The 35th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off was held this past weekend in where else, the World Pumpkin Capital - Half Moon Bay, California and the winner was well, hefty. The winner is rewarded money on a pay-by-the-pound system, and winner Thad Starr took away $9,144 at $6/lb for his record breaking 1,524-pound Atlantic Giant. Starr's pumpkin had a 15 foot circumference!

But don't worry you beauty pagent lovers, there is a special $500 award for the "most beautiful pumpkin" as judged by the audience based on color,shape, and size. 

I would love to make a pie or two (or 100!) out of that pumpkin!

-Jess 

I just got the new Williams-Sonoma catalog today and was thrilled to see that their annual Thanksgiving recipe guide is entitled "A Farmstead Thanksgiving" and features recipes that feature easily-found, locally-grown autumn ingredients.

Recipes include dishes such as buttermilk-brined turkey, smoky bacon-biscuit dressing, fresh snap beans with caramelized shallots and roasted mushroom, plus many others. 

I'm so happy with Williams-Sonoma (although they were already one of my favorite places to shop). But of course they should be promoting eating local foods with all the wonderful ones that can be procured in Sonoma County, California. 

-Jess 

Kansas City Academy is a great example of how easily and beneficial it is to incorporate local foods into school lunches. The grades 6-12 private school has succeeded in pleasing the palates of the children with their locally sourced foods menu which includes whole-wheat dough pizzas with organic toppings and hormone-free cheese,a salad bar with greens and vegetables grown without pesticides in a nearby garden, and free range meats.

One child was even quoted as saying the food at his school was better than any restuarant food he'd ever had. Now that's a compliment!

-Jess 

I am completely into this company. [me] and goji allows you to design your own cereal mix, name it, and then they will ship it to you after handmixing it in New Hampshire. You can choose from 4 cereal bases including samurai wheat and raw 5-grain meusli then add your choice of over 40 additional toppings. [me] and goji's site is extremely helpful and user friendly, allowing you to read the  descriptions of the ingredients and the health benefits of them. Then as you add ingredients to your bowl ([me] and goji makes the process fun!), you can see the nutrition facts of your cereal change. Instant gratification-I love it!

Play around on the site, but I promise you once you do, you'll want to buy all your combinations! 

My ideal cereal? Artisanal cereal with cacao nibs, dried cherries, and dried strawberries! Mmmm, mmm, mmmm! 

-Jess