Today’s farmer’s market haul was a bit smaller. It stormed like crazy last night – thunder, lightning, rain, and the whole 9 yards. This morning was still overcast and threatening looking, so I suspect a few people decided to stay home instead. I was a little disappointed because I’d decided that one thing I wanted today was some honey – and of course that was one of the stands that wasn’t open.

On the other hand, a new stand was there today – an artisanal cheesemaker. He had some samples out that were incredibly yummy, and so we came home with an 1/2-pound wedge of smoked provelone. Mmmm. Next time we’ll try one of the blue cheeses.

Along with the cheese we got carrots, 2 zucchini (for stuffing, hence the larger size), tomatoes, and some new white potatoes. (Please excuse the very wrinkly new tablecloth that hasn’t had a chance to relax from the package yet – no, I really don’t iron!)

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I went to the outlet mall today after we visited the farmer’s market and I found some great deals on bowls and plates for photographing. Both the Williams Sonoma outlet and the Pottery Barn outlet had all of their dishware on sale for 40% or more off. Williams Sonoma also had kitchen gadgets on sale for 25% off, so I picked up a new Microplane grater. And finally, I found the rocks glasses that I’ve been looking for all my life. Ok, not really all my life, but for a good long while, anyway. Pottery Barn had them on sale, so I got 4. I might go back next week and get 4 more. (I really did get 4, I just already washed one and drank buttermilk out of it, so it’s in the sink now.) Oh, and those darling handled soup bowls on the left? Those were originally priced $5.79 and when I got to the register, they rang up at 70% off. I love it when that happens.

I’m working on the Tiramisu Cake for the coming TWD and I have to say that it’s been a challenge. I’ll document more on Tuesday, but let’s just say that the hunt for espresso powder was worse than the search for Amaretti cookies. And that learning to alter baking times for cupcakes vs. cakes is tricky at best.

I really want to make pate and I’m on a search for recipes now. I love that we have a butcher nearby now, so I’m pretty sure I can order some specialty meats if I need to, although I’m leaning towards a recipe that I found that calls for chicken livers, which aren’t that “specialty”.

That’s it. It’s a slow food-thought weekend. I’ve got to clean the kitchen and make sure I have salad ready to take with us tomorrow for dinner at a friends place … after we see the new X-Files movie. After all, what better way to spend an afternoon than watching Hugh Jackman w/out his shirt on?