NicolaGalloway.com Febuary 2010

*Become a ‘Garden Coach'

*Zucchini and Feta Fritters

 

Thank-you for the sun! After a rather wet and cold December and January the sun has finally arrived. My tomatoes are now ripening and the whole garden is looking great. The rainwater collected over the last 2 months in our water tank and drums is ample to keep everything watered and hydrated during the hot days.

At the end of last year I was part of a training program called ‘Garden Coaches' at the Victory Community Centre (Nelson). During this 10-week course we were trained to work with others to set up home gardens. Similar to the pay-it-forward concept, the idea is to work with a family/person to get them started with growing their own produce. Then they can pass on their knowledge to family and friends. During the 10-weeks we worked with our ‘practice garden' family to locate the best garden position, build a no-dig garden, sow and raise seeds and plant seedlings. We also learnt about crop rotation and organic fertilizers among other garden necessities. If you are interested in becoming a Garden Coach in the Nelson area please contact the Victory Community Centre or look out for the program offered through the Nayland College Community Education.

If you don't garden already I highly recommend giving it a go. Even a few pots/buckets with salad greens and herbs is a great start. Having myself only started gardening a few years ago I would suggest taking it slow at first planting a few easy things such as lettuces, silver beet, radishes and beetroot. Then gain confidence and as much knowledge as you can by reading, talking to others, joining courses etc. As with cooking I seem to be constantly learning and evolving with my gardening. It is endless but extremely rewarding and enjoyable!

Get growing, Nicola

*I have several articles on my website about gardening - how to make a no-dig garden (an excellent fertile way to start a home garden) and seed raising.

P.S. If you have any recipe suggestions/ requests for the newsletter please let me know.

 

For more recipes check out Nelson Marlborough's Wild Tomato magazine

February - Tomato Harvest including how to save tomato seed for next seasons planting and a recipe for Tomato Salsa. Available from bookstore around the Top of the South (Island, New Zealand).

Zucchini & Feta Fritters
  • 2 zucchini, roughly 3 cups grated
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or coriander
  • 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
  • sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 150g feta, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • oil for frying

Drain the grated zucchini in a sieve, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Combine with the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the starch in the flour to absorb the liquid. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped in the pan. If the zucchini is quite watery, you may need to add extra flour to thicken the mixture. Add 1 tablespoon at a time until the right consistency is reached.

Heat a heavy-based frying-pan over a moderate heat. When hot, add a little oil, swirling it around the pan until the base is evenly coated. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to brown, then flip over and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove to a plate and keep warm in the oven or cover with foil. Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding extra oil to the pan between batches if needed. Serve with Zesty Yogurt Sauce.

Variation: For a fluffier fritter, separate the eggs and whisk the egg whites until stiff. Combine the egg yolks with the fritter ingredients as above, then gently fold in the egg whites.

*Gluten-Free - substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour mix, rice flour or cornmeal.

Zesty Yogurt Sauce

Mix 1 cup of plain unsweetened yogurt with 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard, 1 teaspoon finely chopped lemon zest and 1-2 cloves chopped garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Inspirational thought:

Get out and enjoy the summer!

Previous Newsletters

June July 2010
*Quick Chilli Beans Read More >

March April 2010
*Eggplant parmigiano and using a Slow Cooker for Roasting Meat Read More >

February 2010
Become a ‘Garden Coach’ & Zucchini and Feta Fritters Read More >