Good Stuff NW: The Light is Coming
On this Solstice Day, I take comfort in knowing that the light streaming in my bedroom window this morning, as I snuggled into my comforter and felt my sweet Silas curled against my back, will come earlier each day.
I will do my best to greet its return with joy, leaving behind what has been a hard year for so many of us in this post-pandemic era. The pain of suddenly losing a beloved pet, an accidental fall that resulted in a family member breaking an arm—these personal hardships don't hold a candle to the warmth of good friends, the comfort of good food offered by our local producers or the commitment of community members working to make the place we live more resilient.
Josh Volk of Slow Hand Farm summed it up for me when he said that if you've only had store-bought corn and beans, those he grows at Cully Neighborhood Farm are "a completely different experience." And anyone who's had fresh Oregon Dungeness crab, which opened its season just last week, will agree that its lusciousness is increased by every minute you can get it closer to the time it's pulled from the ocean. (To that end, I've included three recipes for crab that will give you reason to celebrate!)
Speaking of celebrations, don't miss this terrific recipe for Triple Ginger Cake that will be perfect with your holiday festivities, from the inimitable Mary Fishback of the landmark Bread & Ink Cafe.
Two other quick items I'd like to bring to your attention: this review of three cookbooks that are well worth adding to your shelves, as well as this summary of the recent controversial climate conference in Dubai from Portland author Kristin Ohlson, who presented at a panel there.
I want to wish all of you more light and love in the coming months, which comes with a personal promise to bring you stories that will encourage all of us to revel in and protect the bounty of our waters, fields and streams, and to get to know the people who are committed to sustaining those resources into the future. There are several new developments coming to Good Stuff NW in the new year, so make sure to check upcoming newsletters when you see them in your in-box.
For its enthusiastic cheering for Good Stuff NW, I'd like you to thank the Beaverton Farmers Market when it opens for its winter season in February. Sadly, at the end of the month we must bid a fond farewell to Providore Fine Foods and thank them for their years of support. If you or someone you know would like to talk about becoming a supporter, feel free to get in touch—I'm always interested in talking with new partners!
Thanks for reading,
Kathleen Bauer