Friday, June 24, 2011

What to do with too many jalapenos?

So if I had to recommend a jalapeno plant, it would be this "Mucho Nacho" plant I've got this year, its a huge producer, but in order to help keep it producing, I have a plethora of jalapenos I've picked :)

So one of my new favorite things to do with them is make popcorn. Ever had jalapeno popcorn? Yum!!

2 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil (gives it a buttery/nutty flavor throughout)
1 jalapeno sliced
3/4 cup popcorn

1. Heat up the olive oil in a large bottomed pan (I used my stock pot on Med-High heat)
2. Put the sliced jalapeno's in once its hot
3. Cook the jalapenos until they're close to crispy
4. Add the popcorn and start shaking
5. Keep shaking every few seconds to keep the kernels from sticking to the bottom and burning
6. Keep on the heat and shaking until there is about 1 sec between popping
7. Remove from heat and pour into a heat proof bowl
8. Toss with melted butter (optional) and salt
9 Voila! Yummy japaloeno popcorn with your freshly grown jalapenos :)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Impulse Seed/Plant buys

So what is a gardener stuck in a hotel on business during the most perfect spring/summer week yet to do?? Impulse seed and plant shop online of course :)

I went a little crazy on eBay this week buying as unique seeds and plants as I could find. Luckily I stuck mostly to seeds, they're much cheaper :)

So the results of my shopping spree

- Dragons Blood Sedum (seeds)
- Queen Red/Lime Zinnia (seeds)
- Za'atar (seeds)
- Wasabi (seeds)
- Pear Mint (plant)

Okay I admit the Wasabi might be a bit of a stretch, but I am always up for a challenge and love growing unique things :)

So is it just me, or does anyone else do impulse seed/plant shopping?? :)

Glad to be heading back to my garden tomorrow, luckily I have a great neighbor keeping it watered while I'm gone :)

Friday, June 10, 2011

1st Harvest of the Season

I know it isn't much, but I harvested my first Jalapeno of the season!! :)  This Jalapeno plant I picked up this year from the Master Gardeners of Richmond is AMAZING! I think its called (or at least its what they called it) Mucho Nacho Jalapeno. They said it was a large producer, and they weren't kidding!! There has got to be at least 15 Jalapeno's growing on it right now!

1st Jalapeno of the season!

Needless to say I'm looking forward to many a great salsa's as more mature....

What have you harvested so far?? What are you anticipating the most??