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Stepping Into May

Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8".  It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...

Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes


 

Another recipe -

I'm not sure where this recipe came from but it has become one of our favorites. This is surprising because I don't really like pasta or tomatoes. However, we use angel hair pasta which doesn't bother me too much (I take small portions). As for tomatoes, roasting them is  my favorite way to eat them. This is a very satisfying meal with bread and a salad. A summer recipe no doubt, but really good in the middle of winter too.

2 lbs. grape or plum tomatoes, halved lenghtwise
1/2 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 TBS. Italian dressing
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (or more if you like it spicy)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
8 oz. pasta (Angel hair or any kind you prefer)
Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 400.

Place the tomatoes, cut side up, on a foil-lined 15 x 10 x 1" pan sprayed with cooking spray or rubbed with olive oil.



Whisk together the olive oil (reserving 2 tablespoons), garlic and seasonings. Spoon over the tomatoes.


 

Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and browned on top.

Prepare the pasta. 

Place half of the tomatoes in a bowl and toss with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the pasta. Add the remaining tomatoes. 

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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