Bountiful Harvest

My good friend left on a family vacation for a week.

She left me in charge of her garden.

She and her husband both grew up in Idaho...on farms.

It doesn't matter how crappy our spring was...whatever they touch...

GROWS!

All those tomatoes.

All these cucumbers.

I get that much every other day.

Good thing they are my 2 favorite vegetables.

And good thing I have lots of neighbors who also love to receive fresh garden veggies.

This last batch...and the stuff I get Saturday I actually need and can use.

I am one of the activity day leaders in my ward

and this Saturday is our Mother/daughter activity.

We are having a little luncheon and then they are making bracelets.

So...here is how I am going to use the abundance of veggies.

Tomato/Basil Brushetta (recipe here) served on little crostinis.

This is one of my most favorite things and I am making tons and tons in the hope I have lot of leftovers:) Oh...and I don't have to buy anything because I have 2 huge beautiful basil plants in my garden.

Cucumber Salad (recipe here)

I haven't decided if I am going to use basil, so it goes with the brushetta, or dill because dill and cucumber is Yummy!

And for the "main course": Roasted chicken and bow tie pasta (recipe here)

I haven't tried it...but it sounds/looks delicious...and with those ingredients, you can't really go wrong.

My first good harvest.

I've been a little frustrated with my garden this year.

I blame the freezing temps and lack of sunshine we got throughout spring.

I do not blame myself:)

but here is my first batch of tomatoes.

Dear little tomatoes,

You will soon be gracing a huge bag of tortilla chips after I blend you into some yummy salsa. And for those of you who don't make it in to the food processor...you will find yourself under my knife as I dice you up and mix you with some of that basil growing behind you. I'm not sure if I will put you on some yummy garlic bread or a pizza...but either way...YUM!