Good Stuff

Braised Winter Greens with Bacon

Here in the Pacific Northwest, leafy greens are in season nearly year around. Right now you can find wonderful bunches of Collards, Swiss Chard, Kale and Mustard greens in area markets. Of course, vegetarians can always forego the bacon. This is a wonderful side dish to any entree... some local salmon perhaps?

• 8 slices applewood-smoked bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 6 large garlic cloves, peeled
• 6 pounds mixed winter greens
• 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon, stirring often, until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown, 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Add 2 tbsp. olive oil and the garlic to pot; cook, stirring often, until garlic is golden, 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, rinse greens and trim off ends. Cut out tough center ribs and slice ribs crosswise into 1-in. lengths; quarter the leaves. Add ribs to pot and cook, stirring often, until they begin to soften, 6 to 7 minutes. In batches, add leaves to pot, stirring until all are wilted. Add 1 3/4 cups chicken broth, the mustard seeds, and cooked bacon; cover and simmer until greens are tender to bite, 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking occasionally to make sure liquid hasn't completely evaporated; add more broth if it has.

3. Drain greens (reserve liquid for other uses) and mound in a bowl. Stir in vinegar and salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp. olive oil. Serves 8.

Introducing: AW Pottery

For those of you who don't know, we offer a number of spectacular pieces from AW Pottery. AW has been importing and distributing beautiful pottery in the U.S. since 1981. They offer the most diverse and distinguished selection of Asian pottery and planters in Washington as well as out of state. Meticulously hand crafted by Asian artisans, their unique designs include indoor/outdoor and garden pottery. Literally thousands of styles are available. We'll be happy to help you with just the right selection. Whether it's an 8 inch flower pot or a 40 gallon planter, each work is unique and elegant. Come see our inventory in Monroe. We can also get anything you might find at AW within a couple days.

Firepots

These great new products are ceramic with a beautful artisan glaze. They include a stainless steel fuel reservoir, which when removed allows Firepot to be used as a vase. Use Firepot fuel gel or Firepot fuel gel with Citronella and there's no smoke or messy ashes. They're great for both indoor or outdoor use and environmentaly friendly. You also get a metal snuffer for safe and easy extinguishing of flame. The Loki Firepot Jasper (pictured) starts at just $25! The larger and more brilliant Agni Cobalt is $64.