Market farewell

The Portland Farmer's market has ended for the season leaving Deering Oaks to the squirrels and whoever goes there at night. On this particular day in late October, the market was overflowing with late season crops and happy gourmet cooks. These baskets of shallots were particularly beautiful.
Unfortunately, the shallots are among the more exotic offerings at the market--most of what the farmers sell is very conventional stuff. This year saw two noteworthy innovations--a fruit grower sold some fabulous peaches for the first time, and the Mineral Springs mushroom people really expanded their offerings. But regardless of what is for sale, the gourmet cooks patrolling the aisles always seem to find something to bring home. Michael DeAngelis of Grant Street shops with his cart.
Later the same day, Michael turned his market finds into two fabulous dishes: his nonna's stuffed artichokes, and oven crisped kale, which he was kind enough to bring to dinner that night.