Boundless Blueberry Bushes

While preparing my next post, I came across these photos taken while picking blueberries a few weeks ago.


I was not aware of any organic farms in the area until another food blog led me to this discovery. I was suddenly overwhelmed by all my options. I knew I had to get my hands on these organic and farmed raised foods. I made plans to go to Monticello the next day before all the blueberries were gone since the picking season was almost over. I knew my fiancé would have no problem coming along to help since blueberries are his favorite.

The farm I chose to visit first is owned by a retired couple, Ronny & Delores, who enjoy providing organic foods to locals. They had a cute personal garden, complete with a little white fence to keep any mischievous creatures at bay, next to their home. The blueberry bushes in the "backyard" were too numerous to count; many more than I expected. Delores was glad to see some new faces, but warned us most of the plump, juicy ones were gone. She did say we'd probably get lucky since we can reach the top of the bushes (we're both pretty tall) and get the ones others have to leave behind. She gave us two wooden baskets and we were off!


I was afraid we'd have to scour the land for some good bushes, but we were able to find plenty of berries on the first row we came to. The bushes were still producing new buds, too.


The best thing about picking from organic farms is the all-you-can-eat policy! It's a wonderful thing seeing where your food comes from.

Another bonus to getting to know your farmers is the community they are a part of. I was able to snag some fresh eggs from a nearby farm who leaves a few cartons daily with Delores.


Opening the carton felt like unwrapping a Christmas present. Each egg was a different color and size and shape. They're beautiful. It's also a good feeling knowing these eggs came from hens who are healthy, happy, and well taken care of. Ironically, when I was a little girl, I had access to fresh eggs, but was afraid of them. I thought they were dirty since they were plucked from a nest and did not look bright white like the ones from the grocery store. I might have started eating differently a lot sooner if my family had taken the time to explain to me the value of fresh foods. I found my way though, so it has all worked out.

When we got home, I washed and froze the blueberries right away. Instead of throwing them all in a bag, I found a great tip online: dry the blueberries after washing and spread them out on a cookie sheet (with a lip preferably); then place the sheet in the freezer until the blueberries are firm. Then they can be stored in a bag. By taking this extra step, they will not be frozen in a big clump and you can take only the amount you need when it's time to use them. This came in handy when baking cheesecake for the 4th of July (the eggs I also used in the recipe are the ones you see above).

We gathered 2 lbs that day, and still have 1 1/2 lbs left. I would hate to use them all up so quickly, but it's very tempting. When we go next year, I'll be ready early so we can get twice as much.

Monticello

Way back in January, Guy and I went to Monticello for the day. Our mission was to go antiquing and eat at a renowned cafe.

Monticello is a small town to the east of Tallahassee, FL, and was established in 1827. If you choose to drive to Monticello from Tallahassee, make sure to take Hwy 90. The entire length between the two towns is lined on either side by Pear Trees and makes for a lovely drive any time of day. It only encompasses 3 square miles and contains around 3,000 people. The depression in the 1930s prevented anyone from affording new housing. Thus, citizens had to restore old, original homes. The town is therefore full of original architectural styles which were present in the south prior to the civil war.

This is the Jefferson County Courthouse. Although the area is adapted after Thomas Jefferson, the city is pronounced Mont-i-Sell-o, instead of Mont-i-CHell-o, after Jefferson's estate in Virginia.


Here is a view of the other side - from our car.

Most of the buildings are also original. Some are currently vacant, while other old homes around the town square have been converted into small businesses.

I thought the new smart car was an ironic photo opportunity.


This is the original Opera House of Monticello, which still operates to this day. I wish I had been able to photograph the interior. I would love to have seen the original interior design from the early 19th century.

While the antique shops were pleasant, they did not offer anything unique or special. Also, the most popular antique shop, Baby Bush, was closed. It is only open on Saturdays, so I thought it was strange they were not open for business.

Sadly, since our trip was the first Saturday of January, the cafe, Tupelo's, was not open yet from the holidays. Our trip was thus ended short.

I went back one week later with a girlfriend and we were able to eat at Tupelo's. Wow. I was blown away by the quality and unique variety of the food.

Tupelo's is named after one of the owner's dogs who loved to eat anything. (It is also a type of local honey, but I was not able to confirm a connection.) The owners are Kim Davis and Claire Olson. Both women are lovely people and know what they are doing! What first drew my attention to Tupelo's is the fact that they use as many organic and local ingredients as possible. They are also dog lovers and have 6 large dogs between their two families. They welcome dog owners to come to their cafe with furry friends and enjoy a great meal on the back patio or on the front sidewalk (both have seated areas). Also, on the first Friday of each month, they donate 50% of their profits to the Jefferson County Humane Society. What's not to love about Tupelo's?!

We ordered several items off the menu to ensure we tasted everything this cafe had to offer. I was not disappointed by anything we tasted. The couscous was my favorite by far. The fruit tart was beautifully constructed and not overly sweet. Another favorite was the tomato basil soup. Yum! Tupelo's is also a bakery and had some lovely cakes displayed, although we were too full to try any. I cannot wait to return to experience more of what this cafe and bakery has to offer!

On a side note, is this coffee shop allowed to do this?

(Foot note: Baby Bush was again closed.)