Sneak Peek: Garden Goodies!

Posted by Deb Puchalla

Once you find a good habit, stick with it. Last week's Pesto Fest was so well-received by home cooks, foodies, and gardeners that we're throwing a series of online parties -- the more, the merrier.

Mark your calendar for this Thursday, when we'll talk cukes and zukes here at Dinner Tonight and over at A Way to Garden. Then, each Thursday from now through Labor Day, help us celebrate more seasonal produce and all the ways to put it to delicious use.

This week: Tips that take you and your bounty of cucumbers and zucchini from the garden to the table. Next week: beans.

Let's trade ideas and recipes whether you're buying them in bulk at the farmer's market (my plan), taking advantage of an in-season deal at the supermarket (I'm in for this, too), or harvesting your own from the garden (someday!).

Readers: Stop by and tell us what's cooking in your kitchen, what's growing in your garden, and, most important, what you're craving right now. Bloggers: Put up a post (or dig up an old one) and then come, comment, and share your link. Trust me, there are plenty of cukes and zukes to go around.

See what's cooking with me on Twitter.

Comments

[Kiki]

Along with the high price of food, the idea that I might get a good workout prompted me to start my first garden ever.

I am now gloriously surprised at having actual food and can't wait to figure out what to do with it from the experts. Thank you.

Here was my first Garden Workout.
http://doesthisblogmakeuslookfat.com/?cat=196&paged=2

[Bridget]

We've been doing a lot of shopping at the farm down the road...I only wish they were open all year!

We've been on zucchini and cucumber overload! :) (in a good way!) Last week they had homegrown butternut squash. Here's what I ended up making with it:

http://twocurlytops.blogspot.com/2008/07/savory-stuffed-butternut-squash.html

[Regan]

I listened to a great piece on NPR's Kitchen Window the other day about summer squash. You can find the story (and listen online) here:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92739541

[Sara]

Oo la, la is all I can say to summer. Fresh herbs are scattered throughout my cooking these days and it's spoiling me. Tonight it was basil. Last night, mint.
Tonight we had the Grilled Bread and Tomato salad from the Everyday Food cookbook. And the first corn on the cob of the season. Delicious!
I even had the chance to share some grilled vegetables with some friends who were staying with us for the weekend. It seemed the essence of hospitality to share some of my fresh produce with them.

[Grace Piper]

Hey Deb and other Commenters,
I've had pickles on the brain lately. Will report back with a simple quick pickle that you can make in an hour or so and eat the next day.
I went through a phase a few years back where I was making either pickles or kimchee every week or so. Something about summer makes me crave them both.
Grace
FearlessCooking.tv

[Clay]

During summers when I was a kid, my aunt always had a jar in her refrigerator filled with a very simple mixture of cucumbers, onions & vinegar. I'm not sure what else she used to spice them, but they were a wonderful summer treat.

Our CSA was just able to deliver cucumbers this week -- 4 pounds! I'm looking forward to getting some ideas from all of you about how we might use them.

Clay

[Deb Puchalla]

Clay--welcome! Your site is a great idea, love to see you putting EDF to good use. Hmm, 4 pounds is a lotta cukes from the CSA, but I'm sure we'll come up with some delicious recipes for you. As for the rest of you...it's only a day until you've got our ideas--how about posting yours too? Lots of excitement from my twitter pals, and just think, we'll do this every week till Labor Day. So much fantastic produce, so little time.

[DDL]

Deb, thanks for letting me know about the Zukes and Cukes day. Here's my entry for Slow Roasted Zucchini with Olive Oil and Sea Salt:

http://bestfoodblogever.com/2008/07/31/slow-roasted-zucchini-sea-salt-olive-oil/

Thanks,

DDL