consider the vegetable: produce as modern art

Squash growing five feet up an elm tree; Eugene, OR

Sweet trompe l’oeil pastries shaped like bok choi mimicking jade sculpture in National Museum, Silks Palace Restaurant, Taipei

Of all the odd patterns I’ve discovered through my study of food in modern literature,  fruit and vegetables as victims of circumstance is probably the one I like best.  Meat, since Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle (1905), had its battleground drawn between the forces of good and evil.   But produce, it would seem, was contested land.

Red cabbage sauerkraut lacto-fermenting; Eugene, OR

Seed zucchini in the winter rain; Open Oak Farm, Sweet Home, OR

Breaking free from the cornucopia and vanitas imagery that played out in paintings over and over again from the Dutch Old Masters onward, the vegetable in particular was portrayed in new and unusual and almost unrecognizable ways, frequently being destroyed by man’s (or woman’s!) hand: decaying, tortured, forced to adapt and survive in unfriendly conditions.

Display at Food Network’s Food and Wine Festival Grand Tasting, 2011; New York, NY

Native but tropical-flavored pawpaw, first crop in seven years; The Gourd Patch, Springfield, OR

Indian drumstick vegetable (Moringa oleifera), steamed; Oakland, CA

Be a modernist.  Try it yourself. It’s winter and raining and your imagination has nothing better to do to combat the Christmas onslaught of kitschy, rehashed icons and themes. Promote, as M. F. K. Fisher did, a tonic of mixed leftover vegetable juices as a tasty treat.  She fooled no one.  Would you have better luck with an apple-paw paw-drumstick cocktail?

Or think of vegetables not as their perfectly ripe, brilliantly colored, archetypal forms, but rather in a state of decay, too big and fecund, too shrunken, cut into pieces, out of place, misshapen, a seed, growing awry, doomed…

First harvest of Belgian endive, next it goes into deep chill then darkness to grow the familiar pale yellow chicon; Sunset Lane Farm, Brownsville, OR

…or is it dormant, exceptional, whole in its fragmentation, full of promise?

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happy thanksgiving from my family to yours

My sister, who lives in Helena, Montana, is as different from me as this turkey is from this hat.  But she recently judged a chili cook-off competition, and made these treats out of cookies and candy with her twin boys.  Could we be expecting a Culinaria Helena spin-off blog soon?

Hope you all find the day sweet, filled with creative glories, and full of family and laughter.

 

good things fermenting in eugene

Sandor Katz!  I was so delighted to host him here at the University of Oregon.  He gave a great introduction to fermentation to students in the Clark Honors College library (with a sauerkraut demo), then spoke to a huge crowd on Friday evening, November 16, on fermentation through the related lenses of culture, co-evolution, and community.

The student event was packed with 30 people, who were treated to samples of fermented vegetables, sourdough bread, and cookies made by the PNW Local Food Honor College CHIP freshman interest group led by the dynamic Paul Metzler.  One grad student even brought a jar of sauerkraut for Sandor to sign.

It was a model event, complete with a charming speaker and an appreciative audience.  I could feel the love emanating throughout the 400 or so people in attendance at the big lecture.  400 people!  We nearly filled Columbia 150, the biggest classroom on campus.  It was really one of the highlights of my career, and I was honored to make it happen.

We had a slight glitch with the books available at the event.  Everything was ok with Sandor’s new book, The Art of Fermentation, but the cool little ‘zine version of Wild Fermentation, not the wonderfully comprehensive book pictured above in green, was ordered.  If you’d like a copy of the book version of Wild Fermentation — and you certainly do, as it’s one of my favorite preservation books and a charming, unique perspective on preserving all kinds of unusual foods in Sandor’s former, quirky, intentional community in Tennessee — please it order via his website at http://www.wildfermentation.com.

In my enthusiasm to show off our community, I dragged Sandor around a bit and introduced him to everyone I could, including the folks at PartyCart, who catered a special reception for Sandor after the talk, and the folks at Open Oak Farm/Adaptive Seeds, since I knew they’d have their winter vegetables going strong and their seeds ready to ship out for the next growing year.  (You may remember Farmer Andrew on KLCC’s Food for Thought; he gave a forceful defense to keep canola out of the Willamette Valley because of the specialized seed crops cultivated here.)

Everywhere we went, people seemed to know he was there and gravitated toward him with little gifts and good wishes.  We chatted with scholars, brewers, cooks, food industry people, farmers, even a filmmaker.  And it gave me faith in Eugene again — sometimes I think we’re a bit too laid back and passive, but I was reminded that there are all kinds of creative passions bubbling up around town.  Sandor was absolutely right when he said in his lecture that ideas can ferment, too: the excitement about new ways of understanding food can actually change a community.  I’m seeing it happen with my own eyes, and god, I’m so privileged to be a part of it.

The reception dinner was marvelous; Tiffany made the ultimate sacrifice to stay behind and prepare a ham smoked by Mark, with sides of fermented chow chow, ginger spoon bread with polenta, stuffed cabbages that I wish I were eating right now, and a slab pie with apple and quince.  I’m mentioning all this because it was the best catered food I’ve had in Eugene by far, so I’m hoping you will consider them for your holiday gatherings and beyond as they try to stay dry this winter and raise funds for a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Thanks, Sandor, for sharing your knowledge and perspective with us here in Eugene, and we hope you’ll come back and visit us again soon!

white kim chi and a visit from sandor katz

In honor of Sandor Katz’s visit to Eugene tomorrow (join us at 5:30 on the UO campus in Columbia 150!), I thought I’d post my latest kim chi recipe. I was looking for a “white” or no-chili-powder, garlicky, gingery version of the classic juicy winter kim chi made with napa cabbage.  And this one came out perfectly.  The Asian pear stays clean and white, and the cabbage turns a beautiful pale yellow.  See?

If you’re in Eugene, you can easily find Asian pears at the local farmers markets.  We had a great crop this year.  It’s worth it to head out to RiverBend Farm south of Eugene, where they’re still available for u-pick at the cut-rate price of $0.70/lb.  Asian pears can beautifully and bake into firm, bright pies.  Just remember you’ll need to follow canning instructions carefully in a tested book, as they are a low-acid fruit.

Welcome to Eugene, Sandor!  We’re so thankful for all that you’ve done to reform our food system, and can’t wait to hear your talk.  Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Robert D. Clark Honors College, Oregon Humanities Center, and the UO Food Studies Program Initiative, this lecture is free and open to all. (Click poster above for all the details!)

White Kim Chi with Asian Pear

• 1 (2 to 3-pound) napa cabbage, heavy for its size and unblemished
• 1/3 cup kosher salt
• 8 cups water
• 1 medium daikon radish, peeled and cut into 2-inch matchsticks
• 4 scallions, the green parts julienned and cut into 1-inch lengths, the white parts chopped
• 1-2 Asian pears (also called nashi, ‘Hosui’ is a good variety but all work), cored and cut into 2-inch matchsticks
• 3-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
• 1 small head fresh garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 1 tablespoon Korean salted shrimp, minced (available at Sunrise and other Korean markets)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

You will also need a bowl or crock large enough to hold cabbage and 8 cups water, plus a weight to submerge the cabbage.  This could be as simple as a dinner plate with a jar full of water on top.

Prepare the cabbage for a 4 to 12-hour soak in salt water.  Mix water and salt, let sit while you wash and core the cabbage.  Slice the cabbage and cut into pieces about 2-inches square.  Place in a bowl or crock for the soak, pour the salted water and any salt that has not dissolved atop the cabbage and mix gently using your hands.  Weight the cabbage, cover the bowl with a towel, and let sit on the counter for 4 to 12 hours.

When you are ready to make the kim chi, drain and rinse the cabbage, and return to the large bowl or another vessel suitable for fermentation with a weight to press down the kim chi.  Cut up the radish, scallions, and Asian pears. Prepare the souse:  combine the ginger, garlic, shrimp, and sugar in a food processor bowl, and process to a paste.  Scrape out the paste and combine with the cabbage, mixing well with your hands. Add the vegetables and pears, toss lightly.  Press mixture down in your fermenting vessel, then add weight and let sit on counter for 1-3 days, testing each day for a taste you like.  Refrigerate for 2-3 days for best taste.  It will last for at least a week in the refrigerator.  Makes about 2 quarts.

thanksgiving in eugene 2012

In addition to the Fill-Your-Pantry event with local beans, grains, and produce available for bulk sale in Eugene (deadline to order ahead is today, event on Nov. 18), and the Holiday Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds beginning this weekend, you might be wondering what else is available for a local Thanksgiving supper in Lane County.  Well, wonder no more, and make your plans soon!

Poultry and Other Meats

• Biancalana Pork Growers have their own turkeys and chickens this year, although I can’t find anything on their Facebook page.  Great sausage (try the apple-rosemary) for stuffing, too.  Email da915@comcast.net.
• Boondockers Farm has succulent ducks and chickens.  More information on their website.  They might be able to make one more delivery run to Eugene?
• Long Tom Grazing Company has pastured turkeys at $6.25 a pound. Every turkey comes with a bonus — free vegetables!  5 lbs. potatoes and onion and decorative gourds! All organically grown. Email ltgrazing@gmail.com.

Need help with your turkey preparation?  Call the annual Oregon Statewide Holiday Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-354-7319.  November 13 – 16; Tuesday thru Friday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; November 19 – 21; Monday thru Wednesday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Staffed by Master Food Preserver volunteers from Douglas and Lane Counties.

Pies

Visit these local bakeries/shops for more information about varieties. Plus, you’ll be able to sample some of the goods.

• Mom’s Pies (traditional pies from a venerable Eugene baker)
• Noisette Pastry Kitchen (traditional pies from our newest, wonderful bakery)
• PartyCart (traditional pies to order, all local ingredients)
• Red Wagon Creamery (ice cream pies and a layered ice cream cake, local ingredients)
• Vanilla Jill’s (ice cream, frozen yogurt, and traditional pumpkin pies with sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free options)

Prepared Dishes for Takeout/Order Ahead

• Ivy’s Cookin’ (vegetarian meals? I don’t see their menu on their website yet)
• Heidi Tunnell Catering (from her post on the Food for Thought on KLCC Facebook page: “We’ve got a list of Thanksgiving items that folks can purchase from us. Items are all available a la carte from appetizers to the whole turkey (brined or roasted), sides, bread and desserts. Menus are available by a link on our website. Or they can come pick one up at our kitchen in Creswell we can also email menus as well. Orders are due on Sunday, November 18th; pick up happens the day before Thanksgiving and items come complete with cooking instructions.”
• Marché Provisions (Beaujolais Nouveau tasting and lots of other goodies)

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving:

• King Estate (full Thanksgiving spread)
• Govinda’s (vegetarian)
• Marché for breakfast
• EDIT: Excelsior (see comments)
• EDIT: The Barn Light after 7 p.m. (sandwiches, full bar, coffee downtown: see comments)

Did I miss your favorite place?  Let me know (with as many details as possible, including contact information) what else is on offer for Thanksgiving in Lane County!

vanilla jill’s on food for thought 11/11/12

Join Ryan and Jennifer tomorrow at noon on Food for Thought for a chat with Megan and Tim Stevens of Vanilla Jill’s Frozen Yogurt, Eugene’s expanding froyo empire!

For our call-in segment, we’d love to hear from our favorite restaurants and food shops: what specials will you have for Thanksgiving dinners, either take-out or eat-in?

It’s a date!  Food for Thought on KLCC Sunday at noon (PST) on 89.7FM in Eugene, or its sister stations in Oregon, or live on the web.

root root root for the home team

Don’t forget to pick up your Thanksgiving produce at the last outdoor market of the Lane County Farmers Market today and the Springfield outdoor market tomorrow.  There will be winter markets open and flourishing all through the dark months (and do patronize these guys, since it’s a wet, cold commitment), including the Hideaway Bakery market.  See more info about dates and times for all markets here.

You can also stock up on locally produced pantry goods, like flour, whole grains, beans, and other storage vegetables, at the Eugene Fill-Your-Pantry event on Sunday, November 18.  Last day to pre-order is November 13 — see more info here.

But back to the business of TODAY.  Some highlights for me at the Lane County market are:

• Bok choy and frisée from McKenzie River Farm (see above).
• Chinese cabbage from Groundwork Organics.  While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some fresh new ginger (!) and garlic, and I’ll give you a good white kim chi recipe in a few days.
• Asian pears from River Bend Farm. They also have excellent cider.  Annette’s farm will be open for a while yet, and she’s selling u-pick HUGE Asian pears for 70 cents a pound.  This is a steal.
• Brussels sprout stalks from McKenzie River Farm or Winter Green Farm.  Winter Green also has burdock, great for a Japanese salad called kinpira gobo, made with shredded burdock and carrot with sesame oil.
• Fall snow peas at the flower and vegetable vendor next to Groundwork Organics.  They also have Brussels sprouts with large, succulent heads, or so said the Gourd Patch guy last week as he showed me his score (the last one).
• The Gourd Patch guy’s exceptional quince, as previously reported, but also his singular medlar.  Yes, medlar.  I am still waiting for his pawpaws to ripen on my windowsill.  Medlar is in it for the long haul.  If you’re a medlar fan, let me know, you rara avis.
• Celery!  Several vendors have it, and it’s best now after the rain.

• Coarse-milled corn polenta meal from Lonesome Whistle.  It’s a brilliant mix of red and gold corn, so you can really see and taste the corn bits.  They’ve got finely milled corn meal for those interested in a less hearty texture, and they were concerned that the coarse grind might dissuade customers, so they gave me a bag and asked me to try it out.  I think it’s a winner; it’s unusual and we really enjoyed polenta with a bolognese sauce (above) and cheesy roasted corn polenta muffins.  The savory muffins would make a great single-serving stuffing for Thanksgiving, I think.
• Cabbage and kale are best after the first frost, and we haven’t seen that yet, but buy them now.  Great eating in a bean soup or mashed with some yukon gold potatoes.  White Russian kale, the most beautiful, sweet kale on the market, from Ruby and Amber’s Organic Oasis.  It looks like the more common ruffled purple-stemmed Russian kale, but has white stems and is far tastier.
• Apple cider-rosemary-Granny Smith apple sausage at Biancalana pork growers.  Their pork sausage has a finer grind than Long’s, and that’s a nice change.  The apple is wonderful, and this sausage would be particularly good in a stuffing.  Dave told me they have turkeys and chickens available this year, as well, so do inquire.
• Meadowfoam honey from Camas Country Mill.  If you’ve never had meadowfoam, try it.  It has an unusual taste of vanilla caramel or burnt sugar, and is gathered from a local flower grown commercially.
• Don’t forget winter squash can store in a cool place for quite some time.  My favorite is Oregon sweet meat squash, with its pumpkin size and shape, and pale blue skin.  I cut it in big chunks with the skin on, then roast it and freeze it.  Makes terrific pies and soups.
• Leeks and cauliflower and fennel for a soup with all of these elements.  I saute some sweet onion in butter, then add chunks of cauliflower, fennel and leek (remove the green part of the leeks first and wash the white/light green parts well) and simmer in milk until soft.  Then I use a hand immersion blender to mash everything up, pour in some buttermilk and season the heck out of it with salt and white pepper, and serve with hearty bread.
• Sweet potatoes!  These are a hard crop to grow and someone has managed to do it.  Grateful Harvest has massive, misshapen Japanese satsu-imo, my favorite kind, but there are also regular kinds, as well.
• Beautiful fingerling potatoes at SLO Farm.
• Brooks prunes, fleshier than Italian/Fellenberg prunes, from Raynblest Farm.  He also has local lemongrass and rangpur limes and, I think, Meyer lemons.  Stock up.
• Liberty apples anywhere you can find them.  Any storage apples (ask the vendor), to be nestled in newspaper and packed in boxes in the coldest, most protected part of your house.  Chervil.  Sage. Fall radishes and daikon. Peppers.
• Concord grapes at Berg’s Berry Farm.
• The canneles at Caramel Patisserie.  Order Thanksgiving sweets there, or opt for a Thanksgiving ice cream pie at Red Wagon Creamery!

What are you buying at the market?  Anything very special that I missed?

sushi class and special guests on food for thought, eugene’s favorite food show!

A big, warm thank you to all of you who voted for both Culinaria Eugenius and Food for Thought on KLCC, NPR’s local affiliate.  We came in second in both categories this year: best self-published work and best radio show.  I’m particularly proud of the latter, as Food for Thought is a teeny, tiny volunteer-run weekly show, and it went head-to-head with some great radio programs with a much longer run and listener base.

This week on Food for Thought, Ryan and Anni will be discussing beans and other lost arts of hearth and home with historian Ken Albala, author of a new book on said topic.  Ken came to Eugene a few weeks ago to meet with the team working on a new Food Studies program initiative at UO, and we’re eager to hear what he thought!  They’ll also be chatting with the owner of Brail’s, the venerable Eugene breakfast spot.  Listen in today at noon (PST) on 89.7FM in Eugene, or its sister stations in Oregon, or live on the web.

I’m also very excited to announce that the Lane County Master Food Preservers still have a few spaces left for our casual, inexpensive sushi class this Friday, November 9, 2012.  I’ll be discussing classic sushi techniques, including making pickled ginger and sushi rice for a traditional sushi party, and Ruby Colette and Kelly Makinson will be showing off their skills with a wide range of fillings, from pickled vegetables to California rolls.  You’ll have a chance to try your hand at rolling your own, as well!  Cost: a mere $15, Location: Community of Christ Church, 1485 Gilham Road, Eugene from 6-8:30 p.m.  REGISTER SOON!  DON’T MISS OUT!  To register and see what else we’re teaching this winter, click here for Extension’s class descriptions and registration instructions.

The picture, by the way, is of the chirashizushi and a special, giant clam (mirugai) nigiri eaten by yours truly last week at Eugene’s best sushi restaurant, Kamitori. The restaurant didn’t make the EW best sushi list, and that is just insane.  It’s very difficult to find giant clam because of its rarity, and Chef Masa scored one.  It’s a pleasure to see someone so excited about new finds and doing food right.  He’s one of our city’s best chefs.  If you haven’t been and you treasure fantastic, fresh, traditional sushi at reasonable prices, go now.  Hours for lunch vary but he’s open for dinner most of the week.