Winter Readiness

I often joke that I am more like a squirrel than a good American. I don't know whether my tendency to stockpile provisions is because I fear impeding distaster or because I hate running errands. In any case, my pantry is always well supplied and my purse is like a drugstore. I always have the ingredients on hand to make chocolate chip cookies. (Priorities, right? I mean, you never know when you might need them...) If you need something, I've probably got it- somewhere. So, as you can imagine, there was a lot of activity the past couple of months surrounding the question, 'What ever will we eat this winter?' Shannon taught (and helped) me to can a dozen pints of tomatoes. I know she was really industrious at her own house too, pickling cucumbers and hot peppers. I have a bunch of goodies in my freezer- tomatoes, apples and loads of Cavanna pasta. I have enough dried crowder peas to last until I can't possibly eat any more. Oh, and I have the stuff for cookies.
I have kept my ear out for ways to eat local during the 'off' season, and have a few leads. Last year, the Byrd House had a renegade market with meat, egg and bread vendors- I assume they will try that again. The South of the James market will continue (see Shannon's post below about Manakinetowne Farms) through December 6. The Market Umbrella will also host a holiday market in Bryan Park on Tuesday November 25 and December 2 from 2:00- 6:00 pm.
Another very exciting prospect came through the Center for Rural Culture Newsletter and Edible Garden Restaurant, paraphrased below:

'With the close of the traditional Farmers Market approaching, Edible Garden will launch an on-line Co-Op. The Co-Op will be supported through membership fees to include both participating farmers and customers, each charged $45 for a six month membership. Members will sign up for a 6 month membership (Winter Season - November through April) and will receive weekly e-mails listing what local products are available for order from local farmers.

There will be no mark up on our behalf to the customer on pre-ordered products. We see this program as an enhancement of our mission to provide the community with access to as much locally produced food as possible for a fair price. The Co-op will launch this buying program to our customers the week of November 1st with the first pick up Thursday, November 6th.

You can register and charge your membership fees to your credit card by calling (804) 784-2011 and asking for Andrea our
Restaurant Manager. As this is a first time, grassroots project we will continue to take registrations throughout the season and we will renew memberships in the Spring of 2009 for the Summer Season.'

Call for more information and for a registration form. Let us know if you are participating. Here's to a well provisioned winter!