06.03.12 ... farmer's market

we have a new farmer's market just a hop, skip and a jump away. we discovered it last week and tried a few things and were so blown away by vegetables with 1960s taste that we anxiously awaited our return this saturday. so here is our haul. isn't it gorgeous? 

another reason to love living in california.

we have gone to farmer's markets everywhere we have lived but none have had anything that was any different or better than what we'd find in the grocery store and at triple the price. these are all comparably priced - some are less than store cost -

 and i cannot even describe to you the difference in taste. incredible. 

this makes us very happy.

 

 

See the full gallery on Posterous

the little bit of lettuce we have leftover from last week is as fresh as a daisy. 

what a great summer we have to look forward to.

have you tried the trick of rinsing your strawberries in vinegar water? it kills mold spores and does not affect the taste. you can rinse them with clear water if you want but it is not necessary. i tried it for the first time with these and they are absolutely perfect today. let me know if you do this or try it yourself.

thanks for stopping by. until next time. happiness to you. from me. with heart. 

ox joon

Posted via email from just joon

Joon Appetit ~ Curried Pineapple Rice

Try My Simply Special Rice Dish. It's Lovely.

Mix This Sauce & Set Aside:

1 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock
14 oz. can unsweetened coconut milk
2 TBSP soy sauce
2 TBSP fresh lime juice
1 TBSP curry powder
1/2 t. salt {more or less to taste}
1 t. grated lime peel


1 1/2 cups long grain white rice {Mahatma Jasmine}
1 TBSP finely minced fresh ginger
3 TBSP unsalted butter

1/2 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
2-3 sliced green onions
1 1/2 cups diced pineapple

1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds

Place a heavy 3 quart saucepan over medium high heat.
Melt the butter.
Add the ginger and saute until the butter sizzles,
then add the rice.
Stir the rice until coated with the butter
and saute for about 5 minutes.

Add the raisins, pepper, green onion and sauce.
Bring to a low boil, stirring, then cover,
reduce the heat to a low setting and simmer
until all liquid is absorbed,
about 20 minutes.

Add the pineapple and almonds.
Serve at once.


This is fabulous left over, both warm and cold. For vegetarian version, simply substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock. May use fresh or canned pineapple. We used Dole canned. Either way, be sure it is drained well.

Please come back and let me know how you liked it.

ox
joon

environment is everything

I wonder if door~to~door soliciting is a cultural phenomenon. We are loving our new town, but the already too-many-to-count knocks on the door and fliers showing up on our doorstep, doorknob and even on my outgoing mail clip on my mailbox {I thought that was illegal?} are something I have not experienced in any of my 31 addresses in 8 previous states.

We'd been talking about a sign for weeks. I have to say I resent the need for one. I consider my home to be my respite from the world, a place where I can work, play, write, create, enjoy my family and pets & relax in peace. Apparently, many people feel their life calling is to interrupt & interfere with their neighbor's privacy. This past Monday, the moment of defeat presented itself in the form of one clipboard laden man who, despite Evan's window presence and eye contact not 6 feet from the door, determined to knock in 3 spurts before leaving. I cannot ~ and thankfully so ~ comprehend his decision making process.

As you can see, we welcome friends and family. I'm not unsociable. I just know where to find any product and person I need or want. Don't we all?

After much thought, I created my compromise ~ this little sign. I have no idea whether it will make a difference because courtesy does not appear to be foremost in solicitors' minds. As always, I shall hope that common sense will all.

But wouldn't it be nice if this small act of kindness could go without saying?

Also found on our porch... A little bit of happy help for our wonderful mail carrier. He is a bright spot in our day and a treasure. I haven't been blessed with one like him since 1987.

Dear Mail Carrier,
Please do not retire.
Forever.
signed: your newest fans

I'd love to hear your solicitor and mail carrier experiences. What's happening in your little corner of the world?
ox joon

~ Flannel Day ~

The Traditional Holiday Begins...

Thanks to Jon Cody, who made his own gorgeous bagels and sent us a glorious photo and the recipe, look how we celebrated the First Ever Flannel Day! Evan outdid himself. The only thing better is when Jon Cody, Val and Dusty come in February and we make another batch all together! I love that I have a 25 year old son who teaches himself how to make bagels. His can be seen HERE. Until next time... ox joon

PS. Oh, I invented Flannel Day today and it will be an annual holiday falling on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Such fun! Wear flannel. Get cozy (in flannel). Eat comfort foods (in flannel). Be a homebody (in flannel). Shop from home (in flannel). Bake (in flannel). Read (in flannel). Build a fire (in flannel). Watch a favorite movie (in flannel). Watch a cheesy holiday classic (in flannel). Your turn...add some Flannel Day Favs for us in the comments section. Go Flannel!