Chive Talkin'

This picture looks like a clump of grass, but actually it is onion chives. :)

Chives are the easiest thing to grow (other than weeds). Soon they will take on another persona; their blooms look like purple clover blossoms. That is why I think they fit the lyrics to "Jive Talkin'" by the BeeGees ~ "...it's your chive talkin', you wear a disguise"....LOL (I crack myself up at times, especially early in the morning or late at night when my brain cells are running free and not lined up for serious thinking).

Yesterday was my first 'harvest' of 2013. I snipped off a handful of chives, rinsed them, and cut up half of them to add to homemade macaroni salad. The chives gave the otherwise pale salad some color while adding a nice mild onion flavor.

Chives are a wonderful addition to any garden. These are growing outside my kitchen door, making it handy to go snip off what I need when I need them. They are also easy to dry or freeze for later use. We also have garlic chives growing in a garden by the barn, but I haven't checked on them yet. I'll bet they are ready to add some fresh zing to salads, potatoes, soups, etc., too!

Another item I make with chives is Chive Vinegar. Simply wash and cut up enough chives to fill a glass mason jar and pour white vinegar over the chives to fill the jar. Let steep in a cool dark spot (like a cupboard) for about two weeks, then strain the vinegar into a prettier bottle. If you have chive blooms at bottling time, they make a nice addition to the presentation.

I have a jar of chive vinegar going now. When I bottle it, I will post a picture to illustrate what I am talking about.

Meanwhile....my taste buds are not-so-patiently waiting for the next harvest from our garden...asparagus!

Marcheta *anticipation....