Fresh Easy Meals : Recipes For Every Day Meals
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast >
      • Pancakes, Crepes, French Toast and Waffles >
        • Crepes with Fruit
        • Fruit Filled Pancakes
        • Light and Fluffy Pancakes
        • Oat Pancakes
        • Pumpkin Pancakes
        • French Toast
        • Raspberry Stuffed French Toast
        • Blueberry Waffles
        • Waffles
      • Tofu Breakfast Dishes >
        • Asparagus and Mushroom Quiche
        • Chanterelle and Tofu Scramble
        • Tofu and Tomato Casserole
        • Easy Breakfast Burritos
        • Quiche Muffins
        • South of the Border Scrambled Eggs
        • Swiss Chard Potato Frittata
        • Vegetable Tofu Scramble
      • Muffins, Coffee Cake and Scones >
        • Apple Cinnamon Muffins
        • Banana Nut Muffins
        • Blueberry Muffins
        • Carrot Muffins
        • Delicious Chocolate Muffins
        • Peanut Butter Banana Bread
        • Pumpkin Spice Muffins
        • Apple Coffee Cake
        • Scones
      • Granola >
        • Granola Bars
        • Granola Cereal
      • Smoothies >
        • Blueberry Smoothie
        • Everyday Smoothie
        • Mango Breakfast Shake
        • Strawberry Banana Smoothie
    • Fruit Salads >
      • Becky's Backyard Fruit Salad
      • Citrus Pomegranate Salad
      • Red Fruit Salad
      • Minted Watermelon
    • Salads >
      • Asian Style Salad
      • Avocado Cucumber Salad
      • Butter Lettuce with Tomato and Avocado
      • Caesar Salad
      • Carrot Salad
      • Coleslaw with Raisins
      • Colorful Overnight Salad
      • Corn Salad
      • Cucumber and Tomato Salad
      • Fresh Arugula Salad
      • Fresh Summer Salad
      • Garden Salad
      • Italian Bread Salad (Panzanella)
      • Macaroni Salad
      • Marinated Vegetable Salad
      • Mexican Vegetable Salad
      • Potato Salad
      • Radish, Cucumber, and Corn Salad
      • Spinach Cranberry Salad
      • Spinach, Pear, and Gorgonzola Salad
      • Spinach Salad
      • Spinach Strawberry Salad
      • Taco Salad
      • Tomato Mozzarella Salad
      • Watercress Salad
    • Soups >
      • Asparagus Soup
      • Barley and Split Pea Soup
      • Black Bean Soup
      • Broccoli Soup
      • Butternut Squash Soup
      • Cabbage Soup
      • Carrot Soup
      • Vegetable Noodle Soup
      • Mexican Flavor Soup
      • Creamy Mushroom Soup
      • Curry Lentil Soup
      • Fennel Soup
      • Potato Leek Soup
      • Pumpkin Soup
      • Roasted Cauliflower Soup
      • Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup
      • Wild Rice, Spinach and Mushroom Soup
    • Tacos >
      • Crispy Tacos
      • Soft Tacos
      • Zucchini Black Bean Tacos
      • Fajitas
      • Bean Burrito
    • Sandwiches >
      • Best Bagel Sandwich
      • Chickpea Sandwich Spread
      • Cucumber Sandwiches
      • Eggless Salad Sandwich
      • Falafel
      • Grilled Veggie Sandwich
      • Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwich
      • Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
      • Tempeh, Basil and Tomato Sandwich
      • Nut Butter, Banana & Honey Sandwich
    • Burgers >
      • Patty Melt
      • Plant Based Burger with Cheese
      • Plant Based Teriyaki Burger
      • Black Bean Veggie Burgers
      • Portobello Mushroom Burger
    • Pizza >
      • Whole Wheat Pizza
      • Fresh Homemade Pizza
      • Focaccia
    • Appetizers >
      • Bean Dip
      • Bruschetta
      • Caprese Bites
      • Egg Rolls
      • Toasted Chickpeas
      • Fruit Kabobs
      • Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
    • Pasta >
      • Farfalle and Chanterelles
      • Farfalle and Zucchini
      • Lasagna
      • Spinach Lasagna
      • Vegetable Lasagna
      • Homemade Ravioli
      • Mushroom Stuffed Pasta
      • Stuffed Pasta Shells
      • Baked Pasta with Vegetables
      • Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
      • Artichoke Stuffed Manicotti
      • Shells and Roasted Pepper Sauce
      • Angel Hair with Walnut Sauce
      • Linguini with Sweet Onion Sauce
      • Linguini with Black Olives
      • Pasta Casserole
      • Rigatoni with Tomatoes and Olives
      • Spaghetti with Pea Puree
      • Penne and Asparagus with Garlic Sauce
      • Pasta with Garden Fresh Tomatoes
      • Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
      • Penne with Bell Pepper
      • Spaghetti with Swiss Chard
    • Rice >
      • Asparagus Rice with Almonds
      • Baked Wild Rice
      • Broccoli Rice Casserole
      • Black Beans and Rice
      • Cilantro Rice with Lime
      • Chanterelle Risotto
      • Flavored Rice
      • Coconut Ginger Rice
      • Easy Rice Pilaf
      • Fried Rice
      • Johnny Rice
      • Mexican Rice
      • Mushroom Risotto
      • Porcini Mushrooms and Brown Rice Salad
      • Rice with Essence of Orange
      • Rice with Green Onion
      • Wild Rice with Almonds and Wild Mushrooms
      • Wild Rice with Dried Cranberries
      • Wild Rice, Spinach and Mushrooms
    • Couscous >
      • Acorn Squash Stuffed with Couscous
      • Fresh Easy Couscous
      • Leek and Pecan Couscous
      • Mushroom Pepper Couscous
      • Roasted Garlic Couscous
      • Roasted Vegetable Couscous
    • Potatoes >
      • Baked Potato Skins
      • Barbecued Potato
      • Grilled Red Skinned Potatoes
      • Colcannon
      • Crispy French Fries
      • Fanned Potatoes
      • Fingerling Potatoes
      • Garlic Roasted Potatoes
      • Hash Browns
      • Herb Roasted Potatoes
      • Homemade Potato Chips
      • Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan
      • Oven Roasted Potato Wedges
      • Parmesan Potato Wedges
      • Potatoes Anna
      • Potato Salad
      • Sauteed Potatoes
      • Savory Mashed Potatoes
      • Scalloped Potatoes
      • Twice Baked Potatoes
    • Quinoa >
      • Cilantro Lime Quinoa
      • Pesto Quinoa
      • Quinoa and Tomatoes
    • Vegetables >
      • Sauteed Acorn Squash
      • Roasted Delicata Squash Rings
      • Artichoke Stuffed Sweet Peppers
      • Roasted Artichokes
      • Steamed Artichokes
      • Stuffed Artichokes
      • Asparagus
      • Asparagus with No Guilt Hollandaise
      • Grilled Asparagus
      • Asparagus with Parmesan
      • Easy Beet Salad
      • Grilled Fresh Beets
      • Roasted Beets
      • Bell Peppers, Tomatoes and Onions
      • Stuffed Bell Peppers
      • Broccoli with Lemon
      • Asian Style Broccoli
      • Roasted Broccoli
      • Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic
      • Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
      • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
      • Barbecued Cabbage
      • Stir Fried Cabbage
      • Cauliflower with Avocado
      • Classic Cauliflower Casserole
      • Roasted Whole Cauliflower
      • Corn and Veggie Spoon Bread
      • Greg's Barbecued Corn on the Cob
      • Oven Roasted Corn
      • Eggplant Cutlets
      • Eggplant Parmigiana
      • Eggplant, Tomato and Feta Salad
      • Ratatouille
      • Stuffed Eggplant
      • Green Beans and Tomatoes
      • Green Bean Salad
      • Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
      • Homemade Green Bean Casserole
      • Kale Chips
      • Braised Leeks
      • Sauteed Mushrooms
      • Swiss Mushroom Tarts
      • French Fried Onions
      • Grilled Onions
      • French Peas
      • Fresh Peas and Onions
      • Snow Peas with Herbs
      • Snow Peas and Mushrooms
      • Spinach and Tomatoes
      • Broiled Tomatoes
      • Tomatoes with Pesto
      • Baked Zucchini with Mushrooms
      • Stuffed Zucchini
      • Zucchini Chips
      • Zucchini Fritters
    • Orzo >
      • Broccoli Orzo
      • Creamy Orzo with Mushrooms
      • Garlic and Parsley Orzo
      • Lemon Orzo
      • Asparagus Orzo
      • Tomato and Basil Orzo
      • Tri-Color Orzo
    • Salad Dressings >
      • Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
      • Caesar Salad Dressing
      • Citrus Salad Dressing
      • Cranberry Champagne Vinaigrette
      • Creamy Garlic Dressing
      • Creamy Salsa Dressing
      • Green Onion Salad Dressing
      • Honey Mustard Dressing
      • Italian Salad Dressing
      • Cilantro Vinaigrette
      • Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
      • Raspberry Vinaigrette
      • Ranch Dressing
      • Thousand Island Dressing
    • Sauces, Salsas, Dips, Spreads and Gravies >
      • Becky's BBQ Sauce
      • Cheeze Sauce
      • Dipping Sauce
      • Enchilada Sauce
      • Fresh Cranberry Sauce
      • Honey Lemon Sweet and Sour Sauce
      • Mushroom Gravy
      • No Guilt Hollandaise Sauce
      • Peanut Sauce
      • Pizza Sauce
      • Tarter Sauce
      • Teriyaki Sauce
      • Tomato Sauce
      • White Sauce
      • Avocado Salsa Verde
      • Mango Salsa
      • Salsa
      • Artichoke Dip
      • Eggplant Dip (Baba Ghanoush)
      • Onion Dip
      • Garlic Hummus
      • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
      • Basil Walnut Pesto
      • Aioli
      • Homemade Peanut Butter
    • Desserts >
      • Chocolate Nut Clusters
      • Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
      • Macerated Strawberries
      • Trail Mix Cookies
  • Becky's Tips
  • Culinary Herbs
  • Backyard Gardening
  • Pantry

Carrots

1/29/2012

 
Picture
Carrots
Carrots are a biennial that are grown as annuals. They come in colors such as white, yellow, orange, red, purple and some are even multi-colored. Carrots can grow in any climate, so make sure you buy seeds for the variety of carrot that grows in your area. Carrots like a light evenly moist soil, if you have to amend your soil make sure you have at least 12 inches of good soil for long carrots like "St. Valery", ""Belgium White", "Danvers" or "Dragon". If you just have a few inches of nice light soil make sure you only plant shorter varieties of carrots such as, "Paris Market", "Thumbelina", "Little Finger" or "'Nantes Half Long". There are so many interesting carrot varieties to choose from when growing your own.

Growing Carrots
Carrots are a cool growing crop, can be planted both in the spring and in the fall. For spring planting, plant 2 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost. For fall planting, plant 13 weeks before first frost. Carrots should be sown 1/4 inch deep, in rows about 2 inches apart. The rows should be 12 inches apart. Make sure the soil is free of rocks or clumps of dirt. These will stunt the carrots growth. Heavy soil will make your carrots mis-shapen.Carrots like sun and even moisture (about 1-inch water per week), so don't let the soil dry out. For continuous carrot production, plant one row of seeds, then plant the successive rows when the previous row is up and growing. This will give you carrots continuously throughout the growing season.

Harvesting Carrots
Carrots taste best when they are picked small. They should be firm, tender and about 1-inch to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Fall carrots actually taste better than spring carrots and if you live in a cool winter climate you can actually store the carrots in the ground, digging them up as you need them.

Pests and Diseases
  • Leafhoppers are present when leaves, stems and buds are pierced. They suck the sap and chlorophyll out of the plant. Leafhoppers are 1/4-1/3 inch long and are green, wedged shape insects. Apply insecticidal soap to control of serious infestations.
  • Weevils are present if the leaves are are chewed to the stem. They are 1/2 inch long, gray to brownish in color with a long snout. They feed at night.
  • Leaf Blight causes white spots on seedling leaves, they become brown and look like they are water-soaked. The roots may also have lesions, dark spots or craters. This cannot be cured. To help prevent leaf blight thin seedlings and keep garden soil well cultivated.
Cooking with Carrots
Of course we all love eating carrots raw but here are some recipes to use your garden fresh carrots in.
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/carrot-soup.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/carrot-salad.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/carrot-muffins.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/coconut-ginger-rice.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/wild-rice-with-dried-cranberries.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/roasted-vegetable-couscous.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/hearty-beef-stew.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/vegetable-lasagna.html

Nutrients in Carrots
  • Vitamins A, B6, C and K
  • Folate
  • Thiamin
  • Niacin
  • Manganese
  • Potassium
  • Fiber

Broccoli

1/24/2012

 
Picture
Broccoli
Broccoli is part of the cabbage family. It is a cool season crop that can be grown in spring as well as fall. Broccoli is a biennial but is usually grown as an annual. Broccoli is a great vegetable to grow if you are an inexperienced gardener because it is easy to grow and bears over a long period. One of the best growing varieties of broccoli is Calabrese because it produces many side shoots. Broccoli can grow to 4 feet in height and central stalks that bear green clusters of flower buds, also called florets.

Growing Broccoli
Broccoli is considered a cool season plant. It can be grown in all climate zones but it will tend to turn into flowers if the temperature is too high. In mild climates plant broccoli in early spring, fall or winter. If you live in a colder climate set transplants out 2 weeks before the last frost, in late winter or early spring. Broccoli only needs about 5 hours of sun a day. It also require 1 inch of water per week. Broccoli is pretty hardy so it can withstand some frost. It does not grow well in greenhouses. The smaller varieties of broccoli, such as Crusader, can be grown in a container that is at least 20 inches deep. If using seeds plant them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting time. If the summers remain cool in your area you can plant new broccoli about every month. Remember that 12 plants at a time will be more than enough for a typical family so save some seeds to plant again later.

Harvesting Broccoli

While the buds are still tight cut the central heads off. You should cut up to 6 inches of stalk along with the broccoli head. After you harvest the central head the broccoli plant will begin to grow offshoots. As long as you continue to harvest your broccoli before it flowers you will continue to get more shoots during the cool weather. Once the weather turns warm your broccoli will flower and you will no longer be able to harvest it.

Broccoli Pests
  • Aphids are present if your broccoli plants curl, pucker and turn yellow. Look for ants because they are attracted to secretions by aphids. Remove aphids by vigorously spraying with water in the morning and evening.
  • Cabbage loopers may be a problem if your plants have small ragged holes in the leaves.
Cooking with Broccoli
Broccoli is a fabulous vegetable to cook with. It makes wonderful soups, salads, casseroles and side dishes. 
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/broccoli-soup.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/asian-style-salad.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/pasta-with-creamy-lemon-sauce.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/broccoli-orzo.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/broccoli-with-lemon.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/oriental-style-broccoli.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/roasted-broccoli.html
Nutrients in Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the very nutrient dense cruciferous family of vegetables. These are vegetables you should eat at least 2-3 times per week, preferably 4-5 times per week. Broccoli is a good source of:
  • dietary fiber
  • vitamins C, K, A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6
  • folate
  • manganese
  • tryptophan
  • potassium 
  • magnesium
  • protein
  • omega 3
  • iron
  • calcium
  • zinc

Artichokes

1/18/2012

 
Picture
Artichokes
Artichokes are perennial plants that are not only good to eat but are also beautiful landscape plants. They are rather large rising to about 4 feet in height and 6-8 feet wide. Artichokes look kind of like a fountain as they grow. They have long silvery green leaves with big green flower buds that form on top of long stalks. The edible part of the plant is the green flower.

Growing Artichokes
Artichokes love the cool foggy conditions along the California coast, but can be grown in areas of colder winters and warmer summers too. In cool summer climates artichokes produce their flower buds from September to early May, possibly all year long. In other climates plants grow from spring through fall, with flower buds growing in early summer. You can try to grow artichokes in cold winter conditions, but you will need to protect the plant from cold weather.It is also unlikely any buds will grow in cold winter climates. Dormant plants can be planted in winter or early spring. Seedlings can be planted in early spring in cool coastal areas.  Space plants 4-6 feet apart, watering very well once a week after growth begins. When plant is done producing and leaves turn yellow cut off old stalks at ground level. In colder winter climates top plants to 1 foot in height, tie them over the root crown and mulch well. Artichokes can also be grown in large containers.

Harvesting Artichokes

Each stem will produce 3-5 buds and each plant will produce multiple stems. Harvest artichoke buds while they are tight and plump. Make sure the leaves are still closed. Cut the artichoke from the stem leaving 2-3 inches of the stem on the plant. If you leave the buds on the plant they will flower into beautiful purple thistles. You can cut them to use in floral arrangements.

Pests and Diseases
  • Spray plant buds vigorously with water to control aphids. 
  • Plant in raised garden beds with wire mesh at the bottom to control gophers.
Cooking with Artichokes
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/steamed-artichokes.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/stuffed-artichokes.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/chicken-artichokes-and-rice.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/artichoke-stuffed-manicotti.html
Nutrients in Artichokes
  • vitamins C, K
  • Niacin
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorous
  • Copper
  • Folate
  • Manganese

Grow Your Own Backyard Fruit and Vegetables

1/18/2012

 
Picture
Fruit and Vegetables
I know a lot of people who say they would love to grow their own food in a backyard garden but are so intimidated because they think to have a successful garden it needs to be big. The best way to start gardening is on a small scale. Choose just a few of your favorite vegetables or herbs to start with. I like to buy heirloom seeds because the seeds can be re-harvested and saved for next year. This is something you can choose to try or you can just buy seeds again for next year. I like buying seeds because it's less expensive and it's fun. Here are some tips to get you started for the upcoming spring season.

  • If you have never gardened before begin with 1 or 2 of your favorite herbs. Most herbs grow year round. You can plant these in containers or choose a spot in your yard as part of the landscaping.
  • If you want to grow vegetables and you don't already have a garden bed, you can start with container gardening to make sure this is something you want to do. We all have good intentions but a garden does need some time spent in it to be productive. Choose a few vegetables that grow well in containers (about 6-inches in diameter and 8-inches deep) like tomatoes, lettuce and radishes.
  • If you plan to make space in your yard for a vegetable garden, don't make it bigger than a 10x15 area. You can have a very productive garden in a well tended place. If your garden is bigger it will require more time and if your like me you don't want to spend all your time in it.
  • If your yard doesn't have one large sunny spot, its ok to plant your vegetables in smaller plots. This way you can also incorporate them into your landscape easier.
  • Choose varieties of seeds that will grow in your area. If you don't have a local garden nursery, ask a seed company to help you choose the best types for your area.
  • Cultivating or preparing the soil is an important step to control weeds. Break up the soil about the depth of a spade and turn the soil over.  This step is only done in the beginning process of preparing your garden for the initial planting.  After that nutrient loss can take place.
  • Mulching on the other hand is very beneficial. It conserves moisture, controls weeds, and improves the soil.
  • Don't forget to plant  fruit trees or berry bushes that grow in your area. These are wonderful because once they grow you will have a crop every year with minimal effort.
    Picture

    Becky

    I am combining my Backyard Edible blog to my Fresh Easy Meal website to give you all the information  you need about cooking and growing your own fruit and vegetables on one site. Happy gardening!

    Archives

    November 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

    Categories

    All
    Fruit
    Gardening Tips
    Garden Tips
    Vegetables

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.