Local Diet Update - October 25, 2009

Saturday made for the perfect fall day and a wonderful farmers' market. I actually loaded down my bike (including a lawn chair) and peddled down to the market. It was quite a sight with me in a heavy winter coat (it was 48 degrees when I left the house) and my booth supplies bungee corded to the baskets over the back wheel.

The market itself was loaded down with an amazing harvest just waiting for the taking. Check it out... Available at this week's Brazos Valley Farmers' Market were:

Veggies and Fruits: pumpkins, red potatoes, yellow onions, hubbard squash, patty pan squash, eggplant, carrots, cherry tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumber, yellow squash, zucchini, green beans, a variety of hot and sweet peppers, okra, spinach, herbs, black eyed peas, peanuts, dried apples, and pears

Baked Goods: yeast breads, herb breads, cheese breads, sweet breads, peanut brittle, cookies, pies, cakes, cheesecake bars, pecan bars, dog treats

Canned Goods: jams, jellies, salsas, pickles, chow-chow, relish, veggies, chutney

Other Foods: cornmeal, grits, wheat flour, eggs, honey, pepper sauce, jalapeno oil, locally-roasted coffee, olive oil

Non-Food Items (hand-crafted): stained glass art, decorative plants, fruit trees, aprons, jewelry, pot holders, stuffed animals, candles, pillows, christmas tree ornaments, purses, wallets, bags, greeting cards, plaques

Because of my splurge at the market last weekend, I really needed to get back on track with my 100 Day Challenge (where I attempting to buy nothing but fruit for myself for the last 100 days of the year - relying on my garden, my pantry, and whatever I could barter for). So, I promised myself I'd stick to my list this week and picked up only what was needed. And I did (though I'll admit it was difficult...) Not everything was bought, some of it was given and others bartered for.

This week, I came home with carrots for Dave, honey, whole wheat flour, eggs, two pumpkins, pears, and a cucumber. The pumpkin will be roasted, pureed, and frozen for pies later in the year, veggies for Dave will be steamed for his dinners, the eggs are for the pumpkin pie bread I'm making for our Halloween party next weekend, the honey and flour is for my whole wheat bread recipe, a staple in our house (and great for bartering since so few people make homemade bread anymore), and the pears and cucumber are just for nibbling.

Aside from the new goodies, I have plenty of all-local foods throughout the kitchen and pantry room - veggie stir fry, spaghetti squash, and a few potatoes still in the fridge; soups, pasta sauce, corn, brown rice, and pecans in the pantry; oogles of sweet potatoes stored in the coat closet; and a bazillion green peppers, some green onions, lettuce, sage, and basil in the backyard just waiting to be picked. Did I mention all of that was local? Sometimes I just LOVE living in Central Texas!

Well, enough for now. Have a great week, everyone. And, as always, Happy (and mindful) eating!