Tag Archives: food

What is Haricot Vert?

Haricot vert is the french name for thin, stringless green beans. Good ones are 6 to 7 inches long and thinner than a pencil. They grow on bushy plants about 18 inches tall and must be picked frequently to keep them producing.

Heirlooms-MixedTo cook them, you remove the pointy ends and steam or braise them until slightly tender. If you are in a hurry you can nuke them for about 20 seconds.  They are fine with a little salt. A traditional Greek preparation that takes advantage of the overlap with prime tomato season, is fasolakia. The beans are simmered with tomatoes and some fresh herbs like parsley and mint. You can add small potatoes to the pot too.

Fasolakia is great with Baked Ricotta.

Picking tomatoes… to grow in 2014

I grew about 18 varieties last year and kept records so I am sorting out what to make space for this year and I need to get some seeds started. I picked all of these on the same day and the bigger ones aren’t as ripe as they could be. The growing season in 2013 was very warm and windy early then hot into June then problematically wet into August.

Tomato-Class-of-2013I loved the green zebras on pizza, kind of tart and they popped taste wise. The brandywine is delicious but needs extra space and support. Sungold and Sweet 100s are both good producers and good with greens or in pasta salads. Juliet was a very good producer and very resiliant. A good tomato for drying. Easy to clean and roast with olive oil and rosemary also.

The Stupice (stu-pee-chay) was bland and almost plasticky in texture. Celebrity was a good resister when blight came in, eats like a smaller Beefsteak. I had cracking issues due to water and NPK issues, mostly in the bigger tomatoes. The Beeksteak was a great plant, classic and nice tomatoes, especially good for burgers or sandwiches. I grill thick slices in a little butter and salt. But again, mine were cracky on the tops and my support scheme was inadequate when the plants really got heavy with fruit.

Trader Joe’s now in Albany

Trader Joe’s has opened in Albany with their unique mix of house branded products. They buy direct and offer great prices on a wide variety of food, beverage and household items. I especially love their chocolate covered espresso beans, Tuscan bread, and cookies.

Trader Joe's comes to Albany, NY
Trader Joe’s comes to Albany, NY

Trader Joe’s is famous for their items which have no preservatives, artifical colors or ingredients.  No GMO, MSG, and no trans fat. Lots of great pantry staples too but don’t expect to find locally grown items here — at this German-owned chain, they “shop the world” for great values.

Pictures of the Trader Joe’s Colonie store before it opened in August 2012.

79 Wolf Road  Colonie, NY 12205
8am to 9pm daily
518 482-4538