size matters

right?

well, when it comes to carrots.

awww sorry to disappoint, but this isn't going to be one of those posts!

I should have realized when we planted them- carrots grow down so therefore there should be enough soil for them to do just that.  We realized that we didn't fill our raised bed with enough soil about...ohh...30 sec after we had planted- and lost track of- all the seeds.  Our carrots should be "full term" next week, but the greens are so big and leafy and lovely I was just dying to see what we have. And what we have is a slightly thicker than a pencil, 1" long, limp, orangey piece of matter.  That doesn't excite anyone....ever, no matter what the situation.  Especially when you had such high hopes.  That is the worst isn't it?  Guess Ill learn how to cook carrot greens.....

Luckily, everything else is growing as expected!  Grilled zucchini that was picked 5 minutes before tonight, had fresh cucumbers and mint in our salad, made burgers stuffed with cilantro and jalapeno- all from the garden! (well, not the beef, but give me a bit of a break!)

This week, we have decided to start working our way through the New York Times Minimalist 100 summer grilling ideas.  We made grilled chicken stuffed with basil (from the garden!) tomatoes, and feta, with grilled beets. Yes, I discovered grilled beets and they are heavenly!  Are you ready? easiest recipe ever! Cut off the greens- cook those with onion, mustard, and olive oil.  Then peel the beets, slice them 1/4" thick, paint with olive oil, salt and pepper, and grill til a bit charred on the outside, and eat. Its like candy. Or something else fabulous. Do it now!

It is wonderful to be able to finally "harvest the crops" and have such fresh ingredients.  Everything is more it when its that fresh. Cucumbers are cukier, basil is the basilest, and on and on.  I'm currently crafting a perfect cocktail for a dinner party Im going to tomorrow night with lots of garden ingredients.  I think it will involve cucumber, basil, gin, st. germaine and lemon juice. cheers!