Food for Thought

How do you reset and rejuvenate?

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What's in Season | September

One of the new series that I wanted to start doing was a look at what's in season by month.  I know that I am always asking and looking for what's in season in Kentucky so this can help you when you shop at your local farmer's markets!

{Lexington Farmer's Market in Cheapside Park}

This list is not inclusive, and every year is different.  I would talk to farmers to see when these items will be ready if you are looking for specific items.  However, the following produce should be available from Kentucky farmers in September:

Apples
Beans (until mid-September)
Beets
Blackberries
Brussel Sprouts
Cantaloupe (until mid-September)
Sweet Corn
Cucumbers (although I had a hard time finding any because farmers said they dried up in this heat)
Eggplant
Grapes
Greens
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Okra (until mid-September)
Onions (white)
Pawpaws (if you've never had one--try it!  Pawpaws are native to KY)
Peas
Peppers
Plums (until mid-September)
Potatoes
Pumpkins (will start late September, and I CANNOT WAIT!)
Radishes (late September)
Raspberries
Sorghum
Squash (summer and winter)
Tomatoes
Turnips (late September)
Watermelon

I've already been eating local apples, and let me tell you, The Hubby and I are hooked!  I get a different type every time, and he always says, can you get those green ones again?  (Which green ones?!)  I always grab peppers, onions, and tomatoes.  I haven't seen Brussel sprouts, berries, plums, or pawpaws around the market, but the squashes are definitely coming in! 

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Ginger Rice

I'm still trying to find ways to spice rice so The Hubby eats it (without too much complaining).  I threw this together a few times, and we both really loved the way it turned out.  It definitely has a ginger taste!

 {Ginger Rice}

 {Prepping for the rice}

 {Ginger Rice}

 {Served with Broiled Cracked Pepper Fish}

One year ago:  Red Beans and Rice

Two years ago:  Coconut Ice Cream with Chocolate and Almonds

Ginger Rice

Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 large onion (local), diced
2 cloves garlic (local), minced
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional garnish)

1. Heat oil in a pan until hot.
2. Add onions, garlic and carrots and sear until one side is caramelized.
3. Add ginger, rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine and heat through.
4. Stir in chives right before serving as optional garnish.
5. Serve. 

Thankfully, most of the time, I have a delicious sauce to go over the rice, but these are a nice alternative.  Plus, they force me to create and use what I have.  Both skills that I've lost since being in culinary school, but it happens to us all, right?

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monthly munchies | September

Part of my improvements is to do a monthly overview that I'm calling the monthly munchies.  These are just little tidbits about what's going to happen or what's coming up on the blog!

{Sea salt and Lime dark chocolate--chocolate is a favorite snack of mine!}

So for September here's what's happening:

• September is Bourbon Heritage Month; so, of course, I'll be eating and sharing some bourbon recipes.  Hubby and I will also be visiting a bourbon distillery and reporting back on that fun trip!
• I'll be debuting other new posts this month like what's in season and some menu creation!
• It's my birth month!  I'm having champagne and cakes from my favorite bakery in celebration!
• A giveaway is also coming your way for one of my favorite kitchen gadgets!
• Hubby and I will be going on another camping trip for our anniversary.  It's a bit early, but he was kind enough to work around my schedule (aka I get to go to the Incredible Food Show this year!  YAY!)  We also get to experiment more with our camp cooking (any tips would be appreciated!).
• I've already made plans for every weekend in September; it's going to be a busy fall!
• I'm doing a bunch of behind-the-scenes blogging research and maintenance so I'll be tweaking and working on some features.

September starts that slow cooling of the weather, and I can't wait!  I am not made for these hot, humid conditions.  Happy September everyone!  (Can you believe the year is already 3/4 of the way done?!  WHERE does the time go?!)

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