We finally got rain on September 22nd, and it just kept coming, and coming. The hurricane rolling in by Florida is bringing us much of the rain our way, forcing us to cancel our third planned camping trip. There was no point in hauling the camper over an hour away, only to spend the entire weekend inside the small camper (there was not much to do in the area indoors either). No campfires, no campfire meals, and no hiking. I was pretty sad hitting that "cancel" button.
One vegetable I did not get to plant this garden season - daikon radish. I am however experimenting with it in recipes, and actually grating it for a healthier hashbrown, and using it cubed in place of potatoes in some soup recipes. I have yet to make kimchi, but it is still on my list.
New to the garden this year, and new to us - Mashed Potato Squash.
One mashed potato squash came off the vine, so I brought it in a second one and roasted them. I have never grown these, so I am relying on whatever baking instructions I can find online.
We tasted it by itself, and then we seasoned it with salt, pepper and a bit of butter. Oh my goodness! Tastes better than mashed potatoes. So good! I will be planting these again. It is a squash you cannot find at any produce stand or grocery store. I have a few more to roast, and may even try mixing in some pesto. We are both amazed at how good these squash taste. I cannot believe, that not one produce stand grows and sells them.
The bell peppers rolled in all month long. I made stuffed peppers for breakst, stuffed peppers for dinner, froze stuffed peppers, froze the peppers diced and sliced, and made other "stuffed" recipes with them.
Dug up the last of the garden potatoes.
I tried a new crustless quiche and we loved it. I am taking advantage of the herb garden as long as the season lasts. The quiche had asaparagus, dried oregano (from the herb garden), fresh green onions, and chives (I measured those fresh herbs with my heart).
I was harvesting goldenrod for one of the kids, and learned that it not only helps heal a runny nose, but also sinus infections, and helps treat the flu. I also started a tincture.
Tips: I keep extra lids from my mayo/peanut butter jars, as they fit any regular lid canning jar. When I give dried herbs for cooking or teas to a friend/family, the lids come in handy.
I also keep disposable teabags on hand. I gift them with the dehydrated teas when someone is sick or needs a tea (most people do not own a teaball or such).
Pickled radishes with a garden jalapeno. These won't last long, but they are good for up to 6 months, according to the recipe.
My husband finally got his homemade corndogs. I told him I would only make them once a year, as he is diabetic, but it has been about 3-4 years since I made them. I use all organic ingredients in the batter (all beef hotdogs), and this time we made homemade fries with home grown potatoes and fried them in local beef tallow.
I started a jar of Four Thieves Vinegar. It will last up to one year, and we like to have it on hand "just in case" for feeling ill or preventing illnesses.
A "sleepy time" tincture started (we still like our evening tea too), and a new honey based elixir for a new "cure all" for winter/spring. It will last up to 2 years, so we are trying something new, along with the Four Thieves.
We have been getting a few hikes in this month (until the rain rolled in).
Strawberry Margarita Pie
I am still purging books, and am trying new recipes from one of the cookbooks (deciding on donating or keeping), and other home updates/repairs. The dishwasher (we bought used) quit working, and now the dryer is on the fritz. I had to use it, as the mowing was getting done, and the rain was arriving, but glad I used it. I had not used it all summer long, and it is almost 16 years old. Time to start looking for a new washer and dryer.
I hope all is well with everyone. We will be getting rain until the very last day fo the month (maybe more).
End of September Garden ~ Winter Medicinal Prep ~ Tidbits© September 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart