The wait is over. Bro's asparagus bed is in its third year of existence and, finally, we are able to harvest and enjoy the fruits of his labors!
The Diva even got in on the action and picked a few stalks herself. Now this is *my* kind of gardening ... someone else does all of the work and I reap what they sow! ;)
Honestly, it was the best asparagus I've ever had - tender, sweet, and thoroughly delicious! There is nothing like enjoying truly fresh from the garden produce. Talk about farm-to-table! Within minutes of picking the beautiful stalks, they were lightly drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt and freshly ground pepper and roasted quickly in a 425 degree oven for about 15 minutes. They emerged emerald green, beautifully caramelized on one side, and incredibly tender. Not the least bit woody or stringy, like that stuff you often find in the grocery store.
Patience is not one of my virtues, but in this case, it was worth the three year wait. HUGE props to my bro and his mad gardening skillz. I know we'll be enjoying this asparagus bed for years to come.
Sings of Spring were all around the garden this weekend. A small, perfectly formed nest was found tucked away in the grape arbor beside the edge of the garden.
A riot of red and white tulips have raised their pretty heads among the gnarled vines. And bro's garlic patch looks like its ready to take over the world. Let the harvesting begin!
Bon appetite!
the asparagus is gorgeous! and i love roasting mine as well!
ReplyDeleteTulips and asparagus, two of my favorite things. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteA great weekend was had by all. Delicious food, friendly folk and so/so weather. But what more can a person ask than to pick and cook?
ReplyDeleteLucky Diva and family.
I once tried to grow asparagus and was surprised about the 3 year wait. Unfortunately mine DIED. :(
ReplyDeleteI've never read Catcher and the Rye, surprisingly. I have read Olive Kitterage though, and rated it 3 stars on Amazon. hehe I'm currently the most recommended negative review and am quite proud of it! :P I'm a nerd, what can I say. I love the other novels by the same author, though!
Oh Diva, it was 1984 the last time I had asparagus growing in my garden. They are hard work, but the result pays dividends.
ReplyDeleteAV
Mo - roasted asparagus is soooo good! Actually, I like it anyway I can get it. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Janet! Hope all is well with you. I remember the pretty tulips that you posted a while back. :)
pixelgal - nope, we can't ask for much more than that. It was a great family weekend indeed ... tasty too!
Christina - I don't know that I'd be able to grow any either, I'm so lucky to have a brother with a green thumb! Oooh, very interesting about your negative Olive Kitteridge review. Will have to check that out!
Argentum - do you garden now? Waiting the three years seemed like enough hard work to me ... but eating the yummy stalks sure was lovely!
Diva, the place I'm in is fully concreted, but I have made my own compost and created little gardens along the fence.
ReplyDeleteCheck this link, you will see the result: http://itsnotthecoffin.blogspot.com/2010/04/unprecedented.html
AV
I see this lovely veggie coming into season on so many blogs I sure wish I knew what it tastes like.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I've wanted to grow asparagus forever, but I'm not very patient - although it occurs to me that if I had done it years ago, I too would be enjoying that deliciousness.
ReplyDeleteI used to collect bird's nests, so that one tugged my heart.
And I'm so happy to hear about the Thirsty Thursday challenge! That sounds like so much fun that I'm going to try to overcome my aversion to gin. It's not a flavor thing - it was my ex-husband's drink of choice during my very short, very hurtful first marriage.
That was over 20 years ago, so it might be time for me to get over it. I think I'll try your cocktail first to get in the gin groove.
The asparagus is gorgeous, I bet it was fantastic!
ReplyDeleteAuntie,
ReplyDeleteDad says thanks for the props. It was really great to hang out this weekend. Sluggo and Brigitte say thanks for the pugnap.
Dont asparagus look so funny when they are growing up out of the ground like that? I think they do. How fab to have them fresh out of one's own garden. Cant wait to see what you do with them.
ReplyDelete*kisses* HH
3 years??? yeah I don't think I could hang with that LOL... but is someone else wanted to for me...!
ReplyDeleteDiva, I ran with the idea. I posted on asparagus, its so dear to my heart: http://thingsthatfizz.blogspot.com/2010/04/asparagus-asparagus-officinalis-part-i.html
ReplyDeleteLinked to you of course.
AV
Woop woop! Three years is a super long time, but at least the bounty was good. There has to be a way to speed that up!
ReplyDeleteVery cool--to have it so fresh. There is little better than simple roasted asparagus--yum!
ReplyDeleteI love all these signs of spring! Gorgeous pictures!
ReplyDelete