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Nov 07

Update on the HIGHLY ADDICTIVE Pumpkin Seed Brittle…

I’m happy to report that the HIGHLY ADDICTIVE PUMPKIN SEED BRITTLE recipe was a success!  

My friend, Heather, was right this is a recipe that you’ll want to make more than one batch at a time.  If you missed the recipe on Friday, here’s a recap. 

PUMPKIN SEED BRITTLE
 (note: use caution when making any brittle recipe because the sugars get extremely hot when melting)

*3/4 cup raw pumpkin or pepita seeds–lightly toasted in the oven with a sprinkle of sea salt and drizzle of olive oil

2 TBSP unsalted butter

1/2 cup sugar in the raw ( turbinado sugar)

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/2 TBSP ground cinnamon

dash of ground black pepper

sea salt to taste

1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with chili powder, cinnamon, pepper and vanilla extract.

2.  Stir in both sugars, stirring constantly for about 5-10 minutes to avoid burning.

3.  After the sugars clump and melt. Add pumpkin seeds and mix well.

 

4.  Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment or wax paper. I used a  lightly buttered non-stick cookie sheet and it worked great. Spread thin, sprinkle with sea salt and allow to cool.

5.  You can pop it in the fridge to speed up the process. Once the candy is hard, just break into pieces and serve.  Two hungry adults will finish this off in no time! Double or triple the recipe for parties.

 

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/11/07/update-on-the-highly-addictive-pumpkin-seed-brittle/

Nov 04

Warning! Highly Addictive– Pumpkin Seed Brittle

 
 
A good foodie friend mine recently tagged me in one of her Facebook notes and the title of the note read, “DELISH PUMPKIN SEED BRITTLE- WARNING–HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!”, and believe me, this caught my attention!  As I read through the recipe I knew it is going to be a keeper because of it’s delicious and unique ingredients.  In addition to pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, there is a hint of black pepper, chile powder and sea salt added to the mix.  After typing this blog post I’m going to make my first batch of Heather’s pumpkin seed brittle and will report back with the results.  Thank you Heather! xo 
 
 
 
 
 The combo of caramelized sugar, butter and crunchy sea salt just cannot be beat!! WARNING– HIGHLY ADDICTIVE 
 
PUMPKIN SEED BRITTLE

(note: use caution when making any brittle recipe because the sugars get extremely hot when melting)

*3/4 cup raw pumpkin or pepita seeds–lightly toasted in the oven with a sprinkle of sea salt and drizzle of olive oil

2 TBSP unsalted butter

1/2 cup sugar in the raw ( turbinado sugar)

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/2 TBSP ground cinnamon

dash of ground black pepper

sea salt to taste

In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with chili powder, cinnamon, pepper and vanilla extract. Stir in both sugars, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes to avoid burning. The sugars will eventually clump and melt. Add pumpkin seeds and mix well. Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment or wax paper. Spread thin, sprinkle with sea salt and allow to cool. You can pop it in the fridge to speed up the process. Once the candy is hard, just break into pieces and serve.  Two hungry adults will finish this off in no time! Double or triple the recipe for parties.

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/11/04/warning-highly-addictive-pumpkin-seed-brittle/

Oct 26

Hello Frost, Goodbye Veggies

 

As I type it is still dark outside and the thermometer is reading 27°F.  Today my compost heap is going to get an extremely large addition of plants that were frozen overnight.  Before the frost hit I dug up and repotted some herbs and brought them indoors, did one last final harvest of green tomatoes, tiny squash, sugar snap peas and said goodbye to the nasturtiums and borage.  It’s always sad to see the gardening season end but, on the other hand, it’s also a good time of year to start planning next years garden.

tiny harvest before the freeze

 

Still trying to figure out what kind of squash that is...

goodbye nameless squash...

 

goodbye yummy dill...

 

Goodbye borage. I enjoyed you in cocktails. Sorry you're frozen solid right about now.

Well, it’s time to have some coffee and wait for the sun to rise before ripping out frost-bitten plants.  Enjoy your Wednesday everyone!

this will make me feel better :-)

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/10/26/hello-frost-goodbye-veggies/

Oct 13

Green Tomato Chutney and Fresh Peach Sauce

 

I used to be discourage with all the green tomatoes I had on my hands as soon as Fall hit and because of that frustration all my green tomatoes ended up in the compost heap.  Yes, I was composting perfectly good tomatoes that would  have been ideal for many dishes that call for green unripened tomatoes.  Live and learn, right?.  Sure, there’s nothing like the taste and smell of a fresh summer tomato, but since the Fall harvest is here I celebrate the green tomato by making batches and batches of luscious, sweet and savory sauce know as green tomato chutney.

My first canning experience was in the Fall of 2010 that resulted in several half pints of green tomato chutney.  Unfortunately, I lost the recipe, but it included green tomatoes, onion, apple, red bell pepper and a little pickled ginger. Once I find it, (and I need too because I’m harvesting green tomatoes today), I will share it with you.  If you have a favorite green tomato chutney recipe please feel free to share it by commenting on this post or over on my Facebook page.

My green tomato chutney and fresh peach sauce recipe is an excellent accompaniment to a cheese and cracker platter or equally delicious spooned over grilled fish and roasted meats.  With the addition of diced peach, a little jalapeno and cilantro this sauce takes on a surprisingly mango-peach salsa flavor. 

Green Tomato Chutney and Fresh Peach Sauce

  • 1/2 pint or 8 ounces of green tomato chutney
  • 1-peach peeled and diced
  • 1/2 a jalapeno, diced (optional)
  • 1 TBSP chopped cilantro
  • red pepper flakes for garnish if you want more heat (optional)

Directions: Mix green tomato chutney, peach, jalapeno, and cilantro together and put it in a bowl…It’s that easy and takes just a few minutes to prepare.

 

Mix a half pint of green tomato chutney...

 

...with one peeled and diced peach, some fresh cilantro and chili...

  

...and there you have a nice dish of green tomato chutney with fresh peach sauce. Dig in!

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/10/13/green-tomato-chutney-and-fresh-peach-sauce/

Oct 10

My First Potato Harvest and Potato Leek Soup

 

Happy Fall everyone

I have something very exciting to share with my readers.  I grew potatoes for the first time this year and am happy to announce I just made my first harvest of beautiful red potatoes!  If you have grown potatoes before you know that there is nothing more captivating then scraping the soil back only to find big beautiful taters that almost look like they came out of nowhere!  I will now forever be a potato farmer. 

Hello beautiful

 

You can guarantee I’m already making plans on growing many different varieties of potatoes next year which means more planting beds for growing these nutricious tubers.  Also on the list is to make sure I label what I plant!  Unfortunately, I spaced on labeling what kind of red potatoes these are so next time I’m going to make my label first…then plant.  For now, we’ll just call this a Belly Button Potato  ;-)

The Dirt & Martinis Belly Button Tater!

 

Since my harvest was very small I won’t be storing them for winter eating, not to mention I’m not sure if this is a type of potato that would store well.  These babies are going to get eaten right away by myself, friends and family over the next week.  The first meal I made was a small mountain of simply prepared mashed potatoes.  The secret to perfect mashed potatoes are two things: 1) Add a bay leaf to the cooking water.  2) Do not boil but simmer the potatoes.  I learned this from a tweet made by Ron Zimmerman of the famous Herbfarm in Woodinville, WA and it really does make a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the mashed potatoes.  Second up on the potato harvest menu was cooking up a big pot of steaming potato-leek soup.  This recipe is not only simple but it can be made in short period of time.  Hopefully you’ll give this a recipe a try for your next lunch or prepare it for light lazy night supper.

Potato Leek Soup-

3 medium leeks cleaned well and chopped (tender parts only)
1/2 cup diced onion or shallots 
2 Tbsp. butter and 2 Tbsp. olive oil
6 Tbsp. flour  
5 C. chopped organic raw potatoes, I leave the skins on 
8 C. veggie or chicken broth, homemade is best but not necessary 
S & P
1 C. half n half (optional…I usually leave it out most of the time)

Saute leeks and onions in butter and olive oil until soft. Sprinkle with flour and mix. Add potatoes, broth, salt and pepper, simmer until potatoes are tender. Add cream if desired.  Top with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes, optional.

 

Enjoy!

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/10/10/my-first-potato-harvest-and-potato-leek-soup/

Sep 27

Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer

 

 

 

Who doesn’t like a little nibble during cocktail hour or a small plate of  hors d’oeuvres to snack on before a dinner party?  Starters that are quick and easy to prepare can set the mood for a party that’s guaranteed to be stress free.  With some quality ingredients, beautiful colors and flavors combined with prepping and planning, you can whip up magnificent small plates with ease.

At a recent party I made a batch of baked goat cheese appetizers that were prepped ahead and then popped in the oven right before the guests arrived.  This recipe is considered a technique more than an actual recipe and was inspired by the brilliant David Lebovitz.  

Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer

 

Ingredients:

  • 11 ounce log of goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup plain toasted bread crumbs mixed with 1 tsp fresh herbs, (I used basil and thyme), and a pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Cut goat cheese into 1/2″ slices and shape into the size of a quarter
  3. Brush with olive oil
  4. Dredge goat cheese coins in seasoned bread crumbs and place on a non-stick cookie sheet
  5. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese starts to get soft

Serve on a plate garnished with herbs and/or edible flowers.  Serve with your favorite bread, prepared tapenade or basil pesto, and olives.  Enjoy!

 

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/09/27/baked-goat-cheese-appetizer/

Sep 21

Tomatoes (and a screwdriver) ~ Wordless Wednesday

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/09/21/tomatoes-wordless-wednesday/

Sep 07

Echinacea- Wordless Wednesday

Echinacea comes from the Greek word "hedgehog"

 

 

Echinacea is drought tolerant

 

 

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/09/07/echinacea-wordless-wednesday/

Aug 24

Some Sort of Thistle? Wordless Wednesday

Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/08/24/some-sort-of-thistle-wordless-wednesday/

Aug 23

The Dirt and Martinis Junky Garden

 

Not junky bad, but junky good!

I realize it is appalling for some people to use junk in the garden but not to me.  Most of my garden “art” is aged, rusty, and weird but in my eyes it’s interesting to look at and the BEST part- most of it was free!  I admit and confess I’m a junk junky .

Recently I had a chat with someone that was down in the dumps because her garden was blah and boring.  She procrastinated doing anything to update it because she thought it would take wads of cash to even get her garden space comfy and inviting. This made me sad. 

For those with little money my garden is living proof that you don’t need a bunch a cash to create a unique garden of your own.  Here are some “dumpster diver” tips that I gave to the lady I mentioned before:

 

 Use splashes of color throughout your garden.  Here’s a couple of battered rusty chairs that a couple of nice guys dropped off for me.  Since they’re non-functioning I thought they’d add some interest and color in my flower bed…

 

Use similar found items and group them together.  As you know, I heart rocks…

 

Create flower/vegetable beds and borders out of bottles from your recycle bin or do what I did…put the word out on Facebook and you’ll have bottles in no time!

 

Make your own garden art by thinking outside the dumpster…literally.  Here’s some metal pieces that got a new lease on life.  The round metal rings were off a wine barrel planter that fell apart and the metal candlesticks were found at a second hand store for a few bucks…

 

Before you throw something out ask yourself if you can plant in it.  Here’s a couple vertical planters, one made from a heater that was salvaged from a house demo and the other from a rice bag…

 

So, I hope this has given you some junkalicious inspiration to get in the garden and be creative with found objects and items headed to the dump.  Gardening with reused materials sometimes is a better and prettier way to go,  especially,  when you don’t have a lot of money in your pocket. 

What sort of fun ways do YOU garden?  I’d love to hear from you!!!!

 

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Permanent link to this article: http://dirtandmartinis.com/2011/08/23/the-dirt-and-martinis-junky-garden/

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