Yes, it's definitely cooler outside

and the last mango is off the tree. That means that instead of picking up over-ripe mangoes thrown down by the resident squirrel, the ground is rapidly being covered by yellowed leaves. Ah Fall, I welcome you with open arms...and a rake.

We've got three types of tomatoes & peppers growing in Earth Boxes

It's only been a few weeks since we planted seedlings in the Earth Boxes and they've already set fruit & almost reached the top of the support system. Almost time to get the salt shaker ready.

Yesterday at Geraldson's Organic Farmer's Market folks were buying the beautiful young greens, zucchini, squash, breakfast radishes, stunning lettuce and lots of Kirby cucumbers. I brought a quart of my homemade Refrigerator Kosher Dill Pickles to sample & share. In the end there wasn't a bit left to taste; all free recipe cards were taken, and almost a bushel of those crispy green gems were purchased. 

Cukes packed in the jar, ready to go into the refrigerator for a week

Several people asked me about the classic lidded "pickle jar". You can use any sterilized jar with a cover, but the bulbous shape of this one makes filling it with spears very easy. I have a few of these jars available for $3 each. I'll bring more pickle samples this Sunday. The NEW HOURS for the Sunday Farmer's Market are 10am-2pm. For info about the farm, how to get there or buy a seasonal share, go to www.geraldsoncommunityfarm.org

I hope you were able to be at the opening of the Riverwalk last week. It was amazing to see how the thousands of people who were there populated the various options in the park. Whether it was skateboarders, beach volleyball players, kids giggling in the water playground, graceful tai chi participants, relaxing folks under trees on outdoor couches, there was one thing in common. The smile on their faces. Now that the park is open, stop by and enjoy. 

The Village of the Arts will be at Riverwalk this coming Thursday Oct 25, alongside a free concert by the Sarasota Pops. Artists & artisans will have samples of their work for sale in the white tents. The concert starts at 5pm. The schedule of upcoming events is available at www.realizebradenton.com

I'll be sharing a tent with Zoe Von Avercamp, owner of Divine Excess, the folk art gallery. I'll have lots of my Yummy Stuff available, including cookies, muffins, breadstix and of course, Chocolate Orgasms. You can pre-order something this week and pick it up at the concert if you'd like.

In celebration of The Village of the Art's 7th annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos -- Festival of the Skeletons,  a limited number of hand-screened t-shirts are available. Both are black 100% cotton heavy weight tees, with your choice of two designs (see above). They're only $12 each adult size S, M, L, XL or $15 for 2X. We'll have them at the tent on Thursday. This is a fundraiser for The Village.

Join us for this special Village ArtWalk on Friday Nov 2 from 6-9:30pm and the following Saturday 11-4pm. The galleries will feature individual altars & decorations to join in the spirit of this holiday, which joyously celebrates the lives of departed loved ones. Don't miss the authentic Mexican food, community altar honoring Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and this year's new event: Frida Kahlo Look Alike Contest. Find  details at www.villageofthearts.com under "Events". 

Oh, right, what special items am I baking this week? Since we're so close to Halloween, I have to make Pumpkin Date Nut Muffins. And to honor of my Dad, I'll be baking the classic Onion Pletzl...a semi flatbread covered with sauteed onions & poppy seed. Easy to share, just break off a piece. Crisp in the center, chewy on the edge. Good by itself, but heavenly slathered with butter or cream cheese as Daddy did. 

Sunday in Brooklyn was never complete without Onion Pletzl (aka Onion Board)

Check the MENU LISTING next to this blog entry to see what's available for ordering this week. You need to phone or email me with your order by 5pm on Wed 10/24. It can be available for pickup at the concert Thursday afternoon; at my TreeHouse home in The Village of the Arts on Friday or Sat or at the Geraldson Sunday Farmer's Market 10-2. Cash or local check made out to "Bonni Brown".

Questions? You can reach me at bonnibakes@gmail.com or (941) 746-6647.

Hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni

in the Village of the Arts
932 12th Street West
Bradenton, FL  34205