(photo by wm. christman)
Some say that California doesn't really have seasons. It's always (mostly) sunny, warm, clear skies...if you live here, you know that this is not really true. Our seasons, like lots of other things in and about California, are subtle, understated and mellow.
So what. The usual hot streak of early September days is officially over. The temps have dropped into the mid-70's and the night are cooler. And there are still plenty of fresh vegetables to be had, and the best place to marvel at their beauty before impulsively buying them is at a local Farmer's Market.
I spend nearly every Sunday going to at least one Farmer's Market in the area and although there have been criticisms about the prices (higher), they are a delight visually and that can fuel the creative urge to cook and consume. This past Sunday, I spent some time at the Campbell Farmer's Market to check out vegetables and fruits that are coming to the end of their growing season and to see what was next in line for the fall.
(photo by wm. christman)
The hot end of summer here means that peppers are probably at their best. They'll soon go away so I think about grabbing some long Italian peppers and sautéing them with onion until soft and slightly brown. Slather that on a baguette, with or without, a grilled Italian sausage and it's a feast.
(photo by wm. christman)
There has been a stellar supply of heirloom tomatoes this year and there is still a great selection available, mostly at reduced prices (<$2.50 per pound). The taste of most varieties will knock your socks off - sweet/tart, juicy beyond belief. I see these and I immediately think about getting them together with basil, red onion, oilve oil and balsamic vinegar. Let that mix sit for 20-30 minutes then grab some crusty bread and, again, it's meal time.
(photo by wm. christman)
This time of year also brings what I look forward to the most at this time of year, pumpkin. Whether it's in bread, bagels, custard, or pie; savory simmered in chunks, or pounded into a sweetened pureé, this is the time of year to go completely nuts with a fresh orange globe of pumpkin-y goodness. All of these pumpkin-packed items will make their way onto some table I'm eating at in the next few months.
The Campbell Farmer's Market is held every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm in downtown Campbell, CA. For a complete listing of Farmer's Markets in the SF Bay Area, go to: http://www.organicpicks.com/php2/farmers_markets.php
