4 lb 5 oz from Union Square yesterday
Who knew that November could be this glorious? Seriously, I feel like I’m getting to LOVE November, such as it has been this year!
Being that I have had Brassicas on the brain lately, I have gotten into really delving into the offerings in the genus. This may indeed seem odd to many, but here is a whole market-basketful of items to relish in, experiment with and enjoy………. Being that I have never delved here much in the past, it’s really a great new selection to ponder, play and be inspired by.
And lest you think I am the only one that obsesses, and heartily so, over vegetables and fruits, here are two gorgeous books that you may want to give or even ask for in your Christmas stocking:
Yesterday, we parked on East 10th Street on the way over to the Farmer’s Market. Before going over to Union Square, we wandered into Eskandar, one of my favorite shops which is right across the street from Il Cantinori, a charming and cozy Italian restaurant we like. I like to visit Eskandar because they always have a unique selection of books, antique French silver, glassware and other tableware and some really beautiful sweaters. (hmmm…) Anyway, it was not without coincidence that as soon as I walked in I came upon a book on Brassicas. I had literally just finished up writing about the genus a few hours before and had been focused on them since that little dinner a couple of weeks back at JoJo that has kept me to dreaming of brussels sprouts. Well, needless to say, I had to bring this book home and I am planning to do a good scouring of it this afternoon, maybe even by a nice fire.
beautiful skies on Broadway
As we walked up to 14th Street, I kept hearing in my head, “bonus, bonus, bonus”. There are still roses blooming in the City and a repeat of these gorgeous Camelias that I first found last year at this time on West 10th Street. Let’s just keep this weather coming, shall we? It is really uplifting and seeing flowers still in bloom is a huge boost to the spirit!
It has indeed been the most glorious of Autumns that I can remember this year, hasn’t it? Considering we have had snow in November the past few years, this indeed has been a welcome month, one that can be gloomy and almost dismal. I’d just as soon keep this weather going all the way through until next Spring, but maybe that’s just a little unreasonable and too hopeful? Anyway, yesterday was another glorious and sunny day and we transversed through the market which was very busy. Nowadays I can’t visit without thinking about Alice Waters being there and her influence on me. And, this is a good thing as my interest in vegetables keeps on growing (pun intended).
Everyone was debating about whether to buy their vegetables on Saturday or return to the market next week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday only). Being that I won’t be back before, I scoured around until I found the admittedly gorgeous turnip shown above, some pears, Lady Apples, and herb wreaths.
You won’t be surprised to learn that I absolutely have a fascination if not love for going to the market and indulging in ogling fruits and vegetables. Seriously, this turnip, even though I had heretofore said some unkind things about it, is in fact a gorgeous creation of nature.
It was a good visit to the market, one where the energy and enthusiasm for the upcoming week of cooking and baking was palpable. I felt, perhaps for the first time, how enormous the offerings of late-season vegetables really is and, all the potential that is there for making your table a place of diverse and delicious wonder. As I page through the book on Brassicas, I will make note of the recipes that pique my interest. Who knows, I may yet readjust my menu a few more times before Thursday. It is not lost on me the potential for repertoire-expanding opportunities with these offerings – those that our ancestors stored and used to survive through their Winters long ago. It makes those plastic bags of green beans from far away seem superfluous and inappropriate on some levels. There really is plenty of bounty right here, and to last through to the next growing season. Cold cellar anyone?
beauty is in the eye of the beholder – it is really more impressive in person
I love the Seckel Pear and Lady Apple season
these babies are going around my turkey
Herb wreaths – fragrant and useful:
even though I am having an extra hard time realizing that it is almost time to think about Christmas because the weather has been so lovely, The Christmas Market is open and is well worth a visit
it is indeed a gift to still have roses budding and blooming, unblemished by frost – yesterday in Basking Ridge
It is getting to be the homestretch here. Hope you enjoy and don’t get too stressed if you are cooking! I am still studying recipes to see which ones will best fit into my timing sequence and helpers’ schedule……..