Remember this date: Saturday, June 13.
On that day, wife and husband compete — not for bed space or for who has to clean the litter boxes, but for culinary supremacy at the Countryside Conservancy Farmers’ Market at Howe Meadows, in a sort of iron chef throw-down.
One of us, either my wife Terra or I, will claim bragging rights as King (or Queen, I guess) of the Kitchen for the iron chef crown.
We bring different skills to the challenge.
Terra’s got an understanding of nutrition and how foods complement each other. I’m creative and, well, just naive enough to think I can win.
She’s got a website, I…don’t.
She has the experience, for sure. She’s held several cooking demos at Countryside already. I’ve always been behind the scenes, a support or pillar, if you will. But now I’m stepping out from the shadows, like Luke Skywalker against Darth Vader (hopefully the Return of the Jedi and not Empire Strikes Back meeting), and yes, I just compared my wife to Darth Vader, which is probably a bad idea, especially since I’ve realized it, but I’ll keep it in the article anyway.
Rules? Each dish must use whatever is available by the many vendors at the farmers’ market. If there is nothing but ramps, kale and apples, then we’ll have to figure out a way to make that work. If there is nothing but onions and a delicious blackberry-watermelon Popsicle from Popsmith, then we’ll make that work (or just eat the Popsicle).
We cook most of our meals at home, but we have our own styles and tastes. She likes berries, and I like leafy greens. She’ll make a meal with quinoa. I’ll throw in some buckwheat. She’ll down a glass of dark chocolate almond milk while she’s cooking. I’ll probably just pour myself a beer.
We have different body types. Terra runs cold, and I run hot. She’s grounded, and I’m in flight a lot. She likes cooked food to balance her cold, and I like raw.
All of these differences and preferences will play into the dishes we prepare June 13.
One of our goals will be to align our dishes with the different body types and chakras. The impact food has on our bodies goes well beyond our tummies. A root vegetable, like a carrot for example, might help to ground someone who needs a little calming. Some people’s mood can be tipped off balance by the body’s craving of sweets — balance that out with some bitter. Someone whose body runs a little hot might need some cooling cucumbers. If your body doesn’t feel grounded, eat comforting red foods like strawberries — open that root chakra!
This competition might be educational for those who visit and watch, but ultimately, it’s for fun, and a little silly — perfect for our sacral chakra — remember what it’s like to be a kid every once in a while.
All of this talk of body types and chakras reminds me that I have a lot of work to do before June 13, since I just spouted onto the page what I’ve learned from my wife. I need to be confident! Confidence, Greg! (Oh, that’s the solar plexus chakra, by the way.)
Who can mash up the best mix on the fly? You be the judge, and enjoy a free taste of a healthy alternative. In the meantime, I have preparation ahead of me.
The Saturday morning Farmers’ Market at Howe Meadows runs from 9 a.m. to noon.
