11-22-08 An Abundance of Thanks

11-22-08 An Abundance of Thanks

In This Issue:
1.   November in the Garden
2.   The NEW Gardenerd Store: Gardenerd Collection
3.   Product of the Month: Flower Pot Mug
4.   Gardenerd Tip of the Month: Root Vegetable Recipe

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1. NOVEMBER IN THE GARDEN

As we approach Thanksgiving, so many things come to mind.  Thoughts like, “How the heck did it get to be November already?!” and “What do I get my friends and family for the holidays this year?”  But before we launch into the official holiday season, let’s use Thanksgiving for its true purpose: to give thanks.

We here at Gardenerd.com are thankful for the garden and the fact that, despite our 85 degree weather, it is producing lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, kohl-rabi, carrots, parsnips, garlic, green onions, peas, and fava beans.  We’re grateful that, perhaps because of our 85 degree weather, we still have tomatoes ripening on the vine and zucchini producing steadily.

Most of all, we are grateful for all the gardenerds who have found a home at Gardenerd.com.  We really enjoy hearing from you and hope that you get a lot of benefit from this website and community.  Thank you for sending in your questions, comments and ideas.  We really appreciate it.  Thank you for gardening, and thank you for making the world a better place – one garden at a time.

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2. THE NEW GARDENERD STORE: THE GARDENERD COLLECTION

Last week we officially announced the Grand Opening of the new Gardenerd Store which features The Gardenerd Collection – a selection of premium items that are sure to please the gardenerd in your life.  We are absolutely thrilled to introduce environmentally-friendly gifts for you and your gardening friends, like the Ultimate Garden Bag, the Recycled Grocery Tote, our exclusive Heirloom Seed Collection from Seeds of Change, and Gift Certificates for classes, consultations and design services.  Click here to check it out and get your holiday shopping done early!

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3. PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: GARDENERD FLOWER POT MUG

There’s one more product we didn’t mention above, and that’s because it’s our featured product of the month.  The Gardenerd Flower Pot Mug is ridiculously cute, functional, and environmentally friendly.  This ceramic mug looks like a flower pot, but drinks like a coffee mug.  Bring it with you to your favorite coffee shop and save a paper cup from going to the landfill.  Get yours today!

Link: Gardenerd Flower Pot Mug

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4. GARDENERD TIP OF THE MONTH: ROOT VEGETABLE DELIGHT

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’d like to give you one of our favorite recipes that we use during the holiday season.  It’s quick and easy and uses items you’ve grown in the garden.  It is adapted from a recipe by Rose Elliot, author of Vegetarian Fast Food.

Root Vegetables Stewed in Oil and Butter

8 oz. onions
8 oz. carrots
8 oz. parsnips
8 oz. sweet potatoes (regular potatoes work great too)
2 Tbs butter
2 Tbs olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
a little freshly chopped parsley, if available

Peel and chop the onions; peel the carrots and slice them thinly.  Peel and slice the parsnips and sweet potatoes (they can be sliced thicker).

Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan and add the vegetables.  Cook very gently, with the lid on, for 15-20 minutes or until tender.  Season with salt and pepper, top with parsley and enjoy.

Buon Appetito!

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Stay tuned for more gardening tips and tidbits from the Gardenerd.  Happy Fall Gardening!