Eating Food I Grew Accidentally

Farming by accident was more effective than farming on purpose.

Yes, it’s true: I do not have a green thumb, only a green heart.  I LOVE plants! But maybe they do not love me, because the blueberry bush, strawberries, basil, peas, and bell peppers I tended this year did not produce food (but the strawberries are great at producing leaves – there is a terrific strawberry leaf farm in my window).  Most of my plants died, except a wonderfully happy lavender bush in my bedroom, and the strawberry leaf farm.

Twilight Peppers

The grand total of produce I was able to grow this year includes one “almost” blueberry the size of half a fingernail, 2 not-so-edible reddish brown green peppers, several almost-pea-pods that shriveled up, and lots of little Twilight peppers I’m still not sure if I can eat or how to do so (see picture at left).

However, yesterday was a proud day!

For somehow, in the strawberry hanging basket, a green bell pepper planted itself and grew without much tending from me (I thought of it as a mystery plant until the pepper began growing).  It turned into a nice-sized delicious pepper which I harvested for my pad thai noodles at lunch yesterday.  It was amazing eating something that I (accidentally) grew that tasted and looked normal!  Here’s a photo journey from window to fork:

The Accidental Pepper

“Chikin” Pad Thai Recipe:

Simmer “Quorn Chikin Tenders” in oil and red pepper flakes (season to taste) with some chopped bell pepper, fresh ginger, and peas added later.  Boil a handful of spaghetti noodles. While the noodles drain, quickly pour teriyaki sauce (or any Asian sauce you prefer) into the bottom of the spaghetti pot and add a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter. Add the chikin and veggies, then the noodles. Stir and serve!

Chikin Pad Thai with bell pepper!

Chopping never felt so good.