One Local Summer-week 12: Western Region

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

While she’s up for making sausage now and again, Anita believes in leaving meat curing to the experts. And what experts they are. Dinner last week at Piccino was a foodie extravaganza featuring local, in season ingredients and good company. After 5 hours of eating, laughing and enjoying the evening they will go back again, without a doubt.

Finding that produce is bigger in Fort Collins, Lauren made a local meal in a strange city to celebrate her sister’s new home. Combining her market veggie haul with some almost local orzo, she made a meal for 50! While the brat she ate with it might not have been local, the beer was and that counts in my book.

With ripe tomatoes (finally) and basil from the garden, Joan made a dish for sharing with guests and party goers. She combined pasta with pesto, Italian chicken sausage and cherry tomatoes and served a green salad on the side. Not to mention her amazing espaliered pear tree!

JM had a busy week welcoming new students and preparing for classes. Even so, she found time to make a Frittata with corn, scallion and potato. It looks and sounds divine - it’s definitely going on my list of winter meals.

Finding herself with an unexpected excess of squash, Kimberly channeled her childhood and made cheesy squash casserole. Served with cauliflower roasted with mustard, lemon and butter and sauteed sweet corn it sounds delicious. There was even enough for leftovers.

Catching up with us, Monica found time in a busy couple of weeks to make several things. First there was a blueberry crisp, then carrot bread that disappeared fast and finally a spinach quiche. Yum.

Mamaste missed us this week as she was a bit busy delivering Lucy! Congrats!

Over at our house, we shared a mostly local dinner of burgers, steamed veggies, green salad (with tomatoes and peppers!) and fresh picked blackberries. We shared it with family and enjoyed every single bite.