tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:44:56 +0000Making the world a better place -- one happy stomach at a time.http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/baklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)Blogger1119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-6725068367678288461Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:12:00 +00002009-11-08T10:33:27.914-05:00vegetablesLocal Rootslocal foodsherbsfriendsvictory gardenfarmers' marketYes, this Market Report is a day late because yesterday was a very, very long and full adventure, mostly spent at Local Roots on our first market day. Wow!The Renaissance Man and I arrived around 8 AM to help set up for the indoor farmers' market, and it wasn't long before our first vendors arrived and started to get their tables in place, unpack coolers and crates, and turn the place into a http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/11/market-report-110709.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-3579106242371225007Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +00002009-11-06T18:00:02.191-05:00Independence DaysYes, it's been another busy week with not a whole lot of movement on the home front. November is going to be a hoppin' time down at Local Roots, so I'm likely not going to be able to do much on the Independence Days challenge.But I'll keep trying!1. Plant something: Nothing.2. Harvest something: Nothing.3. Preserve something: Nothing.4. Reduce waste (Waste not): Wish I could say I had done http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/11/independence-days-26.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-3426656581163296553Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:28:00 +00002009-11-03T19:39:40.472-05:00grainslocal foodsIndependence DaysbakingIn my quest to stock up on baking items for winter, I not only called the Miller for my usual big order of locally milled flours, I also put in a call to a local farmer who raises certified organic wheat and spelt.When I asked what he had available, he said, almost apologetically, "Well, everything is in 50-lb bags." Oh, no problem, I said, I'll take one 50-lb bag of wheat and another of http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/11/forecast-is-for-grain-and-more-grain.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-5897593509598676974Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:39:00 +00002009-11-01T17:57:58.250-05:00vegetablesgrainsLocal Rootslocal foodseventsfarmers' marketdairyThe day started off grey and rainy and chilly, and I wanted nothing more than to burrow back under my covers and sleep many hours more.But no, a busy day awaited me, so I was up with the lark (probably before) to get myself ready to head down to the farmers' market. Five lone vendors remained for the final day of the Downtown Farmers' Market, and very few people braved the early dreariness to http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/market-report-103109.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-8482412008803374482Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:47:00 +00002009-10-30T18:47:00.195-04:00fruitsvegetablesIndependence Daysbakingseed savingfriendseventsForty Seeds ProjectBusy, busy, busy week! And I'm not sure what else to say...1. Plant something: Nothing.2. Harvest something: Not this week.3. Preserve something: Dried apples, apple peel; strained and bottled plantain oil, burdock extract.4. Reduce waste (Waste not): Used the flour left from last week's baking (from rolling out dough) in zucchini fritters; used cane sugar left over from rolling ginger molasses http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/independence-days-25.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-783294505663691472Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:39:00 +00002009-10-29T18:39:00.176-04:00Local Rootslocal foodsbakingeventsBehind that carrot-orange door, things are happening this week: vacuuming, painting, cleaning, decorating. Why?What you see here is the front door of Local Roots Market, and on Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, we're hosting an open house for the community to come by and check out the place. Stop by for hot coffee or cider, home-baked goodies, and possibly even samples of future products from http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/open-for-good-local-food.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-5666079923132180321Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:53:00 +00002009-10-25T11:05:04.260-04:00grainsLocal Rootslocal foodsbakingfriendseventsnutscomfort foodSo, after all that baking for the Farmgirl Wannabe's wedding, I was eager to find out how my little offerings would be received.When we arrived under the big tent, we found one end of the tent thronged with people lined up at the bar and -- right next to it -- browsing their way through the appetizers. Wasn't it beautifully decorated?Everything looked so good, and my contributions looked even http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/wedding-for-verdict.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-6967989669376311345Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:41:00 +00002009-10-24T10:49:53.845-04:00vegetablesLocal Rootsfarmers' marketThe farmers' market was down to half a dozen vendors today: the Amish Farmer, the Cheerful Lady, the Lady Bountiful, and three others. The chill in the air and the threat of rain definitely played a factor in crowd control, because there weren't many more people than that out browsing at any given time.Still, I posted a couple of signs about the Local Roots open house next week, and even before Ihttp://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/market-report-102409.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-966889053082737016Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:23:00 +00002009-10-23T18:23:00.155-04:00fruitsvegetablespreservation (drying)Local RootsIndependence DaysEthicureanherbsvictory gardenWhat a lovely little bit of sunshine and warmth we had this week! Of course, we're now back to chilly light rain and falling leaves, but, well, that's what you get this time of year.The seasons are shifting again, and this time it's welcome, despite the cooler temperatures. This time it means that the major food preservation work in my household is done. Huzzah! Hooray! Yippee!Not that I mind http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/independence-days-24.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-4619398443330842615Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:10:00 +00002009-10-23T15:23:41.378-04:00bakingbreadfriendsThe week has flown by again, and for the past day and a half, I've been at home on vacation.No, I haven't been sleeping in and lolling about, thank you very much, despite my inclination. I specifically took these days off in order to wrap up my baking for the Farmgirl Wannabe's wedding.Though I knew that the nuts and crackers from last week's baking would make good snacks on their own, I also http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/loaf-is-many-splendored-thing.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-1298223152832940891Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:32:00 +00002009-10-19T10:34:00.998-04:00local foodsbakingherbsfriendseventsYes, I managed to squeeze in testing yet another baked treat for the Farmgirl Wannabe's wedding next week.When I reviewed recipe ideas with her, crackers stuck out in my mind as a good all-around crowd-pleaser (especially with dips and cheeses at hand). But I also thought that I might want to try a savory version of shortbread -- something buttery and flaky with a little edge of salt and a hint http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/and-good-thyme-will-be-had-by-all.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-6683662261435275059Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:26:00 +00002009-10-19T10:32:08.900-04:00Local Rootslocal foodsbakingherbsfriendseventsnutsThe Farmgirl Wannabe, whizbang super organizer at Local Roots, she of the fields of my grains, is something of a nerd. She's totally "with it" when it comes to business and computers, but she's more than a little offbeat outside of that milieu. (Guess that's why we get along so well.)She also has a goofy, sweet fiancé of five years -- who is soon to become her husband.As the story goes, http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/two-nuts-who-are-completely-crackers.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-2563097944886330136Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:24:00 +00002009-10-19T10:26:20.983-04:00fruitsvegetablesherbsfarmers' marketYet another grey, chilly day with the threat of rain -- no wonder the farmers' market continues to dwindle!Some of my favorite people were on hand, though, with tables still loaded with a good variety of produce, so I was happy to visit with them and fill my bag:--pears, parsley, pac choi, carrots, onions, and a gigantic white turnip from the Lady Bountiful--Yukon Gold potatoes, Broadleaf Czech http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/market-report-101709.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-5306764513914292415Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:09:00 +00002009-10-16T19:09:00.592-04:00fruitsvegetablespreservation (drying)Local RootsIndependence Daysbakingherbspreservation (canning)Forty Seeds ProjectWow! Who turned the heat off?Somehow we've jumped right smack into the middle of November with the drop in temperatures and perpetually grey skies. I mean, there's even a hint of snow in the weekend forecast!Guess that means it's a good time to get into the kitchen and heat things up a bit, between the oven and the stove and the dehydrator.So on to this week's report:1. Plant something: Nothinghttp://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/independence-days-23.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-4825514905720627053Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:29:00 +00002009-10-15T12:37:53.059-04:00fruitsbeveragesfriendsWhen the Cheerful Lady offered me some of her "house" cider, made with apples and a few pears from her farm, I couldn't resist, despite there being nearly a gallon of cider from a local mill already in the refrigerator!In fact, having two different ciders called for a taste testing. And I knew just who to call on to help me with the sampling.The Renaissance Man was, as always, ready to help. Sohttp://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/cider-house-rules.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-6859132038405340434Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:01:00 +00002009-10-14T07:04:50.927-04:00fruitsdessertLast week during our Local Roots steering committee meeting, one of our supporters came to the door. Instead of asking us when we would be open and selling food, as so many of our supporters have been doing lately, this woman carried a couple small bags of fruit from her own gardens to share with us.Not being ones to turn down good local food -- this is, after all, the whole point of what we're http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/oh-my-pawpaw.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-994394168315112565Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:05:00 +00002009-10-12T13:10:38.875-04:00fruitsbakingfriendsdessertFollowing the success of our blueberry picking adventure this summer, My Adorable Nephews wanted to do something else out at the Orchard.When told about the other crops available, they exclaimed, "Can we come back and pick apples?"How could I say no? My little guys want to help harvest food? Yeah, I'm not passing that one up.So a couple of weeks ago, the Southern Belle and I conferred as to http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/so-apple-together.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-1475063307470534722Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:03:00 +00002009-10-12T13:05:14.873-04:00fruitsbeveragesvegetablesLocal Rootsfarmers' marketNow that we're entering the home stretch of the farmers' market season, things are slowing down considerably. The sun rises later, the morning remains chilly, and the crowds (both of farmers and of shoppers) have thinned out considerably.As for me, I love it. (Well, I don't love not seeing some familiar faces...) This is the time of year when I feel I can start to relax a little, take a deeperhttp://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/market-report-101009.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-7486537457514126248Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:16:00 +00002009-10-09T18:16:00.276-04:00foragingvegetablesgrainsIndependence DaysherbsfarmingWow, I'm really getting tired of saying, "It's been such a busy week, I've barely been in the kitchen!"Yes, I've gone through another round of meetings, appointments, and scheduled events, and I'm pretty whipped. I have piles of produce sitting on the kitchen table, more in boxes and baskets on the floor, and yet more in the refrigerator -- and no significant chunks of time to deal with any of http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/independence-days-22.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-9125660241240532037Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:22:00 +00002009-10-09T12:44:16.280-04:00blogIndependence DaysGene LogsdonherbsfarmingThere's been too much busy-busy around here of late, and I'm interrupting the regular flow of food and gardening posts to get happy.Are ya with me?There's a lot of beautiful and joyful stuff going on all around me, and I think it's time I got my head out of my own craziness to celebrate some of the folks around me who are providing much-needed smiles, inspiration, and refreshment.My hero, Gene http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/ya-gotta-have-art-and-food.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-4784328951050862575Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:02:00 +00002009-10-09T12:15:53.779-04:00grainsfriendsvictory gardenfarmingEver since I discovered the moderate success of my buckwheat crop this year, I have been eager to plant my winter wheat on the prepared plot at the Farmgirl Wannabe's homestead.Of course, as any farmer will tell you, plans generally don't go the way you want them to proceed. The old saying, "Man plans, God laughs," is especially true when you're dealing with nature and a pair of incredibly http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/if-you-dont-like-weather-wheat-minute.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-3472178005093683006Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:59:00 +00002009-10-09T12:02:02.281-04:00vegetablesherbsCSAWhere did the summer go? Those sunny warm days seem so long ago right now, especially when the grey skies hover and the chilly fall rains come down (as they have so often lately).Today, at least, we had sunshine, despite the nip in the air, as the Renaissance Man and I headed out to see the Lady Bountiful and to pick up the last assortment of CSA produce for the year.With My Wonderful Parents http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/oh-say-can-you-csa-2009-week-20.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-4993625749052881977Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:26:00 +00002009-10-02T18:26:00.345-04:00fruitsvegetablespreservation (drying)preservation (misc.)Independence Daysherbsfriendspreservation (freezing)Forty Seeds Projectvictory gardenAt long last, I made it back into the garden!And just in time, too, as we had our first serious cold snap this week. I didn't see any frost damage in the garden (the basil looked fine), but I was glad that I had finally put in almost the last crops before it was too late.I'm trying to keep up indoors, too:1. Plant something: Lettuce, spinach, and garlic at the Renaissance Man's garden (finally!)http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/10/independence-days-21.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-3383245685640132433Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:23:00 +00002009-10-02T12:26:29.825-04:00vegetablesherbsCSAYou know how you can tell it's the end of the CSA season? Three things:--There's a frost advisory for the area.--The Lady Bountiful is bundled up in warm clothes and has brighter roses on her cheeks than usual.--The tables are loaded with the biggest, most colorful selection of produce we've seen all season.With the threat of frost, the Lady had apparently kicked into high gear and picked much http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/09/oh-say-can-you-csa-2009-week-19.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444072.post-6160322549248935581Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:50:00 +00002009-09-30T06:54:13.159-04:00fruitsvegetablesherbsCSAfriendsForty Seeds ProjectfarmingI've been meaning for months to get back out to help the Lady Bountiful on her farm, but my own projects and activities have kept me so busy that I couldn't find the time.Finally, I decided just to plan a vacation day from work in order to head north and pitch in at one of my favorite farms.After a stormy night, the clouds parted on my drive up to the farm, casting a golden light over the http://baklavaqueen.blogspot.com/2009/09/getting-picky.htmlbaklavaqueen@yahoo.com (The Baklava Queen)2