Though not as famous as its Idaho cousin, the Maine potato is an important economic crop...and superior, according to the seller!Always the traveler, I am now living in Orono, Maine to start my job as Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Climate Change at the University of Maine...once again, Andrew and I must juggle living in two places, but at least we can get to each other by car this time! I am settling in to my cute little house, getting to know my colleagues, and the first week of classes is already over. It has long been a dream of mine to spend more time in Maine, and I guess this is my chance.
Orono Farmer's Market seconds tomatoes - at $1 a pound, I buy lots and make them into sauce to freeze for the winter. Together with homemade meatballs, this is a wonderfully comforting meal.As part of my settling in, I had to investigate the food options here in Orono. Just down the street is the Thriftway, which is possibly one of the grossest stores I've ever been in - they offer cheap beer, pink hot dogs, and really frightening, shriveled veggies. This filled me with fear, but we have found a lovely grocery store nearby, as well as the fantastic Orono Farmer's Market!
A New England classic - Anadama bread is made with molasses. Mmmmmmm.I had initially been afraid that there would be little local food available in the area because we are a tiny university town and it's so cold here much of the year, but was I wrong! The Orono Farmer's Market is year-round (though diminished in the winter) and features veggies, fruit, honey, maple syrup, poultry, pork, beef, fish and lawbstah, baked goods, cheese, cured meats, and more. It is spectacular and is within walking distance of both my office and my house. During Andrew's weekend visit, we made a trip to the farmer's market and came away with a huge bag of goodies. I have already been going twice a week and can see that my paycheck will be feeding my farmer's market habit, but it is comforting to know I can keep my pantry stocked with good, local treats. Come for a visit and sample our Maine fare!
Chef Andrew enjoying an evening on the deck - he grilled Chestnut Farm steak while I prepared Farmer's market salad and corn on the cob. A fantastic New England feast!
Maine was the potato state until the late 1960s when fast food french fries came into vogue. Idaho potatoes make better french fries - and the rest is history. But if you like to cook potatoes for yourself Maine Katahdins are still a much more versatile potato. Patrick
ReplyDeleteGlad you don't have to just eat pink hot dogs all year! Can't wait to visit the market and cook up a little feast together soon.
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