My favorite veggie. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the sandy land of west Michigan. Maybe because I went to tennis camp with Miss Asparagus when I was 10. or maybe it’s just because asparagus season is short and sweet and in the spring, when winter finally, begrudgingly heads north again.

Learnin’ corner — According to the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB):

Michigan ranks third in the nation for Asparagus production producing up to 25 million pounds annually.

Michigan growers harvest approximately 11,000 acres of asparagus annually.

The total annual value of the Michigan asparagus crop is estimated at $15,000,000.

I’m doing a painting each day this month. 30 paintings in 30 days. Being November, the Month of the Feast, the theme is Things We Love to Eat and Drink.

A painting a day, and yes, they’re for sale. And they’re affordable: $99, which includes free first-class shipping. You can order on my Etsy store by clicking here. Check this blog every day (or the Etsy store) to see the new painting du jour. Each one will be 5″ by 7″ on sturdy illustration board.

I’ll need some content, folks, so if you have any suggestions for good subjects, leave a comment or write to me at john@tebeau.com. What goodies would you like to see memorialized as art? What’s your favorite comfort food? Your most-loved childhood treat? The hometown food you miss most? If you moved away tomorrow, what local specialty would you long for? And, looking ahead, what other themes would you suggest?

Let’s see what tasty beverages have been suggested. Vernor’s Ginger Ale (many times), a vanilla malt, RC Cola, Café du Monde coffee, Captain Morgan’s & Diet Coke, and – Ted Williams’ faaaaavorite soft drink – MOXIE. Thanks, and keep those suggestions a-comin’.

Thanks, too, to Michael Stern of RoadFood.com for his mention here.

Yesterday’s painting: “Frommage d’Haley”