Celebrating Fall

"Like the garden we can't all have..."

As Mohamed often says, our rooftop vegetables, delivered the same day of harvest, represent in some ways the garden we can't all have...particularly from October through June! With each morning, each box, and each pint of cherry tomatoes, we're reminded of how crazy (and great, and important) it is to have access to quality vegetables.

Thank you to the farmers and artisans of Quebec

Without you, our baskets simply wouldn't be the same. For over two and a half years, we've partnered with farmers and artisanal producers (including bakers, chefs, chocolatiers, and food entrepreneurs) who work to cultivate and fabricate products of the highest quality. The Marketplace wouldn't exist without them. It wouldn't be constantly evolving without their hard work and creativity. We want to thank them for offering such incredible treasures.

Thank you, Lufavores

Just about three years ago, there was no such thing as a commercial rooftop greenhouse. In fact, the idea seemed crazy. Today, Montreal has two huge rooftop greenhouses operating 12 months out of the year with the ability to feed 4,000 Montrealers (and climbing!) who believe in the importance of local, responsible food. Thanks to all of you who support us by receiving a weekly basket, attending our open houses, and sending encouraging words. We're working hard to satisy the locavore in you. THANK YOU, from the whole Lufa Farms team!

Cozying up to the table with autumnal Quebec

Okay. It's the end of fruit season in Quebec. (That is, except for a few exceptions: wild plums from Gourmet Sauvage and apples that will be around for most of the winter.) That said, autumn is still harvest season for dozens of delicious vegetables cultivated sustainably in Quebec. Time for cozying up in the kitchen and at the table!

Squash, squash, squash...goose! Actually, just some amazing squash: acorn, spaghetti, and sweet dumpling

The blog Fox On the Vine made us smile and got us excited about the huge diversity of squash this winter with their "Squash Taste Test" post. They might be a bit intimidating at first, but they're also rich in vitamins, minerals, and flavor. The post is definitely worth a read.

For some inspiration from Ricardo, I recommend their honey-roasted squash with cilantro sauce.  

Photo credit: Fox in the Pine 

Sweet Taters

One of my favorite food blogs (Food52.com) suggests mashed Sweet Potatoes with Crème Fraîche and Herbs...does it get any better than that? If you're the Sheperd Pie kinda foodie than this one is definitely for you. Enjoy Robert Marcotte's sweet organic local potatoes! 

Enjoy! Cook in good company or alone with your favorite music in the background. (I'm a huge fan of Songza if you need an instant cooking playlist.) Most importantly, visit the Marketplace to plan your recipes and if you are not a Lufavore yet, this is where the magic starts!