Rainbow Eggs

I was given a small basket of local home hatched eggs here in Marin County, the variety is very unique because of the color of the shells. The breed of chicken is Araucana with its origins in Chile South America. I found that other then the color of the shell they aren't any different then other free-range eggs. 

Araucana Hen

Rainbow Eggs

Winter Squash Curry

Feather River Farms

Chick Pea and Squash Curry

It's been a while since I visited my local farmer's market and with unseasonably warm weather this week, I had no excuse not to go.  My plan was to walk the whole market to see what's available and to compare prices; lots of root vegetables and winter greens are here during this time of the year.  I noticed a nice stall from Feather River Farms in Lake County, California.  They had a huge variety of Winter squash that they were even cleaning and cutting into cubes, a real time saver.  I bought a precut bag with the idea of making a Indian curry with it. I diced and slowly cooked yellow onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes along with the winter squash in a curry seasoned coconut milk. A handful of chopped kale at the end then spooned over steamed Basmati rice. Winter comfort in a bowl.

Farro and Mushroom Saute

Farro, Kale and Mushroom

One of my favorite grains is farro, a grain from a species of wheat with Italian origins.  My guess is it will be one of the trendy foods of 2014, as it's been popular on restaurant menus all around town.
It has a nutty and chewy texture with a mild taste.  It is easy to cook by simmering in salted water and draining when done.  I sauteed Dino Kale with oyster mushrooms in olive oil then tossed in the farro. Quick, easy and delicious.

The Sriacha Hot Sauce Panic

Bottles of Pepper Goodness

OK its not really a panic but the very popular hot sauce is facing a dilemma which might affect its many fans. But first a little background on the sauce, Sriacha is a hot sauce made from red Fresno chili peppers, white vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt. Its named after the coastal city of Si Racha in Eastern Thailand, its a common condiment found on most tables in Southeast Asia. In the U.S. there are a few brands but the most famous is made by Huy Fong Foods in Los Angeles with its trademark Rooster and its green cap, to say its popular is a understatement, it just be the biggest thing since ketchup. Recently there has been complaints and a lawsuit from people neighboring its factory, they claim to have breathing problems with pepper odors during production in the fall. A California Judge has ruled for shipments of sauce to halt for 30 days and allow the health department to test for microorganisms. The Company is now being courted by other cities and some states to make the sauce. I scrambled to buy a few cases for my restaurant to get us through the shortage but too late, its not available right now.