Sunday, August 30, 2009

Farm Stand Purchase: Plum Tomatoes


Drying Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes are meaty and have less seed, this is why they dry quicker than other tomatoes.

Sun Drying

This method needs to be done in a dry climate. As moisture encourages mold to form.
All you need is a simple wooden frame with nylon screen, stack frames on top of each other. The suns power drys the tomatoes.

Oven Drying

Brush the seeded halved tomatoes lightly with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet at a low heat...150 degrees. This process takes all day.( at least 8 hours) .Turning the tomatoes occasionally. When dried infuse them by layering them in a mason jar with olive oil, basil and garlic. Store in refrigerator. Try them on your next sandwich, in a salad or on your pizza

Dehydrator

All models are different. Carefully read manufacture's direction. This method will not be a tasty as the others. However you can freeze the tomatoes up to a year.

Try and Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Farm Stand Purchase: ENDIVE


Endive Spears Stuffed With Herbed Goat Cheese

Ingredients
*****************************

4 ounces goat cheese
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Salt and Pepper
1 large head endive
1 ripe tomato, finely chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts

* In a medium bol, cream the goat cheese with the back of a spoon. Add the cream, thyme, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Add more cream if the cheese is thick. Cover refrigerate until ready to use. Bring to room temperature before assembling.
* Core the endive and separate into individual spears. Spoon the filling into the endive spears, filling each spear about halfway. Assemble on a plate. Sprinkle with the chopped tomatoes and pine nuts.
* Serves 8 to 10
* Enjoy !

Friday, August 28, 2009

Farm Stand Purchase...ASPARAGUS


LOOK FOR: Tight heads and sturdy stems: Check the cut end look for a fresh looking cut.

Trim the stem end....use a veggie peeler and trim any woody bits.

I love to grill my asparagus.... I place the asparagus in a ziploc bag season with sea salt and fresh pepper a little garlic and onion powder. Pour olive oil and mix well. Place over direct heat of a pre heated grilll and turn occasionally. Cooking time 5 to 6 minutes..... ENJOY !!!!!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thursday's Kitchen Tip

Deodorize food containers with newspaper [ then wash container before using ].

Monday, August 24, 2009

The Four Berry Chocolate Mint Salad



Yesterday was my daughter and son in laws annual bar-be-que. It was hot and humid but we all managed to have a wonderful time. We were assigned to made a couple of different dishes. One being a fresh berry salad. We went to our local produce and fresh fruit establishment. The berries were beautiful and the salad yummy.

Tip: We discovered the Chocolate Mint Herb a few years ago and we add some leaves to the salad. It gives that extra flavor. Give it a try the next time you make a fruit salad.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

GROWN ON LONG ISLAND


Time just seems to go by so fast. Here it is almost a year since I have put a post on this blog. I have been very busy building my photography business and enjoying life as I have just ended my first year of retirement. You would think that you would have more time when you retire.....not so my days go by so fast I don't even know what I have done.
"Grown On Long Island"......this is going to be a series about the Farm Stands of Long Island. I have been photographing our Farm Stands for a year now and I would like to take you on a journey through the back and main roads of the east end of Long Island. Each stand unique in its own way. So sit back and enjoy the photos of beautiful Long Island and the delicious recipes we will be doing. This all will starting very soon !!!!!!!!