Plan Your Weekend: Fiesta de Flores y Comida
Posted in Exhibitions, The Edible Garden on September 24th, 2010 by Plant Talk – Be the first to commentChef Stephanie Inspired by Childhood Influences and Using Herbs
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Chef Stephanie is executive chef at Don Coqui. She will present a cooking demonstration at The Edible Garden Conservatory Kitchen on Saturday, September 25, at 1p.m. as part of Fiesta de Flores y Comida. |
Having grown up on a farm in Indiana, the process of growing my own produce is basically genetically linked. I come from a long line of “farm women”: My mother, Linda, and both my grandmothers worked the farm and prepared fabulous meals from its bounty to nourish our family. Nothing makes me happier than going to the garden, plucking from the vine or stalk what’s at its peak, and cooking it up simply to create a gourmet meal.
I started gathering from the garden at an early age. When I was five years old, I would get up early to cook breakfast for my parents, first gathering produce to incorporate into my scrambles. My mother and father would awaken to breakfast in bed—and a HUGE mess from my “creations” waiting for them in the kitchen. Not much has changed except now I have a staff to help with cleaning.
Now as a chef living just outside New York City, the land, space, and time isn’t available for me to grow my own crops. Local farmers markets have replaced the need to grow crops for the freshest of ingredients. It’s refreshing to know where the food on your plate comes from, too. Farmers markets are the best! I am a big advocate in supporting local farms. I always try to create from the best the season has to offer. read more »