It has been a very busy couple of months for this chef. As you may know, we recently opened a store in Corvallis, and it has been very well received. The work that goes into getting a project like this off of the ground is monumental, and I’m always amazed that it happens at all, let alone so well, and that’s a real testament to the dedication and camaraderie of the people, here, who take true pride in what they do. Thank you to everyone for all of your hard work and your help to make it happen!

And thanks are due of course to the fine folks of Corvallis for all of your kind comments and “oooohs” and “ahhhhhs” as you walked in for the first time. That’s what makes it all worthwhile to us, your admiration and smiles. I loved hearing some of the comments from children, like “mom, this place is a-MAZ-ing!” and one boy around 8 years old who was just turning in circles looking up and up mouthing “Wow!” over and over again. From the looks on the faces of the adults, they felt much the same, and we are so thrilled to make you all feel like a kid again!

So after all that has happened in the last few months, I hope you will accept my apology for not posting something recently. I really love to talk about the holidays and how profoundly I enjoy them, alas they raced upon me, and now I am left looking to the New Year. Such is life it seems, picking up speed, more frantic and faster each day, but so exciting and wonderful it is, no?

Let’s talk food for a moment, since that’s likely what you would want to hear from a chef, not necessarily my reflections on life (though food and philosophy tend to weave together time and again I’ve found). I have just put together the items that will be On the Menu for January and available in your Market Kitchens, and I think you will be delighted. After all of the rich foods to accompany the holidays, I like to get back to basics by offering some simple, healthy options.

Here’s what to expect:

Our Citrus Prawn Cocktail is one of our most-loved recipes and with good reason: it’s delicious and incredibly healthy to boot. We combine freshly squeezed citrus juices with prawns, avocado, garlic, and just a touch of jalapeno for a fantastic guilt-free treat.

Also look for the Asian Salmon Cakes, which are simply chopped salmon tossed with ginger, cilantro, and spices, pan seared and served with a sesame mayo. These are another great super food, as they are packed with omega-3s. But I must admit – it’s very difficult to stop eating them!

If you yearn for comfort foods to warm you up on a cold night, ask for the lightened version of our Chicken-Basil Sausage Lasagna with Market-made chicken sausage and a low-fat cottage cheese filling for a great alternative to the higher calorie classic.

The Rustic Chicken Gallette is simply wonderful and can best be described as chicken and dumplings in a handy pie. We make fresh biscuit dough and fill it with roasted chicken, peas, mushrooms, onions, potatoes and a little cream, then bake them until golden brown. I made a test batch of these, and they disappeared in minutes, so something tells me we might have a winner on our hands.

So take a deep breath, let the holiday stress float away, and stroll on down to your Market for some of these great items and many, many more.

Be sure to sample some of our Spanish-inspired foods, too, which will be offered in January as we prepare to celebrate the foods and wines of Spain toward the middle of the month. Watch for more details for tasting times and locations at your Market. It was great fun last year, so don’t miss out!

See you there!