Some of the things I like best about the springtime in Germany are the farmers markets. To be sure, there are farmers markets all year long, but they seem to be tired and withdrawn in the cold of winter. The warm weather appears, with its fragrant rains, turning to sunny skies and suddenly the market places spring up like mushrooms. Seemingly every village throws up banners, smiles break out like rainbows, and the culinary world comes out of hibernation.
Every market I go to is new, even if I’ve been there
before. Cheeses I haven’t
tasted. Spicy wursts I haven’t
smelled. The aroma of roasting
nuts. And, most of all, bursts of
red, yellow, deep purples, and bright greens covering every stand and every
cart. For someone who likes to
cook, the possibilities overwhelm the imagination. “Let’s see, I can make tomato chutney with those, some
grilled eggplants might be nice.
OH, check out those yellow squash and the zucchinis!” I effortlessly plan stews and salads,
desserts and grilled vegetables. I
grab several bunches of cut flowers to decorate the house.
Then my wife stomps into my reverie with her high-heeled
jackboots. “That makes 16 meals so
far. You that hungry or do you
plan on feeding the French Army?”
“I’d never invite the French. They’d eat all the food and criticize my technique.” However, she
has drawn my attention to the five shopping bags I’m lugging, all brimming with
plump loaves of crusty bread, redolent fruits, fragrant cheeses, and vegetables
in every available style and color.
Well, it is kinda hard to know when to stop. Money in my pocket.
Time on my hands. Mind in
the kitchen.
My wife nods.
“The boys will probably help you make a dent in the provisions.”
Boys indeed.
They’re now men, with the kind of rapacious appetites that cause a
school of piranhas to stare in awestruck wonder. Whole families of swine are known to wail in terror when one
of my sons mentions barbeque.
Well, it is a match made in culinary heaven. I like to cook. I have people to cook for. With that bit of comfort, I stroll on,
stopping to admire some tree ripened apricots and shiny skinned nectarines. I do have another empty shopping bag.
A few recommendations:
Kaiserslautern : farmers market, Tues and Sat, Stiffsplatz
Saarbrücken farmers market Sat 0900-1600, St Johanner Markt
Bill,
ReplyDeleteErnita has never had your cooking, so I am looking forward to her getting her first taste on day. Who knows when. I do promise to come visit. I miss our conversations and meals for sure.
I am very impressed with your blog. Keep it coming.
Eman
Eman, you and Ernita are welcome anytime! Nothing like a little slosh of wine and many hands in the kitchen. Conversation reigns! Was just chatting to Jan about the great times you and I used to have at Tidas....not to mention racing around the island! Really miss our morning coffees.
ReplyDeleteThese put the markets near me to shame! can't wait to come back over to your side of the pond!
ReplyDeleteCom'on! I think we can find places to go and people and markets to see.
ReplyDelete