Seasonal Feasts
Why is any day betterthan another, when all the daylight in the year is from the sun?
By the Lord’s decisionthey were distinguished, and
he appointed the different seasons and feasts;
some of them he exalted and hallowed and some of
them he made ordinary days.
--
ECCLESIASTICUS (ALSO CALLED SIRACH) 33:7-9
I am not a religious person. I consider myself to be more ofa spiritual person. I like to stay open to all things positive, uplifting andpure. I like to find things that bring, harmony, balance and joy to mylife.
For me, the joy of seasonalcooking is the simplest of pleasures, but one I find is very easily overlooked.It brings harmony and rhythm to our days. It provides a gentle gem of wisdomthat simplicity and abundance are soul mates. Seasonal foods transform even the ordinary days at the table into hallowed moments.
Cooking with the seasons is also thrifty. So many times Ihear people talk about how expensive it is to cook with fresh healthyingredients. Continually I hear fresh food, at the peak of their flavor, and dare I say it“organic” is a luxury. But I disagree. Seasonal cooking is the best way to eat
well
on a budget. And I tell you what,if you are subtle and sophisticated in your frugality, you can’t even begin tofeel deprived. Especially if you are enjoying a dinner of grilled vegetableswith marinated goat cheese, or bruschetta topped with tomato, mozzarella, andbasil.
And dare I say it? A peach shortcake with blackberry sauce for dessert.
Spring is the time of new birth and renewal. The t
ime when worms begin to emerge from the earth, ladybugs land on screen doors, green buds appear, birds chirp, and flowers begin to bloom. Vibrant gorgeous greens grow in abundance.
Summer is when Mother Nature shows off, proving the Universeis not stingy. Gardens and farmers’ markets overflow with the goodness ofthe earth. While summer offers bountiful home economic lessons, it the perfecttime to reconsider how you cook throughout the year.
I love
Judith Huxley’s Table for Eight.
I think this is one of the most wonderful cookbooks for seasonal feasts. She is a wonderful writer, gardener and cook. There are fifty-two sensational menus-a week-by-week walk through the year celebrating the pleasures of the table. I return to this cookbook again and again. Usually on Sundays when I prepare my family feast.
Side note
: Check out Wasatch Community Gardens
preservation series where they
will teach you how to preserve the bounty from your garden or the farmers market in a variety of ways. You can learn what to do to properly can your tree fruit and tomatoes. They will talk about how to preserve tasty treats, condiments, sauces and salsas, so you can enjoy the flavors of summer all year long.
Canning is an invaluable tool to learn when you are trying topractice living a pure, simple, life. I know canning may overwhelm andfeel anything but simple for a lot of you, but take it slow or find a neighboryou could go keep them company and lend a helping hand in the process. Maybeyou could work out a trade or offer to buy the produce in exchange for thecanning knowledge and service. It is a wonderful way to connect whilecherishing the summer’s bounty.
On Wednesday April 23rd, I will be hosting my first Seasonal Cooking Class with wine pairing and guest chef. I am totally thrilled! Spring is the perfect time to fall in love with cooking!
Whether you already consider yourself a chef or think cooking a meal for one involves the microwave and plastic wrap, this class is for you! You will learn how to make easy, super fast, and most importantly, super nutritious meals that you’ll want to make again and again. In prim
e growing season, we will take a walk through my garden and select seasonal fresh vegetables to cook with, and I will also use local produce from the farmers market and local products whenever possible.
I would love to have the pleasure of enjoying the bounty of each season with you. Register here for my
seasonal cooking class.
“There is no season such delight can bring” the English poet William Browne believed, “as summer, autumn, winter and the spring”.
The simply abundant joy of seasonal foods will convince you that life can be a continual feast at Mother Nature’s table!
How do you enjoy the bounty of the seasons?
Please share in the comments below!