Page 22 - Blog

Mezze offers classic, seasonal American cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere. Set in the bucolic village of Williamstown (home to the renown Clark Art Institute), it is critically acclaimed as one of the finest restaurants in the state. We so enjoyed our dinner there: each bite was perfection. For an unforgettable dinner, call (413) 458-0123

Marjoram Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly moist: never wet. Pinch back the plants to avoid flowering and to encourage

Melon Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/2”-1”
Row Spacing:5’
Hill Spacing:2’-3’
Days to Germination: 5-10 days
Germination Temperature: 70°-80°F

Direct-sow at least 2 weeks after the danger of frost has passed and both the weather and soil are reliably warm. Melons are heavy feeders: amend soil with fertilizer, compost and/or well-rotted manure. Plant 3 seeds per hill, with hills 2' to 3' apart in full sunlight. Thin to the strongest seedlings. The preferred planting method is to grow as transplants: sow seed singly in pots in sterile starter mix, 4 to 6 weeks before planting out. Grow in a warm greenhouse or under grow lights. Gradually accustom seedlings to sunlight before the third leaf has fully matured and plant in the garden after the last frost date. (If seedlings are kept in pots too long, it stunts their growth.)Water regularly, fertilizing as needed with kelp or fish emulsion. As Melons reach maturity, gradually withhold water and then cease watering to prevent rind splitting.

Mexican Hat Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:2”
Plant Spacing:12”-16”
Days to Germination:14-28 days
Germination Temperature:70°F

Ratibida columnifera. The Mexican Hat flower has drooping, fiery yellow to red flowers below a long, reddish-brown central disk that look like sombreros on single, leafless stems with low growing, feathery foliage. Sow seed directly into the garden in early spring. It requires full sun, well-draining soil and a cold period to germinate reliably. Press firmly into the soil, lightly covering with soil, and water moderately. Light aids germination. Keep the bed moist until the seeds germinate, which can take 2 to 4 weeks. (It may also be direct sown in the fall for spring germination.)

To start seed indoors, wrap the seeds in a moist paper towel, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 2 to 4 weeks. Sow seeds in a starter tray. Transplant outdoors after the seedlings are 2" tall.

Thin seedlings to 12" to 18" inches apart and water moderately

Mexican Sunflower Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:24”
Days to Germination:5-10 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Tithonia rotundifolia. Mexican Sunflower can be direct-sown into the garden or 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 seedstarting 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 seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Thin or transplant the seedlings 24" apart. Drought-tolerant, this heat-lover requires good drainage and dislikes excessive watering. This imperious scarlet-orange beauty may need staking. A terrific cut flower, cut ends must be flame-seared to prevent wilting.

Mexico-One Plate at a Time
Publihsed by Simon a & Schuster
Frontera Grill
445 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312-661-1434
Acclaimed as America's foremost proponent of Mexico¹s diverse cuisine, Rick Bayless is chef and co-owner of Chicago¹s Frontera Grill and Topolobampo. Featuring abundant fresh vegetables, this latest of four cookbooks features creative and rather easy versions of classic Mexican dishes. For reservations at the Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, call (312) 661-1434.

Mignonette Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Seed Spacing:2”-4”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination:5-10 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Reseda odorata. A traditional Victorian cottage garden plant, Mignonette’s medium green foliage yields plump, dense spires of chartreuse and white flowers that fade to cream. While the plant is not overly showy, the flowers are intensely fragrant, with a sweet and spicy scent that makes a wonderful addition to floral arrangements. Even dried, the flowers retain their fragrance for several months, and can be added to homemade potpourri. Seedlings do not transplant well. Sow seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed, pressing them lightly into the soil. Provide full sun and consistent moisture, and thin the seedlings to 12" apart. Pinching young plants encourages branching and even more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms and sow more seeds every 2 weeks for an extended flowering period. Annual. Summer flowering.

John Scheepers
Bantam, CT
I've developed a taste for really cold oysters on the half shell and particularly love the taste-explosion of the first oyster's fresh sea saltiness. But if a second or third oyster is in the offing, I prefer a little spoon of Mignonette Sauce per oyster.

Milkweed Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:4”-6”
Plant Spacing:10”-12”
Days to Germination: 14-21 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Asclepias curassavica, the Blood Flower. Milkweed thrives in full to partial sunlight in most soil types. It may be sown outdoors after the last frost date but is best started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost has passed. Use individual peat pots or seed-starting cells to avoid root disturbance. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the plants by gradually acclimating them outside over 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Bred for the professional cut flower trade, it is the best for summer butterfly gardens. It produces a profusion of yellow, red and orange flower clusters and spindly pods that launch flat seeds within fluffy white parachutes. Cut the flowers early in the day when they are almost fully open ~ hold them upside down to avoid dripping their milky-white sap. Summer-fall

Mint Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly moist: never wet. Pinch back the plants to avoid flowering and to encourage leaf