farmers markets

Although I thoroughly enjoy grocery shopping, I like to make my trips to the store quick and efficient. It's my philosophy to get in, get the goods, and get out. To ensure that my market experiences are smooth, I always put together a detailed list on a large, blank sheet of paper that's organized by section of the store.

The produce goes on one side of the paper, the dairy items on another, the dried goods on another, etc. All of the ingredients are grouped together in order of where they come in the store. Since I enter my grocer near the veggies, I start with produce. It takes a few more seconds to compile my list, but the extra time is worth it because I don't zigzag (or wander aimlessly!) through the market.

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The length of this year's Winter is getting to me. Lately, during my weekly farmers market trips, I've been on the lookout for newly-released fruits and vegetables in an attempt to spice up my dinner repertoire. This week, I spotted baby bok choy — a fantastic alternative to other prolific Winter leafy greens like kale and chard. If you spot it, pick up a bunch and learn how to prepare it when you read more.

Until I walked past a bin of them on my last trip to the Chinese market, I'd completely forgotten about daikon radishes. The long, white vegetable, which looks like an oversize carrot, isn't that prevalent at Western markets, but is a staple in Asian cuisines. Although the milky-fleshed daikon can be found year-round at some grocery stores, the vegetables are sweetest and mildest during the cold weather months. If possible, shop for them at an Asian supermarket, where they're likely to be fresh, as they may grow bitter with age. Store them in a cool, dry place, where they'll keep for several weeks. If you're new to cooking with radishes, the concept may seem daunting, but this peppery giant is surprisingly versatile. To learn a few ways to enjoy it, read more

During shorter days, I look forward to locating pomegranates and persimmons, like I do cherries and plums during Summer. But, more than any other, the cold-weather clincher that draws me in every Winter is the blood orange. Find out why they're so great — and how to enjoy them — when you read more.