"swheat" dreams

I have not been to the mccarren park farmer's market in quite a long time, mostly just because i feel that it pales in comparison to its counterparts at grand army plaza and union square; however, yesterday's low hanging clouds, pregnant with rain, and cool temperatures compelled me to go about my grocery shopping a little closer to home, so i made the quick jaunt up to the park with $20 in hand. Though I went to the market with fairly low expectations, i was really happy to find that they had added a bunch of new vendors since the last time that I have been there. One in particular was really exciting - a local mill that is producing freshly ground flours (spelt and whole wheat) and polenta-style cornmeal.

check it out here

I first discovered the wonder that is newly-milled wheat last year,

when my friend's mother in seattle sent us some local NW heirloom

wheat. i was floored by how rich it tasted. it basically made me

realize that all the flour that i have previously eaten in my life

doesn't taste like anything at all. Needless to say, I am really excited

to try some local NY wheat - just in time for baking cornbread and

making pancakes on cold autumn days. Here is one of my favorite seasonal recipes (apple, walnuts and wheat just feel right for autumn).

I made this a few times with the emmer wheat from seattle last year... it was phenomenal!