It's Time Again

Well, it's time again. Time to start ordering seeds. Yes I know it was 15 degrees this morning, but spring and summer are not that far away. We are looking through the numerous seed magazines and trying to discover which seeds we want to plant. How many? Where? What? It helps me (Jeremy) get through the cold days of January and February. We are thinking, more tomatoes, less Okra, more peppers, more onions and more cucumbers- for pickles. And of course, expansion of the herb garden. We also have a new path that will work great to add more veggies. So for those of you that can't see beyond these very cold days, here are some pics to

maybe move your mind a bit

.

Crown Center, the Plaza and Christmas

We traveled down to Crown Center this past Friday to spend the night at the Westin. We enjoy hanging out down there because between the lights, the music, the atmosphere, well, it just feels like Christmas. Friday night we had dinner at The Classic Cup on the Plaza. The grilled duck was awesome! Wholeheartedly recommend it. Jill had the Mahi Mahi.
Saturday morning we had breakfast at Eggtc. My Eggs Benedict were perfect. The french toast and omlet were really good!
The Classic Cup for dinner- 4 stars
Eggtc for breakfast- 4 stars

If you have a chance to visit either one, please do so.

Tomato Harvest Thus Far- August 28, 2009

407 Tomatoes have been harvested!
That is 38 more than all of last year.

In Honor of Top Chef- Homemade Enchilada Soup

So the Top Chef Masters finale was last night and Top Chef Las Vegas started. What a great evening. Usually, on Top Chef nights we cook something from one of the contestants or inspired as such. Last night we made enchiladas (Jill) and I (Jeremy) made vegetarian enchilada soup. Go Rick Bayless!

Here is Jeremy's recipe for vegetarian enchilada soup-
1 can enchilada sauce
1 can of tomato sauce or 4 small tomatoes blended
1 can of water
1/2 cup of diced green peppers
1/2 cup of diced red peppers
1/2 cup of onions
1 cup corn
1 cup black beans
1 tbls of cumin
1 tbls of red pepper
1 tbls of chili powder
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of black pepper
1 cup of Cheddar cheese (or whatever you like- the cheese makes a huge difference)
Cook on medium for 1 1/2 hours
Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for some crunch!
Season to taste and ENJOY!
You can add chicken if you want- dice it, cook in skillet and toss it in!

July 31, 2009 Tomato Report

210 Tomatoes Harvested as of today!!!!

76 Yellow Pear-thanks Tomato Fest for the free seeds

New Vickers Family Salsa Recipe (Jeremy's experimental salsa)

1 Mortgage Lifter Tomato

1/2 Vidalia onion

1/2 red pepper

2 banana peppers

1/2 teaspoon jalapeno pepper

1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic

1 tablespoon of salt

1 tablespoon of cilantro

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon lime juice

Blend well!

And of course, was have canned:

Sweet Pickles

Pepper Relish

And working on Cinnamon Cucumber Rings

FAVORITE TOMATO SO FAR IS STILL- The Black Zebra

MOST DISAPPOINTING TOMATO- Mortgage Lifter (hence, the use in salsa recipe)

The Black Zebra Heirloom Tomato

(Black Zebra)

So far this has been the most interesting heirloom tomato in our 2009 garden. Here is what someone wrote about the Black Zebra-

"This stunning, perfectly round 1½" to 2" fruits with tender, deep dark red to caramel colored skin beneath vertical dark green and mahogany streaks . . .Black Zebra has opulent, rich flavor with hints of smoke and sweetness"

It is an absolutely stunning and delicious tomato. We had no idea that a tomato could have so many flavors all wrapped up in one small package.

I (Jeremy) have been anxiously awaiting this one to ripen and after months of waiting, we finally tried it.

This is the best tasting tomato (or maybe a close second to the whopper) I have had this year. I encourage you to find one of these and try it with anything and everything. It is perfect on BLT's!!!!

Our List Thus Far of Top Five Favorites-

1. Black Zebra (heirloom)

2. Whopper

3. Dixie Golden Giant (heirloom)

4. Argentina (heirloom)

5. Bull's Heart (heirloom)

We have 41 tomato plants (6 whopper plants-year, we like whoppers)

And our total harvested tomatoes-

134

And it's not even August.

Total Tomatoes As of July 16, 2009

17 Yellow Pear Tomatoes
75 Tomatoes
And we just picked the first Black Zebra....it should be very interesting.

Right now, impressive of course, the Whoppers-23 of those so far. The perfect and best tasting tomato out there.

The Mortgage Lifter was interesting and we are excited to taste the Ultimate Golden Giant.

The 1st BLT of the Season

It's July 11, 2009. 2 pm. Simply perfect.

Smoked Bacon

Iceberg Lettuce

Tomato- Mortgage Lifter

Wheat Bread

Mayo

July 11, 2009 Garden Report

A total of 35 tomatoes have been harvested.

67 Cucumbers- ready for pickling.

55 potatoes

9 Okra

45 onions

8 peppers

67 yellow beans

The heirlooms are doing really well this year. Absolutely beautiful. We anticipate the last week of July to be the BIG harvest.

Fresh Summer Salad

Jeremy's version of a great salad that Jill would enjoy (and she did).

Iceberg Lettuce
Spinach leaves
Basil
Red Onion
Feta Cheese
Croutons
Bacon bits
Fresh Strawberries
Pecans

Lightly peppered, lightly drizzled with EVOO and homemade pepper relish.


And as a side note- basil and fresh strawberries (lightly sugared) is amazing.