Ep 7. Muscadine Time

In A Chef's Life season 1 episode 7, entitled Muscadine Time, Chef Vivian Howard is in full swing of canning season on her farm. She starts her day cracking up at a joke made by her husband Ben Knight, only to be quickly reminded that they have a lot of work to do picking muscadines.

Muscadines are a type of grape that is common in the South and are often used for making jelly and wine. Vivian is picking them for jelly that she plans to sell at a local farmer's market. On her way to the market, she stops by her parents' house to show off a new recipe for muscadine crumble that she created.

Vivian's parents have owned a tobacco farm for generations and are some of the few remaining farmers in their area. While they have always been supportive of Vivian's culinary career, they have a very different perspective on farming. For them, farming is a way of life and a means of making a living, rather than a trendy endeavor.

At the farmer's market, Vivian is excited to sell her muscadine jelly, but things don't go exactly as planned. The market is slow, and Vivian's booth is overshadowed by a vendor selling pre-made food. Vivian realizes that if she wants to make a living off her farm, she will have to put in a lot more time and effort to market her products.

In the midst of all this work, Vivian finds time to go fishing with her father. They catch catfish, bream, and perch, which they promptly clean and fry up for dinner. Vivian reflects on the important role that fishing has played in her family's life, as it is not only a way to put food on the table but also a way to connect with loved ones.

Vivian's day culminates in a dinner party with friends and family, featuring the muscadine crumble she made earlier. The party gives her a chance to showcase her work and reflect on the importance of community in her life.

Overall, Muscadine Time provides a glimpse into the hard work that goes into running a farm and creating a successful culinary business. It also emphasizes the importance of family and community in the South and the role that food plays in bringing people together.