With the first freeze inevitable, harvest upon us (green tomatoes, anyone?) and Thanksgiving approaching, pause to consider the vast changes in world diet brought about by the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, starting with Columbus. The staple foods of millions from Ireland to South Africa – potatoes, manioc and corn -- were unknown in the “old world” prior to the late 15thcentury. Imagine Italian food without tomatoes, Hungarian without sweet peppers or Thai without hot chilies. Chocolate, walnuts, vanilla and strawberries – how sad to imagine the great chefs of Europe creating without these original plants of the Americas.
So, as you cook for friends and family, give thanks for what food historians refer to as “The Great Exchange.”
and for those green tomatoes...a recipe
Green Tomato Chutney – makes about 1 quart – can be canned, frozen or kept in the fridge for at least a month – great on turkey sandwiches and with leftover turkey curry!
1 and 3/4 pounds green tomatoes, cored and chopped in about 1 inch pieces (about 6 med tomatoes, but you can use any type or size)
2 firm apples cored and cut into chunks, peeled or
unpeeled
1/3 cup (65 grams) chopped candied ginger – or use a little less fresh, grated ginger
1 cup golden raisins, raisins, dried cranberries, currants or a mixture
1 cup chopped red onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar (or less to taste)
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds – yellow, brown or
black
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1⁄2 teaspoon ground allspice, or 1⁄4 t cinnamon + 1/8 teaspoon each nutmeg and cloves
**Mix and boil gently together, stirring frequently, until desired consistency is reached—about 45 minutes. You can add the sugar after some of the cooking is done to get the desired sweetness.**
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The Evening Garden Club of Corvallis would be happy to welcome new members at our November 5, 2018 meeting when we will have an exchange of plants culled from our gardens along with tips, tricks and ideas. Everyone should bring plants and/or ideas to share and everyone will go home with new inspirations! We meet on the 1st Monday of the months from October to May at 7 p.m. (hall opens at 6:30) in the Community Room at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 2650 NW Highland Drive, Corvallis. We have a December Greens Party where we make wreaths and decorations, and more talks, tours and workshops coming in the new year.
more at www.corvalliseveninggardenclub.org
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