This week’s CSA proved a bonanza of greens. One find I unearthed I have not used in a while mainly because its not a common herb in my local markets. So there was an excited “woohoo” elicited from me upon its discovery. The plant in question is sorrel, and if you are not familiar...
On our final day in Florence – a Sunday, we decided to explore the portions of the city situated across the river and away from the main attractions. We meandered down the streets drawn by steeples in the distance. As we turned the corner, in the courtyard behind the Santo Spirito Church we found...
As you read this, Mr. Oyster and I are in Italy, and I’m having no fun whatsoever. It’s just research, research research, struggling to come up with ideas to write about (just kidding). In the meantime, Christine from Fresh Local Best, a very talented writer and photographer (as evidenced here) graciously and generously offered...
Hands down, one of my favorite herbs is basil, there is just something about it that adds a bit of zing or flavor that I never get tired of, and I am a firm believer that just about anything you add basil to is better as a result. Having only married into a family...
Every year about this time in San Francisco, pepper lovers in the know eagerly check their CSA’s with the same anticipation as a child peeking into their Christmas stocking, “Is it there?” ”Have my wishes been answered”? What are they looking for? In my case, it was a nondescript small paper bag almost hidden...
The Alemeny Farmer’s Market’s has a reputation of offering an array of produce without the steep prices found in other local markets. An odd comment here and there soon became a dull roar and I knew I must check this place out for myself. Alemeny Farmer’s Market, AKA “The People’s Market” The first thing I...
I was tempted to title this post “Spaghetti Western” because of the strange connection that agretti has to the American west. You see agretti could be considered an edible tumbleweed. It’s more famous relative can been seen in its meandering migration across the western plains. Agretti’s botanical name is Salsola soda, and this familial naming...
Its artichoke season and I am so happy! While driving along the Monterey Peninsula we saw signs at several restaurants and the ubiquitous roadside stands all claiming to serve delicious fried artichokes, french fried artichokes and artichokes in just about every form imaginable. On our meandering journey along Highway 1, I made my husband...
Spring is here, I see color wherever I look, especially at the Farmers Market – not the color coordinated palettes of winter – the lush jewel toned browns, greens, and golds, but the clashing vibrant fireworks of blues, reds, pinks, and greens – mostly greens that harold in the new season. One of my...
