So we found out that we really should have planted the broccoli earlier or later.  This is not prime broccoli-growing weather right now.  But prime time or no, we just had ourselves some really good broccoli!

I’ve done a lot of things in my food career, but actually growing the food has not been a part of it.  We did have a garden in Boston on Parker Street and I’ve grown zucchini (solely for the flowers to stuff!) but I’ve just never taken it seriously.

I’ve waxed poetically about fresh peas from the farmer’s market or the perfect peaches from the orchard my sister lived on for years, but other than tomatoes and herbs, the stuff really hasn’t been coming from my own yard.

I have been seriously missing the boat.

But I think that’s about to change.

We’re looking at the yard in a new way and with some work – and everyone knows I hate work – I think we can get rid of some way-too-big dogwood shrubs and build some raised beds.  I’d even be willing to put in a drip irrigation system.

It’s all in the dream-stage right now, but I think we could pull it off.

In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy this little bit of home-grown goodness.

Steaks rubbed with smoked paprika and garlic, Phoebe’s Baked Beans, and steamed broccoli with lemon zest and lemon juice.

Really simple, fun, and flavorful.

I’m actually amazed at two things – that it’s taken me this long to get excited about home-grown food and that I am as excited as I am about home-grown food.  I know so many people who have had gardens for years – and years.  It’s not like I haven’t been exposed to it – or partaken of the bounty.  It just wasn’t in my yard.

But that’s going to change.