Here is the link to the first Food Book Fair, scheduled for the first weekend in May. http://foodbookfair.com/
Check it out, and should you be interested in volunteering at the Fair, contact Anika Pyle at this email address: Anika@foodbookfair.com
Passover is one of my favorite holidays. It is the time of year when we tell the story of our ancestors in Egypt who were held in slavery and, by the grace of G_d, and the hard work of Moses and others around him, were led to freedom. As we reflect upon our own history, we also take this moment to recognize the slavery and oppression that exist today - all the people in the world who are enslaved by poverty, unjust immigration laws, sex trafficking, low wages, bigotry, sexism, hatred, and more. We are called to rededicate ourselves each year to witnessing injustice and slavery, and working together until all people are truly free.
Here I share a few of my reflections on this holiday and attempt to channel the Mark Bittman in me with my “Spiced Quinoa, 3 Ways”, in this versatile recipe that I made 3 times, 3 different ways, each building upon the former. (well, humbly, I have a long way to go to come anywhere close to Bittman, but that won’t stop me from trying!) [Recipe at end]
If you weren’t living in New York City back in 2000-2001, then you did not experience the story of William Grimes’ chicken visitor as it unfolded. Fortunately, he tells this tale in “My Fine Feathered Friend,” published by North Point Press in 2002. This small book, with charming illustrations can be read in an evening. Good thing, because once begun you will not want to put it down.
Yes, that William Grimes, who was the chief restaurant critic of the New York Times, and who lives amongst us here in Astoria. Grimes is a very entertaining writer, who was in turn entertained by this chicken who appeared one day in his Astoria backyard, and made himself at home among the family cats and Queens squirrels. Through research Grimes learns that this chicken is a Black Australorp, a breed that once set the world egg-laying record. To his delight Chicken (the name Grimes’ gives her) provides his family with delicious eggs. Questions abound. Why did Chicken come to visit? And where did Chicken come from? Well, as they say, you’ll have to read the book. “My Fine Feathered Friend” is recommended reading for followers of Grimes’ writing, urban chicken farmers, Astoria aficionados and lovers of a good mystery.
Lewis Waite Farms gives us access to an amazing range of local organic products, in addition to our regular vegetable/fruit/add-on deliveries. Fresh eggs, dry beans, grains, breads, cheeses, and more!
More details and order at http://www.lewiswaitefarm.com/csainfo/AstoriaArrowFlyer.htm
Read on for the Order deadlines and Delivery Dates:
I can’t believe how many new foods I’ve discovered since joining the Astoria CSA, and subsequently browsing the food blogs and columns to figure out what the hell to do with them all! Through the CSA and farmers markets, I’m being introduced to all sorts of new veggies. And to complement them all, I’ve been exploring a wide variety of whole grains and beans. Brown rice, quinoa, barley, and now…. Farro!
