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

Thursday, March 25, 2010

THE LEUCADIA FARMERS MARKET


I am three weeks into my farmers market experience - so far very positive responses, many of my friends have stopped by and graciously purchased the limoncello cheesecakes and/or the nutella brownies-THANKS!! Last week I added a pasta salad with asparagus, spinach, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and sliced almonds in a lemon vinigarette, and this week I am going to try a mixed baby greens salad with pears, walnuts, red onions and gorgonzola cheese..

Variety is the spice of life so this Sunday I am offering samples of an orange cheesecake with a chcocolate biscotti crust..

The Leucadia farmers market is literally a 1/2 mile from my house, and it takes place on the elementary school grounds that both of my daughters attended. There is such a variety of vendors offering crepes, African food, vegetarian food, organic honey, specialty teas, abundant organic produce, jewelry, worm castings and balinese clothing just to name a few.... Who knew back then when I was waiting in the car pool line that I would be selling cheesecakes right next to the playground that they enjoyed during recess!

Its a learning experience and there is much to learn, but its all good and I can't wait to see what is around the corner...

Monday, March 1, 2010

I FINALLY "JUST DID IT"


If you visit Janie's blog, Panini Girl, you will find out after much procastinating and hemming and moaning, I decided to start selling some Italian treats at our local Farmers Market...It has been in the works for a while, and as Janie says, there are lots of steps one must take before they can hang a sign that says "Cucina Cara Mia" .....Artful Italian Food.
It was a fun, exciting day, I sold a number of individual limoncello cheesecakes, and the Nutella brownies were a hit too. Granted, I gave out lots more in samples, but according to my husband, those can be written off as an advertising expense! I ran into a few neighbors and had some wonderful friends (like Janie) stop by and give me support. The sun was shining, I was doing what I love, and felt proud that i finally JUST DID IT!


As long as we are persistent
We will continue to grow
We cannot choose the day or time
when we will fully bloom
It happens in its own time

Dennis Waitley