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A Visit to Cistus Nursery

I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...

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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