Growing your own Food

They taste DE-LISH in pastas and are so incredibly easy to grow, I can't figure out why anyone would pay $3 for a teeny package of "fresh" herbs. Or spending $3.00 for a small package of cherry tomatoes seems like a waste once I discover that half of them are wilting! Food prices are high enough with having to spend a good chunk of your budget on fresh foods. It seems silly.

Starting the vegetable garden with my daughter was one of the best things we have done! A truly great learning experience and super (yummy) savings for me -- double score! I can't believe how easy it has been for this "brown thumb" to harvest our own food.

We grow a little of everything -- tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, lettuce, garlic, squash, herbs, etc. Some work better than others in this 100+-degree weather.


As an herb, Basil is high on our list... it's very easy to grow (even if you have a brown thumb) and it pairs well with so many dishes. One of my all-time fave things to make with our bunches of basil is fresh pesto sauce. Mmmmmm! Over pasta, on sandwiches, bruschetta, or on homemade pizza -- this stuff is the best!

Here's a recipe that's killer:

3 cloves garlic, cut into pieces
2 cups solidly packed fresh basil leaves (or 1 cup solidly packed basil leaves and 1 cup solidly packed parsley
3/4 teaspoon sea
freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
3/4 cup Parmigiano Regiano (can use grated parmesan, too)
2 tablespoons softened (room temperature) unsalted butter

In a food processor (or blender):
If using a blender, place all the ingredients except the cheese and the butter. Blend to a smooth puree (don't overblend). Transfer to a bowl, and the parmigiano and beat the cheese in using a wooden spoon. Add the butter and beat the mixture until it is smooth. Cover and set aside. At this point you can refrigerate the pesto and it will keep, refrigerated for at least a week.

TIP: Don't heat it! Rule number one is don't heat the pesto. Let the pesto room to warm temperature and add to hot pasta or top vegetables.

To make our adorable, tin-can starter pots...

You'll need:

* Terra Cotta pots and/or empty, clean aluminum cans
* Acrylic paints and brushes
* Assortment of stickers, pom-poms, etc. to decorate (optional)

Cover an inexpensive terra cotta pot or empty aluminum soup cans with some fresh paint and cute designs to create unique planters!

Add soil, seeds, and water for a handcrafted garden.
NOTE: Herb seeds work great in these soup cans! Keep a row of them on your window sill for some fresh herbs at dinner time.

Wanna get started on your own herb garden? Pick up some seedlings or seeds (very cheap!) and read up on some awesome beginner tips HERE and HERE!