November 9, 2007
NaBloPoMo Day 9
Wow. It’s not easy to post every day. My admiration grows for the bloggers that do so on a regular basis, especially the bloggers that produce intelligent, insightful posts every day. Nothing especially thoughtful today from me, just a little something about food…
Dinner tonight was a Red Leaf, Chevre, and Peach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette . Ever since I volunteered with Sabranenque in September, I have been craving chevre (we had a cheese plate every night with dinner and by the end of the trip I had become addicted to a firm chevre). Although I haven’t found anything here that tastes anything like what I had in France, I have been sampling whenever my budget allows. If you are a big chevre fan, take a look at Condofire’s French Macaroni Gratin, Anne’s Chevre Lemon Cabbage, and Figs Olives Wine’s recipe for Pattypan, Basil, and Chevre Soup.
Although I love French chevre, I am planning to branch out and try some more local varieties ( support your local cheese artisans and all that). Massachusetts artisan cheese makers have a lot of faith in their industry according to a 1999 report by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources on farmstead cheese.
Some producers felt that artisan cheese making is now at the same point that small wineries were 20 years ago, or microbreweries were 10 years ago. They see unlimited expansion possibilities for farmstead cheese production in Massachusetts. The producers are convinced that “If good cheese is made people will buy it”.
And my last plugs for the night… if you are from Massachusetts, take a look at the websites for some of our local artisan cheese makers: Hillman Farm,Valley View Farm, Westfield Farm, Farmstead at Mine Brook.
Garden variety North American Nomad. Born in the Midwest; lived and worked on the West Coast and abroad; studied in the South. Recently spotted putting down roots in New England.
After trying to keep up with the once-a-day posting regime, I came to the conclusion that it is better to do less posts of higher quality… it’s all about content… And for traffic purposes, it hasn’t hurt (even when I was away on holidays last week). I have started to aim for 3 posts/week, taking a day or two to cogitate on/research the post. Cheers from Paris.
Minter - I think you are probable right. I feel like I am just writing whatever. but i do like the exercise and habit of having to write everyday. but boy will i be glad when the month is over =)