Frosty The Tomato?

One great thing about living in SoCal: my winter tomato crop is coming off the vine and the lemon tree is full of fruit again. While it tastes like summer, it's getting chilly at night... cold enough to freeze up here in the foothills. That's why I was pretty interested today when I came across the farmer's rule for frost: never touch or pick a frozen plant. If you do the ice crystals will destroy the plant when it thaws and you'll be left with black mush. (Same reason you don't rub frostbitten hands.) Instead, leave the heartier plants - like leeks and lettuces - on the vine and, some say, a moderate freeze may even improve the flavor. When you do harvest, simply peel off any outer damage and you're good to go.

I love this advice, for plants and life in general... don't rush when things get frosty and trust that our better selves will make it through tough times. Enjoy the winter solstice this week.

Thanks to Farm Fresh To You for the frost advice! 

Oh, Those A-Doorable Holiday Cards!

The Christmas cards are starting to roll in through the mail, and it's always so great to see everyone's photos of all those cutie kids and pets. I never really know what to do with all the cards though. I'd like to enjoy them during the month, but not necessarily have them take over valuable counter space, etc. So, here's what I came up with this year. I hung a wide felt ribbon down my entry way closet door (you'll need to tape or nail this to the back of the door) and then attach cards as they arrive. It's easy and fun to see it "fill up" as we get closer to the holidays. For all my cousins who send their Christmas greetings out around Easter, I can't guarantee it will still be up then... so get 'em in early this year so I can look at your pretty faces now! :)

Kiwi Freezer Jam!

Wow, does this recipe for kiwi freezer jam from the Coconut & Lime website look yummy and easy - and that green color... just spectacular! I'm kind of a kiwi freak, and I have fond memories of freezer jam from my childhood strawberry picking days. Going to give this one a try very soon. Starting my search now for freezer pectin...