Wild About Tomatoes

The plant appeared out of nowhere, and a rub of the serrated, furry leaves, gave the plant away. That smell that all gardeners know, or anyone that has had the pleasure, of enjoying farm fresh tomatoes!

The diminutive tomato, was cherry in size, which also gave way to what I now call the “double header”, the “miniature big boy” aka heirloom tomato, and not to be out done the “pearl” tomato. It seemed that the plants just kept giving more, and more; and, with every harvest, a different tomato seemed to pop out of the same plant.

IMG_2062

Which ultimately, one plant, turned into at least ten plants; as with every harvest, the seeds were given back to the earth.

The fact that the first plant, was what I would call “wild”, makes it even more of a happy occurrence.  Intuitively, I had to save the seeds, if  I did that in my childhood garden; where, my “Big Boy” tomatoes were so proliferous, my neighbors always got to enjoy huge baskets.

I squished the tomato seeds, into a jar (that has a wide opening) to fit my hand into. The deeper the jar the better, but trust me, you will get splashed with seeds!  Next,  let the jar sit for about a week; by then the seeds have separated into a liquid, which stays at the top of the jar, the seeds will float to the bottom.

fermenting

Please do not put the seed jar, in a hot place, nor direct sunlight; other wise you will have a rather explosive situation, literally, & it does smell nasty!

I’m not in a hurry, so to be honest, it could be more than a weeks time, but so we could have a time-guide, we’ll use a week. The seeds that are good, float to the bottom, and the ones that float at the top are not good for planting; you can add water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid,  and shake in the jar, once the fermentation is done.

Sitting in it’s own brine, if you will, allows to rid any disease-causing microbes (bacteria, viruses, protozoa or fungi) from going to the next generation of plants.  To begin with, I did not use any plant food, nor fertilizer on the plants, or soil.

Since, these are organic, hardy, very low maintenance (if any), and deliciously-easy to grow I would love for everyone to enjoy fresh tomatoes for the meals, salads, & more!

heirloom tomatoes

You can use containers, or tomato cages, or quite fun just let them grow on the ground; they will sprawl to quite a large diameter. I would love to try these tomato plants in the upside down planter, so I think I will!

types of cherry tomatoes

All I know is, I’ve never seen such hardy plants, with almost zero maintenance.  What I would suggest is, getting seeds that are organic, and once you have your first crop, save the seeds; and just keep planting.

I hope you enjoy gardening, remember to try new recipes, share with your friends, and family, or even sell at your local green markets. It will be worth it!

Cherry tomatoes

Please feel free to comment, and let me know , if you decide to plant tomatoes? Send some pictures, please!

 

Quotes About Gardens:

What is a weed? A weed is a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Personal Notes:

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) foods, are not the way to nurture ourselves, families, or friends. What is known as Non-GMO foods, which are preferably Organic, have only what nature intended you to have. How to tell if fruits, vegetables, and other products are Non-GMO:

Recipe For Pizzaiola:

 

I used fresh garden tomatoes, and added green peppers.

 

More Helpful Info About Tomatoes:

Video Info About Tomatoes

What Is Meant By Open Pollination

How To Make Your Own Tomato Juice

Canning Tomatoes For Beginners

How To: Select and Store Tomatoes

How To: Growing Tomatoes From Seed

Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes

Desa's Dishes

A few weeks ago I made an offhand comment in…well, a comment about making these cupcakes as a way to spit in the eye of all my friends with dietary restrictions.  This recipe has animal products, refined sugar, alcohol, gluten…pretty much everything you need to cut people out of dessert time except for nut allergies.  The comment was born out of break-up aggravation and anger, and I figured channeling that through defiant cupcake baking was more productive than lashing out or boring my friends.  Also, it was my sister-in-law’s early birthday celebration the same weekend and she loves these, so win win!  In fact, I first made these when we went bridesmaids’ dress shopping for her wedding two years ago.  Cupcakes + prewedding diets = still totally delicious.

Irish car bombs are a pint of Guinness with a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream dropped in them and chugged before the…

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Eros Food Garden Healthy Salad

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Make sure the rind (white) is thick enough

Watermelon Stacked Recipe Ready

Looking at the side of the Watermelon, the white part of the rind is aproximate 1 inch thickness, which is perfect for salad since we will be removing the green outer part, and as much of the pink fruit as possible. Please use a cutting board to cut the green skin off the melon, and cut the pieces in manageable sections, after removing the pink fruit (fleshy part for everyone to enjoy). If one particular piece proves too difficult to remove the green skin, go on to another piece.

Watermelon cut to manageable pieces

Watermelon Random Cut & With Removed Skin

Once the green skin of the Watermelon is removed, get each piece ready to julienne (which means you will cut into strips just like french fries)! Put each piece of rind face up (concave shape to your hand, convex shape to cutting board), and start cutting at right, or left side, into thin strips (not too thin nor thick for this recipe).

Cut rind pieces into medium (1/8") thickness strips

Julienne All Of The Rind about 10 cups

Please don’t worry about perfect strips in your julienne rind, that is not going to change the flavor of the salad, be glad it’s done!  Woot!  Also, you will have used aprox half of the watermelon to equal 10 cups.

Added Three Kiwi to Julienne Rind

Three Kiwi Added to Julienne Watermelon Rind

Now your watermelon rind is ready for the three (3) Kiwis. Remove the skin of the Kiwis, and cut the fruit in slices right over the watermelon rind, which is julienne. Please cut the slices of Kiwi in about 1/4 inch thickness, otherwise they will, well you know…. disintegrate!

Add scallions to the kiwi fruit, and watermelon rind

Scallions, Kiwis, & Watermelon

You are ready to give another dimension of flavor to the salad! Take 4 scallions (washed and with root cut off bottom), cutting into slices about 1/2 thickness; add to the kiwis, and rind.   I like to toss the scallions on top of the kiwis, so the fruit will absorb some of the flavor from the scallions!
In the mean time, in a separate bowl, add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 2 cups of balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, and blend together. Now put the rind, kiwis, and scallions into garlic, and balsamic vinaigrette, mixing well with a large spoon, or spatula.

Watermelon Rind, Kiwis, & Scallions with Balsamic Vignegrette

Watermelon Rind, Kiwis, & Scallions with Balsamic Vignegrette

Now that the salad is ready,  put into a clean bowl chilling for about 1 hour, so that flavors all blend together! Before you put in fridge, add the juice of a fresh squeezed lime, or lemon. Optionally, you can add 6 crushed leaves of mint (spearmint) for a really fresh zing!!

Adding Lemon or Lime gives greater sbsorption to benefits of Watermelon rind

Give Me Liberty and Give Me Health: Eros Garden BBQ Salad

A healthy, and delicious salad that definitely spells summer, is high in citrulline amino acids good for a healthy heart.  There is another practice that is very important: being frugal, and eating well!! I hope you enjoy my salad recipe with BBQs, or meals of choice!

Kitchen Tools You Will Need:

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Dish (1)
  • Two (2) Large Bowls (I prefer non metal bowls)
  • 1 large mixing spoon or spatula

Ingredients:

  • 10 cups peeled watermelon rind
  • 3 kiwis
  • 4 scallions (washed,a nd roots cuts off)
  • 1 lemon, or lime juice fresh squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups of Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
  • 6 crushed mint leaves (optional)

Once I have made my salad, I like to dunk a couple pieces of bread in to the mixing bowl, to reward myself for a job well done!

Lick The Bowl with bread

Treat Yourself To Licking The Bowl

It has been my pleasure to create the Eros Food Garden BBQ Salad just for you, family, and friends! Enjoy!!

Note:

  • Please Do Not let your children try and cut the green skin off the  watermelon, it is a very hard skin, and is dangerous for them.
  • Wash the watermelon throughly before cutting it.

The Soda Jerk vs The Barista

The Soda Jerk vs The Barista? Genius!

KafeMandela

Back in the day, when drug stores occupied the neighborhood corners, as staples of the landscape and the need of the community, there was a job vacancy known as the Soda Jerk. Not so much that the neighbor’s kid applying was a jerk, but more like they would need a strong arm to jerk the soda machine, you see! It was the landscape that Edward Hopper painted about, the neighborhood that we came to know as home.

The Corner Drug Store was indeed a diner as well, where you could meet up with friends, or go for a bit of solitude when reading the Sunday paper you just bought, sound familiar?  If so, you probably have caught on to my catchy title.  Really many things could be said, but  the importance of coffee in our society, has replaced the Soda Jerk with The Barista!  When was an egg cream replaced by a capuccino…

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Monsanto’s Roundup: Good or Bad?

Monsanto’s Roundup: Good or Bad?. Don’t we all have random thoughts in the start of our day? The other morning I was thinking, “Oh my gosh we pay so much attention to making money”!  Then just as the thought came, and went, a new inspiration came to me: “Don’t Make Money, Make More Honey”!!  As soon as I stepped out my door, I met a beautiful big Bumble Bee that was busily walking on the ground. And as I write this, a new thought: Did the Bumble Bee pick up on my thought, and send me its thought, or did I pick up on the energy of the Bumble Bee?!  Which came first? PS- I have short video with the Bumble Bee…Oh my! – LifeDelicacy

DIY Ideas for Memorable Party

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Here are some very nice and simple suggestions for DIY Party or gathering!  Most folks enjoy a casual gathering, uber good food, and varied desserts.  Personalized, with printed labels, the honored guest’s favorite flowers, and colors is a great way to entertain.

Personalized label (Marth Stewart ARts & Crafts) describes tea & names honored guest

Personalized and Delicious Summer Tea

Carrying your color theme throughout is an excellent idea, you can do this with dishes, glasses, flowers, place mats, table cloths, or other accessories.  Remember to infuse with three, or more colors!  If you go monchormatic (the use of one color only), it will have a formal look.

Silk Orchids were used with ribbons to tie on napkins

Orchids Inspired The Color Theme

Food selection can be just as fun as eating it, old fashioned favorites are always a hit.   Just add a new twist, like a side dish with lemon, or lime to liven up the pallete.  No wonder Eve had such a hard time resisting the apple!

Organic Summer Fruits make a dramatic enticing display

Summer Organic Fruit Platter

This fabulous place setting can really lend its self to be formal, or informal. The use of various tones makes the setting feel lively, and helps set the tone for the get together.

Color Your Table with Coordinated Place Settings

Themed Color Place Settings

A basket of biscotti was strategically place by the door. Every guest will feel really special, and the printed label says “Thank You”, and has a sweet message.

Printed Labels In Color Theme, and Biscotti Say Thanks for Attending

Printed Labels and Biscotti Say Thanks For Coming

There are many ways to choose your color for a personalized theme, and flowers are just one of them. I hope this has inspired you, please do send in any of your party pictures, or blogs, that you would like to share!

Cheers!

What You Can Add: When you go to staple the Thank You bags, take a small ribbon and staple the ribbon to the bag on top. Tie the ribbon to create a pretty bow, hiding the plain stapler.  An extra touch, creating a completely finished look!

Notes: Printed Labesl are from Martha Stewart Crafts!

Eggplant in a Huff

Open-Faced Grilled Eggplant, Red Onion, and Heirloom Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Celeriac Sauce

Jennifer Martiné
1 hr total50 mins prepFull Screen
Servings
SOUNDTRACK: “Summertime” by John Coltrane from My Favorite Things
BOOKS: Mindful Loving by Henry Grayson, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams by Deepak Chopra
While a slice of rustic bread supports the vegetables on this open-faced sandwich, grilled eggplant is the real foundation. Grilled eggplant has a sweet, smoky flavor and would be delicious eaten alone. But I layer tangysweet grilled onions and ripe, seasonal heirloom tomatoes into the mix to add beautiful colors and additional flavors that meld well with the buttery eggplant. Right before serving, the sandwich is brightened with Creamy Celeriac Sauce.
If you can’t grill, the eggplant and onions can also be cooked in an oven. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet 3 to 4 inches from the heat and broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until browned and slightly crisp. Turn them with a fork and broil for another minute or so. After removing the vegetables, place the bread under the broiler for about 1 1/2 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
Recipe courtesy of The Inspired Vegan: Seasonal Ingredients, Creative Recipes, Mouthwatering Menus by Bryant Terry, 2012. Published by Da Capo Lifelong Books.

Ingredients

  • CREAMY CELERIAC SAUCE:
  • 1/2 pound silken tofu
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • A few pinches of cayenne
  • Coarse sea salt
  • Freshly ground white pepper
  • 1/4 cup minced green onions (green and white parts)
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed peeled and coarsely grated celery root (celeriac)
  • SANDWICHES:
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium-size  eggplant (about 1 pound), sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 medium-size  red onions, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 4 heirloom tomatoes, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 loaf of rustic bread cut diagonally into eight 1/2-inch slices
  • Freshly ground white pepper

Directions

  • For the sauce: In an upright blender, combine the tofu, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of the parsley, garlic, agave nectar, mustard, olive oil, paprika, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and blend until smooth. If necessary, season with additional salt and pepper to taste
  • Transfer the sauce to a bowl, stir in the green onions and celery root, and garnish with the remaining parsley.
  • For the sandwiches: Preheat a grill or broiler. Soak eight 12-inch wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, cayenne, and black pepper and mix well with a fork.
  • Add the vegetables to the bowl and toss to coat.
  • If grilling, thread the onion slices onto two skewers each. Transfer the onions and the eggplant rounds to the grill and cook, turning once with tongs, until browned and slightly crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • After turning the vegetables, add the bread to the grill. Cook, turning once, until crisp and golden on the surface but still soft inside, about 4 minutes.
  • Assemble the sandwich by layering a slice of eggplant, a slice of tomato, and several slices of onion. Slather on some celeriac sauce, then sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

Thanks to:

Huffington Post /Food