Time to Ketchup

Local Food: Tomatoes are back, and so is tomato ketchup for your burger and fries. Steven slow cooks the tomatoes with a variety of herbs and spices, including cinnamon and allspice, adding a dash of vinegar for acidity. Onions, scallions and green garlic provide "bite" to the ketchup, and dried peppers heat it up for a spicy note. Ketchup is extraordinary when it is prepared with patience to concentrate the flavors, making something quite complex seem very simple.

Around the Galaxy: Join author Stephen Kiernan at The Galaxy Bookshop on Thursday, June 24th for a discussion about American ideals, how they've been abused and how they have been reclaimed. Kiernan's new book, Authentic Patriotism, introduces ordinary Americans who have embraced progressive action and embody the true spirit of patriotism. The event begins at 7P.M. on Thursday.

Music Notes: Singer/songwriter Jay Ekis returns this Thursday, June 24. Enjoy his infectious alt-country and rock originals and covers beginning at 7:30.

Local Events: Circus Smirkus opens the season on Friday, June 25th in Greensboro with two shows. Tickets are available at The Galaxy Bookshop (cash or check only) or here.

Woodchuck's Revenge will perform Saturday, June 26 at The Music Box in Craftsbury at 8:00. The group includes Kristina Cady on fiddle, her husband Peter on guitar and Sandy Morse on mandolin. Their repertoire includes songs about Vermont, mountains and life in New England. Admission is $10, $5 for students and seniors, children are free.

Tour the High Mowing Seeds trials garden in Wolcott on Wednesday, June 30 from 4-6. Learn and share information about growing specific crops, handling pests and disease and get a sneak preview of new varieties of organic seed that may soon be available.