I went to the market yesterday expecting it to be dismal. On Friday evening, the local was empty. There were a total of 8 visitors sitting at three different tables. Yes, we could count them, and yes, talked to them all, and yes they came to the market. But they brought the crowds with them. Whence they came, I don't know, and don't care. Along with the local regulars I had the best market I've had in the last three.
I had a mission of my own, too, and was hoping against hope that among Cecil's wares would be peppers. And there were:
I'm leaving them out of the fridge in the hope that some of them ripen: my vegan jambalya for the market needs rainbow peppers and I'd like to avoid store-bought if I can.
I am not quite sure what I'm going to do with these - naartjies or mandarins/tangerines - depending on where you're from. That's only half of them. I think some might be preserved in syrup and spices. Some might become, yes, you guessed it: marmalade.
Finally, a personal delivery: another gift of lemons from a friend's garden. The house is filled with them and I think there's more lemon marmalade and most definitely lemonade in my immediate future!
With yesterday's brunch, we had the opportunity to do a marmalade taste and colour comparison. Inevitably there are half, and little jars of marmalade that are the ends of batches and which are not destined for the market.
On my plate (and don't judge me about the butter: Saturday and Sunday are the only days I have toast and marmalade. My ration: two slices a week. Son my plate: the deeper, redder marmalade is the grapefruit and the other, three fruit. The grapefruit is the tart and leaves a bitter after taste. The three fruit is sweeter, not bitter and has a lighter, much more citrus flavour. In terms of texture and consistency, the grapefruit is much firmer than the three fruit, which although perfectly set, is a less so.
Back at the market, yesterday, one my regular customers sent his wife with instructions to buy a second jar "before it's sold out!" I guess another batch of grapefruit marmalade is in the not too distant future. I do know the fruit is waiting on the trees for me to give the word.
As we approach Saturday's Winter Fair | Makietie, on Saturday 18th, will be spending a lots of time in the kitchen. Starting today!
Until next time, be well
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa
Photo: Selma
Post script
If this post might seem familiar, it's because I'm doing two things:
@artywink
@hive.blog and Canva.