Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Farmer's Market Finds and a Recipe for Garlic Green Beans!

greens_produce_farmers_market
Hi Friends:

We're well into July and I have a serious case of summer love...for farmer's markets! What's the big draw you ask? Read on.

  • Fruits and veggies are usually only hours from the fields and often organic.
  • I can support local farmers.
  • It's good for the environment as there is no packaging and shipping saving natural resources.
  • Inspiration! I can try new foods and find new cooking ideas.
  • There's more than fruit and veggies available; many markets have eggs, meats, baked goods, jams, flowers and even crafts.
  • It's a great way to connect with the community.
  • And the number 1 reason: TASTE! Eating seasonally offers the freshest, truest flavors.
With that said, take a look at some recent offerings at my local market:
fruit_stand_produce_locally_grown_farmers_market
cherries and blueberries
green_garlic_farmers_market
green garlic
fresh_beets_farmers_market_fields
beets (Yes, I like them!)
flowers_beautiful_rudbeckia_farmers_market
Rudbeckia
herbs_farmers_market_spearmint_oregano_lemon_balm_lavender_peppermint
herbs-a-plenty
local_baked_bread_farmers_market_semolina_sesame_sourdough
fresh bread
mushrooms_sale_galore_farmers_market
mushrooms galore!
pattypan_squash_fresh_vegitables_farmers_market
pattypan squash
crepe_handmade_break_farmers_market
Time for a crepe break!
fresh_green_beans_farmers_market
I couldn't pass up the fresh green beans and here's how I intend to use them:

Sauteed Garlic Green Beans (for two)

1/2 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
salt and pepper to taste

In a 12 inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add green beans, season with salt and pepper and cook tossing occasionally until spotty brown, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic; toss and cook for an additional minute.
fresh_green_bean_recipe_pan
Add water and continue to cook until water has evaporated and beans are bright green but still crisp. Add soy sauce and toss to coat cooking for another minute or two.
green_beans_cooking_recipe
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

green_beans_fresh_cooking_recipe _sesame_seed
If you've never been to a farmer's market, here's a few tips: bring a big bag for your purchases, go early for the best selection, cash is best and don't be afraid to ask for a taste or suggestions on how to use a food! What's your favorite farmer's market find?

No comments:

Post a Comment