Page 12 - Jan Feb 2015

Culinary Arts
EAT LOVE LOCAL
by Kathy Sanchez
EDITOR’S NOTE: We are so blessed here in the Bay Area and North Bay to have access to some of the finest local produce on the planet, available at many farmers markets throughout the region. In the words of one of our local farmers market vendors, Dominique, the Key Lime Pie Lady, Farmers Markets offer us “a chance to experience good quality produce, foods and crafts that we would not otherwise be exposed to because many vendors at the farmers market do not have storefronts. The markets are one of the best ways for people to connect to those who grow the food that they put in their bodies and in their family’s bodies. Food is an intimate thing, and . . . food grown and prepared with care makes a difference to our lives. Farmers have the opportunity to earn a living while forging meaningful relationships with their customers.”
To encourage and support this tremendous local resource, we are proud and thrilled to introduce a new column, Eat Love Local, written by local food adventurer, Kathy Sanchez. In each issue, Kathy will take us with her to meet local farmers and artisans, sample their wares, and then prepare and present a delicious dish from our day of shopping at local farmers markets. So come along with Kathy as she explores all the culinary delights our region has to offer.
It’sa gorgeous Sunday morning in Santa Rosa and I ask My Beloved, “Would you like to go to the Farmers Market with me?” A blank stare. “But, I’ve already been to a Farmers Market” (Its OK, Beloved has many other fine qualities.)
One of the most glorious things about our local Farmers Markets is that they are ever evolving; week to week, month to month, season to season. The cast of characters changes a bit. My favorite tomato guy isn’t there during the winter months, naturally, but he’ll be back in the spring. (Sigh. I miss those tomatoes this time of year....)
But wait! The winter markets still have much to offer. Eggs year-round, greens, carrots, beets, onions, shallots, leeks, garlic, the list goes on!
I set off (solo) to the Sebastopol Farmers Market.
Hell bent on focusing on the produce area of the market, I walk up and down a couple of times, taking notes, talking with vendors, then casually stroll by the local artists...
SHINY OBJECTS!!! Stopping in my tracks, gazing over the shoulder (and leaning in much too closely) of a young woman who smartly removes herself to the next booth, I see these beautifully hand-crafted earrings by Mary Jane Salberg from recycled sterling silver. I’ve included the price tag in the photo, because, well, because I could hardly believe it. Holding the
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