CUCINA CARA MIA.......Random thoughts from "my dear kitchen" about food, travel, Italy, San Diego and life!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

FROM FARM TO TABLE



This morning, I went to a local Farmer's Market with Panini Girl (see link). She is the first person I have actually met through blogging-she only lives a few miles from me. We have a lot in common, first and foremost, we are both Italian and from New York. She is quite the chef, check out her blog and you will find amazing recipes that she lovingly creates in her own kitchen, as well as wonderful stories and photos of her experiences in Italy last year, where she studied Italian.


In Italy, and all over Europe, there are fruit and vegetable stands everywhere. No need to go to Safeway or Vons to get fresh produce. In recent years, Farmer's Markets can be found every day of the week in towns nearby. In Leucadia, we finally got a Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings and I can walk to it. Who wouldn't want fresh organic picked fruits and vegetables "in season"? It feels good to support local farmers and other vendors, and hopefully find some inspiration for cooking something new for your family. I picked up some Swiss Chard (Janie, is that correct?).
I am going to find a simple recipe to serve it tonight with grilled fish. My husband has decided he wants to be a vegetarian, so I need some new vegetables to wow him with.

Personally, I will still eat chicken and fish. ..and an occasional steak.

3 comments:

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Really...your husband has decided to be vegetarian?? Fascinating! I've been one since I was wee tiny, so it's been a bit easier for me since I never really developed a "taste" for meat at such a young age (I think I ate burgers, hot dogs and chicken. Not exactly Ruth's Chris ;-).

I lovvvveeee farmer's markets....even the ones in NYC have gotten so good over the last several years. Obviously a little slimmer pickings in the winter but still great. Our entire Christmas meal came from stuff picked up at the market and it was great. The markets in the late summer when everything is coming to harvest...OMG...I literally could spend hours!

p.s. Thanks for your comment on my post. I've been sneezing ever since getting home. Brrr! :-)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Linda

How nice to have met a blogger friend nearby! It's great you can get together frequently.

We love veggies! You have to check out the "Proud Italian Cook" link on my blog --she makes a lot of wonderful vegetable dishes.

Hugs, Pat

Sabina said...

Good Morning Linda!!

How wonderful - wish I could go shopping with you and check out your farmers market!! Looks great!!

Happy Monday!!

:)