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Autumn is pretty much here, must get out of denial! The summer (5 days) is over and today, I turned on the heater in my apartment. It was that cold in the Marina. A dear friend and newbie to farmer’s markets joined me this morning. We had so much catching up to do, while we picked out our weekly groceries. I also ran into a Club Dine In! member, which is always exciting.The last week or so, I was preparing to say goodbye to the Fort Mason FM, as the season is drawing to a close. However, through a tweet, I found out that this market will be open year round!

Sun flowers!

I have been stuck in a rut, making the same dishes out of summer squashes and summer tomatoes, and I was ready for a slight change in the market. The fog and cold weather got me thinking about Fall soups and curries (even though, I rarely want Indian food).  I filled my reusable, cloth grocery bags with Asian-Pears, butternut squash, tiny pumpkins, yellow chard, a variety of peppers, heirloom tomatoes (I really can’t get enough), spinach, summer squashes, dried herbs, and fresh mint. I have to admit, I just buy produce at the FM without a clue as to what I am going to do with them. Then I come home and look through my collection of cookbooks and fellow food blogs to see what I can make. This is not the best plan of action. The key to eating well and staying away from processed foods is planning!

I had to stock up on dried herbs, the holidays are right around the corner and Hollie's Homegrown wont be back until November.

My first introduction to Bronz Fennel- Hollie's Homegrown

I was surprised to see a return of spring vegetables, such as sugar snap peas and pea tendrils. The advantage of living in California is that most of the produce is available most of the year. I think pea tendrils are just beautiful, but I don’t know how to use them properly. I would love any suggestions!

Sugar snap peas and carrots- Happy Boy Farms

Pea Greens- the weather has been more like spring as we transition from Summer to Fall. -Serendipity Farms

Juicy beets! Red velvet cake was originally made with red beets, now it's mostly food coloring. -Happy Boy Farms

Olives for Home Curing- my friend popped one in her mouth and let's just say it was a bitter experience!

It’s also time to start decorating the apartment with pumpkins, reddish colored candles, and pretty fall things.

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