Friday, February 3, 2012

Winter Surprise







As you know, I am slowly becoming a friend with my new camera. And the best way to learn about your new friend is to spend some time together, to hang out...:)
As I look at the world around me through another eyes, I see unusual in casual. 
This morning I was looking closely at the pictures I took (that parsley and carrots in my garden from the yesterday post). Then some color grabbed my attention, a small orange spot. What was it? Thinking no longer, I went to my garden, looked at the carrots... 
Oh, dear... Do I have a carrots? In February?! I pooled a few, still amazed and really surprised. I wasn't sure what to think, so I just took another pictures. What a treat! And a smell... is indescribable (are they going to invent a computer with a smell transmission feature?!) 









With all that camera talk I haven't post any food in a while. What's been cooking in my kitchen?
I was working on some appetizers and was surprised (again) of the outcome. 


Artichokes with eggplant stuffing




I love artichokes, and I love eggplants. Today I had both and decided to combine two flavors with some cheese. Unless you have access to frozen artichokes, this is not a quick fix meal: artichokes needs to be boiled for 40-45 minutes. 
While artichokes were cooking, I baked the eggplants and sauteed two leeks. 
Then I diced the eggplants, mixed it with the leeks, seasoned it with salt, pepper, garlic and dill. 
Then artichokes were filled with eggplant stuffing, sprinkled with a cheese and popped in the 425F oven for 10 min, just so the cheese is lightly browned.  
Picture (above) is not that "magazines-are-in-the-line-to-get-it-for-a-cover-page", but the taste of this little jewels is great. It melts in your mouth.


Were you winter surprised in some way?


Until next time,
Cowboy Country Vegetarian

13 comments:

  1. So forget eating....how cute do your carrots look in that vase! What a great centerpiece!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! do you want to know the secret? Those carrots are in beer glass...:)

      Delete
  2. Very nice photos!! Keep the good work (with your new camera)!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Efty, I am going to share my work here, let me know what you think, please.

      Delete
  3. Ciao, che bella soddisfazione poter raccogliere i prodotti del proprio orto!!! Bellissime le foto, fatto presto amicizia con la macchina fotografica!!! Mi piace molto la ricetta che hai proposto!!!
    Ti seguo e se ti fa piacere passa a trovarmi.
    A presto

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind comments. It is encouraging not only to work on my blog but to re-fresh my Italian as well, which I forgot for not using it in about 12 years. Grazie Laura!

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Thank you Jay. I visited your blog, and can't take that fish meal off my mind.

      Delete
  5. Lucky you! I found some herbs still growing in my garden...so weird for February! And I love artichokes so your appy looks so tempting and delicious!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love the stuffed artichokes!!! Thanks for stopping by today; I'm now following you so I can keep up with your posts! have a super great time with the new camera! I'm addicted to mine now!

    Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
    Roz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Roz. I was afraid to admit, but yes, it's getting addictive. I am glad I am not alone!

      Delete
  7. you are welcome. Thanks for visiting me here.

    ReplyDelete

Your warm comments put a smile on my heart.