Monday, December 22, 2008

Local diet update - December 22, 2008

Special Edition: Eating Locally on Holiday

We're still on the road (scheduled to arrive in Aptos/Santa Cruz County, CA later today), but it doesn't mean I've forgotten all about eating locally. Sure it'll be a little harder than normal since I'm not the one in charge of food (Dave's mom is a GREAT cook!), but I came to California prepared. 

First, let me say that I'm sure some of the food Dave's Mom (I'm just going to call her Mom) has in the house is local. I mean, come on - It's California! Not everything will be and that's ok. When you are on holiday at someone else's house, far from home... it's just one of those times when you eat as locally as you can, and know that the time with friends and family is most important. 

That doesn't mean I'll be completely slacking off. Mom lives on top of a hill just a few minutes walk from downtown Aptos. I often take morning walks when I visit, partially for the exercise, and partially to explore the shops that line the main street. One of those shops is their local natural food store which is always fun to haunt. I intend to find a few local goodies there.

Then there is the Aptos Farmers Market which (and check this out) is also within walking distance to Mom's house. You can believe that I'll be up early on Saturday morning heading straight for the market, camera in hand. Not only will I be scoping out local goodies for the week, but I'll be looking for inspiration in how to make our own farmers market more fabulous. 

I'll be ready next Monday to report on the Aptos harvest, so stay tuned. In the meantime, have a great week, everybody. And, as always... Happy (and mindful) eating!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to hear about the California farmer's market!

hmd said...

Sharli - I'm excited too. I can hardly wait to see what all they have!

Sam said...

You make me embarrassed at my efforts in eating locally (or rather lack of). I have been cooking alot in my crockpot. In fact today I made a veggie, sausage and rice dish that looked a lot like some of your creations. It was absolutely delicious!

ttammylynn said...

Well, you did miss a great market here on Saturday. The tomato lady was back with tomatoes, kohlrabi, purple broccoli, and lots of other stuff. In fact, I think almost everyone had broccoli for sale. There were several egg vendors, a couple of extra veggie growers and pecans, coffee, crafts, canned items, et cetera. There were carrots, onions, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, lemons, greens, lettuce, cabbage, sweet potatoes, winter squash...someone even brought some homegrown bananas to try...I took mine home and hubby said it was way better than the bananas you buy at the store.
California (and Florida)may grow for the rest of the US, but I believe Texas is holding its own this winter.
Next market will bring most of the vendors back, but a few said they wouldn't make it due to family holiday gatherings and stuff.

J said...

I am impressed that you have that good of access to local grub, even on the road, awesome planning Heather. I look forward to (jealously of course) drooling over your fresh, local California produce.

hmd said...

Beany - Yum! I used to have a crockpot and it was a real asset on days when I was working but had to cook. And your dish sounds fabulous!

Tammy - Bananas?!?! Darn it all! Was it a new vendor?

Jennifer - I'll be sure offer lots of food porn for your drooling delight :) I'm looking forward to it too!