Giardino Estivo… Summer Garden…

It is that time of year… the time I start stressing about whether or not I can actually grow a pumpkin for Fall.  Everyone I talk to,  or ask tips on growing pumpkins from,  tell me something different. At least some people have admitted being unable to grow pumpkins as well.  The rest of the people say it's easy…ha,  not for me.  Fingers crossed,  fertilizer,  good soil,  lots of water… we shall see.  Meanwhile, the rest of the garden is happy,  as are the roses etc…

Bombe Di Semi…. Seed Bombs…

Seed saving makes sense… but,  I've never done it like this before.   Loving this little craft.  Seeds, wrapped up in clay,  and soil,  adorned with some petals or little stems of seed pods .  The clay will  give the seeds some protection from birds or too much water  before they sprout,  and soil is there  so they can sprout. Giving new life to a favorite  flower or herb by tossing them into a space that needs  beautifying is a great idea. I think I will take some of these on my new journey… others can be given as a sweet little gift.

Panna Cotta Saporito…Savory Panna Cotta…

Basil and goat cheese Panna Cotta with Fig Jam makes a great savory starter.  I infused the cream with chopped fresh Basil,  added goat cheese… less sugar,  and a little more salt than I use in my sweet Panna Cotta,  topped with a favorite… Fig Jam.  A cheese and fruit course,  served in an unexpected way turns out to be a perfect starter.

Giardino E Cucina… Garden And Kitchen…

 Been spending lots of time in the garden, and in the kitchen on these long,  lazy days of summer.  Sometimes it's just hard to decide which of my favorite  places  I want to be in,  at any given time.  It seems like we've had lots more clouds in the sky than usual… fewer of those "perfect days "without a cloud in the sky.  I actually really like that,  it's different for San Diego,  and I find the sky to be much more interesting with big puffy clouds,  or even some dark,  stormy clouds which we've had a bit of lately.  I think we are all hoping that the El Niño which is predicted,  will in fact bring us lots of good rain.

Happy 4th Of July…