Sadly, my relationship with New England produce would be classified by Facebook.com as "open": I have been caught getting "jiggy" with Michigan peaches and, dare I say it, California avocados. Lately though, I've been thinking that it might be time for "the exclusivity talk." How did I come to this enlightened, mature decision? Just check out the four varieties of apples from Vermont's Riverview Farm at Foodcourt. Or sample some of the local farm-raised, grass-fed beef at Homeplate's grill. You won't be disappointed.
Just like me, you can take this relationship to the next level. Begin by leaving campus and finding out what the Upper Valley has to offer. Your first step: the Norwich Farmer's Market. Located on Route 5 across the Connecticut River in Vermont, this market is a short bike-ride away and well worth the effort.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Vermonters offer a wealth of fresh fruit and vegetables. But this market offers much more: home-made pies and cakes, farm-raised pork and beef, yarn, knitted sweaters, and jams. Local musicians like the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra perform from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. and again from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the multitude of options, visit the Cobb Hill Cheese table and sample their two cheeses. Similar to a Swiss Gruyere, their Ascuntey Mountain Cheese has a rich, complex taste and makes for a great snack. Far superior to Cabot, their Four Corners Cheese is a strong, full-body cheddar.
Once acquainted with your produce options, you may want to get to know one more intimately. I chose the apple. With so many varieties, I was intrigued and had to go to the source: the apple orchard. Poverty Lane Apple Orchard in Lebanon provided the perfect opportunity.
For a small sum of 75 cents a pound, you can pick as many apples as you desire. If you thought all apples were Macintosh, Granny Smith or the four varieties at Food Court, a visit to Poverty Lane should be number one on your to-do list. Offering Cortlands, Macouns, Jonagolds, Galas, etc, the farm has exceptional variety. Before setting out to pick, grab a laminated identification sheet which names every tree's apple variety. But that's not all. If you want to try something a little more traditional, purchase one of Poverty Lane's many heirloom apples.
Is exclusivity worth it? Maybe. Maybe not. But why not give going loca(l) a try? No, there may not be marriage. There definitely won't be any sex -- but by God, there will be eating!
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Like me, you may come away from Poverty Lane Orchard with apples and several gallons of cider (not to mention a beautiful pumpkin). The following recipe aims to help you put those apples to good use. Fast and easy to make, this cinnamon apple crisp never disappoints, especially when served with some local Ben and Jerry's vanilla ice cream.
cup brown sugar
cup flour
cup of granola or oatmeal (avoid using instant oats)
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
4 tablespoons of butter
4 apples of any variety
4 tablespoons of apple cider
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 7 x 7 pan. Place brown sugar, flour, oats and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Cut butter into bit-sized pieces. Using your hands, combine butter and oatmeal mixture.
Peel apple and cut into slices. Evenly spread apple slices in the pan. Coat with apple cider and then cover with oatmeal topping. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
