Gardening..........

I have a garden.  A pretty big garden actually.  (If I had a working camera, I'd take a picture and show you...:) But, since I don't, you'll have to just believe me.) 

Gardening isn't something I just live to do...it's not something that I think about all the time...it's something that I do because I enjoy canning, I enjoy paying less for groceries, and I enjoy eating fresh vegetables (and I want my kids to, too).  Actually, I have enjoyed my garden more this year than any other year we've lived here.  We've made a mutual effort to weed it and till it...Matt tills, I weed.  We're a great team.  He tills, I pick veggies.  He tills, I can the veggies.  He plows the garden up late in the fall.  He's a handy guy to have around!

I've got corn, potatoes, carrots, onions (short, tiny ones...I think they drounded out), zinnias, beets, beans, lettuce, dill, peppers,  and lots of tomatoes (I bought 41 plants, to be exact, but I think a few died.)

I love corn on the cob...it's definitely my favorite meal...just a big pot of corn on the cob.  It's not Matt's favorite, however...he grew up eating other food with corn on the cob.  Not us Younggrens...we live for meals and meals of just corn.  Sometimes I make just corn, but sometimes I make Matt a little something else...it's just a way of meeting in the middle.

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Potatoes...I just love them, too, especially when they're nice and little.  My favorite way of making baby potatoes...creamed potatoes with peas and carrots.  It's the best!

Here's the recipe in case you'd like to try and make it:
Creamed Potatoes, Carrots and Peas

Potatoes
Carrots
Peas
2 c. milk
1/4-1/2 c. butter
3-4 tbsp. flour (more if needed)
chives
dill
garlic

Boil the potatoes and carrots until they're cooked through.  Drain the water.  Using the same pan (while the veggies are draining in a strainer in the sink),  melt 1/2 cup butter, and stir in 3-4 TBSP. of flour until it becomes a paste.  Add about 2 cups of milk and stir with a whisk so it doesn't get lumpy.  Heat it up until the mixture gets thick.  At this point, add the peas.  Avoid boiling it hard so that the milk doesn't curdle.  Keep stirring so any lumps don't burn to the bottom of the pan.  After cooking for about 5 minutes, it should be thick.  Add in the potatoes, carrots, chives (optional), and a little dill and garlic.  Add more if you like stronger flavor.   I usually make a big batch so I have leftovers for the next days' lunch!
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Two years ago, I learned a new way to freeze carrots and beets.  My friend has a great recipe (message me if you'd like it) for freezing.  They are ready to just thaw/heat through and are ready to eat.  The kids just love them!
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I make a lot of pickled beans with my garden green beans...my family really likes them!  We also eat as many with meals as possible...here's the recipe I made today:

Garden Green Beans
Beans
Butter
Salt and Pepper
Dill

In a saucepan, boil about 2 cups of water and beans.  Put a cover on.  It keeps the steam in and doesn't make them mushy.  Boil for about 5 minutes.  Test the beans to see if they are tendercrisp.  Boil longer if needed; otherwise, drain the water.  Add in 1-2 tbsp. butter, salt, pepper and dill.  Eat!

These are great...Adina just loved them today...she hasn't had garden green beans before.
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I use my peppers for salsa...that's about it, though.  I've tried freezing them, but then I forget to use them. 

Tomatoes....oh, how I love tomatoes. 

Toasted Tomato Sandwiches!  Yum!

Salsa! The best!

Canned whole tomatoes...stewed tomatoes...sliced tomatoes...you get the point...we love tomatoes!

Last year, I had a huge amount of peppers and cherry tomatoes (and I think I'll have the same blessing this year - I have 5 cherry tomato plants! Yikes!). 
I found this recipe.  It's awesome and a great way to use them up!

Cherry Tomatoes, cut in half
Peppers, sliced however you like to eat them
Italian dressing

Mix ingredients all together in a bowl. Chill for at least a half hour.  If you're an onion lover, add in an onion or two...
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If you've got a garden, enjoy it and take advantage of the fresh veggies and all the great ways to use them.  If you don't have a garden, go to farmer's markets and support those who grow fresh veggies around us...it's way healthier for you!