What's In Season? Winter 2009
My Grammy's Stuffed Artichokes
When we lived in San Jose we would often go down to Carmel or Monterey on winter weekends and drive past the artichoke fields in Castroville, the purported Artichoke Center of the World. It is said that the artichoke was first found on the island of Sicily. Whether or not that is true, they are certainly eaten often in Italy, and have been for centuries. I would be willing to guess that there are as many recipes for stuffed artichokes as there are households in southern Italy. This is the one my Grandmother always made.
Baked Stuffed Artichokes
This is a really simple and flavorful way to prepare artichokes. It is quite different from the way my Grandmother used to make them.
Oyster Pot Pie
Winter is the absolutely best time of year to buy oysters in the shell. I love to eat them raw with just a dribble of lemon juice. A trip up to Taylor Fish Farms through the farm fields is a great wintertime thing to do, birding as you go. But, when I don't have time to make the hour-long drive I head off to CostCo where, for a little over $10, I can buy a one quart jar of freshly shucked local oysters. I have several recipes for cooked oysters. This is a great one I found in the New York Times.
Seasonal Recipes
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter