Boston’s Urban Garden

At the height of summer, a community garden oasis in Boston’s South End bursts at the seams with the season’s fruit & vegetables in lined pathways of herbs & flowers. 

“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Something Old, Something New

Garden treasures: A magical way to save & recycle something old into something new…

When I first discovered these reconstructed garden herb markers I loved the simplicity and creativity of the idea and the visual warmth it gave my 1st herb garden (Yes, I’m like a proud parent wanting to dress-up my babies). Made by hand from Beach House Living I had to know more so I dropped the designer a line and asked her a few questions about these charming nostalgic pieces:

Creative inspiration: the designer’s blog Beach House Living is a great place to go for some nautical inspiration, DIY ideas, & to see what new products they are creating!

The Food Diary of a Brocavore~

From Mike’s Food Diary:

Entry #5: Green Salad and Mustard Vinaigrette with Windowsill Herbs

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

·        2 Tbsp good olive oil

·       1 tsp mustard

·        1/2 Tbsp white wine vinegar

·       1/2 Tbsp of tarragon

·       salt & pepper

Salad Ingredients:

·       6-8 red tip lettuce leaves

·       1-2 Tbsp of freshly chopped herbs. A mixture of oregano, thyme, and chives does the trick

For the vinaigrette, place the vinegar, garlic, herbs and mustard in a mixing bowl (coffee mug will do). Then slowly pour in the olive oil and whisk for 30 seconds. Add salt and pepper to taste. For more bite, add another few drops of vinegar.

Place lettuce leaves on a large, round serving plate.    Sprinkle chopped herbs liberally over the undressed salad. Set aside. Sprinkle vinaigrette over salad and prepare to enjoy the most sensually simplistic way to bookend your next lunch, brunch, or dinner.

Variations 

   Instead, use mesculan, arugula, or any other savory green
   Add a dash of mayonnaise to the vinaigrette for a richer feel
   Poach an egg and place over toast and place in the middle of the salad for a complete   meal

Wine Pairing

The intense sharpness of vinaigrette screams for a wine that can rival its intensity and coolness. Think a dry Rose’ from Provence, ebullient Prosecco from Italy, or a steely un-oaked Chardonnay from Chablis, France.

The Food Diary of a Brocavore is an ongoing collaboration project with words & recipes by Mike of whats up stairs and photography by me. Please do enjoy other entries from The Food Diary of a Brocavore!