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Run, don’t walk…

by | Jul 15, 2006 | Uncategorized


… to the Citrus Heights Costco for a rapidly dwindling (I’m sure), staggeringly beautiful dahlia selection in 3-gallon containers for around ten bucks a pop. Since snails ate my dahlia shoots, I justified hoisting a pink one into my cart.

They’re located at the west end of the outdoor nursery area, btw. Other Costcos must have them too, but these babies I happen to know about.

OMG, almost forgot to mention that they also have mature… potted… fruiting… ‘Early Girl’ tomatoes! Procrastinators need not go tomatoless!

Nature Sweet Tomato Challenge coming to Sacramento

by | Jul 11, 2006 | Uncategorized

Nature Sweet 2006 Tomato Challenge in Sacramento

First prize is $5,000 and three $250 store vouchers will be awarded to runners up. On September 9, contestants must bring three medium or large tomatoes OR 10 small tomatoes (entries must all be of the same variety) to the Raley’s at 25025 Blue Ravine Road in Folsom between 9 and 11 a.m. for judging. ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD.

What have you got to lose but that empty feeling in your wallet and that unsung glory for your oh, so deserving tomatoes? If you don’t win, you can always go grocery shopping… or to the lake… or the Folsom Outlets or something. Any nurseries over there? Folsom Lake Nursery closed, right? Bushnell’s isn’t too, too far from Folsom. That’s always worth a stop.

The Tomato Challenge Hotline toll-free number is 1-800-315-8209.

Good luck, Sacratomatans!

Homemade salsa virgin needs recipe

by | Jul 8, 2006 | Uncategorized


My ‘Fresno’ chile peppers are ripe and I’m not quite sure what to do with them. The tag said they’re great for salsa. What a coincidence because I love salsa. But I’m also a big chicken when it comes to heat. If I’m feeling dangerous, I’ll buy Pace Picante Sauce in Medium. Most of the time, I go for mild.

I just checked the heat rating on ‘Fresno’ peppers and here’s what it said:


Fresno pepper
These are similar to jalapeno peppers, but with thinner walls. They’re great in salsas. Green Fresnos are available in the summer. the hotter red ones come out in the fall. Substitutes: jalapeno pepper OR Serrano pepper.

Uh oh… jalapenos are hot! And most of my Fresnos are a deep, tongue-melting red. Having gotten myself into this pickle… or pepper… my next task is to find a great salsa recipe. Any suggestions for salsa recipe sites or actual salsa recipes? I’ve never made my own fresh salsa.

Muchas Gracias!