I have a favorite local farmer... do you?

A dream of mine. As expressed in Bon Appetit Magazine: "... a place where foodies not only have a favorite chef, but a favorite farmer; a place where the distance between the organic farm and the award-winning restaurant is mere miles; a place where a sustainable future is foreseeable".

I was really impressed with last weekend's organic market in Hato Rey. Beyond the typical plantains, yuca, batatas etc that you might find at la Plaza del Mercado for example, there were others types of vegetables like radishes, japanese greens, red romaine, fresh yogurt, carrots and herbs; and all local and organically grown! As seen in some pics below.

So what did I make? Here I share with you a recipe:

Caramelized Carrots with Green Peas:

I took the bunch of carrots from the market and peeled them. (If making at home, and you don't have these carrots, you might want to use about 1 medium carrot per person). These little babies were like two carrots attached on the top, very strange and hard to peel but totally worth it! Later, cut in 1/2 inch chunks. Warm at medium heat a dash of butter and olive oil, add half of a diced small onion and carrots. Cook for about 35 minutes in medium-low, until browned and caramelized. Then add some thawed frozen peas from bag, a sprig of thyme, sprinkle fresh pepper and kosher salt. Voila! Easy fresh side for your next dinner.

I found my flour! 10,000 years in the making

In the morning, when we pleasurably bite into a chewy piece of "pan sobao" or maybe into a buttery croissant, we could easily forget that what we are eating took thousands of years to be developed. Yes, I'm talking about the flour. It all started 10,000 years ago, when man learned how to breed new grasses from the seeds of a wild plant. It later took 4,000 more years for our ancestors to discover that these seeds can be crushed between simple grindstones.

Today, after a long time of searching I found the flours I will try to use for my pasta; 6 to be exact. I still think I might even order some other kinds, to try the infinite combinations that might result in what I believe is perfect pasta. I will be part of an organic coop, which gives the opportunity to bakers, caterers, and other small businesses alike to buy together from several distributors.

I'm overjoyed of being able to find organic flours and cage free organic eggs. It's all coming together!

Thinking about cucumbers makes me smile

What about the garden?

Since Phil and I are still learning about this whole hydroponic garden thing, we've had to let go of several plants, and replaced them with other types. The squash has been flowering, and it seems like 2 small squashes are on the way, as seen below.



Our tomato plants are now taking the prize for speedy growth, and we have 3 types of them growing; Israeli tomatoes(A.K.A. Money Makers), Japanese tomatoes (A.K.A. Golden Gems), and the other ones .... I can't remember.

We have also an experimental honeydew (seeds from a melon I bought in the supermarket) which is growing really well. Cucumber with its yellow flowers and Yard Long Green Beans, which are already half way up in the trellis.

What the 3 kings brought me

Wow, it's been a while since I wrote last in the blog. Mostly, I've been on vacation celebrating the holidays with my family, which I love, but that without a choice you are almost forced to do, since Puerto Rico goes into a commercial "cease-fire" period during the holidays. (That excludes Plaza Las Americas Mall, of course).

Santa somehow knew I really needed a camera for the blog, and got me a new Nikon SLR. Sweeeeet!!! Even though in the states the holidays are over when you realize it's that unfortunate 1st day of the year, where you were supposed to start that diet you promised yourself about; in Puerto Rico holidays keep on going for a few days more after the 3 Kings (Jan 6th).

Even though gold, incense and "mirra" (whatever that is), sound like cool gifts, the 3 Kings decided to bring me some more practical gifts for Nudi Pasta... like a stove, fridge and sink.

As you can see, the Puerto Rican extended holidays have it's perks; unless you are trying to get something done, which in that case you will have to wait until about Valentine's day. ;)