Saturday, August 9, 2008

Farmers Market Saturday

I finally made it to a farmers' market for some fabulous summer produce. Today was only my second visit in life; the one time before was in Century City last summer. I've been procrastinating for too long and it's particularly shameful since LA has so many different market locations. The closest one to me is Hollywood, but I didn't want to wait until Sunday. So, I drove up to Burbank where the heat was punishing, but the crowds were not bad.

All this for $15! Corn, nectarines, avocados, blueberries, jalapeno peppers, a serrano pepper, cherry and grape tomatoes, figs and limes.

I am predicting I will not cook much with these except the peppers and possibly, the avocados (I don't know, is making guacamole really considered cooking?). The figs will go over some Greek yogurt, the tomatoes are in a bowl on the counter from which I keep snacking, and the blueberries and nectarines will possibly not even last the night.

I highly recommend finding the nearest farmers' market (making a stop at the ATM) and getting yourself there in a hurry. I found the prices overall reasonable and in step with my usual grocery costs since I try to buy mostly organic fruit and vegetables. I'm guessing my visit today will trigger a weekly habit, which is an addiction I am happy to pick up!

4 comments:

Lady Leila said...

I LOVE farmers' markets!!! I have yet to find a good one out here that's relatively close.... I had the first of my tomatoes from my garden last night on turkey burgers.... I am getting ready to make a creamy cucumber salad with the 12 cucumbers I have from my garden... I hate to see fresh produce go to waste...

Do you have a favorite online recipe site? I normally use allrecipes.com...

Lady Leila said...

There is a amazing heirloom tomato and avocado bruschetta recipe out there... I made it for a dinner party I had a couple years ago it was a big hit...

Marie said...

Leila, I had no idea you had a garden! How fantastic, I am very envious of your tomatoes and cucumbers. Yesterday, I was thinking about how I want to try growing tomatoes sometime (although it sounds a bit unpredictable and heart-wrenching).

For recipes, I usually do a Google search and see what pops up. Aside from Epicurious and Food Network, Elise's Simply Recipes is a great resource: www.elise.com/recipes

I wish I had picked up some heirloom tomatoes yesterday! And that bruschetta recipe sounds like sheer summer. I love avocados so much. :)

Lady Leila said...

Avocados are a permanent item on my weekly shopping list... And many times they don't even make it into a salad or a wrap or dish for that matter... There is something about an avocado that is so irresistibly delicious!!