Bring Bartering Back

Sometimes (mostly around the time the bills are due..) I wish that we didn't have to use money to pay for things. I wish I had lived in a time where people would trade their goods for the things that they needed. For example, some guy gives me fuel to burn in my apartment, and I give him a sheep that I raised...because obviously he could use the sheep in many different capacities (clothes, food, milk, etc) and we both leave happily. It would keep people semi-productive, for they'd HAVE to develop an important skill or talent in order to live. You set my broken leg? I give you a pie every week for a year! Sounds great to me.

Which is why when I heard that Chris from work had beautiful vegetables growing in his garden, I simply HAD to work out a trade with him. Obviously I wouldn't be able to pay him in plastic money, so I would have to be a bit more creative...pie. Who doesn't love pie? I mean, really. I proposed the trade to him, and he excitedly accepted. That Sunday, we traded an apple pie for this beautiful bounty:

(left-right: squash, green beans, Swiss chard, hot pepper, heirloom tomato, green heirlooms, arugula)Not to mention the hefty amount of herbs I was given as well! Fresh mint, basil, thyme, chives, and green onions a-pleanty! I obviously want to make this all last as long as I possible can, but you can't fault me for being tempted by the lusciousness of this produce.

First on the menu?

Sauteed Squash & Green Tomato Sandwich with Garlic-Dill Cheese Sauce

2 slices potato bread - toasted
1/2 c. chopped fresh squash
2T green onion - chiffonade
3T butter
1 large green heirloom tomato - sliced & seasoned
1/8 c. milk
1/2 oz. Cabot Garlic & Dill Cheese

Sautee the squash in 1 T of butter. Once squash begins to caramelize, add green onion and season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same frying pan, add the remaining butter, milk, and cheese. stir constantly on low heat to keep the milk from scorching. Heat until cheese is fully melted. Place the tomato slices on the toast, followed by the sauteed squash, and topped with the cheese sauce. Voila! Deliciousness. The tomatoes have a nice crunch to them that offsets the warm, softness of the squash and cheese.