Life and times of a new farmer/homesteader
Today I planted flowers. Plus a recipe (Chicken Viola) {
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Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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The ground was too wet to plough, so I planted flowers instead. I was pretty excited when I found one of my lilys had one more bulb than it said on the outside. That is, until I called my mom on planting dahlias.Each box of dahlias said it had one bulb in it. Thing is, they weren't bulbs, they were tubers. Since they were kind of like irises, I called my mom to see if I should plant them like irises, leaving part exposed. She told me no, they needed to be underground. I then explained that they looked like sweet potatoes, with several tubers all connected together. Some were cut and some weren't. She told me, discard the cut ones, but you can plant any that are whole in separate places. Really. Each box said one bulb, but each box had at least five tubers that were whole. One box, a pretty orange and yellow dahlia, had twelve individual, undamaged tubers. (YAY!) My driveway is going to be so pretty soon. Ok, the side of my driveway will be pretty. My driveway will continue to be gravel. I bought the boxes of Dutch bulbs for $2.50 each, and I think I can sell the flowers for $1 a stem or more at the farmers market. The dahlias might go for more. So, with the orange and yellow ones, I might get $12 or more on my investment of $2.50. This year. Next year, since they are perinneals, I get more flowers, and the tubers would have multiplied by then. More flowers. How cool is that? I'm going to save any monies made on flower sales for buying more flower bulbs and tubers. I still have to plant my flower seeds, most of which are edible. If you have never had edible flowers before, they make a salad come alive. Nasturtiums, Johnny-jump-ups (violas), edible marigolds, all add color to a salad that you can't easily find in lettuces or greens. If you are just eating them, they add visual interest and some sublime flavors and scents. If you are selling salad mixes, they add something that sets your product apart from your competitors. Nasturtium buds can also be brined or pickled and used much like capers, although different. Using flower petals to garnish your cooking can add a touch of class that would make a gourmand envious. One of the wonderful things about being a homesteader, even one who achieves voluntary poverty, is that you can still eat like royalty. For instance: Chicken Viola for four: 2-3 chicken breasts two cloves garlic, crushed or pressed two Tbs pickled nasturtium buds one lime 1/2 cup white wine one Tbs fresh thyme one Tbs butter two+ Tbs olive oil black pepper to taste three Tbs viola petals for garnish Pound chicken breasts flat and thin and slice into large pieces. Brown chicken breasts in butter and one Tbs olive oil. The olive oil keeps the butter from burning Add remaining olive oil, garlic, and nastutium buds. Reduce heat. Cook until chicken is nearly cooked through. Squeeze in lime juice, and add fresh thyme and wine. Cook until wine reduces into a somewhat thick sauce. Serve over wild rice with summer squash or asparagus or your favorite veggie. Pour sauce over chicken, garnish with fresh viola petals, black pepper and lime zest. It's good this way, but feel free to adapt the recipe for what you have. You may want to wait to put in the garlic if you like a more raw taste, or if you find the garlic browns too quick. If you are like me, you only need to buy a lime, olive oil, black pepper, and butter. Someday, I want to get that list down to black pepper. Truly a meal for royalty. Play with your food! Raymond { Last Page } { Page 17 of 181 } { Next Page } |
