by Katrina Hall
Member since:
January 19, 2006

Changing Seasons at the Farmer's Market in Keene, NH

September 08, 2007 08:18 PM EDT (Updated: October 01, 2007 02:48 PM EDT)
views: 333 | comments: 63

Today's farmer's market in Keene , NH felt very different, once I'd unpacked my vegetables.  You begin to see the growing cycle slowly changing.  I visited my favorite vender, Abenaki Farm.

 

My basket is very different from July's......................

 

 

The shallots are in....................

 

 

    and I can finally make some of Shannon's hot pepper salsa!

 

 

 

and I got three kinds of potatoes for chowder...................

 

the first of the little pumpkins....

 

 

The corn from Barrett's Farn is plump, sweet, and oh so juicy!

 

Sungold tomatoes and another hot pepper....

 

 And a nice little acorn squash awaits roasting with butter and maple syrup................

 Enjoy the seasons, Gatherers! And my deep thanks to Barbara Kingsolver for her wonderful book , Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - which made me so aware of the growing seasons.
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Comments: 63

Madame Donna C. Sep 8, 2007, 8:21pm EDT
Beautiful shots, Katrina. I am so excited about the changing vegetables! My thoughts are racing with new combinations and taste sensations.
j - Frugal Mom - r. Sep 8, 2007, 8:27pm EDT
Umm.... I wish I had a great farmers market nearby. The photos are wonderful, and real tasty as well.
Katrina Hall Sep 8, 2007, 8:39pm EDT
Isn't it amazing, Mme. D? It didn't hit me until I'd unpacked my basker how the farming cycle was changing. Oh yes! Lots of fabulous ideas churning around in my head - and obviously, your's too! Thanks for reading - got to say I love how the photos came out!
Katrina Hall Sep 8, 2007, 8:40pm EDT
oops. basket! not basker!
Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Sep 8, 2007, 8:41pm EDT
I love the harvest season! Very nice photos!
Katrina Hall Sep 8, 2007, 8:41pm EDT
Oh j.r. , I guess you'll have to witness the change virtually! Many thanks for stopping by............
Katrina Hall Sep 8, 2007, 8:43pm EDT
Thanks, Melinda! For those of us in the Northeast, it's bittersweet - winter, snow, ice, the end of gardening for a while - but we can always remember through our pictures...
Leslie - The Soap Lady! Townsend Sep 8, 2007, 10:19pm EDT
Sigh! Fall in NH is coming, please take pictures for us, I am homesick! (We are from Portsmouth.)
Kay S. Sep 8, 2007, 10:25pm EDT
I particularly love the photo of your basket of vegetables!
Katrina Hall Sep 8, 2007, 10:31pm EDT
Hi Leslie - wherever you are - I'll do my best!

Thanks, Kay!
♥kyra D. Sep 8, 2007, 11:10pm EDT
Nothing like fresh produce. Looks deeeelish. Thanks for sharing this photo essay with us Katrina.
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Sep 8, 2007, 11:52pm EDT
A farmer's market is a wonderful way to follow the changing seasons - great photos and food for thought.
Debbie G. Sep 9, 2007, 12:03am EDT
Excellent photo essay. It's been awhile since I had an acorn squash like you described. Such a treat!
Katrina Hall Sep 9, 2007, 8:07am EDT
Hi Kyra! I suddenly realized how my shopping has changed - now I buy mostly fresh veggies ( with once in a while bacon from the Sausage Lady) and base my cooking on that. Thanks for taking a look!

Hi Tonia -many thanks. You are SO right! Food for thought - I did a 160 degree turn after reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.

Hi Deb! Hope all is well with you! Ummmm, anything better than a nice roast chicken and above mentioned acorn squash? I'm waiting for the first really fall day to make this dinner.........
Janna O'Donnell Sep 9, 2007, 8:33am EDT
I love farmer's markets. We went to our local one yesterday. It's held under an enormous flamboyant tree. In May, it's like being inside a blazing fire. You have a better selection of veggies, though. Nice photos too.
Katrina Hall Sep 9, 2007, 8:37am EDT
Thanks, Janna! The farmer's market site sounds wounderful! I love that - under a tree!
I'm so impressed by these industrious young farmers - they grow a tremendous number of vegetables in a short, short season. Some are now using their greenhouses to extend the seasons a little, but it's still hard work!
elizabeth e. Sep 9, 2007, 9:28am EDT
Oh Katrina...my mouth is just watering....fresh farm produce....and the tomatos actually taste like real tomatoes . Good reminder to go to our local Farmer's Market today from 10-4.
Katrina Hall Sep 9, 2007, 10:12am EDT
Hi elizabeth! 10-4 on a Sunday sounds like a great time for a farmer's market ! Thanks for stopping by........
Marian L Sep 9, 2007, 4:06pm EDT
That all looks so good. I believe in cooking with the seasons. Use local products that are in season and plan menus around those products.
Katrina Hall Sep 9, 2007, 5:56pm EDT
I'm learning, Marian! I used to whip out my cookbooks and recipes depending on what I wanted - not anymore. It's a great way to live, and I'm much more aware of the growing seasons.

Thanks, Vicky! What a sweet comment - delighted you enjoyed it!
Charles A. B. Sep 9, 2007, 6:47pm EDT
Love fresh vegetables! There is nothing better then the taste of vegetabled and fruits taken fresh from the earth so to speak.
Katrina Hall Sep 9, 2007, 7:00pm EDT
I agree - but right now I can't smell ANYTHING. Allergies. But you're so right, to buy something the farmer pulled or cut that morning is really a thrill. Thanks, Charles!
elizabeth e. Sep 9, 2007, 7:53pm EDT
Congrats...you made the front page of Gather. Well done!
Katrina Hall Sep 9, 2007, 8:01pm EDT
Thanks, E - I just spotted it on Gather Health! Thanks, Gather!
Sue * Sep 9, 2007, 8:08pm EDT
I just love pictures of food...this was a great photo essay! Congrats on the feature.
Katrina Hall Sep 9, 2007, 8:24pm EDT
Thanks so much, Sue! ( I guess we're kindred spirits - I love to look at food blogs and just swoon when I find a great picture!)
Pepsie J. Sep 9, 2007, 10:02pm EDT
All my cukes are gone, but my pumpkins, watermelons are still around. Lovely pictures.
Digital Diva S. Sep 9, 2007, 10:54pm EDT
I love a farmers market. Looks like good veggies you found!
Patry Francis Sep 9, 2007, 10:56pm EDT
What a lovely celebration of early autumn abundance.
Katrina Hall Sep 10, 2007, 6:59am EDT
Thanks, Pepsie - I'm jealous! The bugs got at my pumpkin and melon plants again.

Hi Marilyn - don't you just love that pumpkin? I'm thinking of recipes.........

Thank you, Patry! You said it perfectly!
Karen K. Sep 10, 2007, 8:27am EDT
We'll have to try the farmers markets around here.
Katrina Hall Sep 10, 2007, 8:36am EDT
I peeked - you're in Chicago. If you go to localharvest.com you can find lots of places in your area, from farmstands to CSA's to farmer's markets.
Tell us how you make your chowder, Katrina. I'm getting in the mood to make mine again now that you mentioned it. ;o) I cooked up a storm from my garden this weekend - got a great deal on a sirloin tip roast at a grocery which simmerered all afternoon (pot roast - I know, they didn't have a cheaper cut but this was a great deal). I made beets, beet greens, fresh green beans, roasted eggplant 'n garlic, fresh tomato scallop, zuke/tomato/onion casserole, and a fresh peach cake. I made tons of everything, so our meals are set for the week. Good thing we don't get bored with this stuff! LOL! Thanks for a great photo essay and talk to you soon!
Bundy P Sep 10, 2007, 10:24am EDT
Gorgeous photoessay...congratulations on making the home page!
Day Tripper Diva Sep 10, 2007, 10:28am EDT
Love it! Looks much like our Weds. market in Arlington, MA, managed by local-ag author and man-about-town, Oakes Plimpton. Please post at daytrippernhvt if you get the chance.
☃ Aunt Shanny Sep 10, 2007, 10:29am EDT
Absolutely first rate photo essay! And I can't wait to see the pics of the salsa and any changes you may make!
Katrina Hall Sep 10, 2007, 11:05am EDT
Hi Aaron - holy moley - that's a lot of food you made! If you click on Katrina's Recipes above, you can find my Corn Chowder recipe, and also Ratatouille.Ummmmmm-yum! I also find making and freezing Tuscan Tomato Soup is a great time saver - I keep stacks of containers of it in the freezer. For a nice Leek and Potato soup just measure equal parts leek whites, chopped, and diced potato, cook in water or broth, and add thyme, dill, and half and half or cream. This doesn't freeze well, unless you thaw it and then puree.

Cool, DTD! My Mum used to go to the Davis Square farmer's market in Somerville until she moved - loved it! I'll check out daytripper right now!

Thank you, Shannon! No salsa yet - I used all my tomatoes! But I added some of the long pepper in the photo to my chicken veg soup last night ( homemade, of course), and dsh of hot sauce. Just right! Do you know the name of that pepper I bought?
Katrina Hall Sep 10, 2007, 11:09am EDT
Thanks, Bundy! It's always a thrill to be featured - and I'm delighted you liked the pictures!
Dorine H. Sep 10, 2007, 8:49pm EDT
Farmers' market food isn't just tastier than mass-produced supermarket food, it's more photogenic, too.
Katrina Hall Sep 10, 2007, 10:12pm EDT
Isn't it, Dorine! Also fresher - much fresher - I notice the difference when something from the supermarket gets limp and slimy after a week in the vegetable drawer - but all the vegetables I've bought ( oh- and fruits) last twice as long. No long distance trucking!
LaRue B. Sep 11, 2007, 8:48am EDT
great shots. I love everything you bought. Now. When's dinner?
JoAnne D. Sep 11, 2007, 10:04am EDT
Everything looks o fresh and delicious.
Robyn F. Sep 11, 2007, 11:32am EDT
great pics! my son and daughter-in-law live in peterboro, he went to school in keene state.
Sonia M. Sep 11, 2007, 4:51pm EDT
Wonderful photos, Katrina!!!! Enjoyed your farmer's market buys very much. We bought our first butternut squash this week....paid by the nose for it, but could not resist!!!
Katrina Hall Sep 11, 2007, 5:17pm EDT
Too late, LaRue! Thanks for stopping by to read!

Doesn't it, JoAnne? How can I ever go back to supermarket vegetables? Many thanks!

Thanks, Robyn - no kidding! Peterborough is the bigger town next to Hancock! Peterborough was just named one of the top ten "coolest" small towns to live in - I doubt we'll ever get over that!

Ummmmm - I can see why, Sonia! I guess it goes both ways - I'd pay mucho for exotic Hawaiian fruits, if I could find them. Isn't that cabbage awesome? Thanks, me dear, for popping in to take a look!
Marie L. Sep 13, 2007, 1:18pm EDT
What wonderful photos -- make's me want to rush right out to the nearest farmer's market! We're going apple picking this weekend :-)
Katrina Hall Sep 13, 2007, 4:21pm EDT
Thanks, Marie! Me too - if the weather holds, I hope, I hope! Have a wonderful time - and hope you get to your farmer's market, too.
Jill B. Sep 14, 2007, 5:39pm EDT
Thanks for great inspiration. Eating local is great for so many reasons. This summer I joined a CSA for the first time--our season ends in a few weeks. My sister lives in Arizona and does a CSA all year round. For $15 she gets a laundry basket full of seasonal fruits and veggies each week. My CSA was $26 a week, so anyone near Phoenix can get a really great deal.

I am off to apple pick this weekend, too! Sunday my project will be making a big pot of applesauce.
Katrina Hall Sep 14, 2007, 6:09pm EDT
Good for you for joining a CSA - it was the first year for our local one, and I already knew they didn't have enough growing, so I didn't join. Maybe next year. For now, the Keene Farmer's Market works out fine.....I am also off to pick apples, but probably next weekend - tomorrow is supposed to rain. There's an heirloom apple orchard nearby that I've never been to. Mmmmm - enjoy that applesauce!
Heather W. Sep 15, 2007, 2:11pm EDT
I love the photos.
Katrina Hall Sep 15, 2007, 4:33pm EDT
Thanks, Heather! This was a first for me - photographing fresh vegetables. Lots of fun!
Celisa S. Sep 19, 2007, 2:11am EDT
My mouth is watering, my senses are imagining this food being made into yummy dishes. I miss going to the farmer's market every week!

Keene is great - haven't been in years!

Peace!
Cristina S. Sep 20, 2007, 4:32pm EDT
Hi Katrina, great pictures of fantastic vegetables! I've been to Keene a number of times to visit a school there - but never to the Farmer's Market. Obviously a mistake!
Katrina Hall Sep 20, 2007, 6:13pm EDT
Hi Celisa! Keene has gotten very trendy, and there are SO many good food places now!
Did you check at localharvest.org to see if there are any farms or stands near you?
Thanks for dropping in!
Katrina Hall Sep 20, 2007, 6:15pm EDT
Hi Cristina - you must be talking about Keene State or Antioch - I don't know when the market closes, my guess is mid-October - maybe it's later. Hope you get to see it! Many thanks....
Joan O. Sep 25, 2007, 7:06pm EDT
Great photos. I love fall produce.
Katrina Hall Sep 25, 2007, 7:43pm EDT
Thanks, Joan! Fresh vegetables from a farmer are a huge inspiration. My thinking has been totally changed after reading Barbara Kingsolver's book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - and finding this terrific market.
Risa G. Oct 6, 2007, 9:58pm EDT
Great shots. I love going to farmers markets all year long. The one in NYC is all year. The one in my area is only around for the summer until Oct 31. After that, goodbye. I love the change in fresh produce too. I just bought a Spaghetti Squash and some brussel sprouts. I love the change in flavors.
Katrina Hall Oct 6, 2007, 10:28pm EDT
Hi Risa! I'm feeling sad, because our farmer's market closes in three weeks. Then, it's back to driving to Brattleboro for veggies. I sure wish our area had a co-op! Sending my empathy to you - and great that you support the farmers! Many thanks. Got some sprouts last Tuesday - that sure spells fall to me!
Toni V. Mar 12, 2008, 10:30am EDT
Nice shots.
Katrina Hall Mar 12, 2008, 11:11am EDT
Thanks, Toni! I have no idea why the Gather glitch recently caused this ONE article to magically re-appear months after it was published, but it's oh so nice to see the Farmer's Market again. Another month before it re-opens!
Risa G. Mar 12, 2008, 1:38pm EDT
Such beautiful veggies! Wow. I wish we had a local farmers market that was open at this time of year. This looks so good. Can't wait to see what you do with the chiles!
Katrina Hall Mar 12, 2008, 3:03pm EDT
Thanks, Risa. This article somehow appeared during the latest Gather makeover - it dates from last fall! I'm counting the days til the Keene Farmer's Market opens, though - which is sometime next month! Yay! Oh - I froze the chiles and just tried using them last week. I wouldn't do that again - they were mushy and not very fresh tasting..........

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