Embracing the Goodness of Fall

While some choose to embrace fall's crispness by apple-picking, building scarecrows and planning Halloween costumes, others view the end of summer as a time of mourning.  They yearn for the long-lasting hours of daylight, pre-dinner walks along the Aqueduct and days or weeks without plans and obligations. Whichever side you seem to fall into, the Hastings and Irvington Farmers Markets will infuse a breath of fresh air into your Fall routine. 

I encourage you to find something new to try at the market each week. You don't have to try anything too exotic—although it is always exciting to try adding wild mushrooms or kohlrabi into a dish.  There might be a vegetable or herb that you usually shy away from that you may unexpectedly adore.  Take your time walking through the market.  Look at colors, textures and shapes.  Find a food that is visually appealing and piques your interest.  You may find yourself inspired by an item, or even the energy of the market.   

Once you have picked an ingredient to try, it is time to figure out what to do with it.  Many of you have walls of cookbooks that lay unopened.  If finding a recipe feels like a daunting task, I have a method that is quick and easy: Google it! 

Going to Google, or any other search engine, is a fast, effective way to find information, including recipes.  Simply type in "recipe for (your ingredient)" and you will be taken to multiple websites that include recipes for your item.  Many websites, like www.allrecipes.com, include reviews and lists of adjustments people have previously made to the recipe while cooking.  These reviews can be extremely helpful. 

In "The Slowdown Diet," Marc David discusses Vitamin P, or pleasure.  "Vitamin P—pleasure—is a vital element that makes our meals nutritionally complete and makes life worth living…When we eat, we are seeking the pleasure of food and avoiding the pain of hunger. Indeed, destiny has fashioned for us a body that's wired for joy." 

There are so many foods available at the Farmers Market to help you reach your daily dose of Vitamin P. Use your imagination, be creative, and treat yourself to a break from your customary fare.  I don't think I can say it any better than "Live a little!"