*To determine this number, I googled “sign I am not a normal person,” which led me to not only discover Lele had joined the ‘not normal’ brigade, but also that the last time I displayed a number we were in the upper 900s. As I reveal ways in which I am “so not normal’ nearly every day, I’m just choosing an arbitrary number as a new jumping off point.^
^Not that they weren’t arbitrary to begin with.
Even if this means I pull off the side of the road on my way home to Pennsylvania and add 45 minutes onto my travel time…
…just to meander the aisles, pick up and put down local jams, jellies, and other offerings, only to walk away with nothing more exciting than assorted apples, local collard greens, and Japanese white sweet potatoes.
Oh, wait, Japanese white sweet potatoes are VERY exciting! [They taste like an intriguing blend of yammy sweetness crossed with the texture of an Idaho spud.]
Discovering fresh, locally grown collard greens is actually a quite joyous occasion as well.
Until you ‘boil the Dickens’* out of ‘em….
…and are left with such a sad, pitiful amount.
Maybe it’s the thought that you just never know what you might find inside.
This could be the store that is able to (most inexpensively) satisfy your strange obsession with date pieces covered in oat flour!
Or perhaps you’ll find a baby-sized, local kabocha squash, Virginia Gold apples,* discounted crystallized ginger….and quinoa flakes!
*Which you will buy solely because they are called “Virginia Gold,” and you are on a crazy ‘I love my refound Virginia home!” kick of overt enthusiasm.
…like rice milk yogurt to tame your anti-lactose stomach’s yogurt cravings, or a giant package of whole wheat pastry flour to tame a holiday cookie-baking obsession.
Red lentils for your blog mom, who’s never been able to try them before?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I use Japanese white sweet potatoes in my beef stew – they are the best of both worlds!
japanese white sweet potatoes are extremely exciting. i once saw a fireworks display that lit up the night sky in the shape of a sweet potato (that is a complete lie, but vegetable shaped fireworks would be on my fourth of july request list).
i think we need to take a road trip together
ohhhh, i always WANT to pull over and stop. but i never do. and now i'm sad because i feel like i'm missing out on so many gems by not checking it out!
I must find those potatoes!
I'm the same way, Sarah…I can NOT pass by anything that says natural foods. If you're ever in Brunswick, Maine, I found an incredible one there in December. Of course, I have a particular love with the co-op in Silver City, NM. My favorite!!
I loved the red lentils! I used them in a bean & ham soup – that was absolutely delicious. My husband decided it was his life's mission to find more red lentils and so he did. I'm working on a lentil and potato soup recipe soon! Have a lovely day