Shortcuts!
I was talking to Jenny from AYA Hummus at last week’s market about making time to cook when times get busy - as they are now with the Halloween frenzy that surrounds us.
In last week’s blog, we focused on meal prepping when there seems to be no time for it, and Jenny coined the term “nourishing shortcuts” for dishes that help you stay present in hectic times. One of the nourishing shortcuts I’ve been loving this week is a quick breakfast sandwich: put Jenny's sonrisa hummus, with its vibrant jalapeño and garlicky kick, on a toasted DoughCo Bagel with an over-easy egg from R&M Farm, market sprouts or arugula, and some hot sauce of your choice. It comes together in minutes and is easy to wrap in foil and take on the go!
And not to overstate how busy fall can get, but my schedule hasn’t let up just yet. Between my studies, the market, my bookstore job and the band performing every weekend at Philipsburg Mansion, I've barely got the time to breathe, let alone cook! While I weather the chaos and try to use free time wisely, one-pot dinners provide the dual action of tons of flavor with easy clean-up. Try searing buttery, briny scallops from Pura Vida with Brussels sprouts from Caradonna Farm in tangy glaze that gets its start from bacon. This quick, decadent dinner pairs well with a big green salad of your choice to lift up its deep umami flavor. Don't eat shellfish? Pick up some King Oyster mushrooms which taste just like scallops. No joke!
Need something easy to keep on the stovetop to feed the family post trick-or-treating? Try these braised white beans and greens with Parmesan.
Or, if you're having a party, serve up this seasonal butternut squash and goat chese galette.
Since there is pumpkin carving in your future, don’t forget to bring your carving (and other) kitchen knives to Ready Set Sharp! By the way, Matt has collected quite a few tea towels from customers over the last few months, so be sure to pick yours up if you left one with him to protect your knives during transport. The Copper Faucet has perfectly spiced pumpkin candles, plus all the seasonal soaps and lotions to add some simple pleasures to your autumn. Also, feel free to treat yourself to some rich, smooth chocolate from Shimon at Raw Chocolate Love!
