Believe it or not, peas can be planted when there is snow on the ground. Last year, I planted them directly into the ground as seeds, but you can grow them in a long window box, too. I am growing them in my mini greenhouse right now. Plant the seeds close together with only 2 to 4 inches between and buy the non-climbing variety that doesn’t need a trellis (or plant them near some lattice fencing) and let them grow. They don’t need much attention.
Recipe
Bruschetta with Mashed Peas, topped with crumbled cheese and fresh herbs.
Blanch fresh peas in boiling water for about five minutes. Then strain and drop into a bowl with ice to shock them and maintain their bright green color. Organic frozen peas are quite good too. Then, add two tablespoons of EVOO in a large saute pan with quarter cup of minced shallots and add the peas. Add 1/4 cup of garden stockand cook for five minutes. Slightly mash the peas to create a chunky paste that is spreadable. Finish with chopped fresh herbs (marjoram, thyme and chives). Add sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Slice baguette on the bias and toast on a grill or pannini pan. Spread peas on bread and serve with herbed orzo and sauteed beet greens and top with crumbled cheese.
Wine: Trya bottle of Castello di Borghese’s Chardonette. It has the minerality and tang of a Chablis you find at the village restaurants in France. Pick up a bottle when you visit Long Island’s first vineyard.
