Wednesday night we had leek pie. We have had leek pie before; the thing that made this one different was that it was leeks from our garden.
I was not quite prepared to take the out, but Poppy the Mighty had figured out that 1) She could go through the light fencing I had put up, and 2) Things sticking out of the ground make a pretty good chew toy. So it was pull them or lose them.
As we were eating it last night, I was suddenly struck by the fact that (with a little work) most of the ingredients were things that I could generate, if I had the room and time: Leeks, eggs, wheat flour (for crust). Bacon and Milk/cream/butter could be had at a little more effort and expense (or traded for). But the thing could be done, with a little effort and ingenuity.
It is moments like this (mostly, finishing up the leftover piece) that makes me think and realize how much more possible such things are. Yes, my reach always seems to exceed my grasp in such areas - I am still struggling after nine years of living here to get a garden I can actually eat out of - but occasionally there are moments that remind me that the future is out there, if I can just apply myself a little more creatively and be a little more patient.
And yes, the leek pie out here is delicious.
Find a good farmers market to get what you can't grow yourself. There are small farms here that sell beef, chicken and pork (granted, a bit expensive), and a farmers market called Fresh Pickens, where I can buy flours, veggies, eggs and other things.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed your pie. Have a blessed weekend!
Good idea Linda! I need to go to one around here.
ReplyDeletePrice needs to be less of an issue, quality more so.
It has been my experience that most of what I buy, if not all, is higher quality than the store.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I had found iffy, was eggs. Many times I had bought eggs that were no better or fresher than the store. Depending on where you live, a couple chickens might be a way to go. They are good bug eaters; but love green tomatoes! Ducks are good bug eaters, and tend to ignore the garden. Their eggs are larger and.. richer than chicken eggs. However, ducks are messier than chickens.
We got lucky after buying eggs from dozens of people, we met a couple who definitely free ranged their chickens. The orange color of the yolks was amazing, quality is consistent; and 'yard eggs' don't need refrigeration. Only if you wash them do they need to be refrigerated because then you remove the protective 'bloom' from the egg. (I always wash them before using them). And they have great flavor. (America is the only country that refrigerates their eggs, btw.)
I hope you are able to find some good farmers where you live. You will be surprised at the flavor. :)
Thanks Linda. At some point I fully intend to have quail again - they are very manageable in small spaces and really rather pleasant creatures to have. And their egg production is prodigious during their laying period.
ReplyDeleteYou must also try leek soup. It is absolutely ghastly to look at (it has the look and consistency of vomit) and it doesn't smell all that great when it's cooking - but it's good when it's done.
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few farmers here that sell quail eggs. Especially pickled ones. :)
ReplyDeleteI have never had it Glen - but am always looking for other ways to use leeks.
ReplyDeleteI have a jar of home pickled quail eggs Linda. I still do not know that I have the courage to try them.
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