Fresh from the Farm

I believe in supporting your local community, especially when it comes to farmers markets. There is nothing better than fresh fruits and veggies from the farm. I love the people you meet at these local produce stands. These are just salt of the earth folks trying to make a dime growing what they love. Sometimes you're lucky enough to find a unique item, craft or maybe even a polycrossed super fruit.



When we lived in Louisiana, we often shopped at the German Coast farmers market in Destrehan on Saturdays. Kirk's mom, Debbie, would go with Kirk and me. All together we'd load up on local goods. I loved how among the typical peaches and blackberry preserves, you could also find homemade wine. That sweet wine sample later led Kirk and me to visit its local vineyard which was just an hour north of where we lived at the time. Lucky us!

I carried on the tradition when we moved to Ohio as we would frequent the 2nd Street Market. At this market, I discovered my true passion for freshly baked breads, sweet treats and granola thanks to the vendor Big Sky Bread Company. It quickly became one of my favorite things about Dayton, Ohio. Kirk didn't seem to mind when I'd bring home those colossal brownies and all-natural oatmeal raisin cookies either.



Now in Alabama, we're doing the same thing - visiting the local harvest here. This weekend we visited the East Chase Farmers Market and the Federal Street Montgomery State Farmers Market. Of course, now it's no longer a leisurely stroll from booth to booth since Vivian is with us.

In fact, now it's more like me running after Vivian; me taking plums and cherries out of Viv's hands since she apparently thought they were free; Kirk holding the diaper bag and my drink and the yellow squash while I peel Vivian off the ground from her third meltdown.

So yeah, umm, things are a little different now. In fact, Vivian received her first knee scrape when she tried to run away from us at the market. Did she see a pecan pie? A discounted plant? Some black bean dip perhaps? I still don't know but her skin met the concrete pavement and she received a bloody cut instead.



She bounced back quickly though so don't worry. And thankfully, we even managed to pick up a few things besides that yellow squash. A crate of fresh blueberries and a can of strawberry salsa. Yummy!



Another great reason to visit nearby harvest places, besides keeping the dollars in your community, is that it inspires me to try new recipes. I come home with my fresh goods and I turn into Martha Stewart for a day or two (but only those two days usually).

I was actually happy to wash, peel and chop the yellow squash. I searched through several cookbook recipes until I settled on a sauteed one with onions and herbs. I even got a little crazy and added a few diced tomatoes, cheese, and a tablespoon full of queso for a great blend. In my opinion, it went great with the mesquite-limed chicken we ate for dinner.

I think that even my culinary friend Jen would be impressed - She and her husband make the most delectable, inspiring meals that my eyes have ever seen! She amazes me all the time. Visit her blog if you want to see photos that make your mouth water.

Today I took my fresh blueberries from the market and made blueberry muffins from scratch. Again, on a typical day I would not feel like hunting for my mixer and getting flour all over the countertops. But with my fresh farm goods, I didn't mind dirtying up those muffin pans. The muffins came out soooo good. I mean, melt in your mouth, teeth turning blue from all the blueberries, kind of good.









Cooking and baking are rewarding when it comes out delicious and your family appreciates it. Kirk ate three blueberry muffins within minutes. He was practically grunting like Tim the Toolman Taylor when they were still warm from the oven. I loved it.

The prep work and cook time took less than an hour and we have breakfast for the next several days. It's a win-win for us all.

I hope that Vivian will later on appreciate the value that local farmers provide. Maybe she'll discover her own treasures. Most of all, I want Vivian to return the favor of cooking and baking for her family, especially her mommy.



(Note: Blueberry muffin recipe can be provided upon request. E-mail me at littlebit.mandy@gmail.com and I'll be happy to share the calories, oops, I mean the ingredients.)