Soon to be a Black Swallowtail Butterfly ...

These green, yellow, and black caterpillars feed on plants that belong to the carrot family, such as dill, fennel, and parsley. Since I'd rather eat my garden plants than feed the caterpillars, I relocate these critters down the road to a nice patch of Queen Anne's Lace, their preferred snack.

My mom samples the okra

She likes it!

see post from July 30 for "how to"
Sautéd Okra 

Okra ... THE summer treat!

Our favorite way to cook it:

Cut in half, lengthwise

Sauté in olive oil, cut side down, until golden brown (caramelization is key)

Cover at the end to steam it along if necessary

Salt liberally

Serve it hot

We usually eat it as an appetizer. Rarely does it make it to the table!

Fresh Tomato Sauce

This is an easy, basic recipe for making fresh tomato sauce. Adjust as you see fit!

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce

Pink-Eyed Purple-Hulled Peas

We love southern peas! And we're making full use of the hand-cranked sheller we purchased last summer. What a difference that makes!

fresh from the garden

cooked up with onions and just enough jalapeña pepper
maybe a little bacon grease?

Tomatillas

 Lovely in their papery husk... I'm so happy they're producing fruit!

Long Beans

Picked the season's first Asian long beans today!