On Sunday afternoon, as shadows grew long and the wind had me reaching for a warm scarf, the parking lot of Green String Farms was bustling with cars, customers coming and going, arms full of spring’s early harvest. The farm store is surrounded by “U-Dig” flower starts, vegetable [...]
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 [...]
“Isn’t it a beautiful day!” vendors, pleasantly surprised by the pretty blue sky after a week of glorious but daunting rain, exclaimed at the Santa Rosa farmers market on Saturday. Dominique’s Sweets celebrated the holiday with green macarons and Karl Seppi of Costeaux Bakery waddled through the market in a [...]
Except during the year's darkest days and when she is moulting, a hen produces an egg every 24 to 28 hours. She doesn't need a rooster around to do it. She can't not do it. Not long after she lays one egg, she begins producing another. Some hens are happier [...]
UPDATE: I finally had the time to experiment with Spaghetti Squash Carbonara. Oh my. It is so good; I just finished the leftovers. I followed a recipe from Pasta Classics, a book I wrote in 1999 or thereabouts. I'm surprised that it worked so well on my first try. At [...]
On Wednesday mornings, the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market is small and intimate, about a quarter the size of its Saturday sibling. Customers meander through a single aisle, greeting friends and chatting with favorite vendors. It’s an easy market, with plenty of parking, no lines and little competition for, [...]
The Oakmont Certified Farmers Market may be the most intimate of our year round farmers markets. Vendors, musicians and shoppers all seem to know each other and there’s a sweet sense of community that permeates the market, which takes place in the parking lot of the Wells Fargo Bank on [...]
By the look of it on Sunday, news is out that the Sebastopol farmers market has gone year round. A few weeks ago, the market was not that well attended but a change began in mid January. Lately I’ve heard fewer people surprised that the market operates continuously, instead of [...]
As promised in today's Seasonal Pantry, here are more recipes using stinging nettles, including stinging nettle pasta, which is both delicious and beautiful.
Over the last several years, farmers markets, always a great destination for seasonal produce, have become among the best sources for healthy fats and proteins. The Saturday Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market has what may be the best selection of all Sonoma County markets.
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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.