Cabbage
can be used as a weapon
Why are the July farmer’s market cabbages as big or bigger than bowling balls? Do we need to worry about growth hormones in our produce now? What am I supposed to do with ten pounds of cabbage? I told the guy behind the table that all his cabbages both green and red alike are too big for human consumption beyond being purchased by an Evangelical Christian family of 18. Even living with a Hungarian housemate (as I do) is not going to solve the big cabbage problem.
Even so, I bought it and brought it home. But not before tripping over a yet another dog on my way out. I do not recommend it (buying a jumbo cabbage or tripping over a dog) unless you want to haul out the slow cooker, which is exactly what I did. (To cook the cabbage, not the dog.)
I just returned from the Hood River Fruit Loop - the produce “trail” of the Columbia River Gorge Valley in Oregon and Washington, a 35-mile scenic driving route featuring over 30 member stops of wineries, fruit stands, local orchards, lavender farms, and bakeries. The Rainier cherries were particularly good, as were the peaches.
Raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries grow like weeds on the edge of walking trails, free for the picking. I especially enjoyed visiting French’s Farm, a new enterprise in Lyle, Washington, that doubles as a wholesale outdoor plant nursery and homemade ice cream and waffle cone store. The day I visited they were offering up a rhubarb ice cream as well as a brie-berry strawberry one as their weekly specials. I got one scoop of each in a waffle cone. So good!
The best part of my trip was seeing my Auntie Helen. It is crazy how time does fly no matter what your intentions - I was sure I would return in five years or less. The last time I was there, I left my running shoes, hat, Jade Yoga mat, and a bottle of wine from a local winery which I “hid” on top of her kitchen cupboards to age for the winery’s recommended five years. Then sixteen years passed! But I made it back.
YouTube: Helen and her husband Bill dancin’
Cabbage and Ground Turkey Slow Cooker Recipe
Blessings & Love,
