Farmers Market Post-REALLY!

It was a quick journey today. I had choir practice for our Christmas concert, and I haven't done a lot of practicing- so it was a must if I was going to participate. I sat out last year, and while really nice to enjoy the concert and an audience member, I prefer the performance end of it. This year it is nice that all choirs are singing all of the concert, I like that. We are having a live orchestra, too, I think, and that is a big plus to me.

Anyway,I got up early enough to grab a quick shower, head to Day's for coffee and on the the market. I grabbed green beans first, Charles said he thought he'd only have a bushel and better get there early! To my great surprise, our cut flower folks were there with mini sunflowers and eucalyptus! Yea! Then on to Anne for a cumin seed gouda cheese and reminder that I wanted a pound of her homemade caramels when she did them. Yummmmm.

It was hard to pass up the omelets, I looked at my time, darn. I stopped for radishes- watermelon ones and a black one I hadn't seen before. Peppery, he said. So, for color alone I had to have a bunch. They are snow white inside which is a visual treat! Spinach, too, from this farmer.

Fennel will be on the Thanksgiving menu somewhere.
I haven't decided on the menu exactly. It will just be me, Jim and Mom. I like trying new things so other than turkey, dressing, orange cranberry salad, pumpkin pie-the rest is up in the air. I sure liked the potato gratin I made last Christmas, if I can find the recipe, it will be on the menu. Mom is bringing a vegetable or vegetable casserole.
What are you having?

Farmers Market Post-NOT

Well, it is true- I have temporarily lost my mind. I did arrange my small farmers market fare yesterday, and even left the buffalo out so long that it began to thaw. But, somehow didn't get a picture of it. Sheesh.

So today, you get photos of my Peruvian finger puppets that will be gifts for Christmas and next Easter for baby Ophelia. There were probably a hundred or more to choose from at Just Creations. Each one cuter than the next!  I want to go back and get a really cute Moses that I didn't get the other day. There is also a Christmas set. I wish it was the nativity but it is Santa, et al.

I can't decide which is my favorite, the cute monkey scratching his head and belly?

Or the lovely bird? (There was a swan I found after my purchase, that is coming to live with me soon, too)

Or this lovable kangaroo complete with baby in her pouch?

Maybe this really "hoppy" bunny?

All so cute I can't stand it. How can you pick a favorite????

Sweet surprises

We've had a freeze but the last few days have been Indian Summer days in the 70's.  I knew this would be a great time to tear out the morning glory vines. But, look what I found on the front porch this morning! It will have to wait.....

Brisk Market Day and Green Bean Potato Salad Recipe

Don't you love the fall colors?

Our nippiest morning yet, but we are not deterred from the joy of the farmers market!  And look at the reward-yumminess!
Who could pass up this pointed head cabbage- which I shall name the "Rosebud" cabbage-though it would be one gigantic rose! This is a lot of cabbage for the two of us, but we'll manage somehow.







A view of the broccoli and green beans- I might squeeze one more green bean potato salad out of Jim since it is returning to the 70's this week and there are buffalo brats in the freezer.....

Green Bean Potato Salad:
1# red or any waxy potato
1/2 # green beans
1 shallot, chopped
2 TBS olive oil
1 TBS apple cider vinegar
basil ribbons, I like a lot of basil (1/8 cup or so)

Directions:
Wash potatoes and boil for about 20 minutes, remove from water onto dry towel and add green beans for 6-7 minutes. Shock green beans and add to towel.  When potatoes are cool chop in 1/2 inch slices.
In bowl add shallot, salt and pepper to taste, olive oil and vinegar. Blend well with fork. Add potatoes, basil and green beans. Lightly toss.  This tastes best at room temperature with a bit of time for the flavors to settle in together. Great the next day, too.

These cukes looked so good
The apples are Fugi and Gold Rush

The apples last week were wonderful, hard, crisp-tart- Gold Rush. I couldn't remember their name to I paid more attention today. Grabbed a couple of Fugi, too.

Bok choy for the stirfry Jim made last night for dinner. Which was so delicious!

I picked out 8 gourds from Claire. The marble topped chest in the dining room needed a little fall decorating. I used these in there. My decorator sister, Richey, guided me through the process. I'll post a picture later. It is a grouping that will transition to other seasons easily.


The mini sunflowers, zennia and eucalyptus were all that the flower folks had this week.  I think the mini sunflowers are cute as can be, I just had to buy more than the big ones and use a smaller vase. This might be their last week at the market, there was a hard freeze last night.

There was a long line for omelets when we arrived but by the time we finished shopping and talking, just a couple ahead of us!
I'm off to reheat the part I couldn't eat yesterday- it was huge!
Enjoy!