These are the "glory days" of our humble little garden.
Each day it's changing. Some vines are becoming weighed down by burgeoning squash, while other vines - yielding long green beans - race upwards on our new teepee trellis.
I'm happy to report that although this is our second summer here, our boys still find joy in discovering the vegetables and bringing in the harvest.
The sense of wonder isn't quite as earth-shattering for them as it was last year (as first time "farmers")... But, I think I am making up for the difference. Maybe my excitement is because I'm learning just a little bit more each year. Maybe it's because we've planted a few new types of vegetables. Maybe it's an independent spirit emerging, you know, "living off the land."
Or, maybe it's because I need to get out more these days. ;)
Whatever the case, I wanted to share a few recipes that we are enjoying, specifically as it relates to our bumper crops of green beans and zucchini...
Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a total YUM.
It's a healthier version of zucchini sticks with no deep frying involved. (You bake it first and then broil for a few minutes for that crispy finish.) You can find the recipe here.
Another great seasonal recipe is One Pan Greek Chicken.
They had me at "one pan." You too?
The recipes calls for chicken thighs, but I used chicken breasts, halved. The recipe also calls for baby red potatoes... we had baby yukon gold and they worked well too. Perhaps most importantly, this dish makes a delightful home for our garden's green beans! Find the recipe for this flavorful meal here.
And of course, due to our boys' requests, there's sure to be plenty of Zucchini Bread this season. Their favorite is made from this recipe.
The other excitement going down in our garden is... the corn is coming!
The lavender is in bloom...
The snow peas are ready.
Hello mushroom and snow pea stir fry. Oh, how I've missed you!
And I'll close with a confession. Last night, I came into the house and said, "Guess what guys?! We have little pumpkins in our garden!" Later I realized that these (below) are, in fact, acorn squash. (And our first acorn squash, at that.)
Quien supo?! (Who knew?!)
Are you enjoying any fruits of your labor?
Or perhaps fresh produce from a farmer's market? Tis the season!
