Today was a garden day. Perhaps THE pinnacle of garden days this spring, as it was the day that the tomatoes were finally planted. For those of you installing a garden this year, you know all about it....the dirty clothes and shoes, the weary back and arms, the fresh dug dirt smell, and the feeling of utter elation that it is finally in!! For the rest of you, I know you will be hoping and waiting for our tomatoes to ripen so that you can visit with precision timing this summer.....a well-planned drop-in visit can yield large amounts of fresh veggies if all goes like this picture from the summer of 2008! Keep those fingers crossed!!
Making the list this year are 10 tomato plants, of five different heirloom varieties. (Brandywine, Mr. Stripey, Amish Paste, Pineapple, Green Zebra). Three of the varieties were started from seeds that I saved from those beauties 2 years ago! Sadly, last year's heirloom bounty was a bust in this garden, as the blight struck us hard. Yes, there were a few to harvest, but nothing to brag about for sure. We are hoping for greater success this year.
We've got a few other things growing as well: asparagus, rhubarb, raspberries, 2 new blueberry bushes, an herb garden, zucchini, pattypan, cantaloupe, winter squash, cucumber, lima bean, green bean, beet, carrot, 4 kinds of peppers, tomatillo, 2 kinds of eggplant, radish, green onion, swiss chard, arugula, red and green lettuces. Whew. I am exhausted just making the list. It HAS been a long day.
Which leads me to the pie part. After the long, laborious, hot and sunny day in the garden, we got visitors!!! Four to be exact. All of our parents showed up, taking advantage of the lovely weather to take a little drive. Arriving just in time to see us drag our tired shovels out of the garden, the quick decision was made to catch dinner in town. A wise decision, as no food was materializing from this house. Off to Goodfella's we went.
After a very fulfilling meal, a single person ventured to order dessert. But when Nutella Pie was announced as an option, all of our ears perked up. Still, only one slice was ordered, but upon it's arrival, forks were raised all around and that single slice was quickly laid to rest. Happily licking our forks we mused, "I wonder how you make a Nutella Pie?". Once home, a quick google search happily answered that query, and you are the benefactors of this story. Do make this pie soon. I plan to. Does it sound seriously easy or what? Invite a few friends over (like me!) if you do, and they too will share in the joy that is Nutella Pie!
Nutella Pie (adapted from http://flavorsofabruzzo.com/2009/02/05/whipped-nutella-pie-for-world-nutella-day/)
1 pre-baked pie crust of your choice
1 8oz. package of cream cheese
1 cup Nutella
1 cup heavy cream - whipped
chocolate sauce or chocolate shavings for the top
Directions: Combine cream cheese and nutella in a mixer, mix until well combined and creamy. Fold in whipped heavy cream until just combined. Spread into prepared pie shell. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve with grated chocolate or drizzled with chocolate sauce.
