Seeing orange and...buying a cow!

Orange. Lots and lots of orange at the market this week. From orange beets to orange-fleshed squash like butternut, honey nut, and Koginut, a new squash I discovered at the Halal Pastures Farm tent last week. It's a hybrid squash that is smooth and silky as kabocha squash but has the rich, sweet flavor of butternut. 

Why not use some in this hearty squash and bean soup, which calls on market kale, leeks and sausage, too.  Or in this Korean sheet pan dish featuring chicken and winter squash and turnips and radishes, too. It's the perfect excuse to buy some of those radical radishes Halal is selling these days. 

Also orange: the turmeric flavored kombucha at OM Champagne Tea, the Rockin' Moroccan chili at Homespun Chili, the mung bean soup at The Lentil Co. the kitchari hummus at AYA Hummus and so many mushrooms at Tivoli Farm.

And of course, who can miss the sunny orange tents at Titusville Farm, the newest farmer in our produce stable. Do you know that they will let you mix and match their delicate greens which they sell in large, self-serve (with tongs) bins?
Last week, I mixed arugula, frisée and radicchio in one bag and made colorful/contrasting salads all week long. 

News flash: You can now buy your own cow from Harlem Valley Homestead.

By popular demand, they are currently offering a limited number of cow “shares” to folks looking to fill their freezers for up to 25% off normal retail rates. HVH is offering shares starting at 1/8 cow, ¼ cow, ½ cow, or a whole cow if you have the room in your freezer or if you want to share a share (see what I did there) with another meat-loving family. 

It's a really great way to eat nose-to-tail and try new cuts of beef you might ordinarily shy away from. (beef cheeks anyone?). The shares will be available for pickup at the market for those who pre-order by emailing them here. 

If mushrooms are as meaty as you get, consider this hearty mushroom risotto from Bon Appétit. Did you know you can make your own arancini from leftover risotto? I tell you this because

Di Riso will no longer be coming to the market. You'll have to trudge up Main St. to get your arancini on Saturdays. Or, make your own!

I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the horrific events that have unfolded in Southern California. I know that for many shoppers who, like me, moved east from California, this feels personal. If you are thinking of ways to help, USA Today has compiled a list of orgs. Take a gander and see what feels right for you. 

And, please, bring your own produce bags to shop this week. Your beets and squash can share a bag. Do your onions really need to go in a separate bag? Every little bit helps. 

See you at the market.