Mother Earth

Tasty, fresh, seasonal cooking.  Our grand-parents did it, so why can’t we?  Nature makes pairing foods a snap with simple geography, and the four seasons.  For example when would you ever serve watermelon and collard greens?  Butternut squash with a ripe nectarine?  Winter and summer foods just don’t go together.  There are reasons why our bodies crave gazpacho in the summer; it’s cooling for one, and the fruits and vegetables which go into making gazpacho are plentiful, full of delicious liquid, and the flavors blend oh so perfectly.  In the winter?  Warm hearty stews, braised meats, risotto with cheese, and dark rustic greens, warm both the body and soul.  Also … tomatoes, onions, garlic, leafy greens, olive oil, and fish?  All found in the Mediterranean, and so, work seamlessly together in recipes.  So, not only do the flavors in each season work wonderfully together, but the foods found in specific regions of the world do as well!

I am currently sitting at 36,000 feet, on a flight back east to raise funds and awareness in support of Michelle’s Earth Foundation (MEF), an environmental organization with which I am honored to corroborate.  I will be visiting the local Farmer’s Markets in the DC area tomorrow morning and then pairing flavors in order to cook for 100 on the evening of my 37th birthday in the cafeteria of my old high-school.  So, let’s see.  What are the facts?  It is currently 4 PM in DC, the temperature hovering around 32 degrees.  Oh, and it’s supposed to snow tomorrow.   Apples?  Yes.  Winter gourds?  Yup.  Dark hardy greens too?  Oh yes, and local eggs, cheeses, honey, and local milk which means homemade ricotta!  All right!  Now we are getting somewhere.  That sounds like the makings for a nice dessert.  Before I left Los Angeles I looked on the internet, typed in ‘Arlington VA Farmer’s Markets’, held my breath (for a sense of drama) and pressed enter.  Within seconds (cue really cool music and strobe lights) I had phone numbers, names, locations, what’s currently in season, links to CSA’s, local government … it’s all right there!  Sweet. 

Cooking with the seasons.  Just sit quietly and listen to Mother Earth because she has much advice to offer us.  As it turns out, Mom is always right.  Who knew?

Comments

[Barbara]

Nathan: Don't know if this is the right place to post Questions, hope so. I have a minor problem and no one can give me an answer,hope you will be the one. My granddaughter brought me home a very unhealthy herb plant, cinnamon basil, for me to rescue. The fragrance is marvelous. Problem is I do not know just how to use it,could you help me? By the way, its very healthy and happy! We are fans and my granddaughter uses your site, finding recipes she wants to try. Thank you for your time. BJ & CJ

[lyonette]

Lyon in the Kitchen is my favorite show
Thank you for making great cooks out of so many of us.
I am very glad your shows are repeated. We can go to discovery, but nothing like seeing you put it together. it helps so much more when we visit the recipes and can visualize what we are achieving.

your encouragement to buy close to home and all the other perks we get are wonderful

I really, really like your Kitchen. And if i'm not wrong you are using a set of canisters that came with Teak Lids? it looks exactly like a set i have packed away somewhere in the storage area. they look wonderful on your counter. 'didnt think to use them as utensil holders until i saw them on your counter. Thanks for the visual.

[Ellen]

Hi. I like your show, and tivo recipes I can use. I have celiacs, so can't do any kind of gluten; I also have kidney disease (hopefully because until recently I didn't know I had celiacs). The kidney disease may go into remission. Keep your fingers crossed for me! The reason I wanted to touch base with you is that you use a lot of salt in your cooking. You said, in one segment I watched lately, to add salt while you add other ingredients so that the flavors get absorbed. Well, for folks without high blood pressure, or kidney issues, I guess that is okay. But, as people age, a lot of times they have to cut back on salt.

Cutting back on salt really stinks. And, truth is, we eat way more salt as healthy people than we need. So, later, we have to cut back on the salt, and it is really tough. I can eat about a quarter tsp of salt per day, and that is on the high side. My day would be a lot happier if I didn't miss salt every time I eat. I hope that with time my salt cravings will ease, because my continued good health really needs to be low salt.

Until the last century, salt was a luxury. We probably used a lot less, don't you think? I would like to think that giving you a heads up on the subject would cause you to give the matter some thought. There's a good chance that people are watching FitTV to overcome health issues, including those related to diet. Please try to work in other seasoning options for people who can't do salt. That would be great.

[Frances Reyes]

Nathan: Are you home at 5:30 p.m. today to see FRANSEZ. I met my second favorite chef at Ralphs in HW and yes, I mention you!

I have been to the Market hoping you would come back. You did say in July. Hmm. How long ago was that? You must be really busy! I miss you and I am not alone. Everytime I think to call you, it's either too early ( I get up at 4 a.m. or too late. After 11. I hope you are well. Take care. Frances

[Chelse Bermel]

First off I want to say how much you have inspired me as a young chef. I go to my local farmers market and pick up the freshest ingredients to cook with. Your blog about how you just typed in your home town and found all that information got me thinking about how my local market should have that also. It's so hard to find good wholesome food now-a-days, and your cooking is a glimse of the good life. Thank you for being so wonderful, and not afriad to go outside the box. Thank you

[Joy Zel]

Live in Northern Virginia and tried the Farmers market and find that most of the veggies I purchase are expensive but are not first grade. When I take home find they do not have a shelf life and or have to toss. Do not understand if supposed to be fresh. Back to purchasing in Whole Foods, TJ or organic in my local markets not Farmers Markets. Tried in Sherman Oaks. Ca and had the same experience tossed out all that I purchased.

[Jake G]

Great article, Nathan. The earth is a huge resource and if people better understood what they were given, I could only imagine the positive outcome for all of society.

Best of luck with the charity work and the local market.

[Ani Tashjian]

What is EVOO?