Most of my usual haunts are closed for the holidays.

• Holbrook Farm is closed until the day after Epiphany (1/7/2010).
• The Fairfield Winter Market is closed until 1/9/2010.
• The New Haven Wooster Street market is closed until 1/16/2010.
• Maple Bank Farm is closed for the season.
• Blue Jay Orchards is closed for the season.

Looks like I’ll be hitting up the freezer more than usual, visiting Stuarts Family Farm, and running to New Morning Natural Foods for their local fare.

I will miss my farmers. My Saturday forages are more than grocery shopping—they’re visits, educational opportunities, and often entertainment. This is not Stop and Shop!

Still, my farmers will be with me—I do think of them as I cook and eat my meals. It’s almost as if they’re there at the table. In a way, they are. I certainly don’t begrudge them this time off. They have more than earned it, especially this past year. I hope their break is restful and restorative and I look forward to seeing them when they return.

Happy Holidays to all of you!