Passion Fruit

Raquel is in the middle of a week of vacation.  We are both somewhat bummed as this was the week we were to be in Beaune together, but I am stuck here and so she went up north for a mini-break.  I managed the market today, which was uneventful, save one issue which I handled quickly.  The vendors are all very good and know the drill, so it was pretty easy.

I brought the huge copper bassine and filled it with burlap and produce, which got a lot of ooh’s and ahh’s.   Valdivia tomatoes, Sunny Cal peaches, Sage potatoes and Atkins grapefruits.  Every morning now Dad wants grapefruit and peaches and fresh orange juice.  Breakfast of champions, why not?  These were all great, and made a colorful arrangement, but were not the stars of the market…

Victor started to work for Atkins Nursery about 25 years ago.  He is now the owner.  He grows citrus, and supplies the growers; he can graft any kind of citrus you want, up to nine on a tree….wow…..  He’s big time, and he’s a really great guy. Today he had passion fruit, and I picked up a few.  My mind immediately went to passion fruit-infused vodka and teas for the party.  Victor also suggested Kumquat vodka, so I bought a bunch of those too….

Fresh passion fruit is something that is not really on my radar. This fruit is high in antioxidants, and the flavor of the fruit is amazing, better than any juice or dessert I have ever tasted. Victor explained that the fat ones are more acidic, the shriveled ones more flavorful.  I let with a large bag of both….I’m betting that the color of the rind will make the vodka turn a pretty pink.  And who wouldn’t love a pink drink at a party, especially if it tastes as good as these fruits?

The kumquats and passion fruits were halved or left whole and went into the two best jars R brought me recently from Wisconsin, his Mother’s oldest jars, which are now treasured in my collection.  I thought of Gladys as I filled these; she would be happy seeing this, even if it is vodka~

I have set the menu and will tell you about it this week.  Loved the day, love these jars and their provenance from Gladys & Carl.  I am refining the menu to include coconut and pineapple to go with the passion fruit.  It’s going to be great!!