Autumn is here
The equinox this week celebrates the changing of the season on the 22nd with even night and daylengths. We've noticed the weakening of the sun's power to warm us over the past week or so, and now as darkness starts to grow it's time to light candles, sit around a fire, pull out warmer blankets, dig up sweaters and socks and get cozy.
Beans
Why are my beans bigger than the beautiful French Fillet style we've had all season? At this point we don't want to waste any edible beans, so we're allowing for a larger picking size. They're from a new crop, and should all be crisp and sweet (not pithy, woody or mediocre). We've cooked all sizes from the last patch, and found they all cook and taste good raw, braised, steamed, baked and so on.
Celebrating harvest
This is a fabulous time to cook celebratory meals as you enjoy the bounty of the season. Give thanks and eat well! It is also a great time to start or continue saving produce for the cooler months by cooking larger amounts and setting some aside, and by drying, freezing and otherwise preserving the harvest. Need tips? Ask!
Shine On Harvest Moon
By Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth (1903)
Shine on, shine on harvest moon
Up in the sky,
I ain’t had no lovin’
Since January, February, June or July
Snow time ain’t no time to stay
Outdoors and spoon,
So shine on, shine on harvest moon,
For me and my pal. [edit: original is "gal"]
