KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – USES FOR THAT SUMMER GARDEN PRODUCE

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – USES FOR THAT SUMMER GARDEN PRODUCE

I’m sure if you have a vegetable garden you are starting to harvest. Soon you will be harvesting more than you need. Two of our favorite recipes for cucumbers is with sour cream or vinegar. Thinly slice peeled cucumbers and place in a bowl with half as much thinly sliced sweet onion. Salt and pepper and use one of two sauces. Add sour cream for a smooth and cool dish. Or prepare vinegar dressing by heating equal parts vinegar and water. When hot but not boiling add sugar to taste. I usually start with ¼ cup and go from there. You are heating the mixture to facilitate the sugar melting. Cool the mixture with a few ice cubes and add to the cucumbers. Both these dishes are better when cooled in the fridge especially the vinegar cukes. The sour cream dish should be eaten same day.

Fresh tomato salsa is lovely and you can make it as hot or mild as you like. Peel seed and chop two large tomatoes. Add ½ cup each finely chopped celery and onion. For a little spice add finely chopped jalapeño. If you are a lover of all things hot try a pepper that rates a little higher on the Scoville scale such as habanero. Pepper sauce such as tabasco adds heat and a mild vinegar flavor.

Italian bruschetta is a delicious appetizer that’s easy and quick to make with fresh tomatoes. Prepare two tomatoes as with the salsa. Finely chop a tablespoon each of fresh basil and oregano or use ½ teaspoon dried. Combine with the tomatoes and let flavors mingle for at least 30 minutes. Slice French bread on the diagonal and toast to a golden brown on both sides in the broiler. Scrape one side of each toast with a cut piece of raw garlic. Mound tomato mixture on each toast piece and top with a small slice of fresh mozzarella. Return to broiler for a minute to melt the cheese and enjoy immediately. My husband and I make a light meal of these in the summer. Pair with some spring lettuce with balsamic vinaigrette.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO