Columbus Foodie

Now that the quarter is coming to an end, I finally have a bit of time to get back to blogging. I have a whole backlog of stuff I want to get out to you all before the new year begins, and some of it (like this) will be a bit dated. This entry, for instance, was written back in September but never posted. Next year, I’ll try to be a better (and more timely) blogger.

Back to the market report:
The tide has definitely turned – the shift has been a bit subtle, but most of what you’re finding at the markets right now are the fruits and vegetables of fall – winter squash, apples and pears, root vegetables. I’ll miss the bounty of summer, but can’t wait to start cooking for fall. As the temperatures start drifting downward, all of a sudden those soups and stews and hashes sound a lot more appetizing. I love fall – that is, until fall becomes the neverending winter of my discontent. I suffer from seasonal affective disorder, so mid-January is the worst for me. So I’m going to enjoy the pleasant part while I still can.

This type of pumpkin (marina di chioggia) makes the most wonderful quiche. I get so tempted by it every year, but feel intimidated by it’s size. Maybe if I had to cook for a family of 12…

Just as I’m getting sick to death of tomatoes, luckily tomato season ends. Remind me of this moment in January or February when I’m staring suspiciously at those anemic store-bought things they pass off as tomatoes wishing I had a real one.

Have no clue what people do with sunflower heads (eat the seeds, maybe?), but they sure are interesting to look at.

Mmm…turnips. I see a lot of stews in my future.

My favorite way to decorate during fall is naturally – decorative gourds as a centerpieces, dried corn hanging from the door…

Love the concept of the “fruit basket”, Gillogly Orchard style. For those of us who don’t want to commit to a large quantity of just one type.

And looking forward to the apple tarts that will start showing up at OK Mercantile in the next few weeks. For now, however, I need to be content with lemon poppyseed scones.

The next weekly market (9/19/09) will be Market Days in Worthington, which I plan to avoid like the plague. I’ll likely be in Athens instead…