The last few weeks the Crescent City Farmer's Market, the Thursday Afternoon market at the American Can Company, and others have exploded with the bounty of the Gulf Coast's farmers, fisherman, food artisans, and cattlemen. I have a huge love for all foods that come with a face and a name, rather than a cryovaced container. And it really only comes down to one thing: things taste better when they come straight from the producer. Now whether this is a scientific fact or psychological reaction, I am not certain and I dont care.
But perhaps no new vendor has brought as much amplitude as Ryals Goat Dairy. Their fresh made chevre and feta makes supermarket cheeses jealous. They have two varieties of feta. One is plain and the other is marinated in olive oil, herbs, and spices. The latter feta added to some diced Creole's (which are quickly exiting the scene) and placed on top of some charred bread made for a perfect light dinner.
The chevre comes in a myriad of tasty combinations. The Cajun spiced chevre is best enjoyed slathered on a baguette from Voodough Bakery with a drizzle of good olive oil. The plain chevre, mixed with ricotta and parsley, added a delightful tang to a lasagna. There is also an herbed chevre, a pecan chevre, etc...
The first week Ryals was at the market they ran out of most things rather quickly. Last Saturday they brought more supply, but demand was still high. If you like cheese, you will love their products.
The Voodough Bakery offers a selection of homemade breads. So far our favorite is the Olive Salad Foccacia. Rich, thick bread topped with a great olive salad results in an almost buttery treat. One of these weekends, we will slice the loaf in half, pile it high with Italian meats and cheeses and call it a de-constructed, reconstituted muff. Or something equally trendy. The problem is the bread barely survivies the car ride home. Also, the Apricot Coffee Cake goes perfectly with coffee and WWOZ.
Also, bought this last weekend were some season heralding satsumas and some plump Meyer Lemons. Both citruses will have their skins peeled and the pith removed. They will then relax for about 2 months in a soothing botanical treatment of high octane booze (maybe that moonshine, likely vodka) for some homemade Lemoncello to be dolled out to fans of the blog come Christmastime. If you have been nice, time to start being naughty.*
I'd have photos but I don't. Soon enough this blog will have the type of photography reserved for truly important journalistic endeavors. We will get on that as soon as we learn how to write good.
* Well that kind of sounds like the tagline for a holiday porno starring Brandi C. from Rock of Love. Sorry, wont happen again.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment