Dee’s Corner

Many of you have asked about the availability of canning tomatoes this year, and suddenly, with this beautiful weather, they’re here! For those of you who have chosen to receive a box of canning tomatoes, I have a suggestion. Some (or all) of the tomatoes in your box may not be quite ripe for canning. As stated in the email blast you received, they can be left in the box and checked for ripeness a couple of times a day. Or try what my mother used to do: she would place her green or partially ripened tomatoes in brown paper bags, in a single layer. Close the top loosely, and leave on the counter or kitchen table. Peek inside each day to check on the progress. You’ll be surprised at how beautifully they ripen within a few days!
The Corn Salsa Salad recipe sent in by Brenda Wickenhauser (see Recipe Section) is a delicious way to use our sweet corn and green peppers in this week’s share. It’s a great snack to have on hand in the refrigerator, for an afternoon or evening pick-me-up. I love chips of all kinds and this salad helps me rationalize that it’s okay to have a few. Same with the Kohlrabi Warm Dip, also in the Recipe Section. With the forecast for slightly cooler evenings ahead, this is comfort food at its healthiest!
Just to let you know, I’ve made several smoothies during the week with the beets in last week’s share. And I did enjoy them. The Beet-Strawberry Smoothie is a vivid intense pink color, delicious and quite filling. I did add some orange juice, as I found it to be a little too thick for my taste. If any of you have beet recipes to share in future newsletters, I’d love to include them.
I found the classic Chinese Pepper Steak recipe was another good way to use the green peppers and tomatoes in this week’s share. Since several members of my family are dedicated meat lovers, this satisfied them and enabled me to get them to eat more veggies.
We’re all looking forward to seeing many of you at the Member Picnic this Saturday. Wear sturdy shoes, sun hats, and bring canvas, cloth or plastic bags to carry the corn you pick. And come prepared to have fun!