Winter Surprise

As you know, I am slowly becoming a friend with my new camera. And the best way to learn about your new friend is to spend some time together, to hang out...:)
As I look at the world around me through another eyes, I see unusual in casual. 
This morning I was looking closely at the pictures I took (that parsley and carrots in my garden from the yesterday post). Then some color grabbed my attention, a small orange spot. What was it? Thinking no longer, I went to my garden, looked at the carrots... 
Oh, dear... Do I have a carrots? In February?! I pooled a few, still amazed and really surprised. I wasn't sure what to think, so I just took another pictures. What a treat! And a smell... is indescribable (are they going to invent a computer with a smell transmission feature?!) 

With all that camera talk I haven't post any food in a while. What's been cooking in my kitchen?
I was working on some appetizers and was surprised (again) of the outcome. 

Artichokes with eggplant stuffing

I love artichokes, and I love eggplants. Today I had both and decided to combine two flavors with some cheese. Unless you have access to frozen artichokes, this is not a quick fix meal: artichokes needs to be boiled for 40-45 minutes. 
While artichokes were cooking, I baked the eggplants and sauteed two leeks. 
Then I diced the eggplants, mixed it with the leeks, seasoned it with salt, pepper, garlic and dill. 
Then artichokes were filled with eggplant stuffing, sprinkled with a cheese and popped in the 425F oven for 10 min, just so the cheese is lightly browned.  
Picture (above) is not that "magazines-are-in-the-line-to-get-it-for-a-cover-page", but the taste of this little jewels is great. It melts in your mouth.


Were you winter surprised in some way?


Until next time,
Cowboy Country Vegetarian