How many cucumbers can one family eat? We may soon find out. Somehow I’ve collected seed packets for eight different varieties of cucumbers–three slicing, five pickling. There was nothing to do but plant some of each to see how they all compare. Where the snap peas once stood, we now have a long row of [...]
“Why did you take down the snap peas?” I’ve lost count of how many people have asked. The peas, clinging to their trellis, made a lovely wall of green for passersby to admire. But, as I explain, they weren’t making any more peas. No more flowers, no more peas. They were done. I’ve learned from fellow [...]
The kids in my food appreciation classes continue to explore the cuisine of South Africa, which has been heavily influenced by Indian immigrants. This week we made a favorite condiment, cucumber raita, that has a wonderful cooling effect served with spicy curries. It couldn’t be simpler, and even the kids noticed how healthy it is, consisting [...]
We are engaging the concerns of a hungry planet--slowly--right here in our kitchen garden in the District of Columbia, about a mile from the White House.
What's in your turkey? We killed and butchered more than 80 birds on the farm of Mike and Michelle Klein in Prince George's County. Thankfully, Michelle did the gutting. Unfortunately, Mike bought his turkey chicks earlier than usual and they did not stop growing. Our prize for helping was a carcass that weighed nearly 40 pounds. It barely fit in the oven. Here, Mike is subjecting a slaughtered bird to the "magic fingers," a machine with a nubby, rotating barrel that removes most of the feathers. 
© 2009 The Slow Cook — Design by Keri Marion
