Asparagus, then Strawberries!
I have had some beautiful asparagus, gorgeous ramps, and a couple of morels so we know that our season of abundance has finally begun. Strawberries can’t be very far behind.
My grandfather was scornful of most non-Michigan produce even though he had farmed in Ohio and Illinois before he moved to Michigan. In particular: stone fruit, berries, and, of course, apples. I know that in apples, acid concentration, firmness, and water content increase as you go further from the equator or higher in altitude. I’m assuming that similar processes happen in berries and other fruits. Also, in the past Michigan strawberries were not particularly bred to ship. Michigan strawberries are delicate, deeply flavorful, and ephemeral. If it rains too much their flavor is diluted. If it is too hot they stop producing. Some years you just have to throw up your hands and wait for the next.
"Michigan State University Extension recommends selecting or picking medium-sized strawberries that are firm, plump, and deep red in color. Once strawberries are picked they will not ripen further. Strawberries are quick to perish and must be treated with care once harvested. Research shows two days as the maximum for refrigerator storage before vitamins begin to decrease and the strawberries begin to break down. It is recommended to store strawberries in refrigeration at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.”
On to this week’s supper. We didn’t advertise this coming supper because we thought there were enough people who had already entered the lottery and not won to fill the reservations. Well, we were wrong and as it happens, we have room for 12 more people at our supper this Sunday, May 22nd. Because it is so late, we will take the first 12 requests. For the next supper on June 6th, we will revert to the lottery again. Here is this week’s menu:
Sunday Night Supper Menu · $33
Asparagus Salad
with Arugula and Sesame/Miso dressing
Beef Rendang
Malaysian Spiced Beef slow-cooked in Coconut milk
with Cucumber Salad, Jasmine Rice, Cashews
Rosemary Rhubarb Crumble
We still have plenty of ramps so stop in for ramp pizza (my favorite), ramp and potato soup, ramp quiche and savory croissant with ramps.
I will get the next menu out very soon so we can begin the lottery again. Maybe this time I haven't forgotten anything????
See you soon,
Judy