We Have Kittens, and Blue Ducks

Last Sunday, a cruel tease was perpetrated upon the Olney Farmers and Artists Market patrons.  The Brownies of Scout Troop 77 from Olney, working with the foster program Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW), brought two adorable kittens and two grown cats to the Market.  The (irresistibly cute)  kittens were already spoken for!

Amazingly Cute Kittens

They did what they were meant to do, though – attracted a crowd to their booth and to their cause.

Our chef, John Melfi, and his sous-chef Emily winged their way up north from the Blue Duck Tavern.  They prepared Tempura Fried Squash Blossoms with Goat Cheese, Piquillo Pepper Romesco Sauce, and Basil. The recipe can be found here. Homestead Gardens and Penn Farms had squash blossoms on offer, so Market patrons could take some home to try.

John And Emily On Camera

 

Chef John Setting Up

Emily Stuffing Squash Blossoms

 

Frying and Salting

 

Chef John brought his charming family: his wife Laura and 8-month old daughter Arya.

Laura and Arya in the Audience

 

The  dish was a hit!  One hundred blossoms were stuffed, fried and consumed.

The Sampling Line - Emily Keeps Up

 

The Finished Product

 

And one more culinary highlight (for me, anyway) – Pleitez Produce had Romanesco cauliflower, my favorite.  This stuff looks wonderful and tastes that way, too – milder than broccoli but not as bland as white cauliflower.

Romanesco Cauliflower

They had purple and gold cauliflower as well, but for me it’s chartreuse every time.

About Judy

I have been cooking and eating all my life, around the country, world, and throughout history (I hold Master Cook status in the Society for Creative Anachronism). In real time, I help run the Olney Farmers and Artists Market in Olney, Maryland, arrange their weekly chef demos and blog from that website (olneyfarmersmarket.tumblr.com) on Market matters. This personal blog is for all things foodie: events, cookbooks, products, restaurants, eating.
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