Feburary 2025
Let's get this party started, why don't we
Note: In my haste, the original e-mailed post misidentified Shane Mitchell’s book title as CROP CYCLES instead of THE CROP CYCLE. I promise I can (in fact) read, and I did (in fact) take the photo of the book cover and still mistyped. Please forgive me, Shane!
Here’s my (try as hard as I can) monthly round-up for those of you who want to learn about or keep up a little more with me and the work that I do. Hope you enjoy.
Festival season is upon us
When I first moved to Charleston in 2005, there was a “social season” that began each year with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE). But these days, in a city that has 7 million visitors a year, that cycle is definitely obscured if not downright discarded.
Still, however you slice up the calendar, my spring festival season is here. A couple of weeks ago, I was thrilled to once again participate on the Fresh on the Menu stage in the Certified SC tent at SEWE, hosted by The Lee Brothers. Jason Stanhope (Lowland) and Rutter’s Ranch were my stage partners, and the result was a creamy risotto studded with SC guanciale.
This Wednesday, Charleston Wine + Food kicks off. I’m starting the event in style, hosting an author chat with Shane Mitchell at the Charleston Library Society, in partnership with The Bitter Southerner and Buxton Books. A multi-James Beard award-winning author, Shane’s newest book is The Crop Cycle, and we’ll delve into some stories and details that go beyond the page. You don’t want to miss the rare opportunity to hear her speak about her work, so if you’re in town, we’d love to have you join us. Click here for tickets!
Article Updates
Weekly “Nightcap” newsletters for The Food Section — from Edmund’s Oast to Mexican bread, and everywhere in between this month.
I have a lot of things in process but not much additionally to show you at the moment. More to come soon!
Other published media I like right now: Do you need some positive news? Read The Wonder of Wetlands by Stephanie Hunt, chronicling five Southerners from different walks of life who are working to protect these landscapes Hunt calls “superheroes of ecology”. This project falls under a top category in my world: I wish I’d written it. :)
On my mind: always a million things, especially at 3 a.m. … this month — power company tree cutting. The trees in our neighborhoods are our everyday connection to the natural world, and they improve health and communities, so why the hacking by hordes of crews nationwide? There has to be a better way to live with electricity and trees, even when the lines aren’t buried (a budget line item that is often an incentive/discount for new developers and rarely used in established ‘hoods). If you know of a community doing it right, please send me the info!
Cooking soundtrack album: The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning, Chicago
Best thing I cooked this month: It was all about the easy stuff this month, but I still started with fresh ingredients most nights. This quick-sauteed Rooting Down Farms turnip greens “nest” with good eggs and chili crisp was a highlight.
Until next time,
Steph