Wonders Never Cease

If you follow the garden-related categories on Pinterest like I do, you've seen all those pins proclaiming you can regrow various kitchen scraps back into edible food. Sounds a bit too good to be true, doesn't it? You might get something to sprout or root, but a whole plant regrown from a nubbin typically destined for the compost? Hmmm.

Well, here's the thing: it just might actually work. In a fit of mild curiosity, I took a celery stump and plunked it in a container with a bit of water, along with some pebbles on the bottom to help keep it in place. I left it on the windowsill and, after just a few days, it had sprouted new leaves! So far, so good. I had bought another bunch of celery in the meantime, took its stump and started it the same way:

It also sprouted! I left them both there for a few weeks, adding water and rotating them for even sun exposure. In what seemed like no time, the second stump had caught up in size to the first one, and the leaves on both were looking lovely and dark green. The only issue? I still had yet to read any instructions on how to regrow celery. I scanned the internet and realized my little sproutlings were long overdo for being potted up in soil. I remedied this immediately, hoping it would also encourage them to send out roots:

This is by far a work in progress, but they are still going strong. If all goes well, I may eventually plant one or both outside, which would give them more room to grow. If nothing else, this has been a fun experiment in waste not/want not gardening :-) It's cost me nothing but a little time combined with a minimum of effort, and in return given me the pleasure of growing something during these chilly weeks of no-longer-Winter but not-quite-Spring. So, the next time you have the end of something lying around...

>o<

Easy Being Green: Catalan Spinach

My favorite way to eat greens is simply sauteed in a bit of olive oil or butter, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. In recent years, I've enjoyed the classic Mediterranean greens often described as Catalan Spinach at various eateries, but for some reason never thought to make it at home. I could see there were only a few ingredients needed, resulting in those wonderful sweet-savory flavors for which this dish is known. However, I felt sure there was some underlying technique or finesse which I wouldn't be able to replicate in my kitchen. I pictured myself being disappointed and discouraged, with nothing but some wilted greens to ease my troubled mind. Thankfully, I finally did try it—not only was it extremely easy to make, it was extremely fast as well!

Catalan Spinach

Ingredients:
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, sliced
3-4 Tablespoons dried currants
11 oz. baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large, wide saucepan over medium-low heat, gently simmer olive oil and garlic, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes. Add currants and continue to simmer for another few minutes, until all the currants are soft and coated with the garlicky oil. Add spinach and wilt, covered, turning the leaves over as needed (you may need to add the spinach in batches depending on the size and depth of your pan). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or warm.

Notes: Substitute baby Swiss chard or baby kale for the baby spinach, or use regular spinach (removing any tough stems and veins). In place of the currants, use regular or golden raisins. For added flavor and crunch, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving. Adjust quantities of oil, garlic and currants to taste, or as needed for larger/smaller quantities of greens. Adapted from the always helpful Joy of Cooking.

>o<

Recipe Roundup: Let's Do Brunch

As the days grow longer, it's natural to be out and about more, enjoying the sun and fresh air. Of course, you'll still want to sleep in on the weekends! Eventually, you'll also need to eat, and that means indulging in the best meal ever invented: brunch. Here's a selection of both sweet and savory items, perfect for Saturdays and Sundays - or any day you want something comforting :-)

Ham and Cheese Strata: My go-to, one-dish meal that's as easy as it is forgiving. A great way to reinvent those odds and ends hanging out in the fridge as well.

Salmon and White Bean Salad: Simple and satisfying, with lots of protein to keep you going for the day - even if you're just lazing on the couch ;-)

Heirloom Tomato Cobbler: A savory twist on a classic. If tomatoes aren't in season, use your favorite cooked/grilled vegetables in their place.

Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Scones: The name says it all - and what could be better?

Maple-Pecan Breakfast Muffins: Easy, sweet, and full of flavor. Like a pancake you can hold in your hand!

>o<