Sunday, September 21, 2008

basil harvest

It is one of those achingly beautiful September days where you never want autumn to end. The day is sunny and warm, but you are reminded of the chill in the air last night and the fire in the wood stove that felt just right.

I have not gone more than a mile away from this place this weekend. I could have, but sometimes it just feels good to stay close to home and get things done. I organized the garage on Saturday and hauled a bunch of plastic storage bins in to the new house where they will stay, full of winter jackets and clothes and books.

Today I washed dishes, then decided to cut the stems of cinnamon and lime basil before frost got to them. They smelled so good I decided to dry them in the new house on this antique dresser we bought second or third or fourth hand. We now have several such dressers, courtesy of Craigslist. Then I cut the tops off the garlic cloves and put them up in the cook shed. I don't think I have as big of a harvest this year as last year, and I will have to order garlic to plant.

My tomatoes are still ripening on their own schedule, half of them cracked and rotten by the time they ripen. One of these years...But at least I have garlic, and onions, and carrots and turnips. Anyone know any delicious turnip recipes?

We got skunked last night. I heard something scratching around outside, and this morning our yard is aromatic. The Hermit saw a dead skunk on the road near our driveway; I wonder if it was the one.

I think I'll put a spaghetti squash in the oven to cook for dinner. I didn't grow it, and I've never had it, but I just want to try it out in case I might want to grow it next year. Or try growing it, anyway.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love spaghetti squash. You should give growing it a try.

candoo49 said...

Are you all moved in your new house , my name is Cheryl , I am using my husband's google adress . We live in New Brunswick, Canada

Deb said...

Pablo- I agree with you, the spaghetti squash was delicious! I just baked the whole thing for about an hour, then scooped out the flesh and tossed it with butter, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. The kids even liked it. Will definitely grow it next year.

Cheryl- Hi! We are pretty much moved in, except our kitchen isn't done so I cook in a shed, then bring everything out to the house. But I have the new range lined up, just need to get the electrical inspector out and get everything hooked up.

Jayne said...

Just the sight of that bucket and the scent of basil made me smile. Glad you enjoyed the spaghetti squash. I really like them too. Have a beautiful week ahead Deb.

Unknown said...

What a sweet day, Deb. I haven't smelled lime or cinnamon basil since I grew it nearly year-round years ago in Texas. What a treat. Happy September! Thinking of you...

Deb said...

Jayne- I hope you have a beautiful week too. :)

Lene- I'm so glad to hear from you! Sadly, I look at the crabapple trees with all their fruits and think: I just don't have time for this. Maybe next year. I do hope you are able to meet up with Greg; he's a wonderful person.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Sounds like you're having a wonderful autumn!

arcolaura said...

Spaghetti squash grow quite easily and well here - probably our most reliable winter squash. Definitely worth a try, even if you are in the coldest corner of MN.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I've never cooked or tasted spaghetti squash. Sounds like I'll have to give it a try.
This season brings out the nesting instincts in me!

R.Powers said...

Basil is the essential herb!

I don't do squash tho.

Deb said...

Nina- Autumn is proving to be beautiful around here, with lots of warm weather.

ArcoLaura- Good to hear from you! I will definitely have spaghetti squash in my garden next year. My squash production this year amounts to one small pumpkin.

Lynne- I think the nesting thing is going on with me too, and full strength since I have a new house to nest in!

FC- I still have to bring in my Italian basil, which will be dried and used in so many dishes. Store bought basil just doesn't compare.

Spaghetti squash is probably the most benign tasting of the Curcurbitae, at least what I've tried. I wonder if you could grow it there.