Gifting Local

Most readers in the Charlotte area are probably aware by now of the 10% campaign, where we are encouraged to buy at least 10% of our food from local growers and producers. If you aren't, it's worth a look. But the last few weeks, I've been wondering why we can't extend this beyond food. The holiday season has arrived, and with that the sudden frenzy of shopping for presents. We pile into cars and vans and drive to the mall, where we fight large crowds to buy gifts that are often made in far-flung places, are not unique, and send much of the financial benefit elsewhere.

The Sweet Life at Puzzle Peace Farm

We went to Puzzle Peace Farm this past Sunday to help Lindy and Thomas dig up sweet potatoes. I have noticed that farmers tend to cringe when they talk about harvesting these fall classics. I think I now understand why.

The Chicken or the Egg

Several weeks ago, some friends and I were sitting around a table sharing stories over breakfast. I don’t recall how we ever got on the subject, but we started talking about the growing number of families who keep a few hens around for fresh eggs. One girl was sharing her experience with this, which was short-lived and sadly did not end well for the poor birds...

Last Ounce of Summertime

Fall has always been my favorite time of year.  Warm days are bookended by cool mornings and evenings, a welcome break from the sticky heat of late summer. In the Carolinas, we are further blessed with a growing season that extends late into the year.  Summer favorites like tomatoes and peppers hang on for a bit and grant us a long farewell while their fall counterparts re-introduce themselves into our lives as comforters...

Roselles

I first learned about the roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) from Thomas and Lindy of Puzzle Peace Farm last year. They harvest and sell the calyces at their market stand. It's hard to miss these eye-catching gems...

Korean Cooking Class 101

I've been talking with Cassie Parsons of Harvest Moon Grille and Grateful Growers about having my mom teach a Korean cooking class. For a while. The idea had its challenges, especially since my mom lives in Maryland. But we finally made it happen.

A Bowl of Cherries

We are constantly debating fresh fruit versus prepared fruit in our house. This topic surfaces most often when I announce that I want to make some ice cream. The kids and I like to experiment with all kinds of flavors. Including fruit. Ron, on the other, hand, will always (always) state his preference for plain, vanilla ice cream with the unadulterated fruit placed on top.

Scratch That: A Visit to Durham

The New York Times recently ran an article about the renaissance occurring in downtown Durham. Food--especially local food--is at the center of this rebirth, with a number of independent restaurants and purveyors setting up shop in the City Center and adjacent areas. I wanted to see (and taste) what they were up to.