Archive for June, 2009
Preserve It: Sun-Dried Jam
I’m not a huge jam-eater and the thought of pectin, paraffin, jelly thermometers and jar-lifters puts my brain on instant overload. Yet in my perfect world, I have a vision of a very orderly pantry lined with jars filled with various delicacies to savor throughout the year — continuous reminders of our luscious summer produce. [...]
Spreading Fava Love
Fava love may not equal our devotion to tomatoes or strawberries, but they’re in the running, for their flavor and remarkable bright green stature, and even for the intent required to prepare them.
This is slow food. Prepare to be nurtured – it will take time, more than we’ve become accustomed to. Shelling and [...]
Our First Giveaway! Pure Flavor Cookbook
We’re thrilled to have 8 copies of a wonderful cookbook written by local cheese-maker, Kurt Beecher Dammeier, to give away to you — our devoted readers. This book couldn’t be more appropriate for anyone who looks to us to provide suggestions for delicious ways to prepare our local bounty. Not only are there 125 recipes, [...]
The longest day . . .
Summer solstice. Light, delight, less night, more bright, sun at midnight, a light flight, water fight, camp site, mosquito bite, gin & tonic.
But seriously . . .
Hoeing by John Updike
I sometimes fear the younger generation will be deprived
of the pleasures of hoeing;
there is no knowing
how many souls have been formed by this simple exercise.
The [...]
Scapes, Shoots & Sprouts
I officially crossed the line into impulse buying at the Farmers Market last week. My downfall is always the display right at the checkout, tempting me while waiting in line. How could I resist a bunch of crazy curly garlic scapes, the delicate pea shoots or the bright, crunchy sunflower sprouts? You don’t have [...]
Necessity is the mother of . . .
Those annoying, or inspiring, bits of food that we don’t know what to do with become our mothers of culinary invention; marginalized ingredients can serve a whopping kick in the culinary butt and influence unimagined innovation. My efforts to actually use the food I buy or grow means that I’ve received a few such nudges [...]
Hail to Caesar Salad
As a mother, there are certain dishes you make for your children because you know their favorites by heart. In this case, I happen to love caesar salad as much as Krista does, maybe even more. I have a feeling that it may be the favorite of many more people judging by the number of [...]
Fava Gala
Planted last November, I’ve had my eye on this fava crop for a while now. I’ve watched them grow and hold steady through a frigid winter, produce lovely blossoms in April which were stormed by grateful bees, and now these bold velvety beans.
Fava Beans are a lush mass in the corner of the garden, ebullient [...]
Strawberry Meals Forever
Local strawberries made their first appearance of the year at the University Farmers Market last weekend. It wasn’t a hesitant debut but an unabashed statement of presence that couldn’t be ignored. Not that I’d want to. In terms of sheer amount, I probably consume more strawberries per season than any other berry. Part of that [...]
A Bull Market
We have a fever for farmers markets like Christopher Walken had for more cowbell on SNL. We’re bullish about them. Collectively, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance – University District, West Seattle, Madrona, Broadway, Columbia City, Lake City and Phinney- and the Seattle Farmers Market Association – Fremont, Wallingford, Ballard and Madrona – have eleven markets [...]
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