Farmer's Market Bounty

Incredible. That is the only way to describe the Farmer's Markets here. The couple of times we've been to Italy I was always amazed at the open air markets and the produce they had to offer. Why can't we get produce like that in the states? Well, we can. You just have to go to California to get it. The produce in the midwest sucks. Plain and simple. In Chicago we wait all year for July and August for the chance, and I do mean chance, to perhaps get a good tomato or ear of corn. And then nothing is guaranteed. If you are lucky enough to get a good tomato, don't worry, you won't next time. It is so hit or miss in Chicago. But in Cali it is a totally different story. The local Farmer's Market in Calabasas is every Saturday. There are about 100 booths with about 85% of them selling produce. The other booths sell everything from fresh cut flowers to nuts and spices to fresh fish. Unbelievable. They have produce that I've never heard of. These markets are every non-meat eater's fantasy. I'm not sure how much Rick appreciates all the veggies I've been cooking lately. But I'm taking care to make sure he gets lots of meat. Lauren too. She needs the protein for her bones to heal. This past week I made the most delicious Eggplant Gratin courtesy of Ina Garten. I just love her and her cookbooks. Always looking for new recipes. This week is zucchini fritters, sausage and peppers, plum salad, some kind of squash (the big orange thing in the photo), tomato bread, chicken Caesar salad and we'll see what else.

I may have to move here just for the produce. Hmmm.