Summer Week 12

Contents:
Tomatoes (Freedom Farms, Blanchard)
Eggplant (Steve Sheld, Blanchard)
Garlic (Smith Farm,  McCloud)
Okra (Bridgecreek Farm, Blanchard)
Fresh Basil & Parsley (High Tides & Green Fields)
White and Green Bell Peppers (High Tides & Green Fields)
Pears (Norman)
Dried Herb Mix (oregano and thyme)

Wow! Can you believe that we’re in week 12 of Garden Club, only one more week after this of the summer season! We have decided to make the Fall Season only 10 weeks ($250 plus tax), so if you want to continue the adventure, Buy your Fall membership now! Or let me know ASAP and I’ll hold your spot (email me at sara@nativerootsmarket.com). We can also take credit card payments over the phone. If you have already paid for fall, I’ll be getting you a refund for the 3 weeks that we cutting off the end.

As produce goes, we are in the thick of it right now. Today’s easy recipe is perfect for large amounts of summer veggies. Make a big batch since ratatouille is great for leftovers (serve it hot or cold) and it freezes well.

Ratatouille

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
• 1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 small eggplant, cubed
• 2 green bell peppers, coarsely chopped
• 4 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped, or 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
• 3 to 4 small zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 teaspoon dried leaf basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyz

*Add the okra in place of zucchini if you want.

Prep:

In a 4-quart Dutch oven or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add eggplant; stir until coated with oil. Add peppers; stir to combine. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep vegetables from sticking.
Add tomatoes, zucchini, and herbs; mix well. Cover and cook over low heat about 15 minutes, or until eggplant is tender but not too soft.
Recipe Source:  http://southernfood.about.com/od/eggplantrecipes/r/bl00810c.htm