Last week was tough for us, food wise, as I didn’t have time to go to the farmer’s market. I think the only really completely local dinner we had was eggs and bacon. The rest of the meals we cooked were between 50 and 75% local, but none were really the 90% I strive for.
This week should be better, even though I didn’t get to the farmer’s market due to the garage door crashing down. We’ll be eating quick, local meals as we’re finally serious about selling our house and so are busy packing up the clutter (and giving it away) and finishing all the projects we’ve never completed. If you want to help weed, paint trim or trim hedges, feel free to drop on by.
Oh, and if anyone has any idea how to cook a Pork Ham Roast (skinless, bone-in) I could use some ideas. Every recipe I have calls for the skin to be on, but ours have no skin…
Also eggs, we desperately need new and interesting egg recipes. The even half dozen laying continues and we are slowly drowning in eggs. They’re coming faster than we can give them away.
Our numbers seem to be declining as we get closer to New Year’s. But those still participating are certainly cooking up a storm!
*****
The East:
Ed over at The Slow Cook was busy catering holiday bashes this week and didn’t have time to cook for himself. But he did still have time to post a recipe for Sauerruben instead. Apparently it’s similar to sauerkraut but made with turnips instead. I may have to try that next year
With the unexpected gift of a snow night, Kim over at Yankee Food enjoyed pork tenderloin with cranberry pan sauce and squash with butter. I won’t judge her on the size of her butter pat since I think there’s nothing better than roast squash and butter…
Christy at Farm Dreams made breakfast burritos for dinner - my kind of meal! Of course she also notes that they never eat them for dinner.
As all Maine cooking continues to get easier, Wendy at Happily Home reports that dinner last week was t-bone steak and spinach quiche. She also ate some of the melon she from last summer and notes that it was delish - good to know as I’ve never thought to freeze melon!
Danielle at Touch the Earth Farm posted photos and details for 3 meals this week. 1) taco salad and burritos with home made tortillas. 2) shrimp quiche, salad and local Chardonnay with shrimp from her visit to the gulf coast. 3) roast chicken with home made biscuits and sauteed swiss chard.
Ham and bean soup was on the menu for Danielle at Farm to Philly last week. She’s been searching for a recipe worthy of her local dried beans, and finally decided to use them for soup. Here’s hoping you got the foul weather you wanted Nicole.
If you were looking for a recipe to make apples for dinner, Jasmine at 40 Shades of Green has got one for you. Her butternut squash soup with curried apples looks tasty, and uses up squash and apples at the same time!
Leda hosted her traditional holiday brunch, but this year with all local ingredients. The food was a big hit and the star of the show was a simple raw veggie, the watermelon radish.
Over at Locavores, Sophie spent the week making cranberry sauce and visiting the winter farmer’s market to restock.
*****
The West:
After a bout of doubt last week, Anita came back with a vengeance. Married with Dinner went 7 for 7 last week. Meals included pot stickers, long-bean stir fry, bibimbap, chili, cheesy lasagne and pot pie. Her favorite meal of the week (pictured at left) was made from a friend’s recipe - it’s still secret until the cook book is published.
Donna attempted 4 meals this week, none of which met her stringent local requirements. But then again, she used an awful lot of local ingredients! Meals included chili, omelettes, spaghetti and grilled cheese. My kind of food!
After discovering a great trip for rejuvenating limp carrots, Ellen at The Daily Grind made a great carrot soup for dinner and even got to sit down for the entire meal.
Melinda is home and trying to get back in the groove. Meals this week included pizza for dinner and breakfast, eggs, fresh veggies, ground cherries and a lot of other wonderful looking foods.
Finding that the freezer holds treasures better appreciated in the winter, Katrina cooked up a storm this week. The highlight was Rancho Gordo pozole, made without a recipe and for guests nonetheless! She’s also ready to admit she might have too many squash - if you find one on your doorstep you know where it came from…
*****
The Middle:
Penny is back home and making inroads on her squash collection. This beauty was quartered and roasted. Half became squash-carrot-ginger soup and half went in the freezer for later.
Pork loin took center stage for Anne this week. After marinating it in pomegranate syrup she prepared it two different ways and combined it with local veggies and extras. She’s also stuffing baskets with local goodies for holiday gifts.
Jumping on the pork bandwagon, Farm Mom logged a dinner of pork chops, broccoli cheese casserole and roasted delicata squash. Sounds wonderful to me!
Valereee finishes us off with a mostly local goodwinter soup (great idea!) that trades many dirty dishes for an all day cook. She also shares her recipe for make ahead meatloaf and mashed potatoes - perfect for the day you don’t have time to cook.
*****
Possibly Related posts (newest to oldest):
Thank you, Laura, for the recap. I can’t imagine where you find the time, especially this time of year! Have a great holiday, and enjoy the house hunt, if you can!