rss feedDays at the farmers market make me smile
This is really about great in-season flavors. I absolutely love to visit the farmers market on Wednesday and Saturday morning. Those are the two days that they setup shop in our downtown area. Great characters, tasty, fresh food and just a great down-to-earth atmosphere. The farmers will sit there and talk produce, what’s looking good over the next few weeks, the weather, what’s happening with the family—just about whatever.
I always leave with a smile on my face.
One of my favorite things to do is head over in the morning and pick up whatever looks tasty. Could be corn, green beans, tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs—and oh, watermelon—I love watermelon and so does Kristy. The best thing is to grab a taste right there at the market. Their sure to have a sample cut fresh—oh, so good.
Sorry, I got a little off-track there.
My favorite—I am enjoying these wonderful, fresh relishes—super tasteful mixtures. The key is fresh. In this case I chose corn, green onions, grape tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro and lime. It was as simple as that. I grilled the corn—it has such a great flavor when grilled and charred a bit. I also threw the jalapenos on the grill too. It doesn’t take much to give them the same great flavor. Once this is done it’s a matter of cutting or dicing and getting it into a bowl.
Next, drizzle with olive oil and squeeze about half a lime—then just salt and pepper to taste. It’s one of the easiest, simplest ways to get a nice, fresh dinner together. In this case I served with skewered shrimp—in between the shrimp I have small strips of proccuitto. Once the skewers are together I drizzle with a little olive oil, salt and pepper lightly and throw on a really hot grill for about a minute per side—done.
It is so simple. It doesn’t take much, but it looks fabulous and tastes just like the season. My grandmother always told me that a colorful plate was a sign of a good meal—I will have to say in this case—she was spot on. Give it a try—and have fun with it.
Cheers, R.
Beautiful and functional—I love pottery
I absolutely love shopping local potters. It is so fun to go out, browse, buy and take home to cook with later that evening. It’s so easy to get caught up in the beautiful, mass produced crockery that is out there. It’s plentiful. Tons to choose from.
But, the best thing is picking up a cool piece that someone local has created, crafted and shaped themselves.
This is a quick feature on a potter near my mom’s home in North Carolina. Outside of the small, quaint town of Lillington is Cape Fear Pottery. What a wonderful duo—Reuben and Ann York produce all the pottery either wheel thrown or molded by hand. What they produce is for function—they want you to use their work. The piece that Kristy and I have, my mom gave us for Christmas.
I know that most of us have tried beer can chicken. You know, grab a can of beer, drink a few sips off the top, pour in your favorite mix of spices and then put the chicken down onto the can and stand it on the grill—be careful, you don’t want it to tip over. The bottom-line, it tastes awesome. Crispy skin, moist meat—what flavor. You can’t deny it.
Well, this wonderful piece of pottery provide a nice stable, no-mess way to do the same recipe with a fabulous, hand-crafted, sculpture. You really should give it a try. So, visit the website and if you’re ever in eastern NC stop by and visit Reuben and Ann.
Cheers, R.
Many Happy New Year wishes to all
What a wonderful time of year. Crisp air, delicious dishes and wonderful family time—just to name a few of the things we can be thankful to have in our lives. We must give thanks and relish every memory we can. It’s a good thing to do as you roll through the many thoughts you may have of the year that’s passing—one more gone—yet one more to come.
When I first started sharing my food musings, family thoughts, musical inspirations and all things that make a table vibrant for me—well, it all started with family. And for me it still does. The year has been eventful, a true learning experience in many ways. It’s also presented challenges—things that have tried my patience and spirit. But, I am proud to say those trials have only made me a better—a more whole person.
I have enjoyed sharing on the vibrant table—and I will continue to do so. This experience has brought some new things to me and made me take heed of things that I truly hold a passion for.
So—I wish you all a full, thoughtful, meaningful, happy new year.
Cheers, R.