There is an elderberry bush that planted itself ned to the balcony just three years ago. I has become a source of interest to us. Firstly, how did the seed take in a garden that was already full with a juniper and secondly, the speed at which it has grown. It has become a lovely little tree covered with creamy fragrant flowers in the spring and berries that become deep purple in late August.
Last year we happened to be present when several cedar waxwings came to clean the branches of its labours which was quite a spectacle. This year the tree is again laden with fruit not quite ripe enough to be plucked from the tree and we hope that we will be present when the birds make their annual repast. The time is no doubt very soon.
Last year we happened to be present when several cedar waxwings came to clean the branches of its labours which was quite a spectacle. This year the tree is again laden with fruit not quite ripe enough to be plucked from the tree and we hope that we will be present when the birds make their annual repast. The time is no doubt very soon.
Like the birds, I have been reaping the harvest provided by our vegetable garden. This year was a strange one. None of my squash came up. Perhaps the seed was old. I have a neighbour who has been supplying me with zucchini as she has an abundance. I do however miss the mini-pattypans, so good fried up in butter and oil with garlic slices.
Yesterday on Facebook I posted my bowl of veggies from the mornings harvest with the words "This is my challenge for the day. I already have a plan." My son immediately wrote back. "Looks like ratatouille to me."
Indeed it did but I wanted to try something new. I put the zucchini and peppers aside for another recipe and made a new dish. "Curried Eggplant with Tomatoes and Basil" was the flavour of the day. It was simple and quick to put together but when I make it again I will make a few changes.
I think that garlic would add that certain "je ne sais quoi" that I found lacking in the final outcome. It was quite tasty served over rice and made a substantial vegetarian meal. The basil I used was particularly tasty as I grew the Thai variety this year and it is much more pungent than the regular basil.
I always think that with recipes such as I most often make, no one needs to rely on fast food. With just a few healthy ingredients one can create a tasty and healthy option in almost the same time it takes to heat up a prepared meal.
Yesterday on Facebook I posted my bowl of veggies from the mornings harvest with the words "This is my challenge for the day. I already have a plan." My son immediately wrote back. "Looks like ratatouille to me."
Indeed it did but I wanted to try something new. I put the zucchini and peppers aside for another recipe and made a new dish. "Curried Eggplant with Tomatoes and Basil" was the flavour of the day. It was simple and quick to put together but when I make it again I will make a few changes.
I think that garlic would add that certain "je ne sais quoi" that I found lacking in the final outcome. It was quite tasty served over rice and made a substantial vegetarian meal. The basil I used was particularly tasty as I grew the Thai variety this year and it is much more pungent than the regular basil.
I always think that with recipes such as I most often make, no one needs to rely on fast food. With just a few healthy ingredients one can create a tasty and healthy option in almost the same time it takes to heat up a prepared meal.
curried_eggplant_with_tomatoes_and_basil_revised.pdf |
Chattering amongst themselves the cedar waxwings are like a hungry crowd at a buffet. There was and interesting fact put on the internet yesterday about the amount they eat. If we were to eat like them a person weighing 100 lbs. would consume 33,269 blueberries in one day which translates to 153 pints.
I will continue to watch for them and hope to get a glimpse as the clean the tree.
I will continue to watch for them and hope to get a glimpse as the clean the tree.