Easy Aloe Prep

 Getting the gel out of the aloe leaves is really not a difficult task. Just time consuming and repetitive, if you are harvesting multiple plants instead of just one or two individual leaves.  

Step 1. Cut larger leaf from aloe, leaving the smaller ones to develop further. Wash any soil off. This leaf could have been a bit larger, but as this was from one of the whole plants that we harvested, this was actually one of the larger leaves on this plant. 

Check for resin in the leaf. This is done by allowing the leaf to stand upright for 10-15 minutes in a cup. The resin has a yellowish look to it and will drain out into the cup. The resin should be drained, as it contains latex, which can be an irritant.

  

 

Step 2. Cut off both ends of the aloe. You can either put these aside to use later or throw away.

 

Step 3. Remove the spines from each side of the leaf. While this may seem like an unnecessary step, since you will only be removing the gel, removal of the spines does two things......keeps you from stabbing your finger while stripping the leaf (the spines can get into fingers like a splinter), and makes it easier to filet the top off of the leaf.

Step 4. Remove the thin green skin from the top side of the aloe leaf. It is similar to filleting one side of a fish. If you have ever done that....you can easily do this. If not, it won't take long to catch on.

Step 5. After the thin green skin is removed, the gel is now exposed.

Step 6. Using a spoon or the edge of your knife (carefully, so that you don't dig into the skin underneath or cut yourself), pull the gel off of the aloe leaf. It should come off VERY easily, albeit maybe a little messy.

Step 7. The gel removed. Cut up into pieces and refrigerate until needed. If you want the gel more liquefied, you can put it in a blender or mash till liquefied. Because the fresh aloe can have a short shelf life in the fridge, you should only do as many leaves as you think you might use in a week. If, like I am, you are having to harvest entire plants, the gel can be frozen. I would use ice cube trays to do the initial freezing, then when frozen, remove from the trays, place the frozen cubes in a bag or container. Do this quickly, so that the pieces stay frozen. That way, you can go into the freezer and pull out only the pieces you need at the time.  

Drying Dandelion Greens

Although I am not a big fan of dandelion greens, I actually do like them in angel hair with garlic, oil and chile, with a little peccorino romano.

However, the older the greens get, the more bitter they get. And it seems like as the season progresses, they get more bitter as well. So, I decided to try and dry some of the early, young, greens, just to see what happens. If it works out, I'll have to go out into the yard and harvest more!

If you want to see a picture of the dish, check out the "Throwback Kitchen" blog.
http://throwbackkitchen.blogspot.com

Garden Post Update

I just wanted to present an update on one of our advertiser's products: My Garden Post.

About a week ago, we ended up with tornado warnings one night and very high winds. Because the warnings came later at night, we were able to grab some smaller pots (that could possibly blow away) and pull them in, as well as a few of the younger, more delecate plants that could face severe damage, but we did not have time to tie the Garden Post to the large jasmine bush by the time the heavy rains began.

Next morning we went out, expecting the worst, however, the My Garden Post came through with flying colors! Yes, it did tip over as we expected and the pots did come off of the post. However, that said, neither the post nor the pots were in any way damaged. We just stood the post up, put the pots back on, returned the bit of dirt that came out of the pots, to the pots and all was right with the world! Even the plants survived pretty much unscathed despite their traumatic experience.

So, not only is the My Garden Post great for small spaces and fun to use, it is a well made product that can take a beating in unexpected, damaging weather conditions, then go right back to work.

Plumeria Blossoming

The Plumeria,  or "sticks" as we affectionately call them, are blooming. At least one is.

I just found out that, although the rest of the plant is toxic, the blossom is supposed to be edible. Anyone with experience in this?

Don't You Just LOVE This Coop?

I couldn't resist posting one of my favorite chicken coops. Yes, it is actually a float in the Easter parade at Magic Kingdom, but who wouldn't love it in their yard filled with the little cluckers?

Getting Artistic

Once again, I have been playing with some awesome photography software. This was a picture that I took in a friend's garden a few years go. It is a fav of mine, but I was curious as to what more could be done with it.

This is the result of "play time".

Looking for Attention

This cutie was looking for attention, and not shy about asking!

My Books to Date

"Garlic" will be released in a few short months through Hatherleigh Press.

Guard Animals

Not only did the llama go to the fair, but so did his herd of sheep.

Llamas are often used as guard animals, as their powerful kick can hurt or even kill predators. Left to bond with their herds, they become very protective of their charges.

Cow Barn Series

I took lots of pics at the cow barn at the fair on Saturday. Watch for more.

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