZ1vsm7hTdwG23K9pyj9YgGCMMyuHMsJPCabSpVGyR5cH1EdeuAvKAUUzFhqbA0obQ3LxwDJ-DvZVf1ShnbqOeedfjAhc2lkoH1LEi1kKEU/s1600/IMG_4573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpecBE9UFDAS3nLHDTqcUor4KOCu4VbqECZ1vsm7hTdwG23K9pyj9YgGCMMyuHMsJPCabSpVGyR5cH1EdeuAvKAUUzFhqbA0obQ3LxwDJ-DvZVf1ShnbqOeedfjAhc2lkoH1LEi1kKEU/s400/IMG_4573.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to grow mint in pots so it can't take over my garden beds. It's a very aggressive plant!<br />
This is <i>'Moroccan'</i> mint, which is fantastic in drinks.<br />
If you are a "challenged" or new gardener, try growing mint! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAklvLaZkkboFshuDAKJtBHVdhnLMDfMLAWSsoolPWBAwydo7cYE8H5EAqt0pPg5l0EPh_xtG4pAE7Zy2uQWjvU-9ctA0vyLadDmxkCjVYdPfJ86Kt7frBdP0TMqRhj65rsoCP-2qSZPE/s1600/IMG_4579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAklvLaZkkboFshuDAKJtBHVdhnLMDfMLAWSsoolPWBAwydo7cYE8H5EAqt0pPg5l0EPh_xtG4pAE7Zy2uQWjvU-9ctA0vyLadDmxkCjVYdPfJ86Kt7frBdP0TMqRhj65rsoCP-2qSZPE/s400/IMG_4579.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">These apple blossoms are a sign of good things to come. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Did you know that we got our apple tree for free through </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">the City of Seattle? Check it out here: <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/trees/treesforneighborhoods.htm" target="_blank">Seattle reLeaf</a></span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-39337659975985736362012-04-22T20:11:00.001-07:002012-04-22T20:11:46.230-07:00Do you have chickens?Happy spring! Temperatures today reached into the mid 70's and it was fantastic. I think all of Seattle was in a good mood. Winter has finally lifted, the days are long, and there are blooms everywhere. That's all fabulous, but the most exciting thing to happen this spring for me, has been our new chickens! They are such sweet birds, and their eggs are incredibly rich.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFScYVwAfYwt-eEI3fMmRYYOkwzVJlb5rz2wdVzZHBSGE6AqyMw8dfcEHZDCTxKNVIfZvv9ABCBmITI326hqU9T7QpdQ0_aCF-x_czYbAUo1uKG6i06lbhO2jZUKqek2qlkEGmf_FexsI/s1600/IMG_4544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFScYVwAfYwt-eEI3fMmRYYOkwzVJlb5rz2wdVzZHBSGE6AqyMw8dfcEHZDCTxKNVIfZvv9ABCBmITI326hqU9T7QpdQ0_aCF-x_czYbAUo1uKG6i06lbhO2jZUKqek2qlkEGmf_FexsI/s400/IMG_4544.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Marilyn got caught and had to pose for a picture with me.<br />I gave her a shrimp as a thank you present!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Do you have chickens? If so, how many? What do you feed them? How old are they?<br />
<br />
We purchased one-year-old birds, so as to go directly to the laying phase of their lives, and to avoid the difficulty of chicks. We got them from a teenage boy in Lynwood who has clearly turned a hobby into a small business. I love the idea of supporting a young entrepreneur. We named the girls after talented women who died before their prime: Billie, Marilyn, Janis, and Whitney. Originally we had Amy too, but she died. We're not sure why, but we understand that that happens sometimes. It was sad and disappointing, but we're not too upset about it.<br />
<br />
The cool thing is that we are sharing the hens with our next door neighbors. It's totally fun and easy to have another couple to share the responsibility with. Plus, we've gotten to know our neighbors much better through this experience. I really love it. We've discovered that four hens is probably the minimum we'd want to share between four adults, so we're looking into getting a few more. Any suggestions for what to name them?<br />
<br />
Of course we've been eating eggs like crazy these days. Here are some eats from this weekend:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nhmzYoimkBXfRTggnKDEc1VuayJVJUTAGuo2PVoE5OIWDAd12fBGa_YWSk5ZBGR9AtQbBr2V2a1K7OgMyea2exPz67XYQtxkpcibkaWfP7PK-Qn4kfLeZ0DKT0sLu7lyxF-hUULbaBY/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nhmzYoimkBXfRTggnKDEc1VuayJVJUTAGuo2PVoE5OIWDAd12fBGa_YWSk5ZBGR9AtQbBr2V2a1K7OgMyea2exPz67XYQtxkpcibkaWfP7PK-Qn4kfLeZ0DKT0sLu7lyxF-hUULbaBY/s400/IMG_4532.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at how tall that yolk stands up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saturday morning's breakfast was rice and beans, and sautéed radish greens, with a fried egg on top. Yumm!<br />
<br />
Later in the weekend we made these baguette sandwiches: hard boiled eggs, charred asparagus, pickled shallots, mustard & olive oil, and fresh spring herbs. Dill would have been nice, but I don't have it growing, so I used chives, parsley, and mint.<br />
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Do you raise chickens, or ducks, or other "livestock" in the city? We have bees at our Alleycat Acres Beacon Hill site, but someone else takes care of them (Bob Redmond of <a href="http://www.urbanbee.com/" target="_blank">urban bee company</a>).<br />
What is your experience? I'd love to know. I'm very curious about raising livestock for meat. Have you done it?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-44333804557313369412012-04-16T22:14:00.000-07:002012-04-16T22:14:37.608-07:00Radish greens: have you tried them?I had never heard of eating radish greens until a couple years ago, when a friend of my from <a href="http://www.alleycatacres.com/" target="_blank">Alleycat Acres</a> pulled a radish from the ground, brushed the soil off the root, and popped the whole thing in her mouth. I had never seen anything like it. I tried it and I liked the greens a lot!<br />
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</div>Since then I've learned more about radish greens, and in particular I have learned that I only really like them when they are very young and tender. When very young they taste sweet and peppery, as opposed to when they get older and the leaves turn tough a prickly. Ouch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love radishes partly because their arrival marks the beginning of spring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrEDxzQjQ0E/T4z0zURF4SI/AAAAAAAAD-0/dGXu-YozZ2g/s1600/IMG_4520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrEDxzQjQ0E/T4z0zURF4SI/AAAAAAAAD-0/dGXu-YozZ2g/s400/IMG_4520.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to plant an assortment of radish varieties. I get assorted seed packets called "Easter Egg". <br />
That way there is a range of colors, sizes, and flavors in the radish patch. <br />
They also mature at slightly different times, which means we don't get a huge flux all at one. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v1rCbhNZc_ZIRBwbqC1ckWgCN56A0pZ1aTk-tN_Drqe7rfC2VsCC1ZwAz0cZxWJyWjlOJjuVrVJQ2QPGlPBPI8n2m-Zpj_WvRGYWlby6t47ERTBtKVI-kE_7eb0DteAB4Po02SQu93U/s1600/IMG_4523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v1rCbhNZc_ZIRBwbqC1ckWgCN56A0pZ1aTk-tN_Drqe7rfC2VsCC1ZwAz0cZxWJyWjlOJjuVrVJQ2QPGlPBPI8n2m-Zpj_WvRGYWlby6t47ERTBtKVI-kE_7eb0DteAB4Po02SQu93U/s400/IMG_4523.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't they look like sweet little jewels?</td></tr>
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Last weekend we thinned the radish seedlings at <a href="http://www.alleycatacres.com/2010/04/1-beacon-hill.html" target="_blank">Alleycat Acres' Beacon Hill site</a>, and rather than tossing the thinnings in the compost pile, I took them home to eat.<br />
Besides eating them raw with the baby root still attached, I also sautéed them with some garlic and olive oil (similar to how I often prepare spinach, chard, or kale), and I tossed them in a green salad.<br />
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Dressed salads do not photograph well, so I apologize for the horrible photo, but I thought this salad was really delicious. It was simply a salad of baby radishes with their greens still attached, arugula, romaine, shaved raw asparagus, and dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and flaky sea salt. So simple and delicious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KONlnj3W8_8/T4z06jJlXtI/AAAAAAAAD_M/5rijbDQOF_w/s1600/IMG_4528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KONlnj3W8_8/T4z06jJlXtI/AAAAAAAAD_M/5rijbDQOF_w/s400/IMG_4528.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radishes and their greens wilted with lemon juice and <br />
added to a salad with arugula and shaved asparagus</td></tr>
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Here are some links to other radish green recipes that sound interesting:<br />
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<a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2008/06/recipe-for-spicy-stir-fried-radish.html" target="_blank">Spicy stir-fried radish greens</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/04/roasted_radishes_with_brown_butter_lemon_and_radish_tops" target="_blank">Roasted radishes with brown butter, lemon, and radish tops</a><br />
<a href="http://sweetartichoke.com/2011/03/22/a-nice-way-of-using-radish-greens-une-jolie-facon-dutiliser-des-fanes-de-radis/" target="_blank">Radish greens cheese spread</a> or it can be a butter spread.<br />
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Hope you guys are as excited about spring gardening as I am!<br />
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p.s. Come garden with us at Alleycat Acres! We have a ton of fun, and are always looking for more volunteers. I'll be gardening at the Beacon Hill site every Tuesday evening at 6pm starting May 1st, through the fall. 3656 24th Ave. S, Seattle, WA.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-4818121098502550602012-03-26T21:59:00.000-07:002012-04-25T12:58:45.759-07:00Egg partyLast weekend I had some friends over to dye easter eggs. I hadn't done it since I was a kid, until last year when a friend of mine from LA had some of us girlfriends over for some egg dying (thanks for the awesome times and idea <a href="http://www.9-agency.com/about" target="_blank">Veronica</a>!) I had completely forgotten how much fun it was.<br />
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When was the last time you dyed eggs, or carved pumpkins, or made your eggs green on St. Patrick's Day? No reason why kids get to have all the fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc5v4wpQprq2Ct6FgBqz2ue__FbMTlT48fDD3QCjuQj6sARvaYhHvgq3xoJtt4bLJ_-bMcs-Cn45S3pgaB24Gz6aJ07rT4nH6-3qa5iZ87oREDJWubwIlTW6uxZG-c1byzG-J_mEVIQw/s1600/IMG_4500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc5v4wpQprq2Ct6FgBqz2ue__FbMTlT48fDD3QCjuQj6sARvaYhHvgq3xoJtt4bLJ_-bMcs-Cn45S3pgaB24Gz6aJ07rT4nH6-3qa5iZ87oREDJWubwIlTW6uxZG-c1byzG-J_mEVIQw/s400/IMG_4500.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out Martha!<br />
Okay, we got most of these ideas from her iPhone app...<br />
Yes she has an iPhone app specifically for easter eggs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXhyphenhyphenw7Ejaiwm1KJdO_1_uAwFJ2haNOHFHu-irslGN03OQp46aKl4MFXCLmVOUtPNcUi1PxLv7Y7pz4oZ-kwabQ2MhweQ-dCLa_BPs4DoEiHSJgTzGK7KJOLdozkqHDHAa7TUF_QBHHSE/s1600/IMG_4487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXhyphenhyphenw7Ejaiwm1KJdO_1_uAwFJ2haNOHFHu-irslGN03OQp46aKl4MFXCLmVOUtPNcUi1PxLv7Y7pz4oZ-kwabQ2MhweQ-dCLa_BPs4DoEiHSJgTzGK7KJOLdozkqHDHAa7TUF_QBHHSE/s400/IMG_4487.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you hear us clucking through all that glitter and Mod Podge?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2PxN4Dij7vqPTjs0Kc3zpFGp3Jp5E8lkWTO-FNeXgXwK61uNIrLgn9968tU-tjaLC0Nt8yfnxDtyAKUDkdC_wDRLdTGbsT58Wp4YwQJTqjT7NjdAPvTI_w_mA0hKqhZsp4VhR51XlHY/s1600/IMG_4482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2PxN4Dij7vqPTjs0Kc3zpFGp3Jp5E8lkWTO-FNeXgXwK61uNIrLgn9968tU-tjaLC0Nt8yfnxDtyAKUDkdC_wDRLdTGbsT58Wp4YwQJTqjT7NjdAPvTI_w_mA0hKqhZsp4VhR51XlHY/s400/IMG_4482.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9baCiJPDMb0/T3E_iaaHa5I/AAAAAAAAD4o/QJ0MfYELHhs/s1600/IMG_4481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9baCiJPDMb0/T3E_iaaHa5I/AAAAAAAAD4o/QJ0MfYELHhs/s400/IMG_4481.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janessa made that grass out of green thread!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrqOHqRqOWzEFMqmtMDJFCjdwCgOCi2WkJ3UuzijiQycPzunWA__QLd26ecHHbgzqvHFTesu9Kt6thaMp7L4eL9vRP_GO75Uk0su7mwuizlR4xO3rXNsZHBnbRZAMQtCKs94df6UzIQY/s1600/IMG_4489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrqOHqRqOWzEFMqmtMDJFCjdwCgOCi2WkJ3UuzijiQycPzunWA__QLd26ecHHbgzqvHFTesu9Kt6thaMp7L4eL9vRP_GO75Uk0su7mwuizlR4xO3rXNsZHBnbRZAMQtCKs94df6UzIQY/s400/IMG_4489.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How did Sarah write so neatly with glitter?<br />
I could never do that.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2NPTAFXllHsC_gV6XI54m5otCnIWM9CDqxClvSn949IkRJyKd__FBDqwESXmsaeDSHicK5l5rHFwmjQ2DeEkr8Fw7teQhFttkJ0vjGbXlWi7FZuQa1pLXCi3_P8Ep3-SFoDYodJswr0/s1600/IMG_4504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2NPTAFXllHsC_gV6XI54m5otCnIWM9CDqxClvSn949IkRJyKd__FBDqwESXmsaeDSHicK5l5rHFwmjQ2DeEkr8Fw7teQhFttkJ0vjGbXlWi7FZuQa1pLXCi3_P8Ep3-SFoDYodJswr0/s400/IMG_4504.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the eggs were blown out so we can keep them forever, but many were hard boiled. <br />
Turns out blowing out eggs is way harder than it looks on Martha Stewart iPhone app. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pu09TaAlYpTI5vbr1QIzz0KQMUlfX4e-MWxXdli9aQ79wq8vEQwMiITo3HNlJVhYWA_y4e0yG819fPjhyFLuQsVlipotp5_Hy3Wdk_BHHJIVglK19DUq6Mv_6OBT5dvAzGokfQPp4wE/s1600/IMG_4509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pu09TaAlYpTI5vbr1QIzz0KQMUlfX4e-MWxXdli9aQ79wq8vEQwMiITo3HNlJVhYWA_y4e0yG819fPjhyFLuQsVlipotp5_Hy3Wdk_BHHJIVglK19DUq6Mv_6OBT5dvAzGokfQPp4wE/s400/IMG_4509.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got really into thread this year. Monochromatic and simple. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXzt6V31s_Lt2qLSoa2ExC3RkJlJYid4_wQNOmjmrk2e5UfW1KEDLQNd0OxNtv7mHoCUdT6WjZL-WDv0yxqTAtUnEpci6r8PA6DQKVCQgI9tHluwaLxmpO772TVi4mtQp6b1C_LyavA8/s1600/IMG_4510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXzt6V31s_Lt2qLSoa2ExC3RkJlJYid4_wQNOmjmrk2e5UfW1KEDLQNd0OxNtv7mHoCUdT6WjZL-WDv0yxqTAtUnEpci6r8PA6DQKVCQgI9tHluwaLxmpO772TVi4mtQp6b1C_LyavA8/s400/IMG_4510.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the inspiration Jackson Pollock. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOhQhHksfrw/T3E_4ckU27I/AAAAAAAAD5o/0ciRFkiNtDg/s1600/IMG_4511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOhQhHksfrw/T3E_4ckU27I/AAAAAAAAD5o/0ciRFkiNtDg/s400/IMG_4511.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubber bands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjKXhx5LBSOWyPck8Mx2R0CQZDGdyJLmIHvdHFQFu_1UfiVqcKDYyslw2O6O84TGyKrvzrlqQidXfgynAV4k33AEpsFN_fT-3oqEcu0Dzvs5qd86DCMqFeVA8Itex6gBJT8H1lhNJ3ZI/s1600/IMG_4513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjKXhx5LBSOWyPck8Mx2R0CQZDGdyJLmIHvdHFQFu_1UfiVqcKDYyslw2O6O84TGyKrvzrlqQidXfgynAV4k33AEpsFN_fT-3oqEcu0Dzvs5qd86DCMqFeVA8Itex6gBJT8H1lhNJ3ZI/s400/IMG_4513.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were done like decoupage, with paper and Mod Podge (craft glue). <br />
I like this one that Mindy made, using cut out recipes, all containing eggs as an ingredient!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsd_ocFy8HUbSHukT5jE7goO04oLeZ38_vubZmq1pp5-nqfi8KSYcgahDKvUONWjN9l8R0lLIkFMC3G5e7ZTmraDw8L3fCZfysHPqnXhEUjbLFZdqGhbmKtkSIW8RafZdnxq2W9bYGsk/s1600/IMG_4514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsd_ocFy8HUbSHukT5jE7goO04oLeZ38_vubZmq1pp5-nqfi8KSYcgahDKvUONWjN9l8R0lLIkFMC3G5e7ZTmraDw8L3fCZfysHPqnXhEUjbLFZdqGhbmKtkSIW8RafZdnxq2W9bYGsk/s400/IMG_4514.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a sprig of parsley from my garden. I glued it on, and then died the egg. <br />
It would have been better to dye the egg first, but oh well. <br />
I'm happy to report that the leaf is still green after a week. The glue is acting like a preservative. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFGfj3A5AqsPjJWjljUDbp-v9c2EUlrIvpqqoaVdm_jE2NkG-97sMxD9WOadQ06Kzooj0d8wbn05o7TGeAlqgaV8FP8O3-2Vgz5m3Goy7nm0gYpGz-_17djshJJQxZ3nAJ5ZlMAVJ4B8/s1600/IMG_4518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFGfj3A5AqsPjJWjljUDbp-v9c2EUlrIvpqqoaVdm_jE2NkG-97sMxD9WOadQ06Kzooj0d8wbn05o7TGeAlqgaV8FP8O3-2Vgz5m3Goy7nm0gYpGz-_17djshJJQxZ3nAJ5ZlMAVJ4B8/s400/IMG_4518.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glitter, glitter everywhere. </td></tr>
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<div>
A few days after the egg party I made egg salad with the hard boiled eggs. It was delicious. It didn't last long enough for me to take a picture. Jacob had the excuse that he didn't want it to go bad, but neither one of us could stop eating it. It was really that good. I think that egg salad is one of those delicious and easy recipes that has gone out of vogue. Not sure why. Let's bring it back. </div>
<div>
I made mine with </div>
<div>
<i>hard boiled eggs</i></div>
<div>
<i>finely diced sweet white onion</i></div>
<div>
<i>canola oil mayo</i></div>
<div>
<i>sea salt</i></div>
<div>
<i>a dash of cayenne</i></div>
<div>
<i>a dash of paprika</i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-55122393212112062592012-01-30T10:20:00.001-08:002012-03-27T09:47:11.038-07:00Shipping Pallet Vertical PlanterA few months back I stumbled across this awesome idea to turn a <a href="http://lifeonthebalcony.com/how-to-turn-a-pallet-into-a-garden/" target="_blank">shipping pallet into a vertical planter</a> on <a href="http://lifeonthebalcony.com/" target="_blank">Fern Richardson's blog</a>. Is Fern not the best name for a gardener? I'm secretly jealous.<br />
A few weeks ago I took the time to make one myself, and I'm super excited about how it turned out!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY8CxwMdDXQJukVVGgLFm7hAPeg9c_7KGHMIJoYxUM-QCUsRjbG2f48AJ7n4S4ot4lW-57zagBs59bw89N1uatP1lcRQG-ZJMgXHpshMum5dtd5ETuEa4aMvbmm-yVMa43p_Y5aJ0qwM/s1600/IMG_4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY8CxwMdDXQJukVVGgLFm7hAPeg9c_7KGHMIJoYxUM-QCUsRjbG2f48AJ7n4S4ot4lW-57zagBs59bw89N1uatP1lcRQG-ZJMgXHpshMum5dtd5ETuEa4aMvbmm-yVMa43p_Y5aJ0qwM/s400/IMG_4443.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I LOVE the beauty and feel of living walls, and of course I'm all about reclaiming waste materials and turning them into something truly special, so this was definitely the project for me.<br />
<br />
<b>Below is a tutorial on how I made this vertical planter</b>, but again I got my directions from <a href="http://lifeonthebalcony.com/how-to-turn-a-pallet-into-a-garden/" target="_blank">Fern</a>:<br />
<br />
<u>Materials:</u><br />
<i>1 shipping pallet, no longer in use</i><br />
<i>36-50 plants in 2" or 4" pots, depending on the size of your pallet</i><br />
<i>landscaping fabric</i><br />
<i>staple gun</i><br />
<i>potting soil + compost</i><br />
<br />
<b>1. Find a pallet that won't be used again</b><br />
Most pallets get used over and over again, but those that are broken or damaged cannot be used for carrying heavy things with a forklift anymore. These are the ones you want to get. I got a broken pallet while I was picking up some compost at <a href="http://www.sawdustsupply.com/" target="_blank">Sawdust Supply</a>, but I sometimes see them in parking lots behind big stores like Best Buy and Costco. I'd ask before taking one... especially to make sure it's not still being used.<br />
<br />
Fix your pallet if it needs it. Make sure there are no nails poking out that need to be hammered back in, big splinters that need sanding down, or loose boards that need to be secured.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Line your pallet to hold in the soil</b><br />
Decide which side of your pallet will be the front, and which will be the top. The front should be the side with narrow slats (no more than 4 inches).<br />
<br />
Line the back, sides, and bottom of your pallet with a double layer of landscaping fabric. Pull the fabric taut across the top edge of the pallet, without covering the opening at the top, and using a staple gun attach it to the pallet. Put staples in every 2 inches. Then continue down the sides and the bottom like you are wrapping a present. Remember to make everything neat and tidy so it will look nice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5l2JPAHVKRAE2MUP5K1KVB3ZkrdY-_MrTQCq6sjwOEy29kWn7pSqMLFvYGbhFWnInUwfoW9-zd3oOn-A57tRE5iW6ygglbfJCTEd50COiCp_J42KXUhKCXemXWaGeNgpueRFodpb-n4/s1600/IMG_4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5l2JPAHVKRAE2MUP5K1KVB3ZkrdY-_MrTQCq6sjwOEy29kWn7pSqMLFvYGbhFWnInUwfoW9-zd3oOn-A57tRE5iW6ygglbfJCTEd50COiCp_J42KXUhKCXemXWaGeNgpueRFodpb-n4/s400/IMG_4321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscaping fabric stapled along the top edge of the planter.<br />
Notice that the opening is still free to plant in. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSFal0SJ0jw/TyTqoMSDE1I/AAAAAAAAD0I/ROPktdnGFaA/s1600/IMG_4325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSFal0SJ0jw/TyTqoMSDE1I/AAAAAAAAD0I/ROPktdnGFaA/s400/IMG_4325.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscaping fabric stapled along the vertical sides of the planter. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67JIT6HrXnA/TyTqqHlmOXI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/xIvhSkTEo0s/s1600/IMG_4326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67JIT6HrXnA/TyTqqHlmOXI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/xIvhSkTEo0s/s400/IMG_4326.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will be the bottom side of the planter. Notice that I covered<br />
the holes at the bottom without pulling the landscaping fabric onto<br />
the front side. This way it will be less noticeable when planted and upright.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><br />
</div><br />
This was the hardest part of the whole project for me, but it really wasn't very hard at all.<br />
Don't cover the top of the slats on the front of the pallet, as you will plant these areas.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Fill your pallet with potting soil</b><br />
With your pallet lying on its back, fill it with potting soil and compost through the slats in the front. I like <a href="http://www.loopforyoursoil.com/gardens-landscapes/" target="_blank">GroCo compost</a> a lot, so I like to add it to all my potted plants along with a light potting mix, like Gardner and Bloome's planting mix. My pallet was 3.5' by 3.5', 6" deep, and I used about 3 cubic feet of soil all together. You really want to pack this stuff in tight!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3o4WIMj1EKe3aLAHzPYpAjwVgoJFPHQ9QO8g3BrFEM80Uiisko-TjBI14IcvB7XBM3fJ77yPva_klkS0FQKFVYIR_7Y4dG9brfAwQOlDCntKtJ5Hd6NUw241JffFIGP5kcg_d30m00M/s1600/IMG_4329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3o4WIMj1EKe3aLAHzPYpAjwVgoJFPHQ9QO8g3BrFEM80Uiisko-TjBI14IcvB7XBM3fJ77yPva_klkS0FQKFVYIR_7Y4dG9brfAwQOlDCntKtJ5Hd6NUw241JffFIGP5kcg_d30m00M/s400/IMG_4329.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure the entire planter is filled with soil.<br />
It won't work if there are gaps between the rows, because all the soil<br />
will fall to the bottom when you turn it upright. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>4. Arrange your pots on top of your pallet</b><br />
Do this to figure out the pattern in which you want to plant them. This part is sorta like painting. I tried to cluster types of plants, and went for a variety of contrasting textures. I moved things around a little bit until I was happy with how it looked.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgf7Hu3mPoCbLrs38UqdS-0o10qbRm4lAask6zgN_tb9fceeK4RmXNcPFpid8E8vADAb506L-W5ItW7v16qY26F_Mzq0FzKzmpq3KBB4yykw9gCsxE6FfkA2NMNubXmR7QBFK4Szb4Es/s1600/IMG_4331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgf7Hu3mPoCbLrs38UqdS-0o10qbRm4lAask6zgN_tb9fceeK4RmXNcPFpid8E8vADAb506L-W5ItW7v16qY26F_Mzq0FzKzmpq3KBB4yykw9gCsxE6FfkA2NMNubXmR7QBFK4Szb4Es/s400/IMG_4331.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried a few arrangements before I got the plants how I wanted them.<br />
Leaving them in their 4" pots made it easy to move them around</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>5. Plant your pallet</b><br />
Plant from the bottom up. Make sure that your plants are packed in there really tight! I found that I needed to add more soil as I planted because I kept on pushing soil down towards the bottom. You want the plants to be snug so that no soil or plants fall out when you turn the pallet upright.<br />
Don't plant the very top yet!<br />
<br />
<b>6. Leave your pallet horizontal for a couple weeks</b><br />
It will be hard to wait, but this will allow roots to establish and will keep soil and plants from falling out the front.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKh9_WjaCGkJxBeyzIL0RD3k5sDijBaVjmzJ8Dkh7mGFMvzAT9or5qHRiGKzOxVCrqswU0MTb5WrpBV6zmBQPYna19S23heXER01EWuJ3jUdwOoRuxJs-_FBpMouV3GVVej0koyrzJXIY/s1600/IMG_4454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKh9_WjaCGkJxBeyzIL0RD3k5sDijBaVjmzJ8Dkh7mGFMvzAT9or5qHRiGKzOxVCrqswU0MTb5WrpBV6zmBQPYna19S23heXER01EWuJ3jUdwOoRuxJs-_FBpMouV3GVVej0koyrzJXIY/s400/IMG_4454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN95IOAcht7XTai1P0VKqE8nr1QnsbtiH1LEN9QOa6jMm2qkOK8aLaO1HWUkO_Fxg8h_vHAHp1MjD28lSf8IJmEHRnHDL5l0fDhuBw49dCd6eWe9deta6r2D4JG_2XKiVyevK8hMTRWQ/s1600/IMG_4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN95IOAcht7XTai1P0VKqE8nr1QnsbtiH1LEN9QOa6jMm2qkOK8aLaO1HWUkO_Fxg8h_vHAHp1MjD28lSf8IJmEHRnHDL5l0fDhuBw49dCd6eWe9deta6r2D4JG_2XKiVyevK8hMTRWQ/s400/IMG_4456.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<b>7. Turn your pallet upright</b><br />
Yahoo! Now that your plants have had a couple weeks to establish, you can turn it vertical by leaning it up against a wall. At this time you should plant the very top of your pallet. I added a tall grass in the corner for a little verticality, and because I thought it looked fun. I also added more wintergreen because I love the way it looks trailing down across the lines of evenly spaced plants.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJ2FlOVcf_9Nod0_7e0enrpb9wGKPMoTYVfy723yT-y53tvMkwqfUS3q_TkFuxdOMhFz1XUyBcNgAdiyzdxS3ANlHEq81QAeQ0a4xdVcTGFTsZUe7g-RYt0qBQg0lsE_wj-yPnahBVhY/s1600/IMG_4445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJ2FlOVcf_9Nod0_7e0enrpb9wGKPMoTYVfy723yT-y53tvMkwqfUS3q_TkFuxdOMhFz1XUyBcNgAdiyzdxS3ANlHEq81QAeQ0a4xdVcTGFTsZUe7g-RYt0qBQg0lsE_wj-yPnahBVhY/s400/IMG_4445.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXdmry0kiek/TyTzefNqO7I/AAAAAAAAD1c/79ZsQ5StolQ/s1600/IMG_4447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXdmry0kiek/TyTzefNqO7I/AAAAAAAAD1c/79ZsQ5StolQ/s400/IMG_4447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1-ixirFr3wU0X7RR7rx__dbLCjd43sq6OjLQOQTBhO2FjyEjX4VKxaPURuBpYo95sx2QcF_NY_2b6yZuu0x0ukQuzH1x62Q16WzmCP4FopGAcTJ1-7fJ_pvnfYjfzWAfYizU8vgtz8Q/s1600/IMG_4455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1-ixirFr3wU0X7RR7rx__dbLCjd43sq6OjLQOQTBhO2FjyEjX4VKxaPURuBpYo95sx2QcF_NY_2b6yZuu0x0ukQuzH1x62Q16WzmCP4FopGAcTJ1-7fJ_pvnfYjfzWAfYizU8vgtz8Q/s400/IMG_4455.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwdlNwbibio/TyTzteLoUuI/AAAAAAAAD18/bXmkOaY0qDI/s1600/IMG_4457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwdlNwbibio/TyTzteLoUuI/AAAAAAAAD18/bXmkOaY0qDI/s400/IMG_4457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6IjKj7nKHlJjJEYh3e16LFnKSsz7F-Kn_z15CuVA-qJq3XnK0UY7_Qewe8DMBfKxQa3O7wKrkDANWv8s2qEzBaCdHWQBCy5jZ-G5Y9r-OYALDdeNBPUqM0gMWJIr7Q7VcAnvuG4Oq6s/s1600/IMG_4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6IjKj7nKHlJjJEYh3e16LFnKSsz7F-Kn_z15CuVA-qJq3XnK0UY7_Qewe8DMBfKxQa3O7wKrkDANWv8s2qEzBaCdHWQBCy5jZ-G5Y9r-OYALDdeNBPUqM0gMWJIr7Q7VcAnvuG4Oq6s/s400/IMG_4459.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
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<b>8. Maintenance and Care</b><br />
These types of planters tend to dry out quickly. Once our rainy season ends (will it ever end?) it will likely need to be watered every other day. Water by using a gentle spray to irrigate through the top, and also give it some water from the "front" (i.e. try to spray directly into the slats). I'm hoping that the fact that I planted hardy drought-tolerant succulents, herbs, sedums, and grasses will serve me well through the summer.<br />
<br />
Wouldn't it be neat to plant strawberries in one of these? I'm imagining a strawberry fence...<br />
<br />
Thanks Fern for the inspiration!<br />
<br />
p.s. Looks like the ladies at <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/09/diy-project-recycled-pallet-vertical-garden.html" target="_blank">design*sponge</a> were also inspired by this project.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-55212771746730526752011-11-20T11:16:00.000-08:002011-11-20T11:16:11.702-08:00Friendsgiving<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItTY1XicH42zNkwir8zSslCJTKwiB3QFXHwl5usfNd40ZodJ4sTN3QTeJ74psiyh8wCO67UbJ19ynODDK5aH6wTaQ76CaW1GfuZhWTi726hvdBBlIUp4-wSxIQsVDWC3WlNHe62vumHc/s1600/342125984_13553b71d6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItTY1XicH42zNkwir8zSslCJTKwiB3QFXHwl5usfNd40ZodJ4sTN3QTeJ74psiyh8wCO67UbJ19ynODDK5aH6wTaQ76CaW1GfuZhWTi726hvdBBlIUp4-wSxIQsVDWC3WlNHe62vumHc/s400/342125984_13553b71d6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My friend, Sarah, is hosting a Friendsgiving party this afternoon. We're all going to her house around 3pm with a course from a traditional thanksgiving dinner. Jill will bring cocktails, Cindy will bring cranberries and stuffing, etc... Isn't that a cute idea? </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was assigned with dessert and helping the hostess make the turkey. </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVonKsktq78/TslJOpFq-kI/AAAAAAAADp0/7SON4yI8ftc/s1600/IMG_4181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVonKsktq78/TslJOpFq-kI/AAAAAAAADp0/7SON4yI8ftc/s400/IMG_4181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the occasion, Sarah and I made this pumpkin cheesecake tart with cranberry gelee. Isn't she a looker?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I clipped the recipe from Food and Wine magazine back in 2003. I made it once that year, and have not forgotten about it. Underneath that thin layer of cranberry gelee is pumpkin cheesecake resting within an almond tart shell. What's not to love?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apparently the recipe has been pretty popular because you can still find it at <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pumpkin-cheesecake-tart-with-cranberry-gelee" target="_blank">FoodandWine.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you ever hosted/been to a Friendsgiving giving celebration? What are you making for Thanksgiving this year? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">photo credit: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friends eating cookies: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulgalipeau/" target="_blank">Paul Galipeau</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tart: Kate Kurtz</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-32956374125185026682011-11-16T23:01:00.000-08:002011-11-16T23:17:37.380-08:00Fall is for trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The foliage is spectacular, but it is also the perfect time to plant them. At least it's the perfect time to plant trees in places like Seattle, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles (3 of the cities I have been fortunate to call home). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EJmYG559moT8TgqBj3QP9FNpQnMHX_7foZIzMc1MP_wm8iqvWTgG9Ot73pHCR0pTSw9FtoQfoqqOpZRgxRWpAiFshbAwDF-vweqUYLClGU5DCaimAElP2brti1R9c4z4NKswgUiON-g/s1600/IMG_3902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EJmYG559moT8TgqBj3QP9FNpQnMHX_7foZIzMc1MP_wm8iqvWTgG9Ot73pHCR0pTSw9FtoQfoqqOpZRgxRWpAiFshbAwDF-vweqUYLClGU5DCaimAElP2brti1R9c4z4NKswgUiON-g/s400/IMG_3902.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
The rainy season is just beginning, which gives tree roots a head start on establishing before we dry up in the spring and summer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVtebE5JDNBGzC7T-uqbUIHAbZg8O95eHQ_GulXoP0jnm5VoRHrYWXbIOdZPqod_FtDeLe5qACn6GSsygCZKD_FjIDzybmbNOdnMbUsM3v7tyhlOg8YMV2R4hIM_55K0X9YmMqkJf9ts/s1600/IMG_3905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVtebE5JDNBGzC7T-uqbUIHAbZg8O95eHQ_GulXoP0jnm5VoRHrYWXbIOdZPqod_FtDeLe5qACn6GSsygCZKD_FjIDzybmbNOdnMbUsM3v7tyhlOg8YMV2R4hIM_55K0X9YmMqkJf9ts/s400/IMG_3905.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Look at how gorgeous this native Vine Maple is. We planted it a year ago, so this is the first time we've seen its full fiery red foliage.<br />
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The City of Seattle recognizes the many environmental and social benefits of mature trees, so they provide them to residents who apply for free!<br />
http://www.seattle.gov/trees/<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIU9xYQqbA86qPboI4bq75cHFKmc69uBS-thdoESd2D3x_ku5ShIsuHHKnpd6qfBXU4AxecwT3qgG9BOSMOW0Uh8wRvjhp8WUvdoZq7XeRcTFpyxWaY6Eif5pU8ZsQQhD53oLmOE0Sak/s1600/IMG_3915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIU9xYQqbA86qPboI4bq75cHFKmc69uBS-thdoESd2D3x_ku5ShIsuHHKnpd6qfBXU4AxecwT3qgG9BOSMOW0Uh8wRvjhp8WUvdoZq7XeRcTFpyxWaY6Eif5pU8ZsQQhD53oLmOE0Sak/s400/IMG_3915.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>We got an Elm and an Apple two years ago. This year we got a Purple Beech, but there were lots of choices including Poplar, Cedar, and Asian Pear.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klOAMMJ3nY4/TsSjpdbQa6I/AAAAAAAADoo/jIpIMbopjQQ/s1600/IMG_3921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klOAMMJ3nY4/TsSjpdbQa6I/AAAAAAAADoo/jIpIMbopjQQ/s400/IMG_3921.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>First we had to go through a tree planting and maintenance training.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2N7nfM6t3VUN2zWuYDODqdk3ESjZFHZBFBW7IaOr-i1sPzitInHD54_zZFzvEskl5cKU87hivSq7MrlRLE3gROSHznZ1ShQJMw3lVUIFpZ2Ug1x71JfmmP0PzfNmH0XS1LUPtqpydAk/s1600/IMG_3931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2N7nfM6t3VUN2zWuYDODqdk3ESjZFHZBFBW7IaOr-i1sPzitInHD54_zZFzvEskl5cKU87hivSq7MrlRLE3gROSHznZ1ShQJMw3lVUIFpZ2Ug1x71JfmmP0PzfNmH0XS1LUPtqpydAk/s400/IMG_3931.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>This was the youngest tree planter at the training. Isn't she cute next to those cedars?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dUeHlWVz-UOH3EIEgfKal53Ion-buSuYLVn5ecN__8mUzLzJSUD30UDB4MvcFxO9mVG4S0JhgS91hPnNnkZeFPyMNsdjIiGpvnGmEbIVppY3PcoBuK11iUbSw7RxrrvH14Z6q8tW6rY/s1600/IMG_3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dUeHlWVz-UOH3EIEgfKal53Ion-buSuYLVn5ecN__8mUzLzJSUD30UDB4MvcFxO9mVG4S0JhgS91hPnNnkZeFPyMNsdjIiGpvnGmEbIVppY3PcoBuK11iUbSw7RxrrvH14Z6q8tW6rY/s400/IMG_3942.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>When we got home we planted the tree right away. Jacob was clever to put the excavated soil on a tarp, which kept things clean and back filling the hole pretty easy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FASPJYAYJTc/TsSj5G4dEAI/AAAAAAAADpI/AoMkxW3NHmE/s1600/IMG_3948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FASPJYAYJTc/TsSj5G4dEAI/AAAAAAAADpI/AoMkxW3NHmE/s400/IMG_3948.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>After planting we staked the tree on the south side, which is the direction we typically get our winds from. Doesn't Jacob look like a proud tree planter?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs48dkac9__7Vt3QeZVvKTo9jl6pLlbPkx6D0LPFQ_Zy-PyBfhaa5CvkJi1_TcTq-vI2KbgPvo1YfGPJb4R8hhxbsWMy0RfKm3D0LfnE5JBSSbyEfJejnbq12oejzqEE8xRY_7zi5zTE/s1600/IMG_3949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs48dkac9__7Vt3QeZVvKTo9jl6pLlbPkx6D0LPFQ_Zy-PyBfhaa5CvkJi1_TcTq-vI2KbgPvo1YfGPJb4R8hhxbsWMy0RfKm3D0LfnE5JBSSbyEfJejnbq12oejzqEE8xRY_7zi5zTE/s400/IMG_3949.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Here's Jacob standing next to the Elm we planted two years ago. Doesn't it have beautiful fall foliage? That baby Beech has some catching up to do.<br />
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Have you planted any trees recently? What did you put in? Suddenly I'm dreaming of putting in an Italian Plum in the back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-38786940009217175662011-09-25T21:39:00.000-07:002011-09-25T21:39:43.779-07:00TomsI've spent the summer growing them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jHWwq3QdsPGQrg2qz4hyphenhyphentYI6fNL5NjWWXyA0lUGcAWQQ0gTxLCWJAdupjVY0vjcMKy_VuODEkt290Jvh9E4NEki1L3t1eV3cS7Y8HjeCLGW3LqfL-J7cfOwPyjr5_o-0jwngJEdwqvA/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jHWwq3QdsPGQrg2qz4hyphenhyphentYI6fNL5NjWWXyA0lUGcAWQQ0gTxLCWJAdupjVY0vjcMKy_VuODEkt290Jvh9E4NEki1L3t1eV3cS7Y8HjeCLGW3LqfL-J7cfOwPyjr5_o-0jwngJEdwqvA/s400/IMG_0753.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pruning and training tomatoes.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ_6nsjsJ_A/Tn_-A8_sxfI/AAAAAAAADng/R34EzoYpCrE/s1600/IMG_0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ_6nsjsJ_A/Tn_-A8_sxfI/AAAAAAAADng/R34EzoYpCrE/s400/IMG_0758.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatillos require little to no maintenance and grow fantastically in Seattle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Eating them...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkbt0d61xc8/Tn_-Chmr8kI/AAAAAAAADnk/4umybmOSy0w/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkbt0d61xc8/Tn_-Chmr8kI/AAAAAAAADnk/4umybmOSy0w/s400/IMG_0876.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato and zucchini gratin (recipe from Cooks Illustrated magazine).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIi2Nvv8O3Et1PV3O9XBuXEC5-IX9Q9efmlGCZuAb2qywdg4ACq-mhjjeFgxVZyBzarIu0P5XMqZE9VLvHGONftOQQ2fearcVpNkA-Ov1dlVA1ZvgkCw-NUrbKf99g8zvUhbM1gQH_kc/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIi2Nvv8O3Et1PV3O9XBuXEC5-IX9Q9efmlGCZuAb2qywdg4ACq-mhjjeFgxVZyBzarIu0P5XMqZE9VLvHGONftOQQ2fearcVpNkA-Ov1dlVA1ZvgkCw-NUrbKf99g8zvUhbM1gQH_kc/s400/IMG_2866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Prince, Red Zebra, and Sungold were the taste winners this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnm_Q1RQTGA/Tn_-GKO0mnI/AAAAAAAADns/OdZhDAkIlV8/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnm_Q1RQTGA/Tn_-GKO0mnI/AAAAAAAADns/OdZhDAkIlV8/s400/IMG_0866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stupice is always yields well...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And now preserving them in jars, so I can enjoy them for a few months longer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-pYkpTxE_RzHfs0phgOFwg1rUdpdTu94hwY43baX4u633J_OqF6IMAxuOR3NpOyuYIiYOMIoTglXzcAwbJggtGFOPkQIVsTNb-mtrW-QgW3qqNjwpGaxtje8TWj7XPJWpvp1V8PuGzc/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-pYkpTxE_RzHfs0phgOFwg1rUdpdTu94hwY43baX4u633J_OqF6IMAxuOR3NpOyuYIiYOMIoTglXzcAwbJggtGFOPkQIVsTNb-mtrW-QgW3qqNjwpGaxtje8TWj7XPJWpvp1V8PuGzc/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple tomato sauce, and zingy salsa verde -- made and canned this afternoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Today I feel satisfied with the fruits of my labor.<br />
This is a good, very good, part of my life. Thanks for letting me share it with you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-78561666421180396472011-08-21T14:15:00.000-07:002011-08-21T14:15:03.601-07:00Summer Sunday with agua frescaI hope everyone is enjoying this sunny summer Sunday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIs_Kam7ZIAT-UYFWlWfKRPboivh6UmJTO9F-1FAcvowbF8Tazv3psmklpTC7BAbuvJgTMt4f0yY_PxDx6BOmc5F4fsNLtoXk5kp5KAB7rnp-IgdLIy3FWM0hE-XDP2_NJXKMUPkLUN0/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIs_Kam7ZIAT-UYFWlWfKRPboivh6UmJTO9F-1FAcvowbF8Tazv3psmklpTC7BAbuvJgTMt4f0yY_PxDx6BOmc5F4fsNLtoXk5kp5KAB7rnp-IgdLIy3FWM0hE-XDP2_NJXKMUPkLUN0/s400/IMG_0831.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Agua Fresca</b><br />
<i>2 cups cubed watermelon</i><br />
<i>1/4 to 1/2 cup water</i><br />
<i>1 cup crushed ice</i><br />
<i>juice of 1 lime</i><br />
<i>Agave nectar or honey for sweetness if needed</i><br />
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blend and serve over ice with a squeeze of lime.<br />
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p.s. The trees and shrubs all over Seattle are looking dry and crispy. Don't forget to water. Newly planted trees and shrubs need to be watered once a week during the late spring and summer, for the first three years after you put them in (even the natives). Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-82420491640111571932011-08-14T22:23:00.000-07:002011-08-14T22:23:39.739-07:00Food tastes better whenyou grow it yourself... or at least when you pick it yourself. Not much in life beats a good pacific northwest U-pick berry farm.<br />
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Anyhow, yesterday I picked this from our home garden: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUNvuxi0ysaPkJXmcYCF0PiZoZvXChf6ymijdc2psabYOF7gR4EjpFPs9RED5Gfid11tFqcZl6dIUj9PTx7nI9x8mquJ3waOF1h9ThAivPxevE6wWGkfelQB09x66Y5S1AKQOjOQJpmg/s1600/IMG_0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUNvuxi0ysaPkJXmcYCF0PiZoZvXChf6ymijdc2psabYOF7gR4EjpFPs9RED5Gfid11tFqcZl6dIUj9PTx7nI9x8mquJ3waOF1h9ThAivPxevE6wWGkfelQB09x66Y5S1AKQOjOQJpmg/s400/IMG_0771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Today, while I was processing jars of cherry pie filling (more on that later), I transformed much of that harvest into dinner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_rudCoAJc-yDH0vE9JyRqMQPRx6k2blX2sInBH4DXNF9E2ciQxN8lVW5GRVO-sfWw3ek04xYgyt2yfjPCZxfwWweaesF16ENhEpOmBVNaDQCNfFdSnOADN-pHa6Wu-A1VfSEks4yUiA/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_rudCoAJc-yDH0vE9JyRqMQPRx6k2blX2sInBH4DXNF9E2ciQxN8lVW5GRVO-sfWw3ek04xYgyt2yfjPCZxfwWweaesF16ENhEpOmBVNaDQCNfFdSnOADN-pHa6Wu-A1VfSEks4yUiA/s400/IMG_0786.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><br />
I did a play on a classic salad nicoise, but substituted chicken (what I had on hand) for the traditional tuna steak, and included the artichokes. I snipped some basil from out back, and made a basil vinaigrette to dress the protein and veggies. Perfect summer supper. <br />
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Now, before you think I've lost it and gone on a diet, remember that I was canning cherry pie filling. Mmmmmm rainier cherries. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkB1NRpsU_L5VT6imlLonkrGr3v94XJ2-ap6NMXrAHpWBVdmhLn-3QFrnMm4-SUNqUZ3dum3XxnU0Tsa4xLsFs4cQZkZ30ZI0LU10NKg7Q3bmcpsz66wzf9f9cCMruc75zC-CiQfwrb4/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkB1NRpsU_L5VT6imlLonkrGr3v94XJ2-ap6NMXrAHpWBVdmhLn-3QFrnMm4-SUNqUZ3dum3XxnU0Tsa4xLsFs4cQZkZ30ZI0LU10NKg7Q3bmcpsz66wzf9f9cCMruc75zC-CiQfwrb4/s400/IMG_0784.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><br />
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p.s. I used the kale by tossing it with spicy peanut dressing like I did <a href="http://urbanfoodproducer.blogspot.com/2010/11/kale-two-ways-both-spicy.html">here</a>. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-73242527262021430082011-08-13T17:06:00.000-07:002011-08-13T17:06:47.351-07:00And then it happened<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxpFqcQwfhbhwbCykxXmsCciwMnwajWsz1-7MOfXfeCc8y0_EsJtjPE6Zm_EYqoBrRO4TW_Te6fn9fgyZZXUwK01x2xdzjSdLsw7oghOGwJ45uD7zJ0-EkZqBZVVEdWxGCVNgPN86zRI/s320/IMG_3886.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gardening season started in earnest with these. June was sweet and juicy -- I was smitten. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strawberries were followed by these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--As5xK_8z48/TkcOklWwWYI/AAAAAAAADmE/bDFCNQoHQpk/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--As5xK_8z48/TkcOklWwWYI/AAAAAAAADmE/bDFCNQoHQpk/s400/IMG_0661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then it was off to the races. Lots of time in the garden, on bikes, and at parks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where did the summer go?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7LZLJVfCfQF0OblyBi261hfE1KSfxK4CIZWrGn8fumLr_xNtudsPuHk7O42HCrbvr0K6QgazVHpbhcO82N7bd5o3s4YgEcqFta6F5AXp54OzE-vy87VN5WhVyPAtiLuZYp-dgP-9wJI/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7LZLJVfCfQF0OblyBi261hfE1KSfxK4CIZWrGn8fumLr_xNtudsPuHk7O42HCrbvr0K6QgazVHpbhcO82N7bd5o3s4YgEcqFta6F5AXp54OzE-vy87VN5WhVyPAtiLuZYp-dgP-9wJI/s320/IMG_0675.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I think a lot of the summer was spent snacking on these, and commenting on how cute they are.</div><br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just took a little trip to the Olympic Peninsula. When I returned, this is what I found: tomato plants as big as I am. Here I am trying to train them to their stakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsnsBVYCPa0K-CjWWj0TdLIgiJDtqn11JuG0_O1JqJ-2SDuvIY0Bl1Fh0n4PzxYEGIDfGSc92ig2yxMmuI_7TW7uM_d0PQqf4bZXOxrRF09aGICr2dkSj5tKMNz56RubcWOeWr40ojVY/s1600/IMG_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsnsBVYCPa0K-CjWWj0TdLIgiJDtqn11JuG0_O1JqJ-2SDuvIY0Bl1Fh0n4PzxYEGIDfGSc92ig2yxMmuI_7TW7uM_d0PQqf4bZXOxrRF09aGICr2dkSj5tKMNz56RubcWOeWr40ojVY/s320/IMG_0752.JPG" width="238" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what I harvested today. Any suggestions on what I should do with some or all of this stuff? </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5n6Bt2IuAKw/TkcQoCtmQMI/AAAAAAAADmY/zk2ni8aNGhU/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5n6Bt2IuAKw/TkcQoCtmQMI/AAAAAAAADmY/zk2ni8aNGhU/s320/IMG_0775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini, artichokes, lacinato kale, radishes, green beans, tomatoes, and a handful of blueberries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> What are you harvesting or cooking this week?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-67944965269334561422011-06-28T22:40:00.000-07:002011-06-28T22:40:46.200-07:00Spring porcinisOne of the really lovely things about living in the pacific northwest is the great range of the foraging opportunities we have. We can walk out into natural areas and collect mushrooms, berries of all kinds, fiddle heads, clams, oysters, and the list goes on.<br />
The other day a friend found good spring porcinis in the Cle Elum area, and was kind enough to share the harvest. Yes, this is a good kind of friend to have.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwAgy3gVoXoqw75oiBMzihbHRWDHmQQPoziqU47ZF9NnGaps1EtqeSb7OvVPOZW6nigZwD6JxEH0apmAvSLHbu-qL5fhVK8aj7PJ01Tdgu0UUfbSzKzL6VTzcRGEjRsU5nV8UQLESFmw/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwAgy3gVoXoqw75oiBMzihbHRWDHmQQPoziqU47ZF9NnGaps1EtqeSb7OvVPOZW6nigZwD6JxEH0apmAvSLHbu-qL5fhVK8aj7PJ01Tdgu0UUfbSzKzL6VTzcRGEjRsU5nV8UQLESFmw/s400/IMG_0537.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Porcinis are nutty, and earthy, and delicious. Their fat stems are tender and meaty.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PF8uHpq1qbI/Tgq3k2bibRI/AAAAAAAADfQ/YVtENh9yHd8/s1600/IMG_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PF8uHpq1qbI/Tgq3k2bibRI/AAAAAAAADfQ/YVtENh9yHd8/s400/IMG_0538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've learned to brown the sliced mushrooms in small batches. Mushrooms contain so much water, that if you cover the pan, they will end up boiling in their own juices, rather than browning. The difference in flavor and texture is huge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54TFdLNjqWQ/Tgq3omxQXqI/AAAAAAAADfU/rdoL0Be6Dko/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54TFdLNjqWQ/Tgq3omxQXqI/AAAAAAAADfU/rdoL0Be6Dko/s400/IMG_0539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I ended up eating most of the porcinis hot out of the pan (I couldn't help myself). The rest I tossed with pasta and a white wine and butter sauce. The dish needed something more, so I went out to the garden and picked some arugula. Then threw it in the hot pasta with mushrooms. The peppery greens wilted a bit under the heat, which was really nice. The arugula added a nice dimension to the dish. Dinner was good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfCYq6eRdsmJ75lg47woyrlG1IT4HZfg4cHjRXaiH-plxrTwfSokKra0NoQjsQEoTavf4x7zlQ4TlVVx9Duu9gih3yiFb_Jk28poWkXmnNNL_GbOoyUSJ7l7wByQ8fTXcd47OqzZFmU0/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfCYq6eRdsmJ75lg47woyrlG1IT4HZfg4cHjRXaiH-plxrTwfSokKra0NoQjsQEoTavf4x7zlQ4TlVVx9Duu9gih3yiFb_Jk28poWkXmnNNL_GbOoyUSJ7l7wByQ8fTXcd47OqzZFmU0/s400/IMG_3879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-29539970871080172062011-06-15T21:05:00.000-07:002011-06-15T21:05:08.707-07:00Isn't She Lovely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf553WoMmSqiOjBtL3yfO7rnI6dwRGES8M72erFlaNiezldDiBkw0Yq2h78NIe375-PzLzQK3FEvQZvBKzcDCa2nCtYUfJinlru8h68vXttL-mrV4CsF2FyWUMEWS9caVqA8dLCUrFt7c/s1600/IMG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf553WoMmSqiOjBtL3yfO7rnI6dwRGES8M72erFlaNiezldDiBkw0Yq2h78NIe375-PzLzQK3FEvQZvBKzcDCa2nCtYUfJinlru8h68vXttL-mrV4CsF2FyWUMEWS9caVqA8dLCUrFt7c/s400/IMG_3870.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyKn4qYfTT8WcayeRZI1fchhxJ5cRwTKQXBs_ae473DNRgzwmiqYshvtkX5w2bS_rTv7IDRn1naGIjz0nPWAi05GIbY6hJPKzYJerx7IhRPvZkwRmSidAUNH9yQHELj_dAGotEtnhGP8/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyKn4qYfTT8WcayeRZI1fchhxJ5cRwTKQXBs_ae473DNRgzwmiqYshvtkX5w2bS_rTv7IDRn1naGIjz0nPWAi05GIbY6hJPKzYJerx7IhRPvZkwRmSidAUNH9yQHELj_dAGotEtnhGP8/s400/IMG_3876.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVjdkS-zvIA/Tfl8xTKDJTI/AAAAAAAADe8/gsudH_kdLZI/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVjdkS-zvIA/Tfl8xTKDJTI/AAAAAAAADe8/gsudH_kdLZI/s400/IMG_3875.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I wish they would bloom throughout the summer, but alas, these pink peonies only grace our yard for a few weeks in the beginning of each summer. I am thoroughly enjoying their loveliness.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-61693607168545272302011-06-10T11:18:00.000-07:002011-06-10T11:18:39.067-07:00Warming upWestern Washington is finally warming up. We can now put in our warm weather garden crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, basil, and green beans. With the exception of the green beans, the other crops should be planted as transplants... started from seed weeks or months ago. <br />
If you haven't done it already, put these plants in the ground quick! Our warm weather crop growing season is short.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBnCdKdVER8cEvNMM15Ib-oVMY65PPLwzOoaU237AO2-XFifM4RX5qev4P9nRGC4bd2ZX7KRL3E1Ah0fs6V-zakG3ZAMWKrVR7PpbyS6i90b63IJqZ6moRfdwe1_uyxybXuqJRbeoads/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBnCdKdVER8cEvNMM15Ib-oVMY65PPLwzOoaU237AO2-XFifM4RX5qev4P9nRGC4bd2ZX7KRL3E1Ah0fs6V-zakG3ZAMWKrVR7PpbyS6i90b63IJqZ6moRfdwe1_uyxybXuqJRbeoads/s400/IMG_3057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As we transition to this warmer weather, the cool season greens have a tendency to bolt or flower. Once these short-lived annual crops bolt it's time to take them out and make room for something else. The greens of a bolted plant tend to get tough and slightly bitter. This may make them unsuitable for salads, but they can still taste delicious sauteed or wilted.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQbbfO0yN9zT_T0xmL43rCWOt6jX74nlfm3QAOB0IEZiF9hW59oO9QsdMGzmxZAwWU7jO7jJi3J_j1rWCln-BLSqFsmfrvA0HBcdMKGzQmws1btVplzs2LATbg0TFSUU6vCQLfnPG8Gw/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQbbfO0yN9zT_T0xmL43rCWOt6jX74nlfm3QAOB0IEZiF9hW59oO9QsdMGzmxZAwWU7jO7jJi3J_j1rWCln-BLSqFsmfrvA0HBcdMKGzQmws1btVplzs2LATbg0TFSUU6vCQLfnPG8Gw/s400/IMG_3058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So far this year I have sauteed the greens and raab (flowering parts) from arugula, tatsoi, komatsuna, spinach, chard, beet greens, and kale. Where these greens were growing, is where we put in the tomatoes, squash, and other warm season crops.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DYLlwwb66HaV41TIf3hj6lw4zPQ83a_MJQprM33o6wfOT6Ilx3CecCUd3MJeLIe46GtQrEbkvcwqu6SqUNSOFLQgsTApcKkhSdym5sw8pWZiFUlc0tu5OyW2H2q_0h1h6wtAxbfi3-g/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DYLlwwb66HaV41TIf3hj6lw4zPQ83a_MJQprM33o6wfOT6Ilx3CecCUd3MJeLIe46GtQrEbkvcwqu6SqUNSOFLQgsTApcKkhSdym5sw8pWZiFUlc0tu5OyW2H2q_0h1h6wtAxbfi3-g/s400/IMG_0476.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob picks tender lettuce for a salad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My favorite way to eat these bolted greens is not very creative, but completely delicious. I like to slice garlic thin and brown it in a generous amount of olive oil. Once the garlic is a bit brown and bitter I add the greens, wilting them down in the oil and garlic. I add good salt. Adding a knob of butter never hurt anything.<br />
At this point I either eat the greens on their own, as a side dish, or add them to something else.<br />
Last week I added sauteed arugula to a farro salad, topped with poached eggs. It was delicious.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gsWjEBq9PZc/TfJel7vuMiI/AAAAAAAADeU/5eT2T08M5HQ/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gsWjEBq9PZc/TfJel7vuMiI/AAAAAAAADeU/5eT2T08M5HQ/s400/IMG_3173.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinach sauteed with garlic, spring onions, and butter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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I cooked the farro (aka emmer) in lots of salty water for about 25 minutes, or until tender. Then I drained the farro, and tossed it with a simple vinaigrette and the sauteed arugula. I topped with two poached eggs. We have basil growing on the kitchen window sill, so I added some of that too. Dinner was good, hearty, and healthy. We were happy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farro salad with wilted arugula and poached eggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-43437114946485310522011-06-09T12:04:00.000-07:002011-06-09T12:04:38.528-07:00Chicken or the egg?Our next door neighbors have 7 laying hens, and we're pet sitting this week. It's been several years since Jacob and I have had chickens, and we miss the eggs. We want hens again, and soon.<br />
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We had some family visiting from Portland last weekend, and we had a good time feeding our bolting kale to the chickens.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOSycZ-XxoM/TfEWFzY0W9I/AAAAAAAADdk/BVEFPODI57k/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOSycZ-XxoM/TfEWFzY0W9I/AAAAAAAADdk/BVEFPODI57k/s320/IMG_0509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Maybe one of the chickens got more kale (and associated aphids) than the others... or else she's taking performance enhancing drugs. Today's egg was twice the size of her sisters'!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZsiawoylSqigA3xwsxQGhpJowa90sAnK-ABpa5HI3C3SilwwiaFpo2LyTQyigZWS9hxnt8HAArI3_s2ohBY5OpsyjrcDAxx09DZst5MeKCo8P0fuciJVdkI-MPZnI-EdWJEezl0TErs/s1600/IMG_0523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZsiawoylSqigA3xwsxQGhpJowa90sAnK-ABpa5HI3C3SilwwiaFpo2LyTQyigZWS9hxnt8HAArI3_s2ohBY5OpsyjrcDAxx09DZst5MeKCo8P0fuciJVdkI-MPZnI-EdWJEezl0TErs/s320/IMG_0523.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Oh lordy it was twins!!! I had to take a picture. <br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-15420990552777094962011-05-08T14:42:00.000-07:002011-05-08T14:42:53.637-07:00Komatsuna: a discovery worth sharing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatw_AfffPaRW7b2QSx_gcYBkpwZwybX5YSYIepoNZbozGBGUyRqwHZDlnWW2oai5uHXdMCaC3XUpE3CyESY1oyn5QNTwQDnOVLXubdkG3VItbthUkDWe_QeJAMXUtO9qYHoal5UjPYG8/s1600/IMG_3864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatw_AfffPaRW7b2QSx_gcYBkpwZwybX5YSYIepoNZbozGBGUyRqwHZDlnWW2oai5uHXdMCaC3XUpE3CyESY1oyn5QNTwQDnOVLXubdkG3VItbthUkDWe_QeJAMXUtO9qYHoal5UjPYG8/s400/IMG_3864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washed komatsuna leaves ready to be added to a salad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This year we planted lots of asian greens at Alleycat Acres' Beacon Hill garden, including a few types I have never tasted. Daring I know, but hey, I like to live on the wild side.<br />
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Anyhow, one of these "new" types we tried out was 'Komatsuna', which, similar to bok choy, is a brassica or mustard green. After direct seeding, it was one of the first things to come up. In a spring when even the radishes have been scared to poke there cotyledons up into the chilly, wet world, komatsuna and I have been off to a good start, simply on the merrit that it has been growing. Yesterday, I tasted it for the first time and just about died with happiness. It's sweet, slightly sour, and very tender. My husband described it as tasting like a cross between spinach and bok choy, but it doesn't make your mouth feel funny like raw spinach does. I haven't been able to stop talking about it, and here I am, writing about this edible leaf to the whole interweb world. What can I say, I'm easily excited by plants. At yesterday's Alleycat work party we harvested the outer leaves of the Komatsuna plants along with some radishes (finally!) and some kale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9ESDWWD81U/Tcb6CSlinQI/AAAAAAAADdM/KuMF6CMFobg/s1600/IMG_3861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9ESDWWD81U/Tcb6CSlinQI/AAAAAAAADdM/KuMF6CMFobg/s400/IMG_3861.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Komatsuna, radish, chive, and chicken salad with sesame vinaigrette.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This afternoon I prepared a nice salad of raw komatsuna leaves, sliced radish, chives, and shredded chicken with a sesame vinaigrette. Delicious.<br />
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Based on some internet browsing, it looks like komatsuna can either be eaten raw or cooked, similar to many greens like spinach, chard, and bok choy. <br />
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I think the seed we used came from Seeds of Change, but I'm not sure because earlier today I thought we got it from Territorial Seed company (great seeds for Northwest gardeners). Either way, here's a link to the Seeds of Change catalog description of komatsuna greens <a href="http://www.seedsofchange.com/garden_center/product_details.aspx?item_no=ps20481">Seeds of Change: komatsuna</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HC-HVgonewelN5XRXR2ic9QEpo9YFpDzN0xj3alyM7sJktTTPr8fWy_OmISK40w8nHkZJhLcsXj3kH3x4Eb31ZwOb59Kafn1vviCiamgcTaJB-yFSAbzhIeBtaqb2QqM_YRWMBAkTCQ/s1600/IMG_3869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HC-HVgonewelN5XRXR2ic9QEpo9YFpDzN0xj3alyM7sJktTTPr8fWy_OmISK40w8nHkZJhLcsXj3kH3x4Eb31ZwOb59Kafn1vviCiamgcTaJB-yFSAbzhIeBtaqb2QqM_YRWMBAkTCQ/s400/IMG_3869.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of yesterday's harvest: radishes.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Have you discovered anything new for your garden or dinner plate this spring? Do share.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-88673327917975955922011-05-05T16:08:00.000-07:002011-05-05T16:08:12.324-07:00Biosolids: an intersection of public health, clean water, and sustainable ag<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Wastewater treatment is designed to protect human and environmental health</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZF8nnEwVg4/TcMF_Va1N7I/AAAAAAAADbw/_AiKaANAJ7s/s1600/Seattle+skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZF8nnEwVg4/TcMF_Va1N7I/AAAAAAAADbw/_AiKaANAJ7s/s400/Seattle+skyline.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puget Sound and the Seattle city skyline.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each day ~175 million gallons of wastewater flows to King County (Seattle) treatment plants. That’s 63 billion 875 million gallons of raw wastewater getting treated every year (!!!). To be clear, that’s anything flushed or washed down the drain. We are so privileged, for without sewers and proper sanitation water born diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery would run rampant.</span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDfK7GyhrBCBNpVcZ4NZNJDO0m3ISVMwvR4YOJctzD7Ta8DS2ieYeQ4o4GXFk2vOAg-g1za_Dxbp76TeyHssXPIHKiYl-mT2qO8xgVArePTsMRpgbGv0smM-6TU_ETs7Gq3GXkWaCaeE/s1600/Wastewater+comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDfK7GyhrBCBNpVcZ4NZNJDO0m3ISVMwvR4YOJctzD7Ta8DS2ieYeQ4o4GXFk2vOAg-g1za_Dxbp76TeyHssXPIHKiYl-mT2qO8xgVArePTsMRpgbGv0smM-6TU_ETs7Gq3GXkWaCaeE/s400/Wastewater+comparison.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left: raw sewage, treatment plant effluent, reclaimed water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">To protect both human and environmental health, raw wastewater is treated. In my opinion this feat is arguably the greatest invention of modern society! By incredible acts of engineering, raw wastewater is piped to treatment plants where solids are removed via extensive biological processes and then water is disinfected. The clean water can then be safely discharged to surface water bodies like rivers, oceans and Puget Sound, or it can be used for irrigation. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsWJlIZIDco/TcMG5V6MpvI/AAAAAAAADb4/J9oy9eIT7iY/s1600/Reclaimed+water+south+plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsWJlIZIDco/TcMG5V6MpvI/AAAAAAAADb4/J9oy9eIT7iY/s400/Reclaimed+water+south+plant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstration garden irrigated with reclaimed water and amended with biosolids compost.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now what about those solids? Prior to treatment, solids are mostly feces, t.p., and food bits from garbage disposals. To treat the raw solids, or sewage sludge, most treatment plants use anaerobic digestion technology wherein solids are pumped into large digester tanks where microorganisms chow down until they die, then other microorganisms chow down on those dead bodies and so on and on until the product is no longer feces, t.p., and bits of food but rather just the chewed-up bodies of the solids-chowing microorganisms. Voila! Now we have “biosolids” which is the industry term for treated sewage sludge that can safely be used to amend soil. Microbes are so cool!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo-A9d1VhiAKJot7VYcShFo6CjShOkWGLSGEdJoBD9KV1rDbCsTKx_KSzLmsyD-JXJ8yfzPPC3a0Xm_5dtPKaSCGGmBUov9_ZKcPBhqPk5X4B-zoYSuZ8cVXIPLVhNEumHBuWbcVPGgc/s1600/Biosolids+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo-A9d1VhiAKJot7VYcShFo6CjShOkWGLSGEdJoBD9KV1rDbCsTKx_KSzLmsyD-JXJ8yfzPPC3a0Xm_5dtPKaSCGGmBUov9_ZKcPBhqPk5X4B-zoYSuZ8cVXIPLVhNEumHBuWbcVPGgc/s400/Biosolids+cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure biosolids cake, straight from the digesters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAYkEmRdLjg/TcMJryEI3II/AAAAAAAADcM/o33w6W4dZtQ/s1600/DSCN0473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAYkEmRdLjg/TcMJryEI3II/AAAAAAAADcM/o33w6W4dZtQ/s400/DSCN0473.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A handful of biosolids composted with sawdust to make GroCo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sustainability of biosolids</b><br />
Similar to animal manure, biosolids are rich in organic matter and nutrients. Farmers clamor for this material because the growth response is incredible. See the photograph below where the biosolids amended plots far outgrew the synthetic fertilizer plots.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-0TZmlih1Y6dOaxhfYv4DvCIpuDqVxXc-JQWOZ67qDucU-V8mLk7ZQz7kKckvMU5U6abNqfs4E9b6QqYCrYaoXGSCA0P1hI8LFZZKilhyFHBgrVHgMZ8TzAQ-Gl7Icw3-HC-_OFUJaQ/s1600/4688366213_4a107ed4e3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-0TZmlih1Y6dOaxhfYv4DvCIpuDqVxXc-JQWOZ67qDucU-V8mLk7ZQz7kKckvMU5U6abNqfs4E9b6QqYCrYaoXGSCA0P1hI8LFZZKilhyFHBgrVHgMZ8TzAQ-Gl7Icw3-HC-_OFUJaQ/s400/4688366213_4a107ed4e3_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dryland winter wheat. From left: no fertilizer control, synthetic fertilizer at 50 lbs N/acre, biosolids at 50 lbs N/acre, biosolids at 100 lbs N/acre</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">With amazing results like these, there aren’t enough biosolids to satisfy eastern WA wheat farmers. Obviously, there are enough nutrients in biosolids to bolster growth, but the true magic is the organic matter in biosolids, which unlike synthetic fertilizer, actually helps build fertile soil over time. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLKuMU67Iuc/TcMYaHguFxI/AAAAAAAADcc/vFXcTVbDjKw/s1600/Tokul+profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLKuMU67Iuc/TcMYaHguFxI/AAAAAAAADcc/vFXcTVbDjKw/s400/Tokul+profile.png" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: USDA NRCS. This is a photo of the WA state soil, "Tokul". Yes I am a geek for including a picture of a soil profile, but bear with me, I'm a soil scientist. The dark color in the upper horizons is a result of organic matter accumulation. Tokul soils are mostly found in western WA, and under conifer forest canopy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Virgin soils like those found in grasslands, forests, and marshes are full of organic matter, however, human activities like construction and tillage degrade this natural resource. In the natural world, all organic matter gets recycled in the soil, including fallen leaves, excrement, and carcasses. Organic matter, like that found in biosolids, is full of nutrients. As microbes eat the organic matter, nutrients are slowly released to plants, and they excrete sticky substances called <i>exudates</i> (I love that word). The sticky exudates bind soil particles together, which helps prevent erosion and preserve topsoil. All this organic matter also helps loosen up compacted soil and retain water for thirsty plants. People like me will argue that organic matter might be our nation’s greatest resource since it’s organic matter that helps to protect our arable land. But enough with the dirt on dirt, the take home message is: organic matter is good for soil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Skepticism</b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNuy52u_FRodjsxboyxS-mlt3hAl5O4edyDCHd2ROy9oa8h5aggUluRca7s-hg-sJ6jakTdElhoyuzLCgCgxG_7fPK0dxbF-5hyphenhyphenM58B7Pfq2s_Xmypj4unuEU3cgXp0s9xYL_iTpHPvQ/s1600/4396153887_ff8f7360a7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNuy52u_FRodjsxboyxS-mlt3hAl5O4edyDCHd2ROy9oa8h5aggUluRca7s-hg-sJ6jakTdElhoyuzLCgCgxG_7fPK0dxbF-5hyphenhyphenM58B7Pfq2s_Xmypj4unuEU3cgXp0s9xYL_iTpHPvQ/s400/4396153887_ff8f7360a7_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteers haul biosolids compost to garden beds at Alleycat Acres' Beacon Hill site.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Some folks balk at the idea of biosolids. I used to, so I understand this reaction quite well. No doubt, there is a serious ick factor associated with poop. From childhood we are taught waste is dirty and a cause of disease (remember this is why we have wastewater treatment systems). But then I actually saw, touched, and smelled biosolids composts (pretty innocuous), and I started to think about the sustainability factor. It became clear to me biosolids aren’t icky, but actually a wonderful, renewable, natural resource worthy of reverence. Biosolids are full of nutrients derived from our food, which are nutrients that originated from farm soils. To close the nutrient loop, we need to return these nutrients to the soil, otherwise we need to mine or manufacture more fertilizer. The decision here is easy since one choice is sustainable and the other is not. The other important question to ask is: if we don’t use biosolids as a soil conditioner and fertilizer replacement, what do we do with them?</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j7YFEVs8sRn4bWDCdxxlaJipTGpc-f5B1XMVAgYETrGaDroMJR8Nr2N8DqGANLzE_T0Arj5yM1tGMPyoNKQvqtBFsngFSOcb9fseMI0h10_f4Zxa4Drn-Wurw4nqGAcsua-3CNmCqq4/s1600/DSCN2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j7YFEVs8sRn4bWDCdxxlaJipTGpc-f5B1XMVAgYETrGaDroMJR8Nr2N8DqGANLzE_T0Arj5yM1tGMPyoNKQvqtBFsngFSOcb9fseMI0h10_f4Zxa4Drn-Wurw4nqGAcsua-3CNmCqq4/s400/DSCN2360.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Bary, WSU soil scientist, collects GPS data points at a long-term dryland wheat study site.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax1fYIfsC3I/TcMbLiv4CvI/AAAAAAAADcs/KEP6qhs-Nvo/s1600/Kate+in+TD+hops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax1fYIfsC3I/TcMbLiv4CvI/AAAAAAAADcs/KEP6qhs-Nvo/s400/Kate+in+TD+hops.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me sampling a Yakima valley hops field, with a long history of biosolids application.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Skeptics claim biosolids are unsafe, unregulated, and unstudied. This is simply untrue. No other soil amendment or fertilizer has been so thoroughly studied or regulated. University and government scientists throughout the U.S. have studied biosolids for over 35 years and have repeatedly demonstrated their safety. Scientists continue to study biosolids for safety, efficacy, and larger sustainability issues, such as carbon sequestration. Are there pollutants in biosolids? In small concentrations – yes. We live in a dirty, chemical-ridden world, so of course there are pollutants. They are everywhere! While testing shows some level of pollutants exist in all soil amendments, we should know and appreciate that given the original mission of wastewater treatment - to protect human and environmental health - biosolids are the most regulated and monitored soil amendment available. Conspiracy theorists and skeptics abound when it comes to biosolids, but before we get wrapped up in the hysteria over ickyness, I ask that we all take step back and look at the larger sustainability picture.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNabsm7JBomzYIWNta7nCHWzAb2PYnUswH7-iJEe7gZE6FNvatw_yjQjCqvZ0SiMu1BwK7yhOD08OMwDQ4UqH80QvsEgAqvEXhkm8IVjo8Ke2ck0BfbAlZCHXqOs6v-NCvZ4r9j3XqIc/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNabsm7JBomzYIWNta7nCHWzAb2PYnUswH7-iJEe7gZE6FNvatw_yjQjCqvZ0SiMu1BwK7yhOD08OMwDQ4UqH80QvsEgAqvEXhkm8IVjo8Ke2ck0BfbAlZCHXqOs6v-NCvZ4r9j3XqIc/s400/IMG_1827.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UW undergraduate intern and I collect soil samples from a restoration site on Vashon Island, WA, where biosolids composts were used to restore the soil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk8tAwAkA3Fl9gOIy2KrWsO5LA1k8-rOl2vylvhimKUgS_DUUhFN9SCeSrj4QBchXpanFcadjlABL9HfDvfrDkh3AyOhxfTAa8fp2BpzeBDcDj8ViLqy9eqD_RhPjX_ze9Ege8mdkRkY/s1600/IMG_2538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk8tAwAkA3Fl9gOIy2KrWsO5LA1k8-rOl2vylvhimKUgS_DUUhFN9SCeSrj4QBchXpanFcadjlABL9HfDvfrDkh3AyOhxfTAa8fp2BpzeBDcDj8ViLqy9eqD_RhPjX_ze9Ege8mdkRkY/s320/IMG_2538.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FzESLp9v2Rb-yketOHedXS3UvCvp9DuK0GiHq8IZZziqKcGcE9OrR_h-UPiBGJuN5S_WxQd57szm8o_FKufQZI1iRG0tTnFfTgFIIdj3rO6B0bo-QbtfXoXfRp27w7tDJjlL6XLWjyE/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FzESLp9v2Rb-yketOHedXS3UvCvp9DuK0GiHq8IZZziqKcGcE9OrR_h-UPiBGJuN5S_WxQd57szm8o_FKufQZI1iRG0tTnFfTgFIIdj3rO6B0bo-QbtfXoXfRp27w7tDJjlL6XLWjyE/s320/IMG_2533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A year later wildlife and trees are starting to come back to the Vashon Island site.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Biosolids application to soil is proven as a safe renewable way to return nutrients and organic matter back to the earth. Biosolids are a product of wastewater treatment, which is designed to protect human and environmental health.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6MTwYRxhGY/TcMeVaAzFMI/AAAAAAAADdA/usebCHTCfbk/s1600/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6MTwYRxhGY/TcMeVaAzFMI/AAAAAAAADdA/usebCHTCfbk/s400/IMG_3407.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty purple Scabiosa growing in biosolids amended soil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s <a href="http://compostingcouncil.org/icaw/">International Compost Awareness Week</a> (May 1-7, 2011), and it’s time to get gardening! How about trying some <a href="http://www.sawdustsupply.com/groco.htm">GroCo</a>, <a href="http://www.cityoftacoma.org/page.aspx?nid=306">Tagro</a>, or <a href="http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/pwu/sewer/soundgro/index.htm">Soundgro</a> for yourself! These amazing soil amendments are created locally with our very own class A biosolids products. <br />
Since I live in an urban area, I would like to send out a big thank you to the wastewater treatment operators and program managers who work in the sewers to keep me, my neighbors, and Puget Sound healthy. Thanks folks! Keep up the good work!</span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-43400401477837159132011-04-19T22:38:00.000-07:002011-04-24T23:19:31.187-07:00Hardening Off'Hardening off' sounds callous, but it's actually not. In short, it's what one should do to avoid seedling death.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk7-xhC081M/Ta0jOa1vafI/AAAAAAAADak/JmKZ-AypiBU/s1600/IMG_3834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk7-xhC081M/Ta0jOa1vafI/AAAAAAAADak/JmKZ-AypiBU/s640/IMG_3834.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
Here in western Washington our warm weather growing season is relatively short, so indoor seed starting helps us get a head start on the weather. The problem with starting seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, however, is that the plants are kinda wimpy. Transferring a seedling that has only known warm, non-windy, mild UV conditions to the great outdoors will shock it to say the least. To avoid serious transplant shock, and possibility of mortality, seedlings need to be 'hardened off'. Hardening off is a process of getting seedlings used to outdoor growing conditions by transferring them outdoors during the day, and then bringing them back in at night. One should do this for about a week before transplanting seedlings into outdoor garden beds.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-522A7Jw7OWyGDhaQD-E0iMtraUI6DAdtaGjPwcANQZ_TSo_B4J8SxwyU3K-c0VSDUQHtHpsOvWXGo_vLIQjwg9CpysBKPPm-0qSKar0LRDrpkV70QPyijDJVBYH7qYujUR6nviZ_4CY/s1600/IMG_3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-522A7Jw7OWyGDhaQD-E0iMtraUI6DAdtaGjPwcANQZ_TSo_B4J8SxwyU3K-c0VSDUQHtHpsOvWXGo_vLIQjwg9CpysBKPPm-0qSKar0LRDrpkV70QPyijDJVBYH7qYujUR6nviZ_4CY/s400/IMG_3832.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If you are buying seedlings from a nursery, they should already be hardened off, so don't worry about this. For more detailed information about hardening off, visit this WSU informational page <a href="http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege003/vege003.htm">http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege003/vege003.htm</a><br />
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I finally got these cool weather seedlings transplanted last weekend. Now grow little babies grow!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3076737718844327905.post-1640310070502778932011-04-16T09:33:00.000-07:002011-04-16T16:39:01.751-07:00Recipe 12: salad as a meal challengeAs I wrap up the <a href="http://thesecretingredientblog.com/2011/03/08/announcing-our-salad-as-a-meal-bloggers/">Salad as a Meal challenge</a>, I enjoyed bacon and eggs for dinner. Does it get any better? Well, maybe if you call it "Fresee aux lardons" as <a href="http://www.patriciawells.com/">Patricia Wells</a> does. Sounds fancy huh?<br />
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Regardless of what you call it, this classic french dish, comprised of a green salad topped with poached eggs and lardons, is beyond delicious. Classically this dish uses frisee, or curly endive, rather than a spring baby greens mix, as I did. Lardons is the french word for bacon pieces. <br />
I topped off the salad with fresh chives from the garden and a side of <a href="http://urbanfoodproducer.blogspot.com/2011/04/recipe-8-salad-as-meal-challenge.html">socca</a>, a chickpea flour pancake. Ms. Wells suggests a side of thin bread crisps, which she provides the recipe for. I would have made the bread crisp recipe had I not completely fallen in love with the <a href="http://urbanfoodproducer.blogspot.com/2011/04/recipe-8-salad-as-meal-challenge.html">socca</a>, which I tried earlier in this challenge, and felt a desperate need to make it again. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Frisee Aux Lardons</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLpxS8tfDA0/TZlgepEkctI/AAAAAAAADaQ/PsvYBGvvL_M/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLpxS8tfDA0/TZlgepEkctI/AAAAAAAADaQ/PsvYBGvvL_M/s400/IMG_3818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If you would like a chance to win a free copy of Patricia Wells' new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Salad-Meal-Healthy-Main-Dish-Salads/dp/006123883X"><u>Salad as a Meal</u></a>, comment on this post<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680688284434397750noreply@blogger.com3