vv 10-23

18
October 2023
The Little Patch That Could
By: Pat Alexander / Art of Entertaining
Growing your own vegetables is such an
amazing experience.
Years ago, when I lived in California, I turned
a 20 x 30 patch of ground into a garden and grew everything from
corn to zucchini. From July through October, that patch never stopped
producing. It was like the little engine that could.
The bad part of a good garden is that it never stops giving. I love
corn but how many ears can you eat? And how much can you pass off
to friends!
Then there are tomatoes! Oh, those gorgeous tomatoes. I froze them
whole for delicious tomato sauces all year long. Some say they can’t be
frozen - they can!
Then came the zucchini, the most prolific of growers. If you want
to ruin friendships,
show up at a
friend’s door with a
bag of zucchini.
The first time
you are gladly
welcomed, the
second time the
smile is thinner
and the third time
no one answers
the bell. (As an
incentive, I even
tried giving out
zucchini recipes
ranging from bread
to quiche. It didn’t
work.)
I was desperate to
give the produce a home and prayed to the Zucchini Gods that they
would wither away, but no; still they came. A word to the wise - pass on
the zucchini!
But, back to corn. It’s a favorite and can take the place of potato salad
or coleslaw, so try it for something new.
Corn Salad: Defrost 16 oz. bag of fire roasted corn. (I use Trader
Joe’s for the best flavor). Melt 2 tbs. butter in large skillet over high
heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and stir for 1 minute. Add corn and
cook for 3-4 minutes, seasoning with ½ tsp. each of kosher salt and
ground black pepper.
In bowl mix ¼ cup crème fraiche, ½ tsp. ancho chili powder, ½ red or
sweet onion diced, juice of one lime, 2 stems finely sliced green onion,
and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
Pour over corn, toss well and top with ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese.
Taste and add more cheese, seasoning or lime juice as needed.
Pat Alexander writes about all things home. She is well known for
her cooking, parties and interior design, and consults on kitchen
and bath remodels.