In early October, hay bales, fresh gourds, pumpkins and winter squashes of every shape and size are piled everywhere in a glorious profusion of fall colors at Hale’s Apple Farm and Pumpkin Patch, which opened for the season in August. Boxes of apples--this week, Baldwin, Winesap, Jonathan, Pippin, [...]
On Sunday, eyes gazed upwards as a light drizzle blanketed the North Bay. “What about tomatoes?” we all wondered. Would the season end early this year, before we’d had our fill? I called Dan Magnuson, whose Soda Rock Farm tomatoes are praised by all who have tasted them. [...]
Tomatoes are glorious this year. They arrived earlier than many of us anticipated and they are lingering deliciously at their peak flavor. Tomorow, there's one more chance to sample a wide range of heirloom varieties for free at the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market, the one in [...]
For eight years, Jeff Russell has farmed in east Santa Rosa, on Rincon Valley land purchased decades ago by his great aunt. Today, fruit trees--including French prune plums--planted more than a hundred years ago and likely purchased directly from Luther Burbank are still productive. Russell chose Redwood Empire Farm as [...]
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Have trouble remembering what’s in season when? Looking for a favorite recipe from the Seasonal Pantry or Pairing archives? Michele Anna Jordan, Press Democrat columnist, chef, teacher and author of almost 20 books, draws from 17 years of columns and articles for seasonal suggestions, recipes and menus and tips on exactly where to get the finest local foods at their peak moment. And, yes, she takes requests. Just name the dish or even a few of the ingredients and, like magic, you’ll find the recipe here in no time. Any questions related to ingredients, cooking, nutrition and eating are welcome.