The holiday season kicks into high gear this month, commencing with a very special meal on Thursday, November 24. There are no greeting cards to mail or gifts to buy—we simply gather together for a higher purpose. That’s what makes this day an American favorite.
Whether hosting your own extravaganza or simply providing a potluck dish, Thanksgiving preparations generally abide by the “old school rule” to showcase California’s bounty. This is no time to go hunting in the frozen foods aisle of your supermarket to grab an icy bag of some ho-hum product manufactured in parts unknown. Memories are not made from frozen pumpkin pie. We are better than that.
To get the freshest and the best from neighboring counties, shopping at the Danville farmers’ market this month makes more sense than ever. It is also the most meaningful way to show gratitude to the people who grow the food we eat throughout the year.
The farmers’ market is about as low-tech as it gets, yet you are sure to find the best selection of must-haves for your holiday feast. As you explore your Inner Pilgrim, there are no massive carts to maneuver through crowded aisles. No empty shelves to aggravate you. No fluorescent lights to blind your eyes. And best of all, no Muzak to rattle your nerves.
There is a gamut of just-picked greens, and local olive oil for salads; sweet potatoes to bake; russet and Yukon Gold potatoes to mash; onions, celery, and artisan breads for homemade stuffing; Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans, acorn squash, and plenty of other seasonal veggies for stellar side dishes; and freshly harvested walnuts and almonds to add crunch to everything from appetizers to desserts. For a touch of natural sweetness, look for local honey, plump raisins, and California dried apricots and cherries. All right there, in the crisp November air.
For those with dessert on the mind there’s a plethora of sugar pumpkins, as well as rosy pomegranates, fiery orange persimmons, creamy pears, and a rainbow of newly picked apples. For the aspiring home decorator (or very thoughtful guest), there is a staggering variety of Indian corn and gourds, along with locally-grown flowers, plants, and wreaths—fresh as can be, and often priced at a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere.
With all there is to do this time of year, advance prep is a must. I always like to keep some sort of nuts on hand to serve along with drinks, or to package in cellophane bags as a thoughtful gift for holiday hosts. Recipes for herbed, candied, or spiced nuts abound, but this one is my current favorite. (And judging from the number of times I’ve been asked for the recipe, others seem to like them, too.) These can be made well in advance, and—as an added bonus—smell wonderful as they bake.
The key here is to use fresh nuts—not some limp or rancid ones that have been languishing on a shelf for years. At the farmers’ market, rest assured you will buy only the latest snapping-fresh crop from California.
Spiced Praline Walnuts
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
2 tablespoons water
1 pound California walnut halves and pieces (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar*
1 teaspoon coarse (kosher) salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line a half-sheet pan with a silicone baking mat, parchment, or foil and spray with no-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and water until foamy. Add the walnuts, stirring gently to coat well. Scrape the mixture into a colander in the sink and let drain for 5 minutes. Wipe the mixing bowl dry with paper towels.
- In the same bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, cayenne, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to blend. Add the walnuts and vanilla and toss to coat well.
- Spread the walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake, stirring 3 or 4 times, until fragrant and nicely browned, about 30 minutes. (Watch carefully so they do not burn.) Transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack. If any of the nuts are stuck together, carefully use a fork to separate them. Let the nuts cool completely. Serve at once, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. Makes about 4 cups.
* It is best to use only pure cane sugar here. Less expensive store brands are often blended with beet sugar that makes the caramelization process difficult, if not downright impossible.
The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad & Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.org. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well!
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