Jalapenos

We are enjoying the spectacular weather we have been having the last couple of weeks. The air into the nights has been warm and the mosquito's seem to have disappeared the last couple of days.

Busy digging and planting and weeding in the gardens. Takes it's toll on our backs so we must have regular exercise sessions. Our backs let us know when we have not taken the time to exercise. But we are progressing....the monkshoods are almost all moved to their new location. Will then move a patch of lily bulbs out to the field garden. They are planted beside a hedge of cotoneaster's and the hedge is starting to crowd the lilies. This summer the lilies did not perform like they should have, due to the competition from the cotoneasters. There is still plenty of time to plant bulbs, but the perennials should be planted as soon as you can, so they have time to get their roots established before the ground freezes.

We have a huge crop of Jalapenos available so we are sharing a recipe. Jalapeno peppers can be frozen for later use in your favourite recipes. We always throw a half dozen or so in our soup stock. Provides a real nice flavour. Will also have copies of this recipe at the farmers market.

Stuffed Jalapenos

8 whole, fresh Jalapenos

1/2 block cream cheese softened

fresh basil chopped or 1 tsp dried

chopped garlic or 1-2 tsp garlic powder

bacon strips cut in half

Combine cream cheese with basil, add garlic. Wearing gloves, slice each pepper lengthwise and remove seeds and membrane. Spread cream cheese mixture into jalapeno halves and wrap each with a 1/2 slice of bacon. Secure with toothpick that you have soaked in water.

Put under broiler until bacon is crisp, about 5-10 minutes.

These are approximate measurements....adjust to your particular taste. Fresh chives are tasty as well. You can grill them on the barbecue instead of broiling.

This Saturday will be our last day at the Farmer's Market for the 2010 season. We will be having a couple of good deals this Saturday. One is Jalapenos 10 for $1.00, regular price is 3 for $1.00 and also all our 3.5" succulents are buy one get one free. Stock up and freeze those jalapenos to add flavour to all your favourite dishes throughout the winter.