Garden Treats All Year Round

By Ann Martin

Since summer is right around the corner, many people are anxiously awaiting for their produce to start springing up out of their gardens! The anticipation of ripe-red tomatoes, crisp green beans, fresh herbs and other delicious garden treats will soon be on their way to the table. But many often ask, how can I eat all this produce and what kind of recipes are out there that use fresh veggies and herbs from the garden? Here are some helpful ideas and tips on how you and others can truly enjoy that fresh summer produce right out of your garden.

Kabobs
Pick your favorite vegetables right out of your garden, wash them up, cut them up and skew them up to make a delicious grilled treat! Kabobs are a quick and easy addition to any meal. For a complete meal, add some chicken or beef. Don't forget to have some dipping sauce near by. Kabobs are a fun way to enjoy garden vegetables. Even the kids love dip their kabobs and it is a great way to sneak in those vegetables!

Herbs
Everyone knows that fresh herbs truly make a difference to any dish. If you are growing basil, why not try making your own pesto sauce? Pesto compliments both pasta and soup beautifully! Sometimes, it can be added to a unique twist on garlic bread. It can even be frozen and just take it out whenever you want that summertime taste during those cold winter months. If you grow mint in your garden, it can also be frozen just like basil. Having mint tea to enjoy during those cooler months is such a treat. But to have a mojito with fresh mint in January is even better!

Canning the Freshness In
For those that may be new to canning fruits or vegetables, it is a relatively easy process and a smart way to keep all that produce and not let it spoil. Try canning tomatoes and making your own fresh tomato sauce. Green beans and even corn are able to be canned and later enjoyed throughout the year. With your canned vegetables, it would be quite easy to whip up a batch of homemade vegetable soup during the fall and winter months. So, take out the flatware and enjoy a piping hot bowl of vegetable soup, from vegetables that you grew and canned. To truly enjoy that taste of summer throughout the year, make up a nice batch of salsa to enjoy when you are watch the snow come down. Canning salsa takes a bit more effort and time than canning traditional vegetables, but it is so worth the effort. Have some friends over and have a nice sample before canning it away for later snacking.

Pass the Goodness On
Your garden might produce too much that you may not be able to eat it right away or have the time to can it. Why not pass the goodness on? Have some new neighbors moved into the community? Maybe you could basket up some of delicious garden goodies and let them enjoy the labors of your garden! Or have some friends and family over, set up some tables in the back yard and have a beautiful get together. Decorate the tables with some vegetables, even throw some of your herbs in tiny vases to accent the table and serve up your best dishes incorporating the delicious and fresh vegetables that your garden produced. Don't forget plates, your Oneida flatware and some colorful goblets for your guests to enjoy.

As you can see there are so many ways to enjoy what your garden produces throughout the entire year!