A conversation with Joey Smith, founder of Let’s Go Farm in east Santa Rosa, is inspiring, in a very focused way. The young man--he is just 30--is passionate about both farming and gardening. “One of my goals,” he explains, “is to show people that they can grow a [...]
It's really just a little thing but, honestly, I hate being called ma'am. The only person who can call me ma'am is a tall thin Texas cowboy with his thumbs hitchin' up his jeans and a cowboy boot brushing floor as he says something like, "Aww, shucks, ma'am, you're just [...]
Hector Alvarez of Hector’s Honey Farm just may be the James Brown of local agriculture. Granted, he doesn’t sport a satin cape or fall to his knees in faux heartbreak. But when you look at his schedule--nine farmers markets a week at the height of the season--it’s hard to argue [...]
Just as the reality of drought settled in, the rains came, welcome, wonderful and disruptive, especially of early spring’s harvest. The effect was all over the Sebastopol farmers market on the last Sunday in March. Farmers don’t skip a market because it is wet outside. In some instances--Sebastopol’s [...]
It's peach season! Dry Creek Peach & Produce has opened for the season. And if you find yourself with a bounty of ripe peaches, here are some great recipes from the Seasonal Pantry Archives.
When you prepare polenta is a slow-cooker, it stays creamy for hours, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your guests. It's a perfect way to entertain on, say, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Polenta has the added attraction of being very inexpensive. Look for Golden Pheasant brand or Guisto's Organic Polenta.
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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.