Artichokes: a simple tutorial

We have a beautiful artichoke plant in the garden that is producing abundantly right now. I know not everyone feels comfortable cooking and eating a whole artichoke, so I've included a very simple tutorial (with a link to a more detailed one). As much as I would like to eat all the artichokes myself, I want to make sure everyone gets to enjoy them!

Artichokes should be harvested when the bracts (leafy parts) start to separate, like in the photo above. The quick version of how to cook them is:

1) put about 2" of water in a pot

2) insert artichoke

3) bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 min (poke a fork into the base to check for softness)

Then to eat them:

1) pull bracts/leaves off one at a time, scraping meaty parts off with your teeth

2) dip in sauce (lemon/butter is my favorite, other people like mayonnaise) if desired

3) when you get to the base, scrape off the "thistley" parts, then enjoy the tasty heart 

That is all! If you want more guidance on the process, check out:

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cook_and_eat_an_artichoke/

eggplant ideas

Before this season, I never imagined that eggplants come in colors other than purple! We grew these beautiful white eggplants this year (along with the standard purple).

I'm thinking of trying out my friend's recipe for noodleless lasagna. In her recipe, thinly sliced eggplant takes the place of lasagna noodles. Check it out here:

 http://www.thefamilycompound.com/2013/08/low-carb-veggie-lasagna.html

Let us know your favorite eggplant recipes! Tell us in the comments or (if you are involved with the Garden Gnomes) ask to be a blog author!

Potato Pancakes

 

 

 

 

 

Ideas for cooking squash

I took home a giant yellow squash from the garden the other day, but didn't quite know what I was going to do with it. After poking around a few websites, I finally settled on this recipe:
http://localfoodiefight.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/quinoa-stuffed-summer-squash/
(Or really, a rough adaptation of the recipe based on what I had in my kitchen)

My photography did not turn out as well as the original blog, but here is my result:

It tasted great, and I was happy to use up an entire squash! 

What is your favorite way to cook yellow squash? Tell me in the comments!