Cook Here and Now

Marco's Farmers Market Watch: December 8th

Buongiorno,
The market was busy with people stocking up for a big holiday finale, and no wonder: There are some excellent seasonal treats from the market, even as we find ourselves standing at the doorstep of winter. Back home the action this time of year is in Piazza Navona, where there's a huge outdoor market featuring La Befana, the Christmas witch that used to freak me out. (She rides a broom and brings you coal on January 6th; you might recognize her from the Kitchen Witch fad in the '70s.) So cook something to make you feel warm as the weather turns colder, and don't forget to share.
Ciao,
Marco Flavio

What I found this week:

Give Organic Chanterelles a try (see above). With their fruity aroma reminiscent of apricots and their tender texture, they're a perfect complement to scallops. Reduce their juices with some white wine (like a Sauvignon Blanc) and you have a perfect pan sauce for this much beloved shellfish. Recipes from Allrecipes and Epicurious.

There are some plump, pretty broccoli to be had. Since both our Bush presidents hated them, join the foodie opposition and give them a chance. Recipes from Allrecipes and Epicurious.

Sunchokes - a.k.a. sunflower roots or Jerusalem artichokes. I recommend a sunchoke gratin with gruyere; recipes from Allrecipes.com or Epicurious.com.

Choy Sum, one of my favorite asian vegetables, is plentiful on the stands. These have a rich, mustard-like tang and bright yellow flowers that you eat. Stir-fry these with a little black vinegar and some fresh ginger for a taste sensation.

Blood oranges are starting to appear on the stands. They have a particular, deep flavor that's fantastic in desserts (don't get me started about blood orange gelato...) and you can't beat them for visual appeal and versatility (try them for a twist on duck a l'orange). Recipes from Epicurious.

Just in time for crab season, Meyer lemons have appeared on the stands to make the perfect tart/sweet aioli for dipping. Recipes from Epicurious.

Fuyu Persimmons are everywhere: follow the lead of the gent below and pick out some that are firm enough to be crisp yet not too hard or unripe. Recipes from Allrecipes and Epicurious.

For foodies you know who celebrate Christmas, pick up a fragrant rosemary wreath for a seasonal, edible, and environmentally savvy gift. Since decorating with greenery is a midwinter tradition that dates from pagan times back home in Rome, you might pick up a wreath for the Solstice party people on your list too. Buon Natale e Salve Solstice!

A presto,
Marco Flavio

Marco's Farmers Market Watch: December 1st

Buongiorno,
Hope you're enjoying the various holidays that pepper these wonderful last days of fall, and that your food intake has been somewhat manageable ... notice I did say "somewhat".
I've received a few emails that the tentative December date was not going to work, and since my company's party is also that weekend, let's take a breather and reconvene for a cooking event in January, when everyone's schedules aren't so packed. We'll ring in the New Year as nature intended, not with crash diets but with a glorious produce binge among friends.

What I found this week:

Artichokes are plentiful on the stands (see above). Try them alla Romana (Roman-style), stuffed with mint. No matter what happens, do NOT substitute parsley for mint, as Anna Maria suggests in this otherwise great recipe -- as a Roman, I'm just going to pretend she didn't say that. Other recipes from Allrecipes or Epicurious.

Sweet potatoes of many kinds. Quit hatin' on the carbs: These were voted the #1 best food for your health by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, because they're one of the most nutritious vegetables around. Recipes from Epicurious and Allrecipes.

Fennel (aka Anise) is here. Most beloved by my fellow Roman countrymen, this is one of the few vegetables I cannot stand, except in a few lip-smackingly tangy dishes. This Fennel and Oranges salad pairs it with our other Roman staple vegetable: arugula. Try it with blood oranges to add visual drama to your dish. It's a great variation on the usual suspects that populate the winter table.

Guavas are available. Recipes from Allrecipes and Epicurious.

Rambutans (the name means hairy in Malay) from Southern California are available (though a "hair" pricey). If you come from or have spent time in East Asia, you already know what a treat these are. I found some promising recipes here, including a Rambutan tart.

Let's not forget that we're in full-swing kiwi season. You can get a 5lb. bag for $2.50. Recipes from Allrecipes and Epicurious.

Pomelos are available this time of year, as are most citrus. These are another must for Malay and Thai cooks. Recipes from Recipezaar.

And finally, another seasonal favorite that leads the way to San Francisco's favorite holiday, Lunar New Year: the seedless Satsuma tangerine. Fall may not last as long as it used to, but at least we can make every day a tasty one.

A presto!
Marco Flavio