Garlic Scapes Tempura

Several weeks ago, I harvested the scapes from the hardneck garlic I’m growing. I planted them in November 2004 and they are now getting ready to be harvested, their leaves starting to die down and get brown. I cut the scapes off a little too early because we were going out of town and I was afraid they’d be inedible by the time we got back. Hunting around the Internet for a recipe proved easy:

• What are Garlic Scapes?
• Garlic Scape Recipes from Dakota Garlic
• Garlic Scape Recipes from Mariquita Farm

Since I didn’t have any beer around, I decided to make a tempura batter — always easy and kid-friendly. Tempura is one of those Japanese recipes that’s not difficult to remember, so you can prepare it in an instant. No need for those boxed mixes! All you need for a cup of batter is

1 egg yolk
1 cup flour
1 cup ice-cold water