Chamblee Farmers Market

Each Saturday begins before the sun in preparation for the Chamblee Farmers Market.
I over-stuff my trusty mommy-mobile with a tent, tables, boxes of jam, signs, and many odds & ends {kiss Ansley goodbye} and then trek the whole 2 miles into Downtown Chamblee where I set-up shop behind the Frosty Caboose. It's there that I join my fellow artisans and a few hearty farmers to share our creations with the neighborhood. There are many things I love about Saturday mornings (although that whole waking up before the sun thing is NOT one of them)…First, I get to chat with my 'co-workers' about their journey, their dreams, and their passion for supporting the local economy. Next, I sample their creations…warm pound cake, balsamic bruschetta, organic beef jerky, tomatoes, fresh baked bread. Then, I wait…for the foodies, the families, the regulars, and the newcomers to visit my tent and sample the jam and enjoy our features of the week. I have happily converted 'non-jammers' via the apple pie jam, excited southern bell brides with the idea of peach jam wedding favors, and enlivened kids with balsamic grape PB&J. The unexpected smile they all give as they lick the taster spoon clean are priceless and the return customers, paramount.

But, the best part about my surroundings is the creativity it inspires in the kitchen…two weeks ago I left the market with a pound cake and tomato bruschetta. Ansley and I dined alfresco with two handsome fellas as we enjoyed a picnic of sweet basil & balsamic bruschetta with fresh mozzarella on homemade olive oil croutons, then devoured a sinfully delicious chocolate poundcake (with whipped cream!) while watching a movie on the grass in Ashford Park. Put simply: Delicious Fun.

Last week I walked through and purchased green tomatoes, fruit chutney, & French country sandwich bread. I couldn't wait to get home and make lunch! I toasted the bread, fried the green tomatoes (after breading them in panko and smearing them with goat cheese!), drizzled them with red pepper jelly, and layered them with fruit chutney on the crisp bread. In a word? Heaven!

This week was no different (except I took pictures!)…I brought home fragrant basil from Paradise Found Farm, ripe tomatoes from Jack Rabbit's Farm, organic eggs from West Wind Farms, a warm baguette from Bernhard's Bakery, and went to "work"…..

The menu? Homemade 4 cheese ravioli with a lemon basil butter sauce, green salad, and a baguette with honey butter. The verdict: Guilty of Gluttony…

What can I say? I cook when I'm happy and I'm happy when I cook.

Guess this can only mean one thing…

Why I Love My Job…

• I make people smile with food!
• I wear cowboy boots to business meetings.
  
• Business meetings almost always require taste-testing.
• Employee appreciation days include skydiving.
• The abbreviation "AP" no longer refers to a position of authority, but rather Apple Pie jam.
  
• I meet new people every day.
• There is NO cap on creativity.
• I never have to see the inside (or outside) of a cubicle.
  
• Eating is considered research. Food gluttony is considered extensive research {and we all know research requires serious studying}.
  
• My 'co-workers' have also been diagnosed with "Foodmania" (although not yet covered by my health insurance, is an actual condition).
  
• Everyday I get one step closer to taking over the world with jam.
• But, MOST of all, I get to spend precious time with Ansley and learn something new about her each day.

After all, "These are the days you'll remember...
you might fill with laughter until you break..."
- Natalie Merchant