Lots of work being done on the exterior of the house, including foundation work on all walls, french drains installed around perimeter, new retaining walls on sides of driveway, new deck, new roof and new front entry, have been keeping me too busy to post new entries.
Late September now; the cool nights are a refreshing change from the heat of early September heat. I even have cut about a pound of asparagus this month as it still thinks its summer. Zucchini and cucumbers are still growing as well as the melons, watermelon and cantaloupe
But now the snap of autumn, very cool mornings will beads of dew on all the newly planted greens, glisten all over the garden. In the 4 new raised beds, which will be hooped in the winter, I have planted radishes, Pac Choi, Napa Cabbage and Spinach. I also planted more carrots and green beans in the rows replacing the tomatoes that have bit the dust.
The photos above show the beautiful Swiss Chard that I am picking often (it thrives on rejection I think) and the green peppers that also like the cooler weather.
Nothing better than a dish of Stuffed Peppers.
Make a fresh pot of Marinara Sauce with fresh basil, garlic, and tomatoes.
Clean 8 to 10 green papers, cutting out the center , stems and seeds from the top.
Stuffing is made with sauteed Italian sausage, 1 lb. taken out of the casings, 1 lg. chopped onion, 2 stalks of celery, (diced) 1 sweet red pepper (chopped), thyme, garlic,( minced), salt & pepper. Mixed in 1 cup of cooked brown rice.
Stuff peppers, pour Marinara over them to cover, top with 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and bake for 40 minutes at 375 degrees. I don't cover mine as I like my peppers to still have some crunch. You may cover yours with foil if you like yours softer.
I just made an Italian Minestrone Soup with Chard, Cannelli Beans, Zucchini, Orzo, Tomatoes, home-made Chicken Broth (2 cups) 1/2 bottle of V8 juice, 2 cups chopped chard with the stems, one large onion, chopped , two stalks of celery and 2 garlic cloves. You can throw in any veggies you may have, like carrots, chopped potato, green peppers or green beans. I used Orzo pasta instead of adding potatoes. Simer soup for at least 1 hour. The longer it stands, the better it tastes, so make it a day ahead and put the pot in the fridge.
