Season to Season

Goodbye Summer - Before we get into discussing fall, I want to tell you about a grand experience Connie and I had. While touring around in the upper reaches of Snoqualmie Valley, we came across a U-Pick berry farm. We'd never done this before, so we parked and investigated. Eventually we got a few buckets and went into the fields to pick. Fields or orchards? I don't know. Anyway, after two hours we came out from the vines with no less than 19 pounds of berries. This is something we probably want to do year after year, and with the per pound price about 30% of what you pay at the store, it seemed pretty worth it. Plus it was just a nice experience going in there and harvesting the little blue delights.

Holiday Preparations - So now it's October, the days are getting shorter and many of us are spending more time indoors. The time is now to start your holiday preparations. You don't want to chance not finding what you need at the last minute before the big Thanksgiving dinner or holiday gathering. Plan your menu now and start stockpiling.

This is also the time to make broths and stocks such as chicken and vegetable and store them in the freezer for future use. We have a nice chicken stock recipe here that we like to use for various recipes that call for it and for making rice dishes and other grain goodies.

Local Salmon -  If you've been by some of the large lakes and looked out in the Sound, you'll notice a lot of fishing boats out in the water. They're catching the fall run of local salmon so you know if you look around at better markets you're going to get in on some of that goodness. Silver and chum are what to look for now with November being peak season for them. Watch the fresh sheets at your favorite restaurants too.

Fruits & Veggies - If the prices of organic apples are killing your wallet at the market, maybe a day trip toward Skagit Valley is in order. There are plenty of organic fruit stands all along SR 530 between I-5 and Arlington town center. This is also a good month to get in on the last of local peaches, pears, artichokes and chilies. And don't forget to grab a pumpkin or two.

Rosin up your bow - If you're a hunter, you already know it's hunting season in Washington state. For those of you who are not, but are enjoying this extra long summer we've been having, keep an eye out when hiking and make sure you know the boundary lines for the musket loaders, bow and arrow aficionados and rifle shooters. You're not the only one out there tromping in the woods.

Let's Get Twisted - Need to spunk up your home cooking? I recently was handed a book called "Cook Right for your Blood Type." It was filled with information about foods for various blood types and a lot of recipes. Once I determined my blood type (I got a simple test kit online), I was able to refine my eating habits a bit and focus into some new foods I hadn't spent much time exploring.

The point here is I found a book with a purpose and have enjoyed tinkering with new ideas and new foods. Everyone can reshape their food choices a bit by zeroing in on a new book and learning a little more about what they are eating. Doesn't have to be the book I got, just jump online and find one that has some meaning to you.

Be sure to wash your fruits and veggies well, and we'll see you back here next month!

Tom Mehren/October 2014

Tom Mehren is a self-taught chef who steals all his ideas from better chefs than he. One day he plans to release a cookbook and profit from such thievery. Until then, continue to enjoy his column.