"... BREAD FEEDS THE BODY INDEED, BUT THE FLOWERS FEED ALSO THE SOUL."
~ The Koran
Bergenia
(the perfect companion plant)
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FRESH TOMATO & BASIL BRUSCHETTA
~ a delightful appetizer, perfect for all seasons
Bruschetta
Italian bread or french baguette
1 cup loosely packed chopped parsley
1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
freshly cracked pepper to taste
1/2 -3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Tomato Topping
3 1/2 cups chopped & seeded ripe plum tomatoes
3 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
pinch of coarse salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
Italian bread or french baguette
1 cup loosely packed chopped parsley
1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
freshly cracked pepper to taste
1/2 -3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Tomato Topping
3 1/2 cups chopped & seeded ripe plum tomatoes
3 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
pinch of coarse salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
- Combine chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and salt & pepper. Let stand at room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Blend butter, parsley, salt & pepper. Spread on bread. Dip bread in grated Parmesan cheese to cover surface. Bake 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Slice bread in serving size pieces and top with tomato mixture.
Bergenia
(Grown for cabbage-like leathery foliage, this hardy low growing plant spreads by rhizomes and can be used as ground cover and edging along borders ... looks best in mass plantings. Perfect for a shady spot getting morning sun or in full sun.)
Comments
happy april dear friend...your garden looks amazing.
Eileen
Bergenia is on my "maybe someday when I have grown more shade" list. I had to move my pulmonaria once spring came as they were going to get toasted under my magnolia!
Thanks, Carolyn, happy yours are doing well too. You might find working in the nursery that bergenia are often overlooked. When around someone that looks interested, I always encourage them to give them a try.
Wow, I saw your snowstorm photos, Rick. Hang in there ... the weekend is coming!
Thanks Connie ... my soul is hungry for your beautiful lettuces!
Hello IG ... do give this a try. It's especially delicious when tomatoes are in season. Though too early to plant in the ground, because of our short growing season I purchase basil started and keep it outside on a warm day and cozy inside at night (had frost warnings last night).
I'm delighted you too are enjoying bergenia, Beckie.
I think the mild winter was a blessing for the gardener (unfortunately, not the Great Lakes, which has an effect on us all)!
It's indeed yummy, Eileen. Actually, this is my daughter's recipe, something she always prepares for me, and I should give her credit! I would imagine you would have had bergenia at your old house ... very well suited to an old established garden.
Hope you do give it a try, Cameron, and an added plus for you is that bergenia are deer resistant! I have them in several areas but my happiest bergenia get lots of morning sun.
Marnie
I know you would love bergenia, Gail ... it's as lovely as you are :) Sorry it didn't behave for you :(
Amen again, Kim!
I have never tried growing Bergenia but your lovely photos are tempting me. :) Excited to test out this recipe over the weekend. (In spite of frigid temps, we're going sailing on the Great Salt Lake - that's what Utah landlubbers do... )
You are not alone, Rosey ... many people do.
Thank you, Chad. Unless stated, all these photos are from my garden. I can't possible post everything in bloom but do try to recap mid and end of month. Occasionally, I post from a trip or photos from our neighborhood. I have many posted photos of my surrounding gardens and sure many more will be coming. Sounds like you have your hands full too!
Way to go, Kate, sounds invigorating :) Enjoy the warm bruschetta!
Have always been into edible plants, Linda. So many delightful ways to use them as I'm sure you learned. Have fun enjoying :)