We all need to take some time and slow down to enjoy Spring before it’s gone. So I stopped by the farm today to pick up a few Spring delights and take some photos for you of what’s going on at the farm stand. I stepped on the deck and was greeted by this sign:
I hope you all remember that this is OUR farm. You can enjoy a picnic lunch out behind the farm stand or stop by to visit the animals. I took a quick walk back there today to visit and I am so glad I did. I was greeted very eagerly by these little lambs:
I will have to remember to ask Jamie where all of the names come from when I’m there on Friday To get more goodies! Today I was on a mission to pick up some beautiful Spring asparagus, which I did, but I ended up going home with asparagus, spinach, jam, and two varieties of mint to plant in the backyard! I couldn’t resist when I pulled up and saw this:
Back at my house we have been doing a lot of work in our backyard. We have been clearing out woods, building raised garden beds and cleaning up some damage from the hard winter we had. I ordered tomato, zucchini, cucumber, and pepper plants from Springdell to put in my new gardens. Here is a peek at the progress we have been making.
Since we cleared out some large pieces of land I was looking to plant some mint because I know it spreads like crazy and that is what I’m looking for. Also, I love mint! I found a great list of 30 ways to use mint and I’m looking forward to trying many of them out this summer. Here are a few that looked good to me:
Boiled with sugar and water to make mint syrup to sweeten drinks
As a garnish for summer drinks like lemonade
In place of some or all of the basil in pesto
Steeped with boiling water for fresh mint tea
Added to green smoothies
For mint iced tea — steep mint in boiling water with sugar or honey, then chill
Chopped and tossed with roasted potatoes, olive oil and salt
Frozen in ice cubes for a pretty drink presentation
Added to salads
In mint butter
In cupboards and drawers to repel ants
Blended with lemon juice, vinegar and a light oil for salad dressing
Mixed with olive oil for a marinade for the grill
Simmered in homemade hot chocolate
Chopped and added to salsa
Used to make homemade mint ice cream
Be sure to check out the whole list, here is the website I found:
http://www.examiner.com/article/30-ways-to-use-mint
When I got home I planted the two varieties of mint that I bought at the farm stand, chocolate mint and apple mint, so excited for these this summer. I did some weeding and raking and decided to call it quits. I went in and made myself a quick snack with the new jam I picked up today. A rice cake with cream cheese and blueberry ginger jam.
I’ll enjoy the asparagus for dinner tonight and I think I’ll save my spinach for lunch salads tomorrow.
Until next time, happy spring!