If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would be sitting on this lovely winter’s day, enjoying some Earl Grey tea and a piece of cake I made this morning. I would tell you I saw the first narcissus underneath the gingko tree in the Botanic Gardens this morning. You smile.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about what we are reading. I say I recently read and liked Curtis Sittenfeld’s 2008 novel American Wife. I am currently enjoying lovely essays on food and life from the collection of pieces In the Kitchen and am half way through Stella Duffy’s Lullaby Beach. You say that all sounds interesting, and tell me you are enjoying a few good things too.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would tell you that I managed to get to the vegetable market today. I would tell you there were so many good looking things from red cabbage, to pumpkins, to bright green kale, cavolo nero and silver beet. There were purple and green Brussels sprouts, and orange and deep purple carrots, just so many beautiful colours and shapes. You agree and ask what I bought and I said half a cauliflower to roast and make salad for the rest of the week’s lunch boxes, some of those glorious looking carrots, a bright and glossy red capsicum and more persimmons and tamarillos. I still have sprouts and some greens to use, so resisted temptation to buy even more.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would discuss Wellington on a Plate what things we want to try and where we want to go. We agree there seem to be almost too much to choose from. I say I had already booked a couple of things, and you said you had too.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would ask you if you would like to stay for dinner – Jerusalem artichoke soup and fougasse from Shelley Bay Baker that I also picked up at the market today. There may even be more cake…so you of course say yes.
…and a bit of a cheeky entry to Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share…
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistleandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
The markets in Wellington must be amazing, the colours and freshness of the fruit and vegetables are remarkable. We always visit markets when we are travelling.(before Covid of course, not much travelling now.) I have heard of The American Wife but not read it, is it about Hilary Clinton?
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I think we are very lucky with access to such good produce. The one about Hillary Clinton by the same author is called ‘Rodham’. The one I just read was really about the life of a woman who marries a man who becomes president.
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I have heard of Rodham, come to think of it.
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What beautiful, beautiful vegetables! That top picture is one to frame. I haven’t read “American Wife” but just finished “The Pull of the Stars” by Emma Donoghue. a lurid but compelling story of a nurse in Dublin during the 1918 pandemic.
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Oh that book does sound a bit too much for me at this time – but am sure it is really interesting. I wanted to buy all the vegetables, they looked so good!
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We have fresh food markets as well, the on Parnell Road and the one near Britomart in downtown Auckland, always have food displays you want to bundle up and take home. I particularly the like the bakery type stands…enticing +++
Thanks for sharing your coffee & plans with us…
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Always a great catch up, sorry I’m late.
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Nice to hear from you!
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That produce looks wonderful. Interestingly, I’ve never seen cauliflowers split to sell before.
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I’ve seen that in the UK and Europe as well – it is good as sometimes they are just too big.
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Hello, T&K. I have so many of your beautiful entries to savor over the coming days. I’m starting here, and I’m glad I did. These reflections, in such rhythmic, swinging prose, are a perfect meditation — and a lovely prelude to stepping onto my yoga mat. And your photos are simply splendid.
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Why thank you so much Carol! Lovely words for me to read when I woke up this morning (Saturday). Thanks for stopping by.
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Those persimmons are so beautiful –we don’t have them here but a friend brought me some from California a couple of times. Here in the plains of the middle US I am holding out for anything that will show up from the garden … the lettuce has been good, and I have had some peas, and the strawberries are happening. But things will pick up in another month here.
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It sounds like lots of glorious summer produce heading your way!
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The vegetables look beautiful and the cake yummy. I would definitely stay for artichoke soup.
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In My Kitchen sounds like my type of book. I’ve added it to my booktopia wish list. I love winter veg, but have never bought or cooked with camarillo or persimmon. I was talking about Wellington on a plate only the other day with my bestie – I’m trying to find a weekend to get over and visit her…it’s been too long between drinks (so to speak). Have a fabulous weekend.
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Persimmons have grown on me. Great in a salad with rocket and feta – bitter, sweet and salty.the book is fun. Up in Auckland this weekend!
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I admit to liking veggies, but I mostly eat them uncooked. I confess to slicing my brussel sprouts to put in an omelet, though. Lovely vegetable market picture!
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Can’t beat fresh produce really. I’ve been really getting into Persimmons lately, one of my favourites.
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Me too…really enjoying persimmons this season.
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How lovely with a vegetable market!! 😍 We have farmers markets here and that may be close enough. I haven’t been there at all since the pandemic but hope to go eventually. But wait… didn’t the winter just arrive where you are? And a narcissus already? Maybe I’m just not used to what winter is like in NZ… I only know about European winter (in its different forms).
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Yes it is winter…but some things get confused with the season!
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The bright colors of the vegetables attracted me to your post. They look promising for a healthy meal. And the cake looks yummy. I hope you enjoyed your weekend tea. Looking forward to connecting with you on Instagram. My Instagram id is @moumitaspeaks 🙂
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Oh will check you out on Instagram!
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Your vegetable market looks wonderful, and so does your cake. It’s amazing how beautiful fresh produce can look with all of their bright colors.
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The vegetables look so fresh, I’d be tempted to buy, too. Thank you for your cake and #weekendcoffeeshare.
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Those books sound interesting. I’m going to look up “In the Kitchen”. The vegetable market looks amazing. I love open markets.
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Sounds like a lovely way to spend the weekend sharing coffee with you! I must read Curtis Sittenfeld – I read her book of short stories earlier in the year – ‘Help Yourself’ – and thought it was very clever writing. Keen to read her other works!
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Yes I enjoyed those short stories too. Recommend ‘Rodham’ by her.
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