"Mama's Hot Sauce!"

The other day I slipped out to the garden, picked 2 lbs of peppers and then made some of my favorite "Mama's Hot Sauce!" Yep, that's what we call it - and nothing beats a bit spooned over a farm fresh fried egg! (or anything really)

This recipe comes from one of my very favorite preserving books by Karen Solomon... Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It and Other Kitchen Projects. (no, it's not really this mama's hot sauce, but hey -that's it's name around these parts) Oh the season is sneaking up on us, the time that I get lost in baskets of fresh tomatoes and peppers, green beans and corn!

Makin' the Pesto, Garden Update 2012

 

 Somehow managed to have the farm all to myself this past weekend.

I spent it in the garden harvesting basil and tomatoes. 

 

 With the 2nd cutting of basil, I put away 12 -2 cup portions of the yummiest pesto I have ever made. (from beauty that moves) I've already got my eye on the basil for another harvest.

 Garden freshness is really starting to pop. The first big flush on tomatoes have me thinking about tomato jam, preserved whole tomatoes, salsa, and freshly roasted toms. Teddy bear sunflowers make a nice back drop to the many (55!) tomato plants we have this year.

 

 Cut flowers in the kitchen window, above the sink. This year, our garden keeps these fresh. (went a little crazy with the zinnias, but I would never admit that to my husband!) Green beans are on, peppers are hot and ready for a big first harvest, onion and red potatoes happy, and the corn is taller than me. The pumpkins are looking nice and the squash is off the hook as well. 

Trying to keep it contained is a good problem to have. 

 (Instagram is just too much fun -follow along!)

Took a Vacation

Took a vacation. It was a long time coming. Too long. Came home to lots of chores: a rental that needs addressed, a remodel to push forward with and lots of farm life happening. Garden harvest on my mind and school is just around the corner. Trying to remember to breathe properly. 

It's important to do so, you know.

Oh and, did I mention? My boy spent his 2nd Birthday on the beach -Happy Birthday Finn!!

We really did have a lovely trip to the beach, with lots of fun stops along the way. Yep, just can't seem to get my feet outta the ocean and back here on land in the desert.