Life in Jeans: Memphis Farmers Market

Pecans at the Memphis Farmers Market! Yep, it's that time of year and I'm back in the south! My grandparents lived on a bayou in north Louisiana and had at least one pecan tree in the back yard. My brother and I used to take paper grocery sacks and pick pecans up off the ground. I was never good at cracking them open. My grandfather and uncles could do it with their bare hands. We also used to go crawfishing in that bayou with nets and raw bacon. Our haul wasn't even enough to compete with a shrimp cocktail but we were thrilled.

I always feel a little rude at a farmers market, mostly because I want to buy something from every booth. But I know that's not reasonable. It's almost the end of the season for the vendors here in Memphis and sadly, this was my first trip down there since moving back. The weather was chilly Saturday morning. I wore a fleece, but I always underestimate how cold my fingers will get. I needed gloves.

Naturally, there were lots of gourds to be had, but the peppers were plentiful too. I can't get enough of the colors of fresh produce!

Krista and I did a lap to check out the produce, then came back around to buy.

In my bag: a basket of peppers, mustard greens, garlic and chive goat cheese from Bonnie Blue Farm in Waynesboro, TN, basil, and lots of bread to split with friends. For me, fresh english muffins, a bag of chiabatta rolls, half a baguette and half a loaf of the garlic rosemary focaccia. Clearly I was in it for the carbs. I'm going to have to get inventive with my recipes.

While debating exactly how much bread might be too much (no such thing), Krista and I ran into a husband and wife team out shopping for the week. These two were the epitome of supporting the local farm-to-table tradition. They were proud to say they brown-bagged lunch every day, and only ate out once every six months or so. Impressive! It's not a life I want for myself, but I'm kind of in awe of their discipline and dedication.

I think the focaccia will go in the freezer and get cubed up into a Thanksgiving stuffing.

Not to be forgotten, there was even a little something special for the pups from Farm House Barkery (get it?)! It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas!