Sophie & Margot How Does Your Garden Grow?

 

Raise Beds | Girls Dresses( similar)| Girls Sweater | Leggings | Garden Bags (similar)| Picnic Tables | 

The girls and I planted an herb and vegetable garden! I bought a raised bed from Wayfair, which was easy to put together, filled it with soil, and we were ready to get started. I had planters for a garden in the backyard but not enough sun and the backyard tends to be much cooler than the front. To be honest, most summer vegetables don't grow here on the coast so what we have planted is a bit of an experiment. 

The girls really enjoy learning about the different plants, and watering the garden is a big hit. I bought Sophie and Margot the most adorable gardening bags a while ago, and I'm so happy we are putting them to good use. 

How did we choose our plants? By what's cookin' in the kitchen of course! I listed  below the some plants, and the recipe we'll use for all the delicious ingredients we are growing. 

Italian Parsley & Oregano(Grown in a pot. It can be a bit invasive) - 

Shaun loves to make Gordon Ramsey's Bavette Steak with Rosemary Chimichurri Sauce and it is hands down one of my favorite dishes he makes!  

Tomatoes-

I will eat homegrown tomatoes with a little sea salt all season long, but we love roasting them and serving with burrata and a nice sliced baguette, toasted. Here is Ina Garten's recipe for roasted tomatoes and it's divine! Pun intended :)

• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 2 pints small cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a saute pan large enough to hold all the tomatoes in one layer.  Add the garlic to the oil and cook over medium heat for 30 seconds.  Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.  Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to loose their firm round shape.  Sprinkle with a little fresh chopped basil and parsley and serve hot or at room temperature.

Tarragon -

I have been making Ina Garten (see any patterns here?) Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin for years. It's easy, delicious and turns out perfectly mouth watering each and every time I make it. It is served with a yummy basil mayo. I may try and grow basil but I am thinking it is too foggy and damp in my neck of the woods. and a sunny window may have to do. 

I have made this refreshing and spicy salad over and over. It's a clever twist on a classic summer salad. 

Peaches and Tomatoes with Burrata and Hot Sauce

Ingredients

4 SERVINGS

2

Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2

Tbsp. mild hot sauce (such as Crystal or Frank’s)

2

tsp. unseasoned rice vinegar

2

tsp. honey

Kosher salt

3

ripe peaches or nectarines, cut into wedges

2

large ripe tomatoes or 1 lb. mixed tomatoes, sliced

1

8-oz. ball burrata or fresh mozzarella, torn into large pieces

Tarragon sprigs (for serving)

Flaky sea salt

Preparation

Step 1

Whisk oil, hot sauce, vinegar, and honey in a small bowl until honey is dissolved; season with kosher salt. Toss peaches, tomatoes, and half of dressing in a medium bowl; let sit 5 minutes.

Step 2

Transfer fruit salad to a platter. Top with burrata and drizzle with remaining dressing. Scatter a few torn tarragon sprigs over and season with sea salt.

Found on Bon Appetit 

Jalapeños-

Best guacamole recipe! Shaun has made more batches of Rosie's spicy Margarita than I can count. Yum!  

I would love to hear what you have planned for your summer garden in the comments below. Happy Gardening!