Page 15 - Blog

2002 Award Winning Recipe!
Georgia Thurman
Hanover, Illinois
We love the unusual combination of Blue/Purple Potatoes and Lavender in this savory, heart-warming recipe. A Master Gardener, Mrs. Thurman has kept the ingredients without measurement: "this recipe can not be precise: only one's palate knows the right proportions." It is a startling, beautiful presentation.

Gene Genarelli, Chef
Litchfield Catering Company
Litchfield, Connecticut
Featuring his own homegrown vegetables and herbs in seasonal menus inspired by his father's love for cooking, Gene concocted this silky potato casserole that is sinfully superb. In Connecticut and need a private chef? Call Gene at (860) 567-9878.

The Litchfield Catering Company
722 Bantam Road, Bantam, CT
Phone: (860) 567-9878
Featuring his own homegrown vegetables and herbs in menus inspired by his father’s love for cooking, Gene created this amazing Broccoli Pecan Salad. Just one bite will convert avowed Broccoli haters into avid Broccoli aficionados. And it is raw Broccoli~the best ever for you! Our family cannot have dinner together without it. We love to make this exactly like Gene does, but some like to briefly steam the Broccoli ever so slightly first. If you decide to steam it first, plunge it into an ice bath to stop it from cooking further and to preserve its greenness. Drain and chill before making the salad. You can also change it up by adding dried cranberries.

We love every form of ginger possible: fresh ginger root, crystallized ginger, stem ginger and ginger jam. We add it into everything possible and here, we came up with what we think is a winner of a Carrot dish.

Globe Amaranth Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:5”-7”
Plant Spacing:10”-15”
Days to Germination: 14-21 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Gomphrena. It can be direct-sown outdoors in warm climates, or in colder climates, it may be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after the threat of frost has passed. Prepare bed in full sunlight with rich, well draining soil. Sow seeds in good seed-starting medium at 70°F with even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. For consistent moisture during germination, cover flats or pots with plastic wrap until seedlings emerge, then discard plastic. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks prior to transplanting outside. Thin or transplant seedlings 10" to 15" apart. To increase production, pinch back the first blooms. Strawberry Fields is loved for its large, strawberry-hued and -shaped blooms with tiny yellow true flowers that read as strawberry “seeds.”

Globe Thistle Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:12”-15”
Days to Germination:10-14 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Echinops ritro. Easily grown, the Globe Thistle should be direct-sown outside from early spring up to 2 months before the first fall frost date. Prepare a bed in full to partial sunlight with rich, extremely well-draining soil. Sow seeds on top of the soil, barely covering seeds but pressing firmly onto the soil surface, as light aids germination. Globe Thistle may also be started indoors 8 weeks before transplanting out after the threat of spring frost has passed. Provide even moisture, strong light and air circulation. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them outside for a week to 10 days before transplanting out. Transplants should be watered regularly to help establish a mature root system. Once established, it is drought tolerant. A wonderful border plant, Globe Thistle can be used in both fresh and dried

The Village Restaurant
Litchfield, CT
A cozy restaurant on the Litchfield Green, the Village co-sponsors the annual Litchfield Road Race in June and is known for its delightful combination of comfort food, fresh seasonal specials and friendly ambiance. If you are making a day of it in Litchfield, be sure to make a reservation at the Village: call (860) 567-8307.

Vegetables Every Day
HarperCollins Publishers
This terrific cookbook offers selection tips, preparation instructions and hundreds of recipes for wonderful vegetable dishes. A lovely dish, this recipe captures some of the best flavors of summer in one light salad. For the best eye-pleasing results, use a mix of green and yellow wax beans. Serve with plenty of bread to sop up the juices from the salad.

Odessa Piper, founder & chef
L'Etoile Restaurant
Madison, Wisconsin
Odessa Piper, one of the most talented regional chefs in America, founded L'Etoile Restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin over 42 years ago. As its former Chef-Proprietor, she has become famous for marrying fine cuisine with the honest fruits of the land. Over the years, her passion for fresh, seasonal produce of exceptional quality has led her to forge bonds with and to nurture the local organic farmers who supply her with these jewels. As she herself puts it, "We believe that respect for nature and all that grows is the beginning of the understanding of good food. We strive to work with ingredients that are cultivated in accordance with their natural cycles, and are grown in their native and adapted soils. Eating locally and seasonally nourishes both the land and our communities." Odessa's style of cuisine combines the bounty of her own countryside with the traditions of France and a dash of genius as well. We asked her a for

Four Season Farm

.A Spanish Gazpacho usually has Tomatoes in it, but here’s one you can make even if yours aren’t ripe yet. Or if you don’t like the look of green and red together. Or if you’re just ready for a change.

Vegetables: The Essential Kitchen
By Vicki Lilley
Periplus Editions Ltd.
A beautifully photographed cookbook, this contemporary collection of delicious yet simple recipes will inspire you with its use of the freshest ingredients, around-the-world creativity and practical tips. (Available through your local book store or www.amazon.com)

David Hugo, Chef/Owner
The Starry Night Cafe
Ferrisburgh, VT
www.StarryNightCafe.com
We had an enchanting Valentine’s dinner at The Starry Night Cafe with friends: we each had different entrées, one more wondrous than the next, with extraordinary combinations of tastes, textures and the finest of ingredients. Just south of Burlington, The Starry Night Cafe has a magical atmosphere, delightful staff and a superb menu. For reservations, call (802) 877-6316.