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Another Tantalizing Recipe

By
Real Estate Agent with Rector Hayden, Lexington, Ky

Civilization and gardens

 

            During World War II Americans turned their yards (and sometimes roof gardens) into vegetable gardens so that they could ease the strain on the food supply. These were called Victory Gardens.   In 1944 about 40% of all the vegetables being consumed in the US were grown in Victory Gardens.  The food certainly aided the war effort, but it also boosted the morale of the people who didn’t themselves actively go to war.  The gardens promoted civilization, if you will.

            Last month I dragged Kathy to the Arboretum for the monthly meeting of gardeners.  It was a potluck and Kathy provided a salad that used some of the bounty of our cherry tomatoes.   One lady took a bite of Kathy’s salad and said, “Who brought this?  What’s in it?”  (always a mark of success!)

 

            Cornbread Tomato Salad

 

Combine in a large bowl: 

            4 c. cubed cornbread

            2 c.  halved cherry tomatoes

            1 c. cubed Fontina cheese

            1/2 c. diced cucumbers

            1/2 c. chopped fresh basil

 

Whisk together and pour over:  1/2 c. olive oil, 6 Tablespoons lemon juice,  1 Tablespoon grated fresh lemon peel, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper.  Toss gently.

           

 

            The different people went around the table introducing themselves, talking about their garden interests.   I told about how I’m new to Kentucky and learning to adapt to the soil and climate here.  One couple talked about how they’d converted their whole yard to an immense garden.  But what they said was that they had “civilized their yard”.  What an unusual phrase!  But isn’t it apt?  Gardening provides order and even a habitat for bees, birds (and often unwanted bugs – but a big enough garden has bounty for all).  Furthermore I find that gardening civilizes me.  It gives me a reason to adopt habits of diligent watering, weeding, tending and harvesting. 

             

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Paul Campbell

The Jubilee Team of Rector Hayden Realtors

Lexington's Green Thumb Realtor

The Jubilee Team,  Paul Campbell and Dorothy LaBar

Paul's Contact Info:  859.684.5890   pcampbell@rhr.com

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Comments (6)

Suzanne Gantner
Realty Texas - Round Rock, TX
GRI, E-Pro, SRES, SRS, ABR, CNE, REDS, CPS, WCS

That looks like a fabulous recipe!!  I love fresh vegetables from the garden, it tastes so much better.

Sep 16, 2009 10:10 AM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Paul~ This looks fantastic. You are making me very hungry!  Thanks for sharing.

Sep 16, 2009 11:22 AM
Paul Campbell Realtor Lexington
Rector Hayden, Lexington, Ky - Lexington, KY
Kentucky Homes for Sale

Suzanne and Vickie,

If ever in Lexington you  have to visit my garden.  I know it is much more likely that Vickie may be here but you never know Suzanne.  Let us know and Kathy will have a delicious meal to share. 

Sep 16, 2009 01:38 PM
Leslie Prest
Leslie Prest, Prest Realty, Sales and Rentals in Payson, AZ - Payson, AZ
Owner, Assoc. Broker, Prest Realty, Payson,

I've had variations on your recipe, and it is good. I'm a gardener, too. While I can't plant my whole yard due to water conservation issues, I have a raised veggie bed in my backyard, and herbs and vegetables in and among the flowers out front. Tastes better, fresher, safer, and FREE! Can't beat it!

Leslie

Sep 17, 2009 05:37 AM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

A big stress reliever from my perspective. And the people you help all the better.

Sep 17, 2009 06:48 AM
Paul Campbell Realtor Lexington
Rector Hayden, Lexington, Ky - Lexington, KY
Kentucky Homes for Sale

Leslie,

With the weather so hot in Arizona can you grow veggies in the summer?  I know you can grow a great garden in the winter.  I used to love visiting my sister in Phoenix and eating the great produce grown during the winter.

Robert, my daughter lives in Detroit and works in Ann Arbor.  She is very connected to organic farmers and has a vision to start a "pay as you can" restaurant in Detroit.  If you have any connections with people in the Detroit area that may be interested in her dream please let me know.

Sep 17, 2009 12:50 PM