Views of the farm

Grammy's persimmon tree - this incredible fruit wasn't quite ripe, but when it is ripe it can be dried, eaten fresh, or used in baking. They remind me of orange lanterns.

Our visits to Andrew's family in Sebastopol inevitably involve local eating. While these are not food pictures (for once), I thought I'd share some of the sights from our Thanksgiving visit. This is a magical place where we find peace and relaxation...and where Andrew has some of his happiest childhood memories. We spent our days eating, lounging, walking through the farm, visiting the ocean, and having good conversation.

Being on east coast time meant I got to see the beautiful sunrise melt frost on the orchard below.

Topsy and Turvy are growing up - is it my imagination, or is Topsy smiling for the photographer?
The apple orchard in the afternoon light.

Local Thanksgiving

Sebastopol Quince

Autumn has almost passed, and we celebrated a lovely Thanksgiving with Geri and Dick in California. Our menu featured many local ingredients and local flavors, and we were so happy to be together.

Menu
Willie Bird, Free-Range Turkey - Sonoma County
Apple Salad - Sonoma County (and the orchard at home!)
Mashed Potatoes - Sonoma County
Millet-quinoa bread stuffing - maybe not so local,
but oh-so tasy and homemade.
Quince Crisp - Sebastopol fruit

Geri making Bassett gravy - giblets and all. It is rich and delicious.

Our Willie Bird turkey. This turkey was raised free-range in Sonoma County by a family that's been working in the area since the 1940s.

A play on Waldorf salad, this family favorite "Apple Salad"
features apples from the Bassett orchards below Geri's house and
celery from Green String Farm.

The Crowning Glory - Quince Crisp. We made this from quince Geri found in the green space on Gold Ridge Road, New England maple syrup, and an almond biscuit crust. It was spectacular, especially served with whipped cream from a local dairy. We adapted the recipe from the November 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Living.