Spring Crops

Ughh...Well, I wrote a whole thing, but accidentally posted it to my painting class blog and that was really embarrassing so all you get is pictures.

First Spring Planting!

Yesterday I planted my first spring crop of lettuce, spinach and peas. I also threw down some grass seed to fill in some empty spots, but most of what we planted last year is starting to green up. Success! This year I delineated the transition of crops with some wildflowers to give the garden some more color. I also transplanted a mix of wildflowers and greens into window boxes. I had started them inside for an art project, but they were ready to go out, I hope. It has been really warm here so I planted most of the peas in a shady spot in the hopes they will last longer. We have to huge planters by the front door that I meant to replant last year, but I couldn't decide what to put in. I have narrowed it down to either blueberry bushes or juniper. They are both cold hardy and while the blueberry isn't evergreen, it goes through some nice seasonal changes. Plus it is edible! The pear tree in the backyard is blooming and daffodils are coming up. All this makes a gardener very happy!

Garden 2011

My first seeds of 2011 have sprouted. I am using this blend of flowers and greens for an art project, but will transplant them soon. I am thinking some in window boxes, some in the garden, and maybe even some for guerrilla gardening. Guerrilla gardening is something I've been reading about, where people go around beautifying ugly spaces and empty lots. Others grow food for the homeless in derelict spots. I have a couple of social practices assignments in my art classes, so I am thinking of trying this out. Running around in the middle of the night doing vigilante gardening sounds awesome!

Thanksgiving Menu

The first year that I did my own Thanksgiving I tried to do everything kinda fancy. My mistake was that I didn't think about cost, time, or oven space. I also completely spaced breakfast and appetizers to keep everyone sated until dinner was ready. The only fancy thing I am doing is the turkey. I am going to brine it and stuff it with apples, and the gravy is of an apple cider brandy variety. I made this same turkey and gravy that year and it was delicious.

I also feel like one of the best parts of Thanksgiving is familiarity and tradition, so this year I am using some of mine and Joseph's grandmothers' recipes.

Breakfast
French toast (I am hoping Joseph and Sol will be in charge of this)

Appetizers
Cheese Ball
Braunschwager Ball
Salsa cheese dip

Main Course
Herb Roasted Turkey With Apple Cider Gravy
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Shirley's Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Dessert
Silky Pumpkin Pie
Dutch Apple Pie

Today's Harvest

Pepper City

This is an image of my Chinese Five Color Peppers, which were slow starters. I don't think they get very big, but after some discontent with my green chiles' and jalapenos' lack of fire I am very happy. These little suckers pack a punch! I had a tiny nibble off the end of one, and was drinking milk in tears.
I am also getting a lot of bell peppers. I am going to make more stuffed peppers this weekend with ground beef (last time they were vegetarian, but delicious!), because they re-heat well and are pretty simple.
I am also getting a couple of green zebra tomatoes every couple of days. They are citrusy and pretty; probably my favorite tomato. Some brandywines are almost ready and I can say this is my best tomato season ever. Soooo glad I left Taos, if only for the tomatoes.

Vacation Bounty

I left for vacation for 10 days to see my grandparents and friends in Missouri. Thanks Mom for buying me a flight home. :) This is what I came home to, so I have a lot of freezing and salsa-making to do! I am also attaching a picture of my grandparent's yard to show my western friends what a little rain can do.