We are lucky where we live, during the summer, there are always fresh produce stalls in the outdoor markets. However, even better is when we drive a little out of the city and get the produce directly from the farmer. That is what we did yesterday. I was a tad restless, my son’s heart surgery was postponed till today. I wanted a distraction and it was a lovely day for a drive to the St Lawrence. (a major waterway that borders Canada and the United States) We packed the two dogs into the car and off we went, the best part of the drive for the dogs is that there is a wonderful dog park in Morrisburg, well maintained and gated. On our way back we stopped at one of my favourite farms for fresh corn, this farm always has the sweet golden nuggets, they do have the peaches and cream too, but I like the succulent gold. The plums called out to me and of course I munched on fresh plums on the way home. At just the right time of the year, the flesh of the plum is delicate and sweet, even the skin is nice.
Diet is such an important factor in our well being, yet we forget at times that there is a difference between fresh from the farm, and store bought. I confess that even for me, it is hard to always get fresh and consume it while it is still in that very fresh stage. I bought yellow wax beans and green beans, when I prepared them for supper, they were so fresh, they snapped clean when being prepared. The smell or fragrance if you will of the vegetables was alive ..unlike a packaged vegetable that lacks any smell when you take it from the sanitized packaging. The corn was “out of this world” I do mine in the microwave, it is steamed in its own sleeves. this way, when it is peeled, it is ready to eat, no salt, no butter, just the yellow meat of the kernel. Delicious.
Having tasted one of the best veggie dinners I’ve had in a long time, I then found myself thinking of preparing a stew for my meat and potatoes hubby. Using the fresh ingredients, I would start from scratch. So today I went to the butchers to find stewing beef. There was none on hand, so had to settle for a piece of steak that needed to be tenderized. The anticipation of cutting up the meat, and preparing the vegetables was wonderful. I bought turnip, parsnip, yellow flesh potatoes, and I knew I had red onion, and fresh garlic at home. Usually we are so busy, that dinners can be something quick and easy. It was nice to chop and prepare, then get things going on the stove. The aroma that filled the kitchen was familiar and relaxing. Since I was in a cooking mood, I put a pot of water on and started a pork stock with garlic and ginger (used for making different Chinese soups).. yes I had purchased pork bones to do this while I was out. It is like a ripple in the water, the fresh produce from the farm started a need for my creativity to explore and satisfy my taste buds. My son loves to cook and has done several cooking videos on a number of dishes he likes.
I want to thank the many of you who are praying for him today, it means a lot to us. A love for cooking and good food is something that we share. Brigitte his wonderful partner in life told me he went into surgery at 7:30 this morning feeling and looking very relaxed. Food nourishes the body, love and prayer nourish the soul. My son and I are marinating right now in God’s embrace.
Blessings everyone.
Written
on August 29, 2013