Christmas trees at Dupont Farmers Market. (Alejandra Owens)

From Alejandra Owens at One Bite At A Time. Alejandra writes about food and restaurants at her own blog and at Borderstan. Question or comment? Send Alejandra an email.

It’s December! How did that happen?! And so fast, too!

If you’re anything like me, dragging yourself out of a warm apartment, or an even warmer bed, to head out to the Dupont Farmers Market (Sunday only, 9 am to 1 pm) can be a difficult thing. But, I promise, it’s totally worth it right now. The stands might feel bare but there is so much great produce, dairy and breads out there!

Think hearty stews and soups — replace spinach for tender Tuscan Kale. Exchange potatoes in favor of turnips. Grab a loaf of crusty white, wheat or spelt bread for sopping up all the juices. Give breakfast for dinner a try and grab some free-range chicken (or duck if you’re feeling fancy) eggs and make Eggs en Cocotte, a rich and hugely satisfying dish.

Also — consider Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa… Festivus… gifts. You could create baskets of delicious goodies by combining cheeses, jams, pasta sauces and more from all the vendors out there.

Market Dollars

Another idea for the locavore, foodie, or farmers market junkie on your list is Market Dollars. According to FreshFarm Market’s newsletter:

You can purchase any time of the year. “Market Dollars” can be used to shop at our FRESHFARM Markets; farmers and producers will accept them like cash. You can purchase any amount, most are buying $25 or $50 of “Market Dollars” which come in $5 increments to spend at market. We charge a smalll $2 fee to process your order with a credit card (MC, Visa). Contact Laura Genello and you can have “Market Dollars” for the holidays!

I think that’s a lovely gift! (HINT HINT)

Finally, don’t forget to pick up your Christmas trees this weekend! As small as 3-feet and as large as 8-feet (be sure to pre-order these big boys) — they’ve got some beautiful trees out there!

Stay bundled up!