presents from the earth

Our little 4-square garden has been overflowing with tomato plants this year. We also planted herbs, cucumbers and peppers in the same plot but they were overtaken by the tomatoes. I can't complain... walking out to the garden and coming back with overflowing arms of tomatoes is like a gift each time. There were a few jalapeno peppers in there too. I made some homemade salsa with them which is not only good with tortilla chips but also on top of chicken or even scrambled eggs, or mixed in with rice or quinoa. In another 4-square next to the vegetable plot is a garden of zinnias (though the tomatoes encroached on them too!) and I've had vases of bright fresh flowers in the house this summer.

I haven't written about it, but our CSA has been so wonderful this year! (Buckhill Farms CSA) I love having a constant harvest of vegetables to bring home every week and suppers have been simple but delicious. I've noticed more "farm to table" restaurants popping up here and in places we've traveled. If you hear of one, definitely try it! It just means that the restaurant is going for fresh local produce and serving it. And usually those farms are the organic or sustainable agricultural farms that grow good food. I tend to be a locavore whenever I can. I think the food is fresher and tastes better, and that means we're eating seasonally which I feel is healthier. It also pushes me to try new things and introduce more variety to my cooking. I've also been experimenting more... thinking about which flavors might be good together or what I'm in the mood to eat... and then coming up with my own combinations. If you have fresh herbs on hand, it's easy to add good flavor to anything.

I'm excited for next week because my sister and my nieces will be here visiting from Orlando for a few days and we always love spending time with them! And that means my house will get a good cleaning too! ;) Hope you've had a good week!