I don't take advantage of the local foods and flowers of the Lowcountry nearly enough. I talk about it and I want to walk-the-walk, but too often I end up at the grocery store where I can get everything in one stop. And as a result, I am seldom enthusiastic about my purchases.
Yesterday, I went out to Sidi Limehouse's place, Rosebank Farms, on John's Island (it's on the left just before you get to Kiawah). The fruits and vegetables are inspiring even to a non-cook like myself. I happen to like produce that isn't carbon-copy perfect. And I don't like to ever consume a tomato, peach or blueberry that has been refrigerated- they just aren't as good.
So, while I was there I thought that Offshoots doesn't have to be only about ornamental plants. After all, I scout for orchards and local farms as well.
What I found today at Rosebank Farms were the best tomatoes of the season, grown on John's Island, for $2/lb. And peaches that I made into a Lazy Girl Cobbler. And fresh local shrimp for only $5/lb! Heaven.
The recession has been hard on me financially. But in a way, I am thankful for this slow-down. I have cut out some of the extras (like cable TV) and I'm fine with that.
But there are certain things I have to continue spending money on, like food. So why not make purchasing food into a sensory experience rather than a chore? My grandparents' lives were shaped by the Great Depression. They knew the difference between "cheap" and "value". I hope to learn the same lessons from this recession and carry them with me though my life.
Cooking some lazy girl cobbler now for my nephew's birthday dinner with the family... keep your fingers crossed! love, cin
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