Tag: recipe

Bundle up & find everything you need for cozy winter meals at the market on Saturday, December 8!

We hope you’ll bundle up and join us at the market tomorrow morning! The temperature will drop on Sunday through early next week so it’s the perfect time to warm up your house with soup. With all of the root veggies and vibrant greens available right now, there’s no wrong way to prepare a hearty soup for your family. Share your favorite recipes with us or check out the simple chicken noodle soup recipe below.

Also, don’t forget to do your holiday shopping at the farmers’ market. We have perfect gifts for everyone on your list. And check out our neighbors at the Durham Craft Market and the Art Market at Vega Metals. Thank you for shopping local this holiday season!

What’s for dinner?
Chicken Noodle Soup

This favorite family meal is perfect for a cold weekend spent indoors. Make your soup extra special (and nutritious) by picking up the ingredients at the farmers’ market.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup diced onion or 1 bunch chopped scallions
  • 3 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 7 cups chicken stock
  • 6 ounces pasta (your choice!)
  • 6 ounces of cooked shredded chicken

Directions

  • Check out this link & enjoy!

Want to learn more?

Read the rest of the December 7, 2018 newsletter or sign up to receive the next newsletter in your inbox.

Celebrate Fall produce at the market on Saturday, October 20!

Fall colors are popping up at the market and we’re all enjoying the transition to different produce. Peppers and eggplant are hanging on, but we know their days are limited as cooler night temperatures become more frequent. As the days get shorter, our bodies will start seeking the nourishment of root veggies and deep greens. Check out our blog post for a reflection on this transition and a recipe for Curried Butternut Squash Soup.

Also, we’re excited for two upcoming events at the market! Next Saturday, October 27, we’ll host our annual Vendor Halloween Costume Contest. We encourage you and your kiddos to come dressed in your favorite Halloween outfits, too! And on November 10, we’re hosting our first annual Silent Auction to raise funds for some of your favorite market programs, including the Sprouts Kid’s Club, Double Bucks, and more. Save the date and come prepared to complete your holiday shopping while also supporting the market that you love.

Finally, as a reminder, below is our market schedule:

  • The Wednesday Market is closed for the season. Thank you for your support!
  • Saturday Main Season Market runs through November 17 from 8:00 am-12:00 pm.
  • Pre-Thanksgiving Holiday Market will be held on Tuesday, November 20 from 3:00-5:00 pm. The Saturday Market will be closed on November 24.
  • Saturday Winter Market begins on December 1 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm.

PS – If you visit the State Fair this weekend, don’t forget to look for our vendors. Several won ribbons for their delicious products and we couldn’t be happier for them!

Want to learn more?

Read the rest of the October 19, 2018 newsletter or sign up to receive the next newsletter in your inbox.

Cooking with Fall produce at the farmers’ market!

Fall is an amazing time of the year – the weather cools and the leaves transition to beautiful deep reds, yellows, and oranges. The colors of the vegetables at the market undergo the same color transition. Deep orange sweet potatoes and beautiful red beets fill the market tables.

Our bodies need different nutrients throughout the year, such as water dense watermelons and cucumbers during the summer versus antioxidant rich beet greens and radishes in the fall. Fall vegetables are nature’s way of providing our body with power to fight the flu and colds that travel around during colder months.

Turmeric and ginger are also powerhouses in aiding our ability to stay healthy. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that has powerful medicinal properties. Ginger is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants which also relieves muscle pain and nausea. Ginger can be added to so many tasty recipes, both sweet and savory. Both fresh turmeric and fresh ginger are easily added to so many recipes.

Here are a few (actually almost 50!) ways to add fresh turmeric into your cooking. To combine the benefits of both turmeric and ginger, try an amazing mug of Golden Milk.

And did you know that ginger and turmeric are both grown by Durham Farmers’ Market vendors and can be found now at the market?

Here is my new favorite butternut squash soup. It is so simple to make and while it is perfect as is, there are so many options of items that can be added, such as ginger, turmeric, goat cheese on top, crispy kale….

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy Curried Butternut Squash Soup infused with coconut milk and yellow curry powder. A savory, simple soup that’s perfect for the fall and winter months.

Author: Minimalist Baker

Ingredients

  • 1Tbsp coconut or grape seed oil
  • 2 medium shallots (thinly diced)
  • 2cloves garlic, minced (2 cloves yield ~1 Tbsp or 6 g)
  • 6 cups chopped butternut squash (1 small butternut squash yields ~6 cups)
  • 1 pinch each sea salt + black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp curry powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 14-ounce can light coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2-3 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1-2 tsp chili garlic paste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Once hot, add oil, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Add butternut squash and season with a pinch each salt and pepper, curry powder, and ground cinnamon. Stir to coat. Then cover and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, maple syrup or coconut sugar, and chili garlic paste (optional – for heat).
  5. Bring to a low boil over medium heat and then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until butternut squash is fork tender.
  6. Use an immersion blender, or transfer soup to a blender, and purée on high until creamy and smooth. If using a blender, return soup back to pot.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more curry powder, salt, or sweetener as needed. Continue cooking for a few more minutes over medium heat.
  8. Serve as is or with garnishes of choice (options above). Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Best when fresh.

Settle into the Fall season at the farmers’ market

It is hard to believe, but the Fall Equinox on September 22 is the official mark of the beginning of Autumn. The nights will start to get longer, leaving daylight shorter as cool weather begins to settle in. Birds and butterflies will begin migrating to warmer areas and we will begin setting sweaters and scarves out.

The Fall Equinox marks the start of a new season and the opportunity to make changes in our lives, to declutter and feel lighter. It is the opportunity to “change with the season,” commit to better eating habits and a more active life. For many, summer is a time of traveling and movement, taking care of kids, and making quick meals with as little heat as possible. Autumn is the time to slow down and root into life.

The change in seasons is starting to show at market, moving from watermelons to pumpkins and peaches to kale. Having a few quick meals for each season can save you from eating a bland and boring dinner. Make sure to plan ahead and make an extra serving to save for lunch the next day!

Twice Baked Honey Nut Squash
Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 3 honey nut squash (or small butternuts) sliced in half lengthwise, seeded, and hollowed out leaving 1/4 inch on the sides
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups veggie stock
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Drizzle squash with a little olive oil. Place squash on an oiled baking sheet cut side down and roast for about 20 minutes. (If using larger butternut squash this process may take longer).
  3. Place 1 cup uncooked quinoa and two cups veggie stock in a pan. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until quinoa is fully cooked.
  4. Saute garlic and onion in a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. After about 7 minutes add kale. Continue to cook until kale is bright green and wilted (about 8 minutes).
  5. Mix your quinoa and kale mixture together (you may have extra quinoa, save it for a later use).
  6. Take squash out of the oven and scoop a healthy portion of quinoa mixture into each half. Top with a handful of gorgonzola cheese and place back in the oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

Spend a relaxing Saturday morning with us at the farmers’ market!

These warm summer temperatures are hanging on and we’re all looking forward to a little relief once Fall arrives at the end of the month. Right now is a time of transition for our farmers and you’ll notice new produce appearing on their tables in the upcoming weeks. If you have a favorite Summer fruit or veggie, be sure to pick it up before it’s gone until next year.

Also, if you were lucky enough to have tasted the meal from Nicole Cardon‘s cooking demo last weekend, you know that you’ll want to make that recipe at home for your family! Check out Nicole’s recipe for Fall Squash French Toast and Honey Skyr Syrup below and surprise your family with a delicious, seasonal twist on a favorite breakfast meal.

Fall Squash French Toast & Honey Skyr Syrup

Serving Size: 10-12 slices or 8-10 people, Half the recipe to serve 4-5.

Ingredients for the French Toast

  • 1 loaf day old bread (Challah, Brioche and Baguette from Loaf are great options)
  • 3/4 cup pureed squash (butternut, honey, pumpkin)
  • 1 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Spice Blend: 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground clove, pinch of nutmeg
  • Butter and any flavorless oil of your choice for cooking

Directions for the French Toast

  1. For the squash cut in half and scoop out seeds. Roast cut side down on parchment lined sheet pan at 375 until fork tender, about 40 min. Cool, scoop flesh and puree until smooth. Can be stored in fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer 3 months.
  2. For the French toast slice bread into 3/4″ to 1″ inch thick slices and set on a cooling rack to dry out overnight. In a shallow baking dish whisk together squash, milk, honey, vanilla, salt, eggs, and spices. Dip bread in wet ingredients and allow to soak for 30 seconds on each side. Dip all the pieces and set them back on the rack to rest a few minutes while you preheat a skillet on medium. Once skillet is hot, add 1 Tablespoon of butter and 1 Tablespoon of oil and cook French toast in batches about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. You can keep the cooked slices on a rack on top of a sheet pan in the oven set on warm until all the slices are cooked.

Ingredients for the Syrup

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup pureed squash
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup unstrained skyr (Celebrity Dairy)

Directions for the Syrup 

  1. In a medium sized sauce pan combine butter, squash puree, water and honey and bring to boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling allow to boil for 2 minutes.
  2. Add skyr, stir it in and immediately remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla and baking soda. Syrup will bubble and foam, so choose a pan with some space. Let is rest for 3-5 minutes then serve with French toast.

Want to learn more?

Read the rest of the September 7, 2018 newsletter or sign up to receive the next newsletter in your inbox.

Kickoff Labor Day weekend at the market & stock-up for your cookouts!

We hope you spend time with family and friends during this long holiday weekend. And for those of you who made it through the first week of school – congratulations! It’s always challenging to adjust to new routines so we hope you’re able to slow down, share a delicious meal with loved ones, and spend time outdoors this weekend. Be sure to join us tomorrow for a seasonal cooking demo with local foodie Nicole Cardon. Trust us – you never want to miss what Nicole is whipping up. And if you need a little inspiration for your holiday cookouts, check out these two simple recipes below.

***************
Eggplant Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 Eggplants
  • 1 Bag Arugula (or lettuce of choice)
  • 3 Medium-Sized Tomatoes (or 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes)
  • Pea Shoots
  • Cheese (of choice)
  • 1/3 Cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper

Directions

  1. Slice your eggplant longways into 1/2 inch slices. Place olive oil on both sides and toss on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
  3. Prepare plates for the salad. Dice your tomatoes and place on the salad plates. Remove the eggplant from the grill and place next to the tomatoes on each plate. Top with arugula, pea shoots and cheese.
  4. Drizzle with oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper (to taste). Enjoy!

***************
Potato Salad

Ingredients

  • 1.5 Pounds Potatoes
  • 1/2 Cup Whole Milk Plain Yogurt
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 Bag Arugula
  • 1 Bunch Dill
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the potatoes. Bring to a simmer and allow the potatoes to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes can be pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes in a colander and allow to cool.
  2. Slice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and add to a large bowl.
  3. Dice the onion and cut the arugula and dill into small pieces.
  4. Once cooled, toss the potatoes in the yogurt. Add the onion, arugula and dill to the mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Enjoy!

Want to learn more?

Read the rest of the August 31, 2018 newsletter or sign up to receive the next newsletter in your inbox.

Announcing our National Farmers’ Market Week Meal Challenge!

Summer is flying by and August is already here. We hope you’re enjoying the last few weeks of vacation with your family and that you’re savoring the delicious flavors of the season. This weekend we’re excited to welcome the team from the Samaritan Health Center , a free and charitable clinic in Durham. They will be discussing blood sugars, healthy diet options, info about the clinic and how to access services there. Be sure to swing by the lawn from 9-11 am to chat with them!

Also, National Farmers’ Market Week kicks off on Sunday. In honor of this weeklong celebration, we’re hosting a meal challenge! We’ve created a meal list for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have 21 recipes to share with you. You’ll find the shopping list online for what you can pick up at the market tomorrow and on Wednesday. You can also pick up a scorecard at the market tomorrow. Keep track of how many local meals you cook and drop off your scorecard next Saturday, August 11. Everyone who submits a scorecard will be eligible for a prize! Check out our website for the full details.

Finally, we’re excited to announce that registration is open for our final Homefries Kid’s Cooking Class of the season! We hope your young chefs can join Jeff Crane on Saturday, August 18. Register today as the class is capped at 15 students.

Want to learn more?

Read the rest of the August 3 2018 newsletter or sign up to receive the next newsletter in your inbox.

National Farmers’ Market Week Menu & Shopping List

Happy National Farmers’ Market Week! What better way to show your support for our local farmers and food producers than by cooking your meals with all seasonal ingredients? Below you will find a suggested menu and shopping list for our Saturday and Wednesday markets, along with recipe ideas. Keep track of how many meals you make and turn in your scorecard at the market on August 11 (Note: You can pick up a scorecard at the Info Table during the market). Also, please tag us in your meal photos (#durhamfarmersmarket #lovemymarket #farmersmarketweek). Enjoy!

Shopping List for Saturday, August 4
*Denotes that this ingredient is for later in the week but should be purchased at the Saturday market.

Bread & Grains

  • Chocolate croissant
  • Bread for grilled cheese sandwich
  • Crackers (Elodie Farms)
  • Cornmeal (Brinkley Farms)

Protein

  • Kefir (Celebrity Dairy)
  • Eggs
  • Bison
  • Lamb*
  • Shrimp
  • Italian Sausage*
  • Whole Chicken*

Cheese

  • Chevre for tapas night and lamb sliders
  • Favorite cheese for grilled cheese
  • Pimento cheese (Boxcarr Handmade Cheese)

Produce

  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Basil
  • Dill*
  • Eggplant
  • Blueberries
  • Watermelon
  • Peaches
  • Blackberries
  • Corn
  • Potatoes
  • Cilantro*
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Cherry Tomatoes

Odds & Ends

  • Hot pepper flakes (Catbriar Farm)*
  • Tamales (Soul Cocina)
  • Chips, salsa and guacamole (Cilantro Artisan Foods)
  • Coffee Beans (Caballo Rojo)
  • Jam
  • Kimchi (Spicy Hermit)*
  • Favorite Fullsteam Beer
  • Favorite Honeygirl Mead

Sunday

Breakfast – Frittata * Don’t forget to brew extra coffee to freeze for Monday’s breakfast!*

Lunch – Bulgar Wheat Salad with Tomato and Eggplant

Dinner – Tapas Night! Don’t forget beer from Fullsteam and mead from Honeygirl to share with all your friends!

Monday

Breakfast – Breakfast Yogurt Shake: Mix leftover coffee with kefir and place in ice cubes trays. Freeze overnight. In morning, place cubes in blender, adding water or milk as needed. Can add peanut butter, almond butter, banana, etc. Pair with chocolate croissant from Loaf.

Lunch – Grilled cheese and preserve sandwich with peach and tomato salad

Dinner –  Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes

Tuesday

Breakfast – Fruit Smoothie: blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and kefir from Celebrity Dairy

Lunch – Tamales from Soul Cocina with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes

Dinner – Jack’s Grilled Bison London Broil

Shopping List for Wednesday, August 8
*Denotes that this ingredient was purchased at the Saturday market.

Bread & Grains

  • Cornmeal (Brinkley Farms)*
  • Pasta (Melina’s Fresh Pasta)
  • Pizza Dough (Melina’s Fresh Pasta)
  • Polenta Bread (Loaf)

Protein

  • Eggs
  • Ground Beef
  • Sausage (Fickle Creek Farm)
  • Whole Chicken*
  • Lamb*

Cheese

  • Chive Cheese (Boxcarr Handmade Cheese)
  • Your favorite Boxcarr Cheese for pizza

Produce

  • Arugula
  • Basil
  • Bell Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Cucumbers
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Peaches
  • Potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Dill*
  • Corn
  • Cilantro*

Odds & Ends

  • Kimchi (The Spicy Hermit)*

Thursday

Breakfast – Eggs with chive cheese from Boxcarr and sliced tomatoes

Lunch – Your favorite Melina’s pasta with meatballs

Dinner – Whole Roasted Chicken with Rainbow Potato Salad

Friday

Breakfast – Toasted Polenta Bread with scrambled eggs

Lunch – Chicken Salad made with leftovers from roasted chicken

Dinner – Kimchi and Corn Salsa Tacos

Saturday

Breakfast – Cornmeal pancakes (Arepas)with over easy egg

Lunch – Toasted bread with cheese, tomato, basil, and cucumber

Dinner – Lamb Sliders

Meal Alternatives

 Breakfast – Breakfast sandwich: toasted bread, eggs, sausage, and tomato slices

Lunch – Egg salad sandwich

Dinner – Grilled pizza with goat cheese, arugula, and grilled peaches

Summer fruits and veggies at Wellness Wednesday!

I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful week of rain and a change in weather! We look forward to seeing you rain or shine at the market today! The summer has been going by so quickly, it is sometimes easy to miss a new item at the market. Here is a delicious okra recipe created by one of our fabulous local foodie’s, Nicole Cardon.

Crispy Spiced Okra
With Roasted Garlic & Chili Aioli 

1 pound Okra, sliced in 1/8in thin rings
Olive Oil (or any mild tasting oil of your choice)

Spice Blend – combine in bowl, will make extra
3 teaspoons chili powder
1.5 teaspoons sweet paprika
1.5 teaspoon adobo seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Chili Aioli – Blend in a food processor or blender until smooth
1 cup homemade or your favorite store bought mayo
6-8 cloves of roasted garlic
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon chili powder

Add enough oil to barely coat the bottom of a skillet preheated on medium heat. Make sure okra is completely dry and add it to the pan in one layer, be sure to not overcrowd. Cook in two or three batches if needed. Stir frequently and pan fry for 7-10 minutes or until brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked okra into a bowl with a slotted spoon to leave oil in pan and immediately add a teaspoonful of the spice blend. Toss to coat the okra and add more seasoning as needed. Drizzle aioli over spiced okra or serve on the side for cooking.

In case you missed it, the Durham Farmers’ Market has a new website! Check out all of the beautiful pictures and read about your favorite vendors! We also have plenty of amazing articles to browse, which will be updated often so make sure to check back in!

Want to learn more?

Read the rest of the July 25, 2018 newsletter or sign up to receive the next newsletter in your inbox.