Are you ready for fall now that Labor Day has passed?
Last weekend, we celebrated Scott’s birthday with an incredible meal made with fresh farmers’ market ingredients:
- Roasted Ratatouille
- Pan con Tomate (a.k.a. “Spanish Tomato Bread”)
- and for dessert…Turtle Pecan Delights!
It was a perfect way to savor the late-summer flavors!
Watch how easy these dishes are to make:
Farmers’ Market Season Is Not Over!
We often hear, “I’m sad the farmers’ market is over now that summer’s ending.” WHAT?!
The truth is this is one of the best times of the year to shop local farmers’ markets! They will continue for weeks – even months – with an amazing mix of late summer favorites and a transition to all that fall has to offer.
Why is it important to eat in-season?
We love strolling the market on a cool crisp fall morning, enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Plus, there are SO MANY benefits that make shopping the farmers’ market and buying local, just harvested ingredients completely worth it:
- Peak flavor! Those tomatoes, carrots, greens and pears taste the absolute best when they are picked just days – or even hours – before you buy them!
- Nutrient powerhouse! This is the best way to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to produce being loaded with nutrients. Seasonal foods also match your body’s needs as we transition to cooler weather.
- Know your farmer! Shopping at the farmers’ market helps you know where your food comes from, and it helps the environment by supporting those who work hard to keep our soil and water healthy!
- Save money! In-season = abundant = more affordable!
- Inspiration to Cook at Home! Fresh, REAL ingredients provide the perfect inspiration for SO MANY delicious meal ideas – and we have them ready for you!
What produce can you expect at the farmers’ market this time of year?
As September rolls on, look for:
- Summer favorites: tomatoes, melons, corn, peppers, okra, eggplant, carrots, garlic, green beans.
- Fall newcomers: leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and a wide variety of winter squash (such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti and kabocha).
- Greens & roots: kale, Swiss chard, spinach, arugula, beets, turnips, fennel.
- Fruits: apples and pears galore!
The REAL question…what can you do with all these ingredients?
Eggplant – we are frequently asked, “what can you do with eggplant besides eggplant parmesan?” A 14-year-old daughter of an Eat REAL America member told us that the Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Pasta is her favorite recipe – make sure to try it if you haven’t already! We also highly recommend the Mini Eggplant Pizzas and the Crispy Eggplant and Corn with Chile Oil!
Green Beans – we love roasting green beans. And also combining them with other ingredients and seasoning combinations. Instead of just opening a can of green beans, try one of the recipes on the website using fresh green beans from the farmers’ market and you will be amazed by the difference! A few delicious ideas include the Oven Roasted Salmon over Creamy Green Beans, the Roasted Balsamic Green Beans & Mushrooms and the Grilled Green Beans with Curry Dipping Sauce.
Butternut Squash – we have so many incredibly good ideas, there are literally too many great ones to highlight! Some of the favorites include the Butternut Squash Veggie Bake, the Very Veggie Minestrone, the Pear and Butternut Squash Salad, the Roasted Butternut Squash and Pesto Grilled Cheese, and the Butternut Squash Lasagna.
Acorn Squash – not sure what to do with acorn squash? If you think it is only for decorating, you are not alone. But you ARE missing out! When you slice and roast them, you don’t even have to peel the skin. Check out the Roasted Acorn Squash with Pine Nuts, the Acorn Squash and Apple Salad, the Maple Roasted Acorn Squash, and the Egg in the Hole Acorn Squash (one of our personal favorites!).
Spaghetti Squash – it’s an ideal change-of-pace from pasta. Flavor-loaded ideas include the Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowl (we’ve been told this is restaurant quality!) and Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai (will take care of that Thai craving!). And the Spaghetti Squash Pancakes will amaze you – they are excellent with both sweet and savory toppings! Spaghetti squash noodles are also the perfect base to serve with dishes like the Cincinnati Style Chili and the Baked Chicken Parmesan.
Sweet Potatoes – if you or someone you know THINK you don’t like sweet potatoes, the Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potato needs to be on your “make very soon” list! It’s also a spectacular time to enjoy the Oktoberfest Inspired Potato Skins. Or, if nothing else, try roasting them using our Sweet Potato Curly Fries recipe — the kids will love these! There are MANY more ideas on the website.
Apples and Pears – now is the time! This is the ideal time of year to enjoy the Cabbage, Apple & Pear Salad, the Braised Red Cabbage with Apples, and the Fall Inspired Kale Salad. Not to mention the Slow Cooker Autumn Pork Tacos, the Green Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts, the Rustic Roasted Pears, and the Roasted Chickpeas and Pear Salad!
Leeks – similar to large green onions, there are many things you can do with leeks. A few of our favorite ideas include Fennel and Leek Al Forno, the Grilled Zucchini, Leeks and Corn, and the Scallops on Creamy Leeks – crazy good!
Beets – roasted beets are fantastic this time of year. If you can find them at your local farmers’ market, golden beets and Chioggia beets are definitely worth picking up! Try the Montana Inspired Beet Salad, the Autumn Roasted Veggie Sandwich, the Roasted Beets & Orange Salad, the Roasted Beet Hummus, and the Pear & Beet Salad!
Broccoli and Cauliflower – get out of the rut of steaming veggies and impress your family and friends with the Buffalo Broccoli and Cauliflower Bites, the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, the Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pasta, the Roasted Cauliflower Sandwich or the Honey Lime Sriracha Cauliflower! And you can search “broccoli” or “cauliflower” in the SEARCH RECIPES box for MANY more ideas.
For even more ideas, check out the “In Season” section on Eat REAL America for some incredibly delicious Fall-inspired recipes!
Your Challenge This Month
- Visit your local market.
- Pick something new or seasonal.
- Share with us what you made – or ask for ideas!
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