Some days feel much warmer and uncomfortable than the thermometer reading suggests. One cracked-open door small moment in anticipation of having Tea on the Balcony revealed that today was one of those days. As the beautiful green eyes of Posh Pasht looked up at the Caustic One, the door was quickly shut again, and apologies made to the Feline overlord. Not happening.
Also not happening was working on some of the garden beds this morning. And serious consideration into whether leaving the house at all, for anything, was even something that was worth the foray into the steam sauna.
Hm. What to do. M Planet really didn’t *need* anything at the Farmers’ Market. But the people, the smaller farmers, are nice to talk to. And after a week of very little Other Adult Human contact, that was more of a “need” than trading coupons for veggies. So after a cup of coffee and some muesli, the wet heat was braved.
Today’s stash was much greater than expected. By farmer:
- Joyful Wren – these are the people whose hens lay the most beautiful eggs! Plus, they have small eggs, which are nice as ‘bundtei’ – boiled eggs. They also made some seriously delicious Scotch Eggs!! Today, they also had new potatoes. Those in the know, know that Potatoes are one of the Great Loves of M Planet (-:
- Kountry Fresh / Koss Family Farms – the aquaculture gurus. Tilapia and two heads of Boston Bibb lettuce. Last week, the tilapia was poached in stout and cream, with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. The BB lettuce heads are small, and perfect for Salad for One.
- Moore Family Farm – This week, a bunch of produce called out: pickles and dill – for ‘crock pickles’ (which, since the cracking of the crock pot, will be done in Large Weck Jars instead, or maybe Large Olive Jars, if there are any empty ones hiding in the pantry) – sadly, they will have to be made without grape leaves. The Old Settlement Cookbook from … oh, 100 years ago… calls for grape leaves under and on top of the pickles. They do add something marvelous to the flavor. Picked up some golden beets, although the leaves were not appealing, so no greens will be enjoyed from this batch – not sure if they will be cooked plain or grated into a nice summer salad with vinegar, salt, pepper, olive oil. The dining companion likes plain beets, but won’t touch the grated salad. Literally purchased a handful of green beans for dinner. Also a few red spring onions; these are lovely roasted with olive oil and herbs, or minced over salad. And finally, some breakfast sausage billed as “maple flavored”. Would like to think that means they have actual maple syrup in them.
- Roth Countryside Produce had some beautiful bell peppers in pale yellow and lilac colors. Stuffed peppers will be had for dinner! These will not be rice filled, however – they will be filled with chicken prepared with maize flour a la tamale filling. Picked up a few red tomatoes as well, may make a tomato salad with one of the red onions from Moore Family Farms.
- Meyer Produce had the most inviting Turkish eggplants! They are beautiful orange striped small things, but will probably make amazing Baba ghanouj. Also picked up an Asian melon called the Sun Jewel. It was a bit like a honeydew, with a pale interior. The seeds were all in the center, easily removed for saving. The melon had some spots that were more sweet than others, which was surprising. Also picked up some beautiful orange-yellow tomatoes.
So with all of these things now gracing the counter, some decisions will have to be made as to what edible delicacies will be made. At this very moment, however, the idea of baba ghanouj is gaining ground. This means, though, that either some crisp bread or pita will need to be made, as the conveyance upon which the deliciousness will “get in the stomach!”… although, baba ghanouj can also be used as a dip, and goes well with cucumbers. Hm. So many options.. so little time.