SIX : WARM GLASS NOODLES & EDAMAME

PLENTY

JUNE 27 2012

SIX : WARM GLASS NOODLES & EDAMAME

I came thiiiiis close to swapping the edamame in this dish for some of the fresh snow peas that are popping in the garden. But, as said edamame had already been acquired and was waiting in the crisper, I stuck to my guns and followed the recipe. Plus, I appear to have the wrong type of noodles (nooooo!) so am already in danger of completely messing up this salad. But, onwards and upwards!

FIVE : GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH A SURPISE TWIST

PLENTY

JUNE 14 2012

FIVE : GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH MUSTARD SEED AND TARRAGON

Three beans combine to perfection in this fresh, crunchy salad. My contribution tonight comes in the form of the plump, just-picked snap peas. Pea harvest is winding down as the days heat up so I'm trying to take full advantage of every last delicious pod.

This salad is a snap to throw together. Trimming and blanching the peas proves to be the most time consuming chore and even that goes pretty quick. Each pea gets it's own spa treatment before being all tossed with an aromatic oil swimming with just-popped whole spices. A little red onion, fresh garlic, lemon zest, tarragon and chopped swiss chard round it out.

THREE & FOUR : TWO-COURSE AL FRESCO DINNER

PLENTY

JUNE 14 2012

THREE : ASPARAGUS VICHYSSOISE

FOUR : CARAMELIZED ENDIVE WITH GRUYERE

On warm summery evenings, nothing makes me happier than a simple, healthy dinner leisurely enjoyed in the fading sunlight while the pets frolic and a gentle breeze rustles the growing garden. My drive home from work flies by as I dream of the hot grill, fresh green salad and glass of wine in my future. More often than not, my schemes necessitate a stop at New Seasons to turn them into a reality. Today I saw fish, whole, charred and crispy, served with a simple side. Maybe even multiple courses... start with a refreshing cold soup, perhaps.

TWO : MIXED BEANS WITH MANY SPICES

PLENTY

JUNE 12 2012

Husband ~ "What's for dinner tonight, dear?"
Wife ~ "Just whipping up some mixed beans with many spices."
Husband (perplexed) ~ "Huh?"
Wife (pointing to recipe) ~ "See... Mixed Beans with Many Spices!"
Husband (more perplexed) ~ "Like curry?"
Wife (uncertain) ~ "Um... I think so... Here! Have a margarita!"

Turns out it is like curry... very much like curry. I mean how could it not be with cumin, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, clove and black pepper? Not sure why Mr. O insists on calling it "mixed spices". Guess he didn't want to incite anger in the segment of the population that takes curry accuracy very seriously. Anyway, whatever you call it, it is tasty.

flowering pea plants

ONE : AVOCADO, QUINOA AND FAVA BEAN SALAD

PLENTY

JUNE 01 2012

I love growing radishes. With almost zero time or effort, they transform a barren patch of rain-soaked mud into a leafy and productive garden. As soon as their first little leaves peek out of still cold soil, my green thumb shakes off the long, dreary winter and begins to glow with anticipation of the bountiful season to come. It is finally spring!

THIRTY-EIGHT & THIRTY-NINE : FROZEN DINNERS AND A FRESH START

Delia Smith's Winter Collection

JUNE 01 2012

THIRTY-EIGHT : BLACK BEAN CHILLI WITH AVOCADO SALSA
THIRTY-NINE : VEGETARIAN MOUSSAKA

It's a very strange thing to lose one's mojo. Mine has been elusive for a few months now and, although I know why it has now departed, I'm not sure exactly how to get it back. It lurks around corners, almost within reach, but as soon as I catch it's eye my mind drifts off and I lose focus. "Oh well", I shrug. It has become so much easier these days to think of nothing rather than that which occupies my mind entirely. So I sit in the backyard, avoiding all thought, and instead watch the little finches gorge themselves on thistle seed.

But as spring swings into summer and my garden offers up the first few radishes, I'm reminded again of what I'm missing. So how best to lure it back? The answer is pretty clear. Start doing again what I love to do... garden, cook and share it all with my friends.