Gerb’s market news Wednesday 16th November 2016

Gordon Bennett with all the bombardment of the brain by the frankly outrageous happenings on the world stage at the moment it is hard to focus on the simple things in life; the things that nourish us; our relationships, our communities, our food. Life is full of beauty and powerful experience when we can be in the moments as they come and go; but in the current frenzy it is hard to stay focussed on these things and all too easy to get swallowed up in the negative thinking and negative emotions that are rife in these times. Therefore, how delighted was I to find, on my return from retreat, a most simple and delicious meal set before me by my wonderful partner, constructed entirely from the produce at the vegetable stalls at the market; it doesn’t get any better than this. Food grown by people I have now known for over 10 years and more, whose stories are mingled with our stories in our community. Who have got to know all of you regular customers so intimately; who we trust to provide us with the very best. The way forward for our dark times is community, shared ideals, working together towards solutions that benefit all, love and respect for our fellow beings with whom we share our gracious mother earth. Our farmers’ market embodies these ideals down in “Union” Street and the market square every Saturday and the benefits are there for all to see; mostly expressed in the smiling faces of those selling and those buying.

So what was this wonderful dish? Well it was just a simple roasted butternut squash soup, made with onions, garlic and fresh chillies with a ladle of Jess’ buttermilk stirred through to give a little tang to the mild heat from the chillies and sweet thickness of the squash and onions. With a couple of slices of Artisan baker sourdough and Brinkworth butter I nearly wept at the joy this simple creation provided; how simple life could be if we just stopped fighting each other! As JRR Tolkien said;”If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”