Spring is in the air and I'm starting to plant my flowers and a few veggies. I've also signed up for a share of the local farmers vegetable garden through a program called CSA or Community Supported Agriculture. In this program, a local farmer plants a garden that will be divided among shareholders. If the garden does well, everyone gets lots of veggies, if not then we all get less. There is a shared risk, but also the potential for gain too.
I have paticipated in two different CSA's one in MI and one in Seattle. In both cases, we received excellent fresh organically grown veggies and enjoyed the seasonal nature of the garden. I tried a few veggies that I never would have purchased on my own. For example Fava beans. Delightful fresh, these beans are also used in italian dishes and soups.
This picture from last year's harvest higlights the lovely fresh vegetables and bountiful variety of colors and textures.
Part of the fun is visiting the farm and seeing the garden. Our CSA has two farm visits a year. In the spring everyone plants a pumpkin and in the fall we all harvest our own pumpkin. It is wonderful to see kids excited about growing things.
After creating and selling Stash and Tazo Tea companies, Steve Smith is once again creating delightful teas. Whether you are looking for green, white, black tea or herbal infusions, Steven Smith Teamaker has a product that is right for you. The teamaker has set-up shop in Portland, Oregon.
My favorite, the peppermint infusion is full bodied and so fresh. I think it is the best peppermint tea I've tasted. The uniquely shaped pyramid tea bags contribute to the appeal. Oregon peppermint leaves are the wonderful secret ingredient. In fact you can learn the source
& lot number of every ingredient used in these teas by entering the batch number online.
I've also indulged in a special blend created for Churchmouse Yarn and Teas in Bainbridge Island, WA. The Tea is #512 Church Mouse No. 512. This tea is wonderful!
Check out his complete selection online, these teas are still hard to find locally unless you are lucky enough to live in Oregon.
Spring has finally reached lower Michigan. I celebrated by attending two great foodie experiences at Southern Exposure Herb Farm. This unique foodie destination is located in the countryside between Battle Creek and Marshall Michigan. It is well worth the drive, plan to arrive a little early so you can tour the grounds and enjoy their flowers. Southern Exposure holds both workshops and specialty dinners. The workshops are either focused on gardening or food and usually include a meal. They also have foodie tours such as a recent adventure to North Chicago for a Food Tasting & Cultural Tour.
Workshop
Do You Dream of Chocolate was a fun night focused on CHOCOLATE. Chocolate lovers could indulge in their favorite food and learn a bit too. As we gathered at the table for dinner, we worked on a Chocolate quiz. The quiz was interesting and full of fun facts about chocolate including the average annual chocolate consumption of chocolate in the US (11 lbs) and what country is the largest producer of Cocoa beans (Ivory Coast - West Africa). After a delightful dinner and decadent chocolate dessert, we traveled to different locations on the farm to extend our chocolate knowledge and tastings. Recipes and techniques were demonstrated and shared.
Specialty Dining
Our next experience was a relaxed and exquisite dinner event called An Evening with Mozart. On this brilliant spring evening Southern Exposure Herb Farm was decorated for Spring. A dogwood tree in full bloom greeted us and the garden beds were groomed for spring. A high degree of attention was paid to every detail, as displayed in the beautiful table arrangement.
The menu was based on Mozart's favorite foods:
Chef Elsie’s Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Colorful Spring Salad of Cucumber and Feta with Herb
Buttermilk Dressing
Baked Salmon Fillet with Fresh Pineapple and Ginger Chutney
Oven Roasted Herb Potatoes
Roasted Spring Vegetables
Linzertorte with Whipped Cream
Pinot Noir selected by our Sommelier
Southern Exposure Herb Farm is a delightful experience for Foodies whether you choose to enjoy specialty dining or a hands-on workshop. I hope to join to next Chicago Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour!
