Tall Tales from Kansas

extremely good therapy by the way

We are coming to the end of farmers market season, but officially they will continue through November. This fellow had a lovely case of treats for sale. The oatmeal cream pie cookies looked especially good, but I forced myself to walk by as he took orders from a line of customers ahead of me. 

The kale continues to be amazing and is getting made into salads for lunch next week. 

I was delighted to see mum bouquets for sale at the Cook's Market booth.  You don't often see them for sale as cut flowers. 

These pumpkin arrangements were lovely.

I almost got the green one below...

...but instead had to go with the white pumpkin with red chili peppers, bittersweet, straw flowers, and juniper berries.  I got one last year at the Pendleton's. It lasted a good long time. 

I was hoping to find some apple or pumpkin butter, but struck out. However... the apple "jam" caught my eye and I got a jar of that to go on top of oatmeal or cream of wheat or some other hot cereal this winter. 

Two bundles of the mums were brought home and combined. One for the dining room table, and one for upstairs by the computer. 

I am changing the water in my arrangements more often these days. Attempting to keep them fresh as long as possible.  I could sit and look at them forever, seeing something new as the light changes.

Extremely good therapy by the way.  For any little (or big) thing that ails you. 

the relationships that form at the Saturday morning Lawrence Farmers market

There are fewer vendors and shoppers at the farmers market these days. Cold mornings and warm beds conspiring to keep some at home. Saturday mornings in the fall, at the market, are for sturdy folk. Like this mother-daughter duo whose smiles are so bright the masks couldn't hide them. 

I love how Miss pink coat is tenderly cradling whatever is in that basket. It's what caught my eye in the first place. Complete joy in knowing you have made just the right purchase.  

When rounding the corner after picking up extra Baclava to share with Dottie and Ray this coming week, there was this quintessential hat/mask combo. Once again, all smiles.  

After selecting a gnarly green and a bright orange pumpkin, and getting them all balanced exactly right in my basket and arms, along with 5 pounds of gourds, 3 containers of baclava, the camera, my wallet, and car keys... I ran into the Turkey Trot couple. Which caused me to stop, set everything down, and inform them that of course I had to get their picture as well. 

In case they don't look familiar to you, I have taken their picture every year at the market, about this time, wearing their matching hats. Last year, or maybe the year before, they told me they acquired the hats when they were visiting their daughter (I think) in Chicago (maybe) and participated in the turkey trot race (for sure).

These are the relationships that form at the Saturday morning Lawrence Farmers market. Friendly, kind, warm. Oh don't get me started.

Instead here are my gourds and a pumpkin. 

the heavy pumpkin being wheeled to the car

Pumpkins and squash continue to catch my eye at the farmers market this month. Deep orange, gnarly and bumpy, grayish green.  I want one of each. Maybe two.

Yesterday I also noticed the logo on the truck that brought them to the market. I wanted to hand the farmer my camera and ask him if I could get in the truck, stick my elbow out the window in a carefree manner, and have him take my picture, but I restrained myself. 

Peppers and plums are plentiful right now and I am stocking up on honey. The trick is to buy just the right amount so I don't run out but also  mindful that I don't want it to sit too long that it starts to crystalize. 

As a reminder that peppers aren't just for eating, there were these orange beauties in a flower arrangement. 

Finally, just when I have gotten used to carrying my basket to the market, thinking it the most efficient way to manage my purchases, I saw a reason to re-consider. It was the heavy pumpkin being wheeled to the car with ease that got me thinking I need a cart like that. 

It would also be handy for cantaloupe and butternut squash. 

As the weekend winds down, kale, quinoa, raisins, and Lebanese bean salad are getting combined for lunches and laundry is being folded. 

It's a universal truth that fall Sundays need to have more hours in them. Maybe just three. To be used for frivolous things like staring off into the distance.  

I only had to stop once to redistribute the load on the way back to the car.

Stacked pumpkins, matching masks, and neon radishes were on display at the farmers market this week.   

There were also artfully composed flower arrangements featuring dahlias that seemed extra pretty in the morning light. 

Swiss chard was selected as the "greens" of the week. Honey, a tomato, sunflowers, and Lebanese treats also found their way into my basket. 

How cute are these pumpkin flower decorations? Especially with the tops standing by like hats. 

Finally, there were the little gourds which could not be passed up at a dollar a pound. 

I am not going to tell you how many pounds I got, but I know it was the perfect amount since I only had to stop once to redistribute the load on the way back to the car.  This twisted, green/white/yellow combo is my favorite. Today.  

my fall frame of mind

On Saturday, the first miniature gourds of the season were spotted at the farmers market. Butternut and acorn squash too. If you hadn't already been convinced of the approach of fall. Consider this your confirmation. In Kansas anyway. 

I spotted this helper at some point and was glad to catch the whole family later and find them most agreeable to my photo request. 

I really wanted someone to come home with me who could spoon something savory and creamy into these squash blossoms, then flash fry and serve them alongside an omelet stuffed with asparagus and prosciutto and a piece of rustic whole grain toast, lightly buttered, and a glass of dry white wine. But there was no one in the vicinity who seemed capable, so I walked on. 

I did not try to squish this baby in leopard tights, but seriously, the thighs, the neck, the cheeks, were all begging to be. 

I did not get pickles this week, but must remember to get a few jars for the pantry, for the winter. I only make refrigerator pickles, and leave the real "pickling" to the experts. 

Someone like this lady. She seems like just the sort who would be a capable pickle-maker.

The squash, kale, and parsley were combined with lentils for lunches this week. After getting home from the store I realized that there is a difference between sprouted lentils and regular dry lentils. But it all worked out. 

This recipe did not call for kale, but I added some anyway. I thought about a few raisins too, but stopped myself. Everything can not have raisins. 

Finally there was this lovely bouquet with the lillies. Such a pretty color. Perfect for my fall frame of mind. 

tzatzki, falafel, and baklava from my favorite Lebanese chef

Apples and peaches were front and center at the farmers market today.

The people selling them were pretty nice too. They quickly pointed out that the other fellow in the booth was the one growing the fruit, but I still told them I wanted their picture. 

Fall colors, coffee cups warming hands, jams for toast...

... all these things have me anticipating the change in seasons. 

John Pendleton and I had a nice chat this am about how they use voile fabric to keep pests from getting to their dahlias. Which may I say are spectacular.

You would have thought I had called Karen and sent her a photo of my tablecloth, so she could make this arrangement just for me.

I did not bring home this truck. But seriously. It's crazy cute right?

I rounded out my shopping with tzatzki, falafel, and baklava from my favorite Lebanese chef (Lebanese Flower). That and some Malabar spinach from the Roots for Refugees farmers will make for fine lunches this week. As I was walking through the market today I heard a man telling someone he was with how often he doesn't get to what he buys and the food goes to waste. I wanted badly to put my arm around his shoulder and help him, but we're in a pandemic, and I didn't want to scare him. I also think it takes time to get your market mojo down and experiment around with stuff. I hope he keeps trying.  

 
Happy LONG weekend everyone. Enjoy yourself whatever you are doing.

farmers market regulars are rugged individuals

The morning began with stormy clouds and thunder, lightning in the distance, but no rain until I was about 7 minutes from home. Walking in the rain is perfectly ok with me, if I have a hat. Which I did. 

The rain did not stop me from going to the market. Not after working and vacation had me missing 2 Saturdays in a row. I brought sunshine home with me. In the form of Teddy Bear sunflowers. 

The farmers market regulars are rugged individuals, not scared off by a bit of rain.

This morning while juggling umbrella, camera, basket, and money, I did wish for a second pair of hands. For about a second. The problem with a second pair of hands is they also come with a brain. A brain that has ideas.  On a Saturday at the market, I only have space for just my ideas. Which are subject to change on a whim. 

tomorrow he may save the rain forest

Upon entering the farmers market this week, I encountered a budding botanist. Inspired by the collection of a succulent grower that revealed the great variety of species, his imagination was sparked. Here he is holding his first plant. Tomorrow, he may save the rain forest. These are the things that can happen when you bring your children to the farmers market.

There were also hot peppers, honey, and sisters in masks helping to sell the family crop of sweet corn.

This is where my cherokee purple heirloom tomatoes have been coming from. 

This week I paired tomato #1 with fresh basil, burrata, and a drizzle of reduced balsamic for salad to go with dinner. I usually put mozzarella on a caprese salad but saw someone using burrata and gave it a try. Delicious. 

My favorite sign of the week. Lots of information and just plain black and white, but the lettering somehow made it artistic. 

I spotted this bag-carrying woman and remarked on how much I LOVED the artwork, to which she replied "well I like your dancing cat tee-shirt too". I had forgotten what I had on. 

I had to bring home this "bouquet" of basil this week. So pretty AND fragrant.

Plus it works well with the zinnias from the back yard.  

everything you need it to be, and then some

Lines at the farmers market don't happen too often.  Especially at 7:45 am. Which can only meaning thing. Peaches! 

Here is a well prepared shopper.  Box of peaches procured - meaning she must have had plans for them in advance.  AND - will you look at that hair? Someone didn't tell her it'a a pandemic and her hair shouldn't look that good.  

There was also a fine selection of flowers. Anything you were looking for. Lisianthus, sunflowers, 

soothing whites or vibrant jewel tones. 

I could not choose one. So brought home two. I needed the height of the white and no excuse for the jewel tones. Had. To. Have. I think you will agree they are perfect with the limes.  

Taking the go together theme one step further, below I present "divide and conquer" and "like mother like daughter". 

There was also a nice selection of heirloom tomatoes again this week.

I stuck with the cherokee purples. But next week I may have to make a tomato pie which will require multiple varieties for maximum color and flavor.  This week Smitten Kitchen had a recipe for a tomato corn pie that looked divine and warrants further investigation. 

And thus concludes another richly satisfying week at the farmers market.

Hope your slide into Monday is everything you need it to be, and then some. 

stay cool, stay safe, eat melons

Though my farmers market trip this weekend was slightly later and slightly shorter it did not decrease my spending.

The first thing I did was march right back to the vendor with the cherokee purple heirloom tomatoes from last week.

They are incredible. I placed my order... "I need one for tonight and one for later in the week" and he provided 2 winners. Seriously you put 2 thick slices on a pretzel bun with mayo and the hamburger patty is really optional. 

There was a nice selection of good looking beans, eggplant, and friends stopping to say hello.

This won "best new sign at the market" this week.

This week's flowers.

It seems I am on an orange kick, and who can blame me. Speaking of orange...

I am on a mission to try all varieties of melons.  This weeks is a "sugar cube". Smaller and the seed pattern inside is super cool. So far I have enjoyed the "kandy" and the "ambrosia" equally well.  

Hoping your last week in July is a good one.  Stay cool. Stay safe. Eat melons!

 

enjoying the bounty of summer

There was a whole lot of goodness at the market this past Saturday... starting with BABY FEET, ambrosia melons, and pink zinnias.  

One good pink deserves another so I present this little miss, spotted from a distance (I have a fine-tuned radar that alerts me to things such as this) and she was only too happy to demonstrate her moves for me. 

I also capitalized on what will likely be the last week of blueberries in Kansas. This box is getting frozen for the mid-winter blueberry snacking cake.

Big heirloom tomatoes meant BLT's with Duke's mayo and smoky bacon on Monday night. There is no word that can accurately and succinctly capture the flavor. So I will just say OH! 

Which is also a good word to describe the flowers selected to carry home, and this curly haired, mask wearing adventurer. 

Until next week, I hope you are all enjoying the bounty of summer.

another weekend at the best farmers market on the planet

They had everything I needed and then some at the market on Saturday. Those tiny tomatoes were positively glowing, and I might have said "holy crap" or something like that when my eyes fell on them.  I mean seriously.

These crocheted bags full of lemons were so cute I wanted to buy 7 and hang them all over my house... and will you get a load of the gladioli? Such a pleasing combination of colors.

Best t-shirt of the week goes to the CAT DAD who was also "easiest to strike up a conversation with", and one genuinely nice fellow. 

Sweet corn season is upon us and there were also some beautiful blackberries for sale. 

Onions and swiss chard were on my list and I was glad to see both available. 

Onions carmelized, chard wilted, lunches made, blueberries eaten right out of the basket. I decided to roast the green beans for the heck of it while I had the oven on. I am going to re-heat them in a skillet real quick to go with dinner one night this week. I don't usually roast green beans but wanted to try something different. 

And of course, this wonderful bouquet of flowers came home as well. Thus concludes another weekend at the best farmers market on the planet. 

this half-pint zucchini peddler

Happy 4th of July from baby robin 1 and 2.  Twenty-one days ago there were three eggs in the nest, today these two look about ready to fly the coop.  I see them practicing their flapping routines when I walk by the window. Mother robin is standing at the ready, and is not putting up with any nonsense from me. I open the front door, she chirps, the baby birds duck down into the nest. 

This morning I wanted to put a few flags on the porch though, so I snuck out, quickly stabbed flags into flower pots, then went to my side of the porch.  To read. After about 30 minutes mom adapted and stopped chirping. 

Which allowed me to get a few photos.  From a distance. 

The observation of baby birds is endlessly entertaining. But there was also a market to get to today. The winner of the best 4th of July Face Mask at the market prize went to this woman. I think her name is Muriel and she sells excellent brittles at the holiday market in December. 

Her pickled okra and jalapeños were also carefully packaged today.

Madeline was back from college with a table FULL of blueberries and zinnias.

The people who are selling and shopping at the market are doing a really great job about masking and distancing.

Even this half pint zucchini peddler was in good form.

I think we have reached the peak of beautiful flower season here in Kansas. So much is blooming.

Sometimes just one arrangement per household isn't enough, and happily there is not a limit. Happy 4th of July from Chris and I. We hope wherever you are, the fireworks are as colorful and quiet as this one. 

a perfect match for the flowers

Among the umbrellas, yellow slickers, and rain boots at the farmers market this weekend, there was also a bit of sunshine. In the form of sunflowers.

Thanks to JT and Roger from Firefly farms for braving the weather, setting up your booth in the rain, and having the perfect arrangement waiting for me to bring home.  

There was also sunshine, still of the flower variety, in the form of a patch. You know I went in closer for details. 

It wasn't until I was standing on the chair to take this last picture, that I realized the tablecloth (still there from last week) was a perfect match for the flowers. 

rudbeckia hirta

When photographed in the kitchen by the sink, or on the table by the paper, with a blue tablecloth underneath, or no tablecloth at all, I am going to guess we can all agree that the Black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia hirta) is a heck of a flower. 

It's bold without being too flashy, or fussy, and they last a long time. 

In addition, it mixes well with red clover (trifolium pratense) and zinnias (heliantheae).  

As pretty as they look on my table, they are even more spectacular when you come upon a mass of them outside in a garden or in a prairie meadow. Sometime in the next few weeks, if you live in Kansas you are surely going to come upon some. Put a jar, some water, and your clippers in your car now. For the meadow sightings. Not your neighbors flowerbeds. 

sunflowers, quail eggs, and brothers & sisters

It may seem unlikely that one could leave their camera at home on a Saturday morning trip to the farmers market. And yet...

...that is the situation I found myself in on Saturday. Which forced me to use my iPhone because there was no way I was passing up getting a photo of Shirley Temple below. I wanted to just go get her exact breakfast and sit down next to her on the curb and have a long and rambling conversation, then invite her over to color with me, but of course I could not do that. 

Using the iPhone feels much different than the Nikon at the market. Somehow I feel that camera helps explain what I am doing, although I realize that makes no sense. Like maybe people know the Nikon means I am using these photos for something important. 

Because of course showing you the sunflowers, quail eggs, and brothers and sisters in attendance at the market is extremely important. To me. 

The collard greens and beets were turned into lunches by noon on Saturday. Because as important as taking photos, is finding new and interesting ways to use what I buy each week at the market. 

toasted to a medium tan with a well proportioned amount of butter

These early market-goers were looking waaaay too good at 0730 this morning, when I spotted them in front of me on the way into the farmers market. Can I also mention that they were really friendly... and not at all bothered by my request for a photo. I LOVE nice people. 

Speaking of LOVE... lets get right to it. I almost hurt myself racing to the table when I saw locally grown little strawberries at this booth.

Let me fast forward to home for one second, to show you them better...

...and while I am at it, how about a loaf of sourdough bread for toast to go with them for breakfast? From the Christmas kuchen maker no less!

Lunches this week will include chard. Salads will contain green onions, cilantro and of course lettuce.

Gosh I liked this woman's hat. I want a cloth bucket hat with a slightly larger brim for more sun protection. Colorful, just like this one. Who knows about them and where I can get one?

On the flower/plant front there was an asiatic lily and a pretty canna with the light hitting it perfectly.

I came home with a peony containing arrangement because I simply am not ready to let them go yet. 

And how can you not like the addition of lamb's ear?

Oh dear, I fear I am rambling, but I have more stuff to say...

... this chard is getting wilted, added to barley, and topped with Lebanese beans for lunch next week. My lunches are so much more interesting during farmers market season. The woman below was leaving as I was coming in and I spotted her chard, which is what started me down this road.  

And just like that, another Saturday at the market done. Such wonderful way to start the weekend. 

P.S. the sourdough was perfect, toasted to a medium tan with a well proportioned amount of butter, it was THE perfect accompaniment to the strawberries. 

I wanted to hug her and ask if she would marry the child I do not have so we could be related

Upon entering the farmers market on Saturday, I encountered a mom providing a practical lesson in household finances to her daughter as she explained "well your allowance is $5.00 per week..." as they reviewed a menu of available treats and how much each cost.

These two had a clear division of duties - the guy on the left was the money man and the one on the right was the order retriever, and never the twain did meet. The mirror symmetry of their hands was a bonus.  

I of course had to have a conversation with the succulent/cactus grower, and despite the fact that I have a plentiful array of succulents already, needed to make a purchase.

Because I have been wanting a stacked crassula and he had one with my name on it. 

Below, is the recipient of the dad-gum cutest person at the market this week. Seriously, the dress, the shoes, the purse, the hair, the mask, the checked bag, and above all the way she held herself. I wanted to hug her and ask her if she would marry the child I do not have so we could be related. Instead I just asked to take her picture.

Below are my purchases for the week. Including that lovely bunch of dill that compelled me to make a batch of pickled cucumbers. 

Last week and again this week, I blanched the asparagus as soon as I got home so I can eat them cold for snacks or as part of lunch.  Blanch, chill, squeeze with lemon, sprinkle of salt before serving (if you like that sort of thing). 

Again this week there were peony buds. 

This week in a water pitcher, because it makes such a nice vase, especially when you are not serving water at dinner parties for anytime in the foreseeable future. 

P.S. in the name of full disclosure baklava and falafel also made it into the basket. To balance all that green. 

peony season can be extended a bit

I splurged and bought a couple of bouquets at the farmers market Saturday. The first one features peonies and allium along with scented geranium foliage.

The color of the peonies reminds me of a delicate pink buttercream frosting. I love how they look in all the different patterns of light throughout the day. 

Bouquet number 2 is peony buds that have been cut and refrigerated. I cut an inch or so off the bottom and popped them in a vase and they open pretty quickly.

I do love that peony season can be extended a bit thanks to refrigeration, Karen Pendleton, and the Lawrence Farmers market.

you never know when you might need one more

The opening of the Lawrence Farmers Market was a smashing success. For me anyway. I hope for all the vendors who were there as well. 

Local asparagus, flowers, and HONEY were top on my list. All acquired.

There was a wonderful selection of beautiful greens, and how can a market day not be great when you see this duo below? The simple joy of a market can make a lot of things feel better. 

People were practicing social distancing, and hand sanitizers were available.

Just about everyone was also masked. Less important in a wonderful outdoor market, than in an enclosed space, but still it's the right thing to do right now. 

New practices with less touching did not appear to stop anyone from getting just what they wanted. 

It was good to be back at my market. Among familiar faces. Supporting local vendors. Out on a Saturday morning.

Even though there were no "official"entertainers present, this fellow did a mean version of "The COVID-19 blues" egged on by his friend in the red bandana. 



And if all that wasn't enough... how about this cactus? Good to know there is going to be a nice selection of succulents at the market this year. 

Yes, my pots are all planted out back, but you never know when you might need just one more...

... or maybe two.

things I have "put up" from the market

In case you were wondering (which you probably weren't), I did use a bag of blueberries, uncovered by accident in the bottom drawer of the freezer, carefully preserved from last year's farmers market, to make Blueberry Snack Cake last week.

When lunch time comes, and I pull our a jar of soup and a piece of this carefully wrapped cake, and sit down at my desk, it feels like I have been seated at a roadside diner off a two lane highway in the middle of the great midwest. It's not fancy. It's just good.  

I was lamenting the fact that I had 2 bags of these that I hadn't used. Until I learned this week that the farmers market opening has been delayed from April 11th until May 30th. I can't recall if that means I will miss the height of blueberry season.  I don't think so.  I think that's late June in Kansas. But the thought of one more of these cakes will help me get through not seeing all my farmer friends.   

I am luxuriating in baking these days. Especially a simple recipe like this that requires minimal ingredients, that I usually have on hand, with the exception of the buttermilk that is easily substituted with regular milk with a bit of vinegar. I do LOVE using things I have "put up" from the market. 

a Kuchen party for one

My very first stop at the Holiday farmers market this past weekend was for Kuchen bread. After waiting for an entire year, I was more than ready for a loaf and I was not one bit shy about marching into the place 10 minutes before it officially opened to snatch it up. Angie would have been so proud.

Two loaves were purchased this year. Come late February, when it is cold and dreary, and no celebrations are in site, it will be just the pick me up I am needing.  

The bread was well balanced by the addition of 2 bundles of this amazing kale.

The woman who gave me my change told me about the "kale with white beans and bacon" soup she had just made with it. Drool.  

Greenery and ornaments were in abundance.



As were nice families. This fella in the middle gets my vote for best hair AND best smile at the holiday market. I think his parents agree with me.  

Best baby in a red onesie, with father in red hat below.

My very favorite supplier of socks was present. I wanted to take those earrings right off her and put them on but I didn't want to interrupt her mathematical computations.  

Next year I am putting a big festive thing-a-ma-jig on my hat and I am going to rock it like no body's business like this lady did this year. I loved her style.  

Honey was stocked up on.

Cookies were purchased. Because look how beautifully they are decorated. And so carefully packaged. 

Right about that time Helen the potter walked by in her wonderful Mola vest and we found out that we had both lived in Panama and her brother might have known Ray &/or Dottie.  I am telling you it is a small world.  

Then as I walked by Karen's painted gourds I saw my favorite baklava makers,

who happened to be in close proximity to the gnomes.

By this time my basket was full, so I bid a fond farewell to the holiday farmers market for another year, 

and headed for home with my treasures. The instant the basket was unpacked, the toaster was plugged in and I called to order a Kuchen party for one. 

this super cute mom and dad and their camera shy kids

Yesterday might just be my last farmers market for the season, not because it's too cold, but because I will be traveling, working, and meeting a friend in the coming weeks... and there may not be time. Last week and this week I tried to soak it all in, to tide me over until spring. 

Halloween outfits were "all Elliot's idea" by the way.  

You have no idea how happy I was to see dryer balls!  I have been needing a new set.  

Glad I did not miss my "turkey trot" friends sporting their matching headgear. 

This super cute mom and dad and their camera shy kids stopped me in my tracks this week with their sense of style.

Don't forget the Lawrence Holiday Farmers Market is coming up on December 14th.    

consider yourself advised

As fall marches along, and the frosts get harder, I worry each week that this will be be last farmers market. 

There are less vendors and less shoppers, but the mood in the fall is upbeat. Anticipation of holidays to come, smoke coming out of chimneys, pumpkins to carve and eat.  

Chestnuts roasting are a sure signal of the season.  

As are sweet potatoes for hearty stews.  

But clearly the muffler and shark hat combination wins the prize for most indicative sign of the presence of cooler weather.  

You have to appreciate the wisdom at her young age of the nose guard wrap technique. 

Despite the cold there were also these amazingly gorgeous dahlias at the market this past week.

And who doesn't love a warty pumpkin/gourd

I also find myself buying a new bottle of honey each week.  Stocking up for the winter months. 

If you are going to be in Lawrence on December 14th, you won't want to miss the annual holiday market. It's perfect for getting any of your unfinished Christmas shopping done. Or like me, you can just get every single thing you need for holiday gift-giving here. All at once. Consider yourself advised.  

honey and some love from mom

Selections at the farmers market this weekend are further evidence of the approach of fall. Which, as you know, is cause for clapping, smiling, and merry-making in general.

That doesn't mean there still isn't plenty of time to enjoy a chilled carrot soup, take a watermelon to a picnic, or sprinkle your summer salads with some beautiful red and yellow peppers.

A little bit of crossover between the seasons seems most sensible to me. Slowly working in the butternut squash while continuing to enjoy zucchini.  Which reminds me that I saw a recipe for lemon zucchini coffee cake on the Pioneer Woman site the other day that had my salivary glands working overtime.

I had a nice conversation with the woman who makes this honey (along with the bees I mean). She and her dad do it together. It's my favorite of all the local honey. Maybe because of the connection? I recall last year her telling me that she "doses" her children with it if she thinks they are coming down with a sniffle. 

Honey and some love from mom. Isn't that always the best medicine?

they are not slouchers, or nodders for that matter

In case any of you were holding your breath, waiting to hear about the turban squash...

It turned out quite well.  Cut in half, seeds scooped out, put in a pan, sprayed with olive oil, tossed in sprigs of oregano, salted & peppered, then roasted (covered) at 400 degrees F for about an hour. Mild and pleasant, a great side dish for any fall meal - pork comes to mind. 

It would also be good with brown sugar sprinkled on it, scooped on a plate and topped with some chopped roasted pecans.

While I am at it, the cylindra beets I mentioned a few weeks back - were less "earthy tasting" more delicate than regular beets, just as the farmer I bought them from told me. I roasted them, slipped off their skins, and ate them just like that. My palate is becoming more adventurous all the time. 

Also in the Farmers Market follow up report this week, it is worth noting that these pale yellow sunflowers, whose name I do not know, are just spectacular.

I have thoroughly enjoyed them on the dining room table this week.

They are definitely not slouchers, or nodders for that matter. If you want a flower that stands at attention for an extended period of time, I am always going to recommend a sunflower.

tzatziki, falafel, and kale might not look like it would go with turban squash

Sunflowers were front and center at the farmers market this week.

Followed closely by charming women in hats.

There were also nice succulents and boys who had not seen farm fresh eggs before. At least I think that is why they were examining them closely. 

No pumpkins yet, but there were some very nice looking varieties of squash, and a dog on a table that was not for sale.  

Pretty peppers and a sweet mama and baby duo rounded out the day.  

I came home with a turban squash to roast along with some other essential items.

Tzatziki, Falafel, and kale might not look like it would go with turban squash, but it's all on the menu for lunch this week. In some shape or form. 

this ridiculous wiggling cuteness routine

You can pretty much tell it's going to be a fine day at the market when you hear a sweet, pure, rendition of "Keep on the Sunny Side of Life" as you walk in. 

Sunflowers and peaches reinforced my initial expectations.

Then, right in front of me, "Sasquatch" threw himself down on his back and started this ridiculous wiggling cuteness routine. 

This was my favorite family of the week. That little miss was not letting anything get between her and her Saturday sweet. As it should be.

Have you all heard of cylindra beets? Me neither. I brought some home to roast - word has it they are slightly more refined, less overall earthiness. Report to follow.

Signs of fall included the first mums, and a nice selection of fingerless mitts. 

Above is what came home with me.  Along with my weekly indulgence of baklava.

This girl doesn't let anything come between her and her sweets either. 

The Lawrence Farmers Market Margarita

The wild card item purchased at the farmers market this morning was not even purchased. One of my favorite farm couples insisted I "try it and if you like it you can buy some next week".

Lime basil. I thought of all the things it might be good in... add it to a salad for some brightness, over white rice instead of lime zest, in black beans because why wouldn't that be good...

Then I came home and while eating breakfast I came up with a better idea. A cocktail idea. I knew it would involve tequila and I always like tequila to be paired with cointreau, which led to more citrus but I wanted the lime to come just from the basil so it would not get overpowered, thus lemon. Simple syrup for sweetness to counter the tartness and I left it at that.  

I am calling it the Lawrence Farmers Market Margarita. The perfect combination of lime/basil/lemon.  Not too sweet and not too tart. Herbaceous in a fresh way but not overpowering. It will be on the cocktail hour rotation permanently until I use up all the lime basil.  I will have to print off the recipe and take copies to the market next week so it can be distributed with the lime basil. For those interested.

Lawrence Farmers Market Margarita
1 & 1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz cointreau
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
4 lime basil leaves + 1 or 2 more for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add 4 lime basil leaves followed by the rest of the ingredients.  Shake vigorously and strain into a glass with fresh ice, a basil leaf or 2, and a slice of lemon.

Enjoy.  

but then he had to smile and wave

It has come to my attention, while flipping through posts about the farmers market, that the pictures of people outnumber the photos of food.  While it is a "farmers market" and the farmers ARE as important as what they are marketing, this week wares will be featured. At least that's the goal.

As you can see there is a LOT to choose from.  

High marks to the woman above for her flower toting method.

Yes, I had to include the duo who supplied my cucumbers for the week.   

And while I am at it, Madeline (of Zinnia fame) is leaving for college soon and I had to take a picture of she and her friend.  She is off to the 'little apple', with plans to study architecture because "I like math, scientist, and art".

I was not going to take this photo, because they are buyers not sellers, but then he had to smile and wave.  How could I resist?

tomato eating season is upon us

With all my recent travels, I have been away from the farmers market for many weeks.  Today it was wonderful to see all my friends. They may not know they are my friends, but they are.

There were flowers and peaches and honey for sale. Along with amazing tomatoes that I was too busy examining to photograph while I was there.

Plus kale and baclava,

and a girl selling bouquets while wearing a pretty dress she made for twirling in.

I loved these friends with zinnias from Madeline. They were most cooperative when I arranged them according to height for my photo. All smiles and nary a complaint. 

The nicest people anywhere can be found at the Lawrence Farmers market on Saturday mornings.  

I am off to reduce balsamic vinegar, for drizzling over those heirloom tomatoes along with fresh basil and mozzarella for dinner tonight.  Tomato eating season is upon us and it is essential that we all do our part. Happy weekend friends.

in this person's opinion anyway

Peonies are still available at my farmers market.  As long as they are there, they come home with me.  Here is this week's bunch.

I love nothing better than selecting my stems from the buckets, then coming home and picking out a vase. When I turn around after paying and see new relationships forming, that's pretty good too. These two had lots to discuss. 

Beets, swiss chard, cherries and fennel were just some of the things available this week.

I was most excited about the fennel because I recall last year looking for some later in the year, to make a soup, and learning it was more of a spring crop.  I have no idea what I did with that recipe that I was certain was going to be a winner.

Notebooks, computer files, and internet searches were done.  Cookbooks pulled out.  Different recipes selected.  

It seems like eons since I made soup to take for lunch at work. 

I liked how this future version of myself selected flowers to match her top. I wanted to follow her home and see what her post market routines are.  

Instead, I did my best to select a tablecloth that went with the peonies.

Then took pictures, and more pictures, and more pictures.  

Because you can't have too many photos of peonies in one post. In this person's opinion anyway.  

locally grown, red all the way through, strawberries

My farmers market basket was very heavy this week.  With lots of good stuff. 

Tonight for dinner we had our first BLT's of the season.  With these hydroponic tomatoes from Pendleton's.  As well as a generous spread of Duke's mayo - purchased when we were in Kentucky.  As Wilburn Ray Moss Sr, would say, "lip smacking good".  

Those of you from around the area know that Pendleton's was hit hard by the tornado last week.  When I saw these signs up on their booth at the farmers market this week, I got a little choked up.  I'm sappy that way.  It has been nice to see the community offer help to neighbors in need.  

Rhubarb and strawberries were on display this week.  Those lovely , locally grown,"red all the way through" strawberries.  The kind you just want to wash and eat the minute you bring them home.  

I used about 1/2 of this amazing purple cabbage to make this Thai/quinoa salad. I know 2 photos of a purple cabbage may seem like one to many, but seriously... it's so amazing.

It went as well with the chow mein Chris made last night, as it did with the BLT's tonight.  

I wanted to buy some of this purple broccoli but knew it could not get eaten this week.  Same for the carrots and beets below.

A sweet dog, soulful singing, and more peonies rounded out my Saturday morning at the market. 

Tonight I am sending you all virtual bundle of peonies, in blue mason jars, to help you through the week, should you need it.

with equal enthusiasm I might add

This is Silas.  We locked eyes on Saturday when I entered the farmers market.  He was looking at my camera.  My eyes were on the cinnamon roll. When I asked him what he was eating and what it tasted like he informed me "like a 'cimon' roll with frosting". Good answer Silas.

This week's offerings included the most incredible sweet peas, dulcimer music, and of course flowers.  

There were radishes and flower sellers in great tee shirts with nice smiles.  

Peonies came home with me.  Along with strawberries, peas, broccoli, kale, lettuce, cabbage, arugula, and asparagus.  

My favorite way to enjoy sweet peas by the way... is in their wrappings, strings removed, plain.  Except on a holiday weekend.

When they are best served up with some other raw veggies, greek yogurt with chili/lime sauce (cholula) and hummus on the side.  With pretzels and a "Fuzzy 360" to drink.  

For inquiring minds - A Fuzzy 360 is 2 oz of 360 Georgia Peach Vodka, orange juice, and a splash of sprite.  In whatever proportions suit your palate.  

P.S.  As I was leaving the market I noted that Silas had moved on from the "cimon roll" to dog-petting.

With equal enthusiasm I might add.  

spreading out my quota of beauty in a most satisfying manner

My haul from the market this week. 

The purple cauliflower is amazing to behold.  The color and patterns can be stared at endlessly.  

Though I debated displaying them both in the dining room, in the end I just put the flowers on the table.  The purple cauliflower went in a salad with kale, broccoli, yellow peppers and other assorted items for lunch this week. Thus spreading out my quota of beauty in a most satisfying manner.  

The peonies and stock, which both smell amazing, but do NOT clash with each other, make sitting at the table a sheer delight.

I shall dedicate myself to sending more correspondence of the written variety in the coming months.  Thus allowing me to spend time in the presence of summer bouquets. Which seems a worthy endeavor.    

if you could have heard her talking to that wooden duck

Saturday at the farmers market was dominated by flowers, rain, boots, umbrella's (up and down), and amazing produce.  Not necessarily in that order.

My favorite of the week is below.  

If you could have heard her talking to that wooden duck, while petting it and then trying to pick it up to cuddle it, you would have thought so too.  Life does not get better.  

the chapeau of the week

This week at the farmers market, when a man that I did not get a picture of, was exclaiming over a ginormous 4 pound sweet potato, the man below told him (with an air of authority which I admired), that when his people were traveling across this country many years ago, they told stories of yams "so big you could sit on one while you roasted one over the fire".   

These are the kinds of things I go to the market for. Stories I am not going to hear anywhere else.

I also enjoy observing the methods by which people make their selections at the market.    

The minute these two came into view my radar went up.  Hand knitted sweaters!  

And then mom turned around to reveal hand knit sweater #3.  Plus a had that had been made for his overall-wearing brother that was holding up well.  The woman told me her mom made them, from yarn she got at Yarn Barn downtown, AND if I wanted the pattern she would get it to me if I gave her my e-mail.  I love my town.  

Asparagus for eating, a bunch of herbs for planting, and doggies for petting were also on the agenda.

Oh, and lastly one baby rocking the winner of the "chapeau of the week" award. 

in a way that only fresh flowers brought in from the out-of-doors can do

For the last two weeks the dining room table has been graced with the presence of lovely bunches of lilacs.

In addition to being beautiful, they make the house smell so lovely. In a way that only fresh flowers brought in from the out of doors can do.  

Oh, and by the way, if your clusters of flowers start to look droopy... dunk them in a sink of cool water and recut the stems at an angle.  Then make a cut through the bottom of the stem to open it up a bit and pop them back in a vase filled with fresh water. It works, just like the lilac lady told me it would.  

especially when they come with helpful advice about how to refresh them if they start to droop

Morels were front and center at the market this weekend.  And cute boys playing guitar.

Now bear with me for one tiny second while I show you the Duck yolk raviolo with fresh asparagus and morels I had for dinner at Freshwater in KC the other night.  Beautiful to behold and each bite was perfect.  If you are in the area - get there while morels are still in season.  

Now back to regular programming... which this week included more lilacs and friendly people.  

And of course asparagus, as in the dawning of the age of... 

There was also my favorite baclava grandfather and grandson duo.  They were gone for a month over the winter and spring to Turkey and Lebanon.  It's important to catch up with the vendors at the beginning of each season.  

I already mentioned friendly people, flowers, and morels, but I don't think I mentioned an extremely cute puppy yet. 

Hand made signs always get high marks.  As do bouquets of lilacs especially when they come with helpful advice about how to refresh them if they start to droop.  

Now I am off to make lunches for the week.  Baby kale, spinach, dark red kidney beans, cranberries, red onion, broccoli, roasted pumpkin seeds.  Spring farmers market lunches are the best.  

back among my people

The Lawrence farmers market opened last week, while we were in Kentucky. Which made this past Saturday the official opening for me. Hello asparagus, good morning extremely cute couple partaking of a strolling breakfast, and howdy flowering crab apple tree.  

The time for local fresh produce is upon us.  

The Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are having a spectacular year, and I could not resist this shot as I walked into the market area. They were blooming all along 64 eastbound towards Kentucky, and are still going strong at home.  

I don't know what to say about this little miss. No words can accurately capture the complete cuteness.  

Hello Mellowfields Farms.  How I have missed your greens.  

There was an impressive display of lilacs that I am sorry you cannot smell through your screen.  

Happily there were plenty to go around. To prevent any fighting. The nice couple above were going for a slightly different look than I was, but I did warn them that I was not above scrapping if it came down to it.  

It was nice to be back among my people.  Getting flowers and dreaming up things to fix with my produce.  Last night I had a salad with the tender lettuce mix, chopped raw asparagus, a few slivers of red onion, hard boiled egg, and walnuts, all tossed with a dijon vinaigrette. Wonderful.  

This chocolate croissant from Baking Traditions hopped in my basket too. It was made by the creator of the kuchen I discovered at the holiday market in December.  The kuchen that I am still dreaming about in April. You understand why I had to try it. 

while I was in the midst of me-oh-my'ing

In case you were wondering,

the molasses cookies with eggnog buttercream frosting from the Black Squirrel Bake Shop were EXCEPTIONAL.  A crackly exterior with a soft middle... and that frosting.  You will see I bought two.  In case Chris wanted one (which I knew he would not).  But that is why there are two tiny apple turnovers right next to them from Muriel.  Because Chris can't pass up a baked fruit dessert that includes apples.  And I didn't want him to feel left out, while I was in the midst of me-oh-my'ing.  

they did not come in anything larger than toddler size

Saturday was the Holiday Farmer Market in Lawrence.  A guaranteed good time.  For many reasons.

Like stars made from measuring sticks, 

wreaths made from okra, 

and bath bombs presented in an old Samsonite suitcase. Just like the ones we had when we were kids.  

There were very little girls with very big suckers, 

plenty of socks to choose a new pair from,

and wreaths made tree trunk discs.  

Holiday Mart fashion win #1.  Get a load of the scarf.  So stylish.  

Karen had a huge display of hand painted gourds,

and Muriel, who is known for her brittle (but I love her for her beets), had this beautiful display of all sorts of pickled magic.  

These bags, made from recycled hand stitched items really caught my eye, 

as did these super cute trees and button flowers.

Don't get me started on the owl pillow.  

I was delighted to find a Kuchen loaf from Baking Traditions.  It was sliced and toasted it for breakfast when I got home.  The same exact routine was repeated on Sunday morning.  No sense messing with perfection.

I loved this "story" of the goats that are behind the soaps and creams that they make on Homestead Ranch.  

No Holiday Market is complete without some fragrant greenery.  

Cute baby in cute hat, being carried by cute mom in cute hat, with stranger in background also in hat.  

See those sandwich cookies below?  They are molasses with eggnog buttercream filling.  Of course I bought some.  

To balance out all that sweetness, there was plenty of cabbage, kale, and spinach to be had.  

Last but not least, let me tell you about the cutest little pants on the planet.  

I really wanted to get the striped ones for myself and the blue and striped ones for Chris.  Alas they did not come in anything larger than toddler size.  

my fountain needed to have something in it

Marcy and Al were at the Farmers Market on Saturday in their warm hats.  I first spotted them a few years back, and since then, have taken a picture of then in their cold weather headgear every year.  It means that the season is coming to an end.

This year I talked to them. Al explained they get the hats when they go to New York, where there daughter lives, and run the 5 mile Turkey Trot each year.  

Chestnuts were also being roasted this week.  

Bright orange buttercup squash caught my eye.  I am going to make soup out of it.  The woman selling it tells me it tastes more like pumpkin than squash.  

I also got delicata squash to roast.

I did not get any turnips, but I did get a big bunch of broccoli raab that I am going to sauté OR try to use in salads.  Do any of you eat broccoli raab greens raw? I need to know this stuff.  

This arrangement screamed at me as I walked by.  And was immediately snatched up.  

One more pot of mums came home as well because they were only 5 dollars, and I decided my fountain, which has been turned off for the season, needed to have something in it.

Other selections at the market included decorative bundles of corn and lovely heads of Napa cabbage.

I also spotted this couple enjoying their breakfast burritos, but what really caught my eye was her coat. It reminded me of one that Angie used to have, except hers was a pinkish/gray color. What happened to that coat? 

There were whispers that there may not be a market next week. The number of vendors is dwindling. If you are in the area, the annual Holiday Market will be on Saturday, December 8th.  Link below for more details if you are interested. 

Helpful links:  Holiday Farmers Market - Lawrence Kansas 

she was not on the list of items for lunch

After several weeks away from my Saturday market routine, it was good to get back there this weekend.  

A haze was lifting, and the sun was coming up as I drove out of the neighborhood.  

When I arrived, some kids were playing a game of "jump the curb", while their parents shopped at the market.  Others were staying warm in the back of the vehicle while sales were made.

The number one item on my list was mums for the porch.  Which I located and purchased quickly.

Then the wandering around began.  There are only 2 or 3 more weeks of market season left for this year.  It's important let it all soak it in. While I can.    

 

I have noticed this woman's selections many times.  

I appreciated her sprinkling of halloween items amidst the baked goods.  

She alerted me to the fact that it was "Black Cat Saturday" and then we reminisced about the days when we used to do hot yoga together. Which I had forgotten about.  Not the hot yoga.  You can NOT forget that.  But that she was sometimes in the sessions I attended too.  

I took advantage of likely the last chance for a fresh bouquet.  Dahlias are so majestic.  

I also loaded up on items to make lunches for the week.  

She was not on list of items for lunch, but dang was she ever CUTE!   I love her hat and teeny tiny mittens.

come rain or come shine

We made it out to 5 of the farms on the 14th Annual Raw Valley Farm Tour over the weekend.  These photos are from both Saturday and Sunday.  It's a marathon.  Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.  I don't think any commentary will be needed.  

Driving out through the fields of Kansas.  Even on an overcast day, is pretty good.  

Thank you to the following farmers we visited for opening up their places to us.

Coal Creek Farms
Vesecky Family Farms
Pendleton's Country Market
Blue Morning Glory Farm
Henry's Plant Farm

If YOU want to experience the Kaw Valley Farm Tour, mark your calendars for the first full weekend in October.  You won't regret it.  Come rain or some shine.   

a new kind of strawberry jam that had whole strawberries in it

50 degree mornings have returned, and with them the knitted hat.  Worn most wonderfully here by the Mellowfield Farms folks at the farmers market on Saturday.  

There was also the more traditional hat and jean jacket look, sported by this fellow.

No hat for little Miss Striped tights, who was busy eating breakfast, but her hood was at the ready if needed.

The Paw Paws were back this week and I know I said last year that I would figure out what you do with them and try them this year.  But that might have been an untruth.  

I did pick up a new jar of honey.    

Not just any old honey.

I went for the Raw Buckwheat Honey.  Winter is coming.  I will be arming my body against invaders.  If I like it that is.  I can't put things in my body that don't taste good.  My mouth will have none of it.  The woman selling it told me it was "stronger tasting" than regular honey.  Maybe it will taste like a cross between honey and Steens Cane syrup?  Stay tuned.  

 The flowers are still coming on strong, but they are going to be edged out soon by pumpkins and gourds.

And actually, while they are both around I see no reason not to have some of each.   And put them together on the table.

There was also kale, spinach, peppers, zucchini, green beans, peaches, a butternut squash, and 2 cucumbers in my basket this week.

Oh and I loved the pickled beets I got last week and stocked up on a few jars of those, as well as a new kind of strawberry jam that had whole strawberries in it.  It will be needed for steel cut oats and yogurt over the winter.  Of course I could buy it at the store in January.  But that wouldn't be the same.  

And that is the report from the Lawrence Farmers market for this week.  Good night Sunday, I hate to see you go.  

I thought you "wiked bwekfust buwitos"

This week I intend to make some kind of cabbage salad with red pepper and malabar spinach, rustle up a corn salsa to go with grilled steak, throw together kale salads with butternut squash, and eat as many tomatoes as I can.     

Thus, the unusually large haul at the farmers market you see above.  The acorn squash, cucumber, and bag of tender salad greens were all impulse buys.  As was the container of baklava not included in the photograph.   

When the first thing I see upon entering the market involves smiling faces and happy meetings, it reinforces that feeling of community at the market.     

This fellow had just offered his mom a bite when I walked by.  She said she was full already and he said "but I thought you wiked bwekfust buwitos"

The beginning of pumpkin season is upon us.  With the chill in the air Saturday it was all I could do not to start getting out the orange yarn. Or running upstairs and digging through the pile of wool strips and planning out a new hooked pumpkin to make.  

Dog-gone it she wasn't the cutest in those rain-boots, belted coat, and scarf.  Then when I asked to take her picture, she smiled and took cuteness to a whole new level. 

This week's arrangement had to be the one with sunflowers, though I deliberated between it and the one with that really interesting green and purple flower in photo #4.  

It was all about the height and the incorporation of the zebra grass.

 When I was picking it out I told Karen it was "majestic".  Sometimes the right bouquet just calls your name and as they say "resistance is futile".  

as he carefully examined the tiny tomatoes

This week was the last 7am start for the Saturday farmers market in Lawrence.  I for one, am ready for it.  My 4 competing priorities on Saturday morning are walking, going to the market, sitting on the porch to drink coffee, and trying to squeeze in 30 more minutes of sleep before the first 3.  

So let's just start off with serious market cuteness this week.  The feet on this baby were infinitely squish-able.  

Everyone standing around this lady in her "market version of Rosie the Riveter" ran when I asked to take her photo.  Camera shy or witness protection program?  I didn't ask.  When I saw that beautiful silver hair with the red bandana and dark glasses all pushed up in that no-nonsense totally cute way I couldn't help myself.  

In the 4-legged adorable category,  I give you this extremely well-behaved dog.  

And then there was him.  I have no idea what was going on in his head as he carefully examined the tiny tomatoes, but his delightful, unabashed, curiosity was fun to watch.  

Oh.  Yes, there was produce.  Plums and green beans, and peaches and apples and peppers and kale and salad greens.  

Plus flowers and spinners.  

And with that, I wish you all great Mondays, whatever you're doing, wherever you are.  

all the makings for some good eats

Highlights from this weekend's farmers market included boys in t-shirts advertising their dad's comedic talents, and baskets of mariachi peppers perfect for fajita making.

I am not sure why I have never noticed before how perfectly lined up the produce and signs are at the Mellowfields farm booth.  It's a thing of beauty when glimpsed from a few feet back, where you can appreciate such a thing.  

I think these boys were enjoying their cinnamon rolls.  I caught one of them mid-chew and I believe that accounts for the expression.   

This junior farmer was dispensing advice on which melon might best meet a customers needs.  

Since I had just spent a day sewing, you know I almost jumped with joy when I saw these ladies in their dresses.  I LOVED that colorful fabric and she let me know just where she bought it!  Fellow makers are nice that way.  

Blondee apples, heirloom tomatoes, and kombucha tea merchants with dimples were also spotted.  

I loved listening to these ladies trying to decide which bunch of flowers to buy.

They agreed I had already selected the most spectacular arrangement. 

 Cabbage, kale, spinach, peppers, a cucumber, a summer squash, a dozen eggs, and a few tomatoes rounded out my purchases.  

All the makings for some good eats this week.   

I just totally made that up

The sun was in the perfect position when I arrived at the farmers market on Saturday.  

Casting everyone and everything in the most beautiful morning light.

Grapes and okra were available this weekend.

And a most colorful selection of flowers.

She won "Carol's pick for best market outfit" this week.  Hat, basket, flowing skirt.  All in perfect harmony.  

When I got home I scurried about making my own harmonious combinations.

Carrots were added to the cucumbers and onion.  Lentils were added to the salad for the week.  It's all a part of the Experimentation for Interest Eating Plan.  I just totally made that up.