Harvest on the Table ~ Royal Burgandy Beans and Mushrooms Sauteed in Garlic

I have a confession to make. I don't like beans. They were a staple of our diet when I was growing up and I guess I just ate my fill about 20 years ago or so. I planted them this year with plans to use them in the homecooked dog food I make. (Last year, I froze about 100lb of zucchini from my garden for dog food and hope to do the same this year in addition to the beans).

My sister was over a few weeks ago and suggested I try cooking the beans differently. I took her advice and wow! They were really good. I started by sauteing a minced clove of garlic in olive oil, throwing in 2c of sliced fresh mushrooms, and after those started to create steam, 1-1/4c fresh royal burgany beans from my garden.

I cooked them all over med-high heat until the beans were tender.

As promised on the seed package, the beans turned green as they cooked. I seasoned to taste with fresh ground pepper, seasoned salt, and lemon pepper. They didn't even taste like beans. So, unfortunately, I can't tell you if the royal burgandy beans taste different from regular green beans, hahaha. But, they were yummy!

Do you have a good green bean recipe to share?

Look out! I'm flaunting my flowers! ~Fertilizer Friday~

It's Friday, and you know what that means! Tootsie Time is hosting her Fabulous Fertilizer Friday meme, so mosey on over to her blog to link up or to check out everyone's blooms.

I feel like I've been running around all week, but what I accomplished, who knows? I appreciate the fertilizing theme of this meme because my plants are all doing very well thanks to the weekly dose of MiracleGro; but even more so, I like taking pictures once a week. It's a nice way to track the progress of my garden and to see things that I might otherwise overlook in my rush to get things done.

So, without further ado, from the School of Yard Knocks:

I've never planted Royal Burgundy bush beans before and I am enchanted by their delicate purple and lavender blossoms.


A row of mini sunflowers and marigolds. The morning glories and sweet peas seem to be very slow this year as they should be going up the trellis. I know once they get started, they go like crazy, but when are they going to get started?



A mini sunflower unfurling.




This was labelled as Greek oregano when I bought it, but given the pink flowers, it is more likely wild marjoram. I should be trimming this back more vigorously so that it doesn't flower at all, but ... how much oregano does one girl need? ;-)




Begonias by my front gate.


Begonias in the back yard.


Pretty pink yarrow.


In other news, I posted a book review on my Gabe n Arch blog. The book's author found the review and posted an excerpt on his own site. The author is Patrick McDonnell, the well-known creator of the Mutts comic strip and animal rights activist. I admire his advocacy for homeless pets and enjoy his comics and books, so I was honoured that he posted my review on his site :-)

And that's what's going on at the School of Yard Knocks. How about at your place?