The News-Gazette.com Weblog

McBloggy's Blog

Asparagus Thou Art Fat and Boring

Posted by: Katherine McDuffee

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:23 AM

Every spring I get so excited waiting for the farmer's market in Urbana to open and every spring I get asparagus. I know that there are seasons and certain plants grow at different points, but as a kid raised in the bounty of twenty-four hour box stores it's always a shock. I didn't learn to eat seasonally and I certainly don't know how to cook that way.

Despite the best of intentions I never seem to come away from the farmer's market with a fridge full of veggies. I tend to pick a few things I know how to cook and move on to the fun. It's disappointing and this year it's going to be different. I am going to have to find some recipes to help me through until the tomato crop comes in.

After spending fifteen minutes frustrated with the rather fat asparagus and my lack of knowledge as a cook I move onto the fun stuff. I get a smoothie to share with my daughter and look at all the arts and crafts. I take her to listen to a jazzed up version of the ABC song and kids playing instruments as well as adults.

My daughter points out the dogs and the babies and waves to everyone in the place. I smile and chat with people I know and sometimes I even remember their names. Friendly strangers give me advice on parenting, cooking, and pregnancy (I rarely take but always enjoy getting).

So this Saturday think about heading to downtown Urbana. Even if your cooking skills are as limited as mine you might just have the time of your life. Who wants to hang out at the mall on a beautiful day?