H is for Haricot Vert

 

 History: Haricot Vert is French for Green Bean.  From the same family, they are a variety of green beans that are longer and thinner than the types of green beans we commonly find in the US, though they grow just fine here. This post and recipe can apply to any kind of green bean, but there are reasons you might choose the fancier named bean, so we decided to feature it here.  If you are growing beans, the long bean we call string beans can either grow in bushes or on vines that need to be trellised or tied to poles.  There are advantages to the bush beans, like shorter growing time and less plant maintenance.  Haricot Vert are bush beans, though there are other beans that grow on bushes too.  When you are shopping at a farmer's market or the grocer for beans, an advantage would be ease of sorting, cleaning and use.  Haricot Vert tend to be straighter and thinner, so it is easier to find the nicer ones.  When serving green beans, a plate of organized, great tasting beans is the final advantage - you'll look like a pro.

Identification:  When you are standing at the Farmer's Market looking at beans, you will notice the thin, straight beans vs a mass of beans that are thicker and often have a curve at their end. The grocer will often have the Haricot Vert in bags, all lined up and easy to grab.  You will have to sort through the regular green beans to ensure the nicest choices.  There is sometimes a premium price on the Haricot Vert, but the flavor and quality usually makes it worth it.  This is another reason to consider growing them for yourself if you have the room.   Learn more about the health benefits of green beans here.           Season: May through Mid October  

Recipe:  Steamed Green Beans tossed in infused oil

This recipe will keep your green beans (and you can use any strain of green beans) at peak flavor while maintaining the most nutrients

Infused Oil

Ingredients

Garlic cloves (Crushed)

Whole Peppercorns

Fresh Bay leaf

Olive Oil

Lemon Zest

Chili Flake

Cleaned green beans with stem tips cut off

Method of Production

Heat up oil, peppercorns, bay leaf and crushed cloves of garlic gently & not too hot

As it cools, you may add the lemon zest and crushed chili flake

Allow to sit, infusing for at least an hour, meanwhile, clean and steam your beans.

When beans are tender, place them in a bowl and cover with strained infused oil.  Season with salt and more lemon zest, serve hot.

G is for Gardening

 

 

This post will be a little different, growing your own food can bring you back to basics in a wonderful way!

•  Stores like Trader Joes, Whole Foods and even Jewel sell potted herbs that you can take home.  Rosemary, basil, thyme, chives, parsley and cilantro.  This is a small way to stay in touch with your own food.
• Railing boxes are also great for herbs in the nicer months of the year.  You could also plant radishes in them since they don't grow deep and grow very fast.
• Planter boxes/barrels that sit on your balcony, are great for tomato or pepper plants, my Mother-in-Law has a virtual farmer's harvest each summer.  She never has a summer salad without cherry tomatoes beginning about July 15th.
• My favorite gardening suggestion is hydroponic/aeroponic gardening.  Have you ever heard of Tower Gardens?

We have begun a crowd funding campaign to get our own Tower Gardens in our catering kitchen.  We are using a new crowd funding site called MUMZY.  They are helping us in our efforts.  Will you help?  Click here to see the campaign.

                  O'Hare Airport, in Chicago, has a wonderful Tower Garden Aeroponic Garden.