My favorite thing about summer and fall is being able to harvest the fruits of my labors. Juicy tomatoes ready to fall off the

vine, cucumbers for great salads and herbs to dry for cooking all winter long. This last winter was exceptionally harsh with a very early cold snap. Sadly, many of us experienced some tough losses in our gardens with the 12 degree temperatures in November. I lost my gnarled little rosemary and two of my heart lavenders. Neighbors lost even more.

To my surprise though, my broccoli and Brussels sprouts weren’t impacted. Neither crop had produced anything in 2010, just steady growth. I truly didn't believe that they would survive through the winter. Alas, they did.

With just a few sunny days in February and March, florets appeared at the tops of my broccoli stalks. They continued down the sides. I was shocked! I was so excited as they got bigger and ripened. The type of broccoli I planted is not like what you’d normally get at the store. The crown it produces isn't 2 lbs and 7″ across. It is small, perfect and tender.

I cut what pieces were ready, took them inside and washed them, then served them on a bed or organic couscous. What a perfect first harvest meal for 2011. More florets are growing and will be ready to cut soon. It is such a treat to have produce from my garden when it still feels like winter outside!