Elk Burgers

Gotta love it when your son in law drops off last yrs excess inventory of assorted pkgs of venison sausages and elk burger in anticipation of this yrs take. They've got plenty. They're gonna get more. They know it. They've done it for yrs. It's a done deal. They are cleaning out the freezer.
Lucky me.
It is nearly 2 weeks into September and the sky and the light has changed; today's wind blustry, thrashing the pines and oaks, leaves and branches left on the yard.  A week ago the wild rice tendrills were green with purple tops as I knocked a few into the canoe. A meager yield this season due to to early heavy rains and later strong winds. What was left was laying half down and it was a one side of the canoe half harvest of a quarter crop. Not a lot. Like hobby ricing.
I fried the elk burgers, seasoned w/ salt, pepper, garlic in a black cast iron pan, along with carmelized onions and plenty of garlic,  and at the end added worcestershire sauce and smoked cheddar cheese.
We ate them on whole grain bread w/ketchup and mustard and tabasco to taste.
Luscious, assertive and wild.
October on the palate.   

Summer's Bounty

A simple saute in olive oil of the late summer vegetables of zucchini,summer squash, cherry tomatoes, squash blossoms as well as fresh basil, mint, chives, garlic and wood fire Weber grilled and shaved chicken(optional) served in an alfredo sauce w/grated Italian cheeses over angel hair pasta. Hallelujah!

Garden Pizza

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             Another Olympics watching snack - pizza made from frozen whole wheat bread dough and jarred marinara sauce. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced summer squash and fresh basil from the garden. Season w/ crushed red pepper, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with assorted Italian cheeses.Eat your pizza, drink your wine or beer, enjoy the games, the athletes, their accomplishments.

Egg Salad Garden Style

                A simple lunch of egg salad w/ just harvested cherry tomatoes and basil from the garden. A glass of  V8 juice on the side. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water that you boil your eggs in. It makes them easier to peel. Serve the egg salad open faced on whole wheat toast.

Nachos From The Garden, Olympic Style

                  Olympics watching nachos with pinto beans in chili sauce, carmelized onions, jalapeno peppers, garden tomatoes, summer squash blossoms,jack cheese, garlic, parsley, cilantro, mint and fresh squeezed lime juice.
               The perfect accompaniment along with a cold beer or a margarita on a luscious summer night while watching the greatest of games.

Bruschetta w/ Garden Tomatoes, Basil and Parmesan Cheese

             When you have Olympic fever and it is a hot summer eve and you are intrigued and inspired by the summer games and the astonishing performances of the athletes,you want to have a platter of assorted bruschettas and a glass of wine as an accompaniment  The traditional bruschetta topping involves chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil and parmesan cheese on toasted artisanal bread.
             Another is diced onions and diced mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, seasoned with garlic, sage and butter.
             Enjoy the games.Savor your bruschettas. Quaff your wine. Celebrate the surprises and successes of the Olympic athletes. This is heaven. I think of youth and desire and faith and belief and hard work in pursuit of goals.And as always I think of fresh food well prepared.
                          

Fresh Berries and Yoghurt, Summertime Treat

          Summertime berries, plain yoghurt seasoned w/ vanilla extract; all drizzled with honey and garnished with fresh mint.As breakfast, snack or a dessert. It is delicious and good for you, too.