We're out of tomatoes?! (Our marital dispute) | VLOG

Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
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- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
- Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge.com/neptunes-h...
#rootsandrefuge

[@rosiewelsh717]

One day your grandchildren will sit under that willow tree and say “my grandma and grandpa planted this tree”❤

[@SoilandMargaritas]

I love this. I feel like family pictures need to happen next to this willow… just imagine how much growth your family and the tree will be captured each year. ❤❤❤❤

[@suemcknight9051]

@SoilandMargaritas… what a great idea👌. I hope they see your comment & start a “tradition”. 💝

[@midwestribeye7820]

I love this idea!!!❤

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Such a great idea Rox!!!

[@midwestribeye7820]

Oh, cool!!! You are in zone 5 and urban homesteading, too!!! I just subscribed to your channel. How big is your lot? We are blessed with almost 3/4 acrea in a city of 30,000. Wish we could find an acreage, but growing where planted. 😊🌱Many blessings to you!

[@storeywilliams6162]

I'm totally stealing this idea! We planted a willow the year we bought our land and it's grown so much in the 2 1/2 years! I plan to plant another in the back part and I'm going to totally put a bench under it and take annual pictures there. Thanks for the fabulous idea!

[@paulinefoster7838]

The fact that Daniel is moving there makes my heart so very happy!! His smile and joy is so infectious, and he exudes such happiness!!

[@loribethartist6353]

I love seeing happy couples ❤ I’ve been with my husband since we were 11 years old… so now at 41, we’ve been married for 20 years and been each other’s best friend for 30! I came from a broken family and both my parents abandoned me- I think I was always looking for someone to depend on, and I definitely found my “person” ❤

[@YarmouthBotanicals]

"Home IS where the matching couple lives!" Too funny. So nice to witness Jeremiah's sense of humor!

[@jenniferrescott1149]

That was hilarious

[@jenniferrichardson5106]

I love his immediate "I'm going back home."

[@angelasmith4286]

Girl you had more tomatoes today than I had all year. Put a slice of tomato on those sandwiches and celebrate all week happy home warming gifts to each other. Congrats on the two years !! You prosper well today!

[@midwestribeye7820]

Same! I only had room for 8 tomato plants and a deer took out 2 of them. I'm still waiting for our first ripe tomato. Hopefully, in 2 days. God bless!

[@dancnluc1]

It is hard to believe it has been 2 years. My ex and I used to dress alike with shirts. I grew up in TN, and we lived off Pinto Beans and cornbread. My mom soaked the beans. She simmered the beans all day.

[@Joyfulfarmer]

It’s funny how the longer you’re married, the more the coincidences happen. The wavelengths just align, and you finish each other’s sandwiches.

[@shodson314]

🤣🤣🤣

[@robingirven4570]

😂

[@foragingandurbanfarmingatt4745]

Other people's sandwiches always taste better

[@fashionablyfarming3870]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Joyfulfarmer]

@@foragingandurbanfarmingatt4745 of course they do! Lol

[@galeharris6696]

Your kids are getting big, and are personable and sweet. Good job, Mom!🥀🌻🌼🌸

[@taraconroy6631]

Ezra's diamond shaped rock is the mineral feldspar! Great observation on the shape Ezra! You're a great rock hound 👍

[@terrym.2264]

No we do not like to match, but we celebrated 50 years married this year, so when it happens we laugh till we cry. It seems like a right of passage for years of wonderful amazing married life! ♥️♥️

[@apiecemaker1163]

Congratulations on 50 years. 🎉 We are at 40 this past June. We don’t like to match either. Lol Hope you have many more years together.👩‍🌾💚

[@MelSr8]

Watching this video it hit me that I no longer watch in envy. Rather, I now HAVE that within my own scale. Dreams realized. What a sweet reminder. ❤❤❤

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

👏👏👏👏

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I’m celebrating that with you right now darling!

[@monamorgan8614]

Have a blessed “fruit- filled” week😊❤️ (Tomatoes are a fruit for those who may not know)

[@Joyfulfarmer]

Bacon is its own food group, so I think you guys are set without the lettuce. 😂 I am currently on the tomato sandwich countdown, enjoying each one SO thoroughly as the garden gives way in this 100 degree heat.

[@makers9693]

My cherry tomatoes are just starting to produce. I love seeing that bucket of tomatoes! Thanks Jess!

[@robingirven4570]

Mine too! I have 42 tomato plants with 8 of them being cherry. There are two people in my household 🤦‍♀️🤣

[@emilygilliland7610]

Some of Toby’s mannerisms are SO much like Miah and for some reason it makes my heart so happy ❤

[@Sky-Child]

Rataouille! Courgettes, onions, garlic, aubergine, peppers all layered and baked in a thick tomato sauce. SO GOOD

[@debram9893]

Still loving Daniel’s guitar. Thank you 💕🤗💕

[@GrowWithSara]

I love that the willow tree you all planted is in the background as you’re talking about when you moved in. That tree is growing well! As far as outfits go: no matching no clashing! 😂

[@emilybh6255]

Recipe ideas for your TOMATOES and EGGPLANTS: I'd make some Gazpacho with those tomatoes. The way I make it, Gazpacho is a cold raw tomato basil soup that is loaded with flavor and texture because it has a little raw garlic and onions and has chopped up celery and peppers including sweet bell peppers and cucumbers. You add fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar and good olive oil and salt and pepper... plus plenty of fresh basil (or dried) and a little oregano if you want. Pulse in the food processor. You can add V-8 juice or tomato juice to thin it out if you want. This is a completely flavor packed soup. You can add hot sauce to give it a kick also. The Spanish versions add croutons and sour cream and have fewer veggies. Serve it with chopped avocado and maybe some chopped pitted olives sprinkled on top. YUM! This soup is not only packed with flavor but extremely healthful because NONE of it is cooked. Store left-overs, if there are any, in the fridge. For the EGGPLANT why not make a light fresh version of Caponata. Cut the eggplants in half and steam them cut side up in a steamer until the insides are soft and can be easily scooped out. Let cool. Scoop out the eggplant meat and put in a food processor. Add good olive oil red wine vinegar, lemon juice, fresh garlic - enough for 1/2 clove per serving, sauteed onion, some of those fresh tomatoes from the garden, fresh chopped red bell pepper, 1/2 tablespoon of capers for each cup of eggplant and veggies and 1/8 to 1/4 chopped green pitted olives and or kalmata olives and finally, if you want, besides salt and pepper, add dried or fresh oregano and basil. Most recipes don't call for herbs. They cook most all the ingredients and use a ton of olive oil. But it isn't necessary. You can use a mixture of fresh and cooked. [The eggplant is really the only thing that needs to be cooked and if it is steamed it won't have formed any Acrylamides.] It can be served on bruschetta as a topping or as a dip with crackers or on toast or as a salad on top of a bed of lettuce and sprouts. For Eggplant, Tomatoes, Onions and Zucchini and Garlic there is of course Ratatouille. That was what you were thinking of in the beginning of the video. There are a ton of ways to make that.

[@erikalouwrens3992]

Your recipes sound delectable!

[@emilybh6255]

@@erikalouwrens3992 Summer is such a great time of year for fresh fruits and veggies. Isn't it? I'd only preserve what was left over or if I had so much, I started to get sick of it. I could easily eat a quart of gazapcho in one sitting.I do eat much more raw fruit and veggies than the avg person. So if I had 2.5 gallons worth of tomatoes, after adding in the other veggies, you might have 4 gallons which would be 16 large quart size servings. But if you have a family of 8 or more that could be gone in two - 3 days.

[@erikalouwrens3992]

@emilybh6255 I'm in South Africa and it's still winter. But I'm so looking forward to summer. Your recipes are an inspiration to me though!

[@making.fronds]

Yummmm!!

[@josdantas9739]

Love caponata

[@elizabethlink3993]

💚Woo Hoo Hoo, congrats on being there for 2 years now..your Willow tree looks so beautiful! What a cherry tomato haul, the Midnight Snacks look so cool. And here comes bean/pea shelling season..you've come along way on your healing journey since last year. Blessings to you All! 💚

[@junematthews8612]

Hi Jess. You might enjoy looking up Carlin Sunday, traditionally when a “broth/stew” was eaten in the N/E of England. It is the 5th Sunday in lent made with very similar peas to yours. Perhaps it was always eaten in lent when meat was forbidden but was thought to be a lifesaver when Newcastle was besieged during the civil war the civil war in the 17th century. It’s always interesting to see how people survived in times of need.😉🇬🇧

[@Judymontel]

Two years?!! Wow. A lot can happen in two years, eh? Happy to be following on your journey - may you be blessed as you so often bless us!

[@lindawoody8501]

I only have a single remaining tomato bearing in our 104-109 F heat for the past 2 weeks here in NW AZ. Glad you have had a wonderful harvest and can also look forward to nice shelling of the dry Cow-peas with your friend Daniel. I think the matching outfit is fun. My opinion. But if Jeremiah does not agree that if fine. He is hard working, a great husband and father and brother and Godly man.

[@deechudy8144]

Jess, have Toby try a bacon and peanut butter sandwich. I grew up with those. 😋

[@ruthannecoro6198]

Goodness those boys have grown into delightful young’ uns ♥️ Toby is looking so grown up!

[@melissabowen3521]

If you have an extra 15 minutes in your cooking prep time, I find that tossing eggplant (or zucchini) with some salt and setting it in a colander to drain really helps draw out some of the excess moisture and helps get a better texture on the finished problem. After 5 minutes you can press it in some towels to remove excess water.

[@missyaltman9815]

We love to cut up eggplant, zucchini, squash, onions, mushrooms, peppers (all kinds), toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, and either roast in the oven or out in a grill basket! So easy and so good! We use the leftovers to make naan pizzas with basil pesto spread, the the veggies, then cheese! My favorite! AND, as to matching with my husband, I’ll get dressed for church and he’ll wait to see what I’m wearing and then dress to match ME!

[@kayrabey1344]

Hahaha to each their own!

[@Kris-ut4ju]

Some of the eggplants look like "fairytale". I diced and froze eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash this year for ratatouille.

[@preprebelactual]

You are so very knowledgeable about saving seeds…Thank you for this video. I am humbly grateful

[@jpolinskyswife]

Gracious! What a feast!

[@heidiweinert3260]

You mention Ratitoulli. Pasta Grammar has two great videos on eggplant recipes, and also a great video about making pasta sauce with cherry tomatoes. Beryl just posted a video on EP recipes from other countries with another one to come! I am a new lover of eggplant❤! and Okra thanks to Jess!

[@joytotheworld2100]

You're just the sweetest girl ever.the farm is looking good. The boys are such gentleman. Made Mt dau. Thanks Jess

[@midwestribeye7820]

Your kids are so sweet and happy! Happy 2 year anniversary!🎉

[@julie-annepineau4022]

Harvested my first cherry tomato today! My plants are heavy with fruit, it is going to be a tomato rich year. Love how you guys tease each other. Makes my heart happy to watch!

[@Wicked_urban_garden]

You’ve done so much in two years. It gives me so much hope ❤

[@mmegraham]

Toby's happiness about the tomato abundance is marvelous, even though he doesn't want to eat them. Maybe he'll like them when he grows up -- I know my preferences changed when I got bigger. Happy farm anniversary!!

[@sydneykasmar]

A lot has happened on your homestead in two years and the willow tree sure has grown big and wide. All the best in the new year ahead.

[@kmarshall53]

Willow trees are my favorite. Yours is so beautiful and so special. 💗

[@lisaholt3627]

Had to watch Toby under the Willow tree, and Miah walking off to make a point, three times. hahaha So happy for you all being on your beautiful farm for two years.

[@iartistdotme]

I love that you add tips for cooking what you grow! Every bit of learning helps.

[@yvonnedavid91]

You two are so cute. Lots of laughs that my face is hurting from smiling so much.

[@susieclark1498]

Amazing food from the garden, I never get tired of seeing you harvest. Having the boys with you is great, they are so much fun.

[@nancyschwartz5665]

Love seeing the bucket sit on the edge of the raised bed. Its the perfect width. Lovely beginning with views of the fullness of July. :^)

[@mothermedicinemusic]

Really starting to come together and all the beauty surrounding you now - even grander!!!! Such blessings and thank you for loving humanity so much that you want to teach people what they are capable of - self sufficiency- love what you and Jeremiah are creating!!

[@pennywillis8895]

🇦🇺I’m not a eggplant fan but I had stuffed eggplant and stuffed prawn at a cafe and loved it. Scoop out the eggplant add veggies, mince and cheese. It was the best.

[@LoneTraveler-nc6rf]

The garden intro was lovely! 💐

[@michelewhite1150]

All your boys are so sweet even the big boy xx

[@joyceswansey8116]

2year anniversary. That is crazy.🎉. Time flys when your living the dream.

[@stephanieg5195]

Your laughter is so contagious! I love the plug for southerners and eating the black eyed peas, we need to add some rice and mustard along with the peas!

[@ninakatofsky]

Jess, if you’re looking for something to make with eggplant, I HIGHLY suggest making baba ghanoush. Its a great way to use up an abundance of eggplants and it’s super garlicky and easy to customize with spices and herbs. It’s amazing with fresh pita bread or crackers!

[@rablatour]

Try Moroccan zaalouk! I love it more than baba ganoush.

[@melaniediessel7513]

You guys are just too funny and cute! I love how you two tease one another; it's obvious you have such a wonderful relationship.

[@marygrott8095]

Surely Toby must like something you cook from the garden, besides pumpkin muffins, etc? Miah's matching issue is so funny!

[@miladylaughalot]

Happy Anniversary! Our tomatoes and zucchini are growing so much. Just picked out first blushing tomato on Saturday. Many more growing. Xoxo from Ohio!!

[@garynorcal4269]

My tomatoes are doing quite well. We have harvested over 3 gallons twice a week for the last month. Multiple varieties and sizes. My wife keeps giving them to neighbors, family and friends and we still have more than we can eat. 😊😊😊

[@Jazzgirlaust]

The willow is approx. 4 Toby's high... possible 5, it's getting huge. Congratulations on the 2 year anniversary of moving, your farm is a slice of heaven.

[@1HappyPatty]

Happy Anniversary!!!! Wow... it's been so rewarding and fun watching you develop your home! As to matching my (ex) husband clothes? It happened all the time... and whoever walked out of the bedroom SECOND would usually just say "crap", turn around, and change their clothes. It was definitely funny when it started happening more often...

[@fatgirlfarmsteader4824]

I did my purple hulls this year dried for seed saving. I plan to use some of those for a fall crop. I didn't get enough this summer to make meals. I enjoyed yalls family enjoying your evening on the farm and the cherry tomato harvest. 🍅 ❤

[@Sky-Child]

I dehydrate my cherry tomatoes in the oven with salt, garlic and olive oil. DELCIOUS for snacking.

[@jamesking1033]

I literally LOL'd at the "What's up twinsie" comment!

[@Raisesheeplovepeace]

If you’ve never tried tahini roasted eggplant, you totally should. It’s similar to how you’ve been making them but you also put a couple spoons of tahini per side and cherry tomatoes cut in half!

[@homehearthwithjules8596]

You don't have to soak dried beans necessarily...I learned this from a good friend of mine who is Hispanic...you wash them and put them in plenty of water in a slow cooker on high heat for about 5 hours...I add salt...some beans might take longer

[@catofthecastle1681]

Ahh, that’s how I was taught, but I discovered if I soak them for an hour and pour out the water, lots less gas!

[@sandybryan7126]

Ya'll are too funny! We don't 'match' but we often 'coordinate'. Enough so that the older ladies at church almost always make a reference, lol.

[@jadacaniford7300]

Beautiful

[@jessicaterry2995]

Eggplant: Peel and slice thinly and place immediately into ice water. Make a breading from flour and salt. Fry in a little oil until crispy, drain on paper towels. Once all your eggplant is fried, take a small can of tomato sauce and add a little bit of sugar (sugar is optional, of course). Top each piece with grated parm and bake in the oven to melt the cheese. You can also make make the fried eggplant like this and take out of the oil before they completely brown and put in freezer on trays until frozen and then bag them. My kids thought this was mini pizzas when they were little. They begged for them.

[@tammykaltreider]

It’s so hard to believe it’s been two years already! ♥️

[@foragingandurbanfarmingatt4745]

I have actually done your dehydrated cherry tomato trick. It's lovely to add to stews and whatnot in the winter months. I stick em in a baggie in my freezer and throw a handful in. ALSO I freeze tomato paste in an ice cube tray and then can add those as needed

[@jeremiahthelion]

The music at the beginning took me back to one of your 2018ish videos, I thought I had clicked on the wrong thing!! That just gave my heart so much joy.

[@kewpiefan72]

Hooray for raised beds!

[@amtm7214]

WOW! 2 years already?? Congratulations!!🎉

[@lindamartinez8569]

Happy 2-year Anniversary!🎉

[@kikiinthegarden]

Miah's reaction to twinsie's had me laugh so hard, he was like enough of the shenanigans I'm going to change my shirt LOL!

[@leahharbison4932]

Bless you Jess !

[@NYBW0903]

If I get dressed for church first on Sundays, my husband will frequently match my outfit. The best part is when he walks into the kitchen (odds are good I’m in the kitchen) and smiles like a kid waiting for me to notice.

[@firehorsewoman414]

Your and Miah’s sense of humor is awesome!

[@kemberlymcilrath268]

Congratulations on 2 years

[@robbisworldlywhims]

I recently tried fermented cherry tomatoes and I loved them! Now I’ll make some with basil and oregano 😊 Love your videos 😊❤️

[@limingunicorn]

Today I thought of you. My daughter found a toad in the yard and named him "Toady." It was completely unprompted, and it made me smile. Cannot wait to see my tomatoes blush... we are quite behind this year.

[@michaelagiddeon1503]

We got our first slicer tomato a couple days ago. And me and my spouse Made bacon and tomato Sandwich and split it in half. And it was the best thing in the world. We don't need tomatoes until garden season so it was a really nice treat

[@hallierasbury65]

That would make a great t-shirt. Matching owners. lol. It is wonderful to see all the family having a great chuckle

[@paperchaser9565]

Omg, I’m loving Toby, he’s got a great personality

[@suehinson1629]

❤

[@erikas974]

Happy Anniversary🎉🎉🎉. The willow looking so beautiful, soon you can sit under with table and chairs having 🍆🫛🧄🍅🌶🎉🎉🎉

[@kristinem9171]

I think plenty of us would love a visual instruction video for peas and beans!

[@kyleabbott7756]

It feels like forever. I'm glad yall are home

[@schex9]

Gardeners in south Louisiana take a few beans from a bag of Camellia Red Kidney Beans and plant them in the garden. Then, the cook the rest. I always soak dry beans overnight, discard the water, and then cook. My first MIL would cook red beans with some home-cut stew meat. Gives it a heartier flavor.

[@HS-jh4zm]

Listened to this while harvesting black eyed cow peas from my own Southern garden this morning. 😉 No ham hock to throw in this time but there will absolutely be bacon. 🥓😋

[@samanthahoos9827]

Thank you! I was snapping tops off of green beans for freezer storage and made eggplant soup while watching. Also love the pod casts! They’re lovely to listen to while cooking! 😊

[@deborahcarter4408]

Cute Jess, I could have fun with that clothing mishap! Love the cherries, I put little yellow berries in my ferments and kinda find the chocolate too seedy, still eat them . There hung up to a line with twine, my 80s macrame, appears from the hippie era, I grew up in. Love & Peace! God Bless!

[@willieguy3928]

Happy two-year New Property anniversary you guys!!.

[@jennifercullison]

So happy you can shell peas on the porch with the boys and tell family stories they will remember...that was mu youth and many family mysteries were explained while just listening to the grown ups talk..js

[@Sara-ye1gj]

We grew midnight snack and they were a favorite in our home! ❤

[@nicolemiller3436]

Loving all your tomatoes! We had a billion volunteers this year and a new baby so I never got to thin them. We have a sea of tomato plants. Haha 🤣 Should be interesting. I think you and Miah look adorable matching! My husband and I just wore watching Speed Shop shirts last Saturday. Haha we haven't done that in a while. When we were dating I would by us matching Harlee Davidson t shirts when we used to ride together. 😊 Love you guys! Always enjoy your videos! God Bless! ❤️

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

We once saw an older couple on matching Honda touring bikes with matching helmets and jackets, and the jackets had "Art" and "Dot" embroidered on the backs. So that's our old married joke...we're turning into Art and Dot.

[@debbiemusgrove676]

Central East Missouri here We always have black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread on New Year’s Eve for good luck!💚

[@ifyougiveagirlagarden5364]

My husband and I love matching! Especially at a half marathon we do every year

[@Sweettomatovine]

Awesome tomato harvest, Jess

[@Wicked_urban_garden]

Yay Daniel.

[@jbradkilpatrick]

My grandmother could cook purple hull peas, and fry cornbread, like no other. I miss it!

[@caracoates4834]

"Home is where the old matching couple is." LOL A great recipe to use up eggplants is baba ghanoush and they taste great in Thai curries too.