Autumn-From The Herb Gardens To The Table~

No matter where you live or how you garden, each season has its own special draw.

Autumn or Fall is the pre-launch pad for the more glittery holidays of winter.

But Autumn is for me and can be for you, the most delightful months of the year...in the gardens.

At Sage Hill Farms-it means a time of slowing down, taking the time to look back and look around at all the accomplishments achieved during the rush days of summer.

Rosemary, thyme, chives, basil and oregano are still flourishing in my gardens.
Depending on your location, your basil may be history until next year, the first cool snap will render it ugly and tastless. ( so don't forget to dry some during the last days of growing ) Or...you can order the most delicious dried basil from Sage Hill Farms...along with many other seasonings and herbal/blended tea's.




Autumn is also our favorite grilling season, especially the month of September and October, the weather has toned down to a mild, comfortable outside degree, the pest have moved on to a warmer climate, and some of the most comforting foods are wonderful on the grill.

Two of those being Patty Melts and grilled Green Tomatoes.

Autumn is the only time of year we eat burgers, they just seem to be made for this special time. We are winding down from the summer and they are easy and delicious.

A relaxing evening on the deck/patio, warm easy comfort food, and a good friend or two or three, or...a small family gathering...perfect.
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Patty Melts with Grilled Onions and Grilled Green Tomatoes )
( recipe for 4 )
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1 pound ground beef or turkey ( I do turkey )
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, pink, or real...anything besides table salt.
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 clove garlic-finely chopped
4 slices Swiss cheese
8 slices fresh rye bread

1- Heat coals or gas grill.

( prepare thin sliced onions and sliced green tomatoes for a grilling pan.)

Slice both and toss with a small amount of grape seed oil or olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on grilling pan, cover with cooking foil and allow to cook until burgers are ready.)

Mix all ingredients except onions, cheese an bread.
Shape mixture into 4 patties, about 1/4" thick.

2- Cover and grill patties 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink in the center.

Top patties with cheese, cover and grill 1 minute or until cheese is melted.

Add bread slices to the grill for at least 5 minutes, turning once.

Place patties on bread and top with onion and tomato.

** Because of the low fat content turkey patties may stick to the grill unless the grill is oiled...* do this before lighting the grill.*

Serve with grilled melon for a very special meal.

Any breakfast melon is good...Cantaloupe, honeydew, etc.

Slice about 2" thick, brush with Basil Lemon Marinade.

Place on the hottest part of grill the last 4 to 5 minutes of burger cooking.
Grill each side until grill stripes are visible on the wedges.
Brush a few times with marinade while cooking.

** Basil Lemon Marinade**

1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup thin sliced basil leaves ( or 1/4 cup dried.
1/4 cup olive or grape seed oil.

Mix all ingredients and allow to sit for 20 minutes before using.

This is a recipe you can alter to your own liking...ripe tomato instead of green, your favorite cheese, etc.

Enjoy and do bask in the crispness of Autumn~

Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms