A culinary online center dedicated to promoting the importance and the joy of American home cooking with an emphasis on local products and talent, celebrating the unique spirit and energy of the new food world ethos, especially in Vermont.
amuse bouche
I love quotes that add meaning to my life. Here are a few to live by:
Americans who have been to France and come home craving a reminder of their magical European experience, love Vermont cheeses. —Allison Hooper, founder, VT Butter & Cheese Creamery
Practice not cleaning your plate: it will help you eat less in short term and develop self-control in the long term. —Michael Pollan
Sweet taste buds develop before all others, that’s why small children love sweets. —Bronwyn Dunne
Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of milk. —Michael Pollan
My rule of thumb is, when in doubt, cook more than you think you may need. —Marian Cunningham, from Learning to Cook
Love food? Love Farmers!
“Favorite Cookbook Contest” from the last blog post. And the winner is…Kelly Austin!
As I approached the last day of the farm stand that had become a frequent “go to” all summer and autumn I was at a loss. I had been seeing the bright yellow signs on the roadside that said November 24 –LAST DAY, but I was in denial. Common Roots, (www.commonroots.org) a farm stand and CSA, located off Spear Street at the intersection of Allen Road in South Burlington had become part of my weekly ritual. Where would I buy my vegetables, eggs, garlic, fresh local meat…? I also believed strongly in their mission which supports local food systems and provides food security for families and schools by fostering the relationships among farmers, educators, and the wider community.
The Friday before the pending closure for the season, my dear friend, Janet who lives in Boston made a surprise to visit to my house. I shared my disappointment with her. Her response.
“Let’s go together tomorrow and we’ll make it fun!” So off we went to Common Roots- a mile from my home to a place where farmers grow fresh organic produce in surrounding fields and also source eggs, cheese, Kombucha, meats, pickled green beans and more. It was chilly inside the charming little farm shop and there wasn’t much left on the shelves. Brown paper bags filled with Thanksgiving shares for CSA members were crowded together on a center table, waiting to be picked up. We grabbed our canvas bags and managed to fill them to the brim, as I explained to Janet that all summer and fall these shelves had been brimming local food from the fields. As we left, she patted me on the back with a you’ll be fine. Spring will return soon enough. HA! And doesn’t Vermont have Winter Farmers markets?
I imagine that many of you have felt similar feelings putting gardens to bed, bidding farewell to local farm stands and the local Farmers Markets. We have been so use to abundant locally grown food through – out the summer and autumn months, however the transition to late fall and winter isn’t always easy.
Fortunate for Vermonters there are over 18 Farmers Markets scattered around our state that offer abundant opportunities to find food, fun and much more. As December rolled in I suggested to Bronwyn that we visit our local Burlington Farmers market at the UVM Davis Center with anticipation of finding some good produce, and some ideas for holiday shopping. We found so much more. First, the parking was FREE!
And as we descended the stairs to the atrium level of the Davis Center, there was lively music playing and a wonderful array of tables filled to the brim with vegetables, cheese, coffee, hot chocolate, artisan crafts and more. Folks were having convivial conversations. This was clearly a happening place that I immediately knew I would be visiting all winter long.
We did a first blush walk through and on our second go I think we had almost parted with our money at every booth and had some special conversations with the vendors. We left with Orb Weaver Cheese, Specialty mushrooms, squash, the most beautiful eggs, kale, beets, soft cows cheese and an adorable hand carved ornament. It was so much fun. And to top it all off we shared the most delicious hot chocolate on the planet from a talented local chocolate maker.
What I found interesting was the stories these farmers and vendors shared with us. The scrumptious food and beautiful creative artisan goods reflected a sincere passion for their work. Their positive energy was contagious.
The Burlington Farmers market will run every Saturday between now and Christmas from 10am-2pm, and then once a month through April. If you live in Vermont, you can locate a Farmers Market near you by visiting -www.nofavt.org/vtfarmersmarkets or call 802-434-4122. And my sense is that wherever you live – there are options near you!
We can all continue to enjoy seasonal local food thanks to our hard -working farmers!
Last Blog’s Cookbook contest was such fun and our very first entrant, Kelly Austin, was the winner- her favorite cookbook…. Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard. Sweet little Mabon got in on the fun and picked our winner! Congratulations Kelly and enjoy your prize, Cooking for One, by Judith Jones- a treasure of a cookbook! Thank you to everyone who shared their favorites with us!
“Favorite Cookbook Contest” from the last blog post. And the winner is…Kelly Austin!
As I approached the last day of the farm stand that had become a frequent “go to” all summer and autumn I was at a loss. I had been seeing the bright yellow signs on the roadside that said November 24 –LAST DAY, but I was in denial. Common Roots, (www.commonroots.org) a farm stand and CSA, located off Spear Street at the intersection of Allen Road in South Burlington had become part of my weekly ritual. Where would I buy my vegetables, eggs, garlic, fresh local meat…? I also believed strongly in their mission which supports local food systems and provides food security for families and schools by fostering the relationships among farmers, educators, and the wider community.
The Friday before the pending closure for the season, my dear friend, Janet who lives in Boston made a surprise to visit to my house. I shared my disappointment with her. Her response.
“Let’s go together tomorrow and we’ll make it fun!” So off we went to Common Roots- a mile from my home to a place where farmers grow fresh organic produce in surrounding fields and also source eggs, cheese, Kombucha, meats, pickled green beans and more. It was chilly inside the charming little farm shop and there wasn’t much left on the shelves. Brown paper bags filled with Thanksgiving shares for CSA members were crowded together on a center table, waiting to be picked up. We grabbed our canvas bags and managed to fill them to the brim, as I explained to Janet that all summer and fall these shelves had been brimming local food from the fields. As we left, she patted me on the back with a you’ll be fine. Spring will return soon enough. HA! And doesn’t Vermont have Winter Farmers markets?
I imagine that many of you have felt similar feelings putting gardens to bed, bidding farewell to local farm stands and the local Farmers Markets. We have been so use to abundant locally grown food through - out the summer and autumn months, however the transition to late fall and winter isn’t always easy.
Fortunate for Vermonters there are over 18 Farmers Markets scattered around our state that offer abundant opportunities to find food, fun and much more. As December rolled in I suggested to Bronwyn that we visit our local Burlington Farmers market at the UVM Davis Center with anticipation of finding some good produce, and some ideas for holiday shopping. We found so much more. First, the parking was FREE!
And as we descended the stairs to the atrium level of the Davis Center, there was lively music playing and a wonderful array of tables filled to the brim with vegetables, cheese, coffee, hot chocolate, artisan crafts and more. Folks were having convivial conversations. This was clearly a happening place that I immediately knew I would be visiting all winter long.
We did a first blush walk through and on our second go I think we had almost parted with our money at every booth and had some special conversations with the vendors. We left with Orb Weaver Cheese, Specialty mushrooms, squash, the most beautiful eggs, kale, beets, soft cows cheese and an adorable hand carved ornament. It was so much fun. And to top it all off we shared the most delicious hot chocolate on the planet from a talented local chocolate maker.
What I found interesting was the stories these farmers and vendors shared with us. The scrumptious food and beautiful creative artisan goods reflected a sincere passion for their work. Their positive energy was contagious.
The Burlington Farmers market will run every Saturday between now and Christmas from 10am-2pm, and then once a month through April. If you live in Vermont, you can locate a Farmers Market near you by visiting -www.nofavt.org/vtfarmersmarkets or call 802-434-4122. And my sense is that wherever you live – there are options near you!
We can all continue to enjoy seasonal local food thanks to our hard -working farmers!
Last Blog’s Cookbook contest was such fun and our very first entrant, Kelly Austin, was the winner- her favorite cookbook…. Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard. Sweet little Mabon got in on the fun and picked our winner! Congratulations Kelly and enjoy your prize, Cooking for One, by Judith Jones- a treasure of a cookbook! Thank you to everyone who shared their favorites with us!
“Favorite Cookbook Contest” from the last blog post. And the winner is…Kelly Austin!
As I approached the last day of the farm stand that had become a frequent “go to” all summer and autumn I was at a loss. I had been seeing the bright yellow signs on the roadside that said November 24 –LAST DAY, but I was in denial. Common Roots, (www.commonroots.org) a farm stand and CSA, located off Spear Street at the intersection of Allen Road in South Burlington had become part of my weekly ritual. Where would I buy my vegetables, eggs, garlic, fresh local meat…? I also believed strongly in their mission which supports local food systems and provides food security for families and schools by fostering the relationships among farmers, educators, and the wider community.
The Friday before the pending closure for the season, my dear friend, Janet who lives in Boston made a surprise to visit to my house. I shared my disappointment with her. Her response.
“Let’s go together tomorrow and we’ll make it fun!” So off we went to Common Roots- a mile from my home to a place where farmers grow fresh organic produce in surrounding fields and also source eggs, cheese, Kombucha, meats, pickled green beans and more. It was chilly inside the charming little farm shop and there wasn’t much left on the shelves. Brown paper bags filled with Thanksgiving shares for CSA members were crowded together on a center table, waiting to be picked up. We grabbed our canvas bags and managed to fill them to the brim, as I explained to Janet that all summer and fall these shelves had been brimming local food from the fields. As we left, she patted me on the back with a you’ll be fine. Spring will return soon enough. HA! And doesn’t Vermont have Winter Farmers markets?
I imagine that many of you have felt similar feelings putting gardens to bed, bidding farewell to local farm stands and the local Farmers Markets. We have been so use to abundant locally grown food through - out the summer and autumn months, however the transition to late fall and winter isn’t always easy.
Fortunate for Vermonters there are over 18 Farmers Markets scattered around our state that offer abundant opportunities to find food, fun and much more. As December rolled in I suggested to Bronwyn that we visit our local Burlington Farmers market at the UVM Davis Center with anticipation of finding some good produce, and some ideas for holiday shopping. We found so much more. First, the parking was FREE!
And as we descended the stairs to the atrium level of the Davis Center, there was lively music playing and a wonderful array of tables filled to the brim with vegetables, cheese, coffee, hot chocolate, artisan crafts and more. Folks were having convivial conversations. This was clearly a happening place that I immediately knew I would be visiting all winter long.
We did a first blush walk through and on our second go I think we had almost parted with our money at every booth and had some special conversations with the vendors. We left with Orb Weaver Cheese, Specialty mushrooms, squash, the most beautiful eggs, kale, beets, soft cows cheese and an adorable hand carved ornament. It was so much fun. And to top it all off we shared the most delicious hot chocolate on the planet from a talented local chocolate maker.
What I found interesting was the stories these farmers and vendors shared with us. The scrumptious food and beautiful creative artisan goods reflected a sincere passion for their work. Their positive energy was contagious.
The Burlington Farmers market will run every Saturday between now and Christmas from 10am-2pm, and then once a month through April. If you live in Vermont, you can locate a Farmers Market near you by visiting -www.nofavt.org/vtfarmersmarkets or call 802-434-4122. And my sense is that wherever you live – there are options near you!
We can all continue to enjoy seasonal local food thanks to our hard -working farmers!
Last Blog’s Cookbook contest was such fun and our very first entrant, Kelly Austin, was the winner- her favorite cookbook…. Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard. Sweet little Mabon got in on the fun and picked our winner! Congratulations Kelly and enjoy your prize, Cooking for One, by Judith Jones- a treasure of a cookbook! Thank you to everyone who shared their favorites with us!
“Favorite Cookbook Contest” from the last blog post. And the winner is…Kelly Austin!
As I approached the last day of the farm stand that had become a frequent “go to” all summer and autumn I was at a loss. I had been seeing the bright yellow signs on the roadside that said November 24 –LAST DAY, but I was in denial. Common Roots, (www.commonroots.org) a farm stand and CSA, located off Spear Street at the intersection of Allen Road in South Burlington had become part of my weekly ritual. Where would I buy my vegetables, eggs, garlic, fresh local meat…? I also believed strongly in their mission which supports local food systems and provides food security for families and schools by fostering the relationships among farmers, educators, and the wider community.
The Friday before the pending closure for the season, my dear friend, Janet who lives in Boston made a surprise to visit to my house. I shared my disappointment with her. Her response.
“Let’s go together tomorrow and we’ll make it fun!” So off we went to Common Roots- a mile from my home to a place where farmers grow fresh organic produce in surrounding fields and also source eggs, cheese, Kombucha, meats, pickled green beans and more. It was chilly inside the charming little farm shop and there wasn’t much left on the shelves. Brown paper bags filled with Thanksgiving shares for CSA members were crowded together on a center table, waiting to be picked up. We grabbed our canvas bags and managed to fill them to the brim, as I explained to Janet that all summer and fall these shelves had been brimming local food from the fields. As we left, she patted me on the back with a you’ll be fine. Spring will return soon enough. HA! And doesn’t Vermont have Winter Farmers markets?
I imagine that many of you have felt similar feelings putting gardens to bed, bidding farewell to local farm stands and the local Farmers Markets. We have been so use to abundant locally grown food through - out the summer and autumn months, however the transition to late fall and winter isn’t always easy.
Fortunate for Vermonters there are over 18 Farmers Markets scattered around our state that offer abundant opportunities to find food, fun and much more. As December rolled in I suggested to Bronwyn that we visit our local Burlington Farmers market at the UVM Davis Center with anticipation of finding some good produce, and some ideas for holiday shopping. We found so much more. First, the parking was FREE!
And as we descended the stairs to the atrium level of the Davis Center, there was lively music playing and a wonderful array of tables filled to the brim with vegetables, cheese, coffee, hot chocolate, artisan crafts and more. Folks were having convivial conversations. This was clearly a happening place that I immediately knew I would be visiting all winter long.
We did a first blush walk through and on our second go I think we had almost parted with our money at every booth and had some special conversations with the vendors. We left with Orb Weaver Cheese, Specialty mushrooms, squash, the most beautiful eggs, kale, beets, soft cows cheese and an adorable hand carved ornament. It was so much fun. And to top it all off we shared the most delicious hot chocolate on the planet from a talented local chocolate maker.
What I found interesting was the stories these farmers and vendors shared with us. The scrumptious food and beautiful creative artisan goods reflected a sincere passion for their work. Their positive energy was contagious.
The Burlington Farmers market will run every Saturday between now and Christmas from 10am-2pm, and then once a month through April. If you live in Vermont, you can locate a Farmers Market near you by visiting -www.nofavt.org/vtfarmersmarkets or call 802-434-4122. And my sense is that wherever you live – there are options near you!
We can all continue to enjoy seasonal local food thanks to our hard -working farmers!
Last Blog’s Cookbook contest was such fun and our very first entrant, Kelly Austin, was the winner- her favorite cookbook…. Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard. Sweet little Mabon got in on the fun and picked our winner! Congratulations Kelly and enjoy your prize, Cooking for One, by Judith Jones- a treasure of a cookbook! Thank you to everyone who shared their favorites with us!
Leave a Reply