I'm not sure what's going on in my garden at night.
I have radishes turning into big, hulking bullies:
That could be the result of lack of discipline on my part as chief (and only) gardener.
I accept the blame.
But....
What's wrong with this picture?
I planted 2 types of courgette: the green, striped, traditional one (known as zucchini across the pond) and the pretty yellow one (known as yellow squash across the pond).
Well, the green courgette is rather aggressive, and, dare I say it... apparently had it's way with the pretty little yellow one.
Now all of my yellow courgettes are coming out bi-colored.
Last year, if you recall I had the same problem with the green squash attacking the butternut.
No harm was done - except on the surface.
But it's the surface that we all pay attention to, isn't it?
Is this the vegetable world telling us that beauty really is only skin deep?
I have to admit I'm a little concerned about my cucumbers....
And God only knows what the dill is doing with the sweet corn.
Could I be growing herbed corn?
Could this be the reason that professional gardeners don't do companion planting?
(My garden is very compact, making the most efficient use of space and keeping my time tending down just a wee bit. But it could be encouraging all this clandestine behavior.)
There is nothing clandestine about Presto Pasta Nights.
The event was started more than 3 years ago by Ruth of Once Upon A Feast.
Every Friday it brings you a wonderful collection of pasta dishes from around the world.
This week it's hosted by Janet of The Taste Space.
She'll have the recap on her blog on Friday.
It's hot; it's summer; we need salads.
This is not a traditional pasta salad.
With lots of vegetables and big chunks of ham, cheese and egg, no one will mistake this for a small side dish.
I didn't thoroughly cool the beans. As I wanted them to retain a bit of warmth I just rinsed lightly.
8oz (250gr) ham or smoked turkey, thick slice get it at the deli counter
4oz (125gr) green beans I used flat Italian or runner beans
2oz (60gr) firm cheese, Cheddar, Colby
2 eggs, hard-boiled
1 avocado
1/2 red or orange bell pepper
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
10 - 12 basil leaves
1 1/4 cup pasta, bite-size, fusilli, elbow, (about 3.5oz, 100gr)
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Cook pasta according to package directions. When done, drain.
Boil eggs.
Top and tail beans...cut off the ends. Cut into 1 1/2 inch lengths (4cm) Bring a medium saucepan half full of water to a boil over high heat. Add beans and blanch for 4 minutes. Remove, drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
Slice pepper, about 1/4" thick (.5cm) then cut slices in half. Slice ham or turkey and cheese into large, bite-size chunks. Cut cherry tomatoes in half. Cut avocado into large chunks. When eggs are done, cool, peel and cut into chunks. Tear large basil leaves in half. Make vinaigrette.
To assemble: Put drained pasta in a large bowl and add vinaigrette. Toss well to combine. Add ham, peppers, tomato and beans, toss well. Add cheese, egg, basil and avocado. Stir gently, just to combine. Serve.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 tbs Dijon-style mustard
2 tbs white Balsamic vinegar
4 tbs olive oil - the good stuff
Whisk vinegar,and mustard. Slowly whisk in oil and whisk until it emulsifies.
Do you think I'm getting orange tomatoes because I planted the red ones too close to the yellow ones?
But where are the white ones coming from?
I think I know where Mary Shelley got her ideas.... She was a gardener, wasn't she?
