Walnut Creek Hours:
May-November - Peak Season
8 - 1
December-April - Winter Season
9 - 1
 From Chef Lesley Stiles: Green Garlic Sauteed with Mushrooms and Asparagus 3 stalks of green garlic, sliced thin 1 pound of asparagus, sliced thin 1/2 pound of cremini mushrooms, sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil Sea salt and ground pepper to taste Heat a large skillet and add olive oil. Let heat for a few seconds and add the green garlic. Sautee for a minute or two and add the asparagus and mushrooms. Let cook until the asparagus is bright green and season with salt and pepper. Serves 4 generously. Honey, Balsamic and Rosemary Drizzle 2 cups red wine 2 cups balsamic vinegar 1 stalk rosemary 1 shallot, peeled and cut in half 3 tablespoons local honey In a deep saucepan heat the wine, balsamic vinegar, rosemary and shallots until boiling. Simmer until reduced by 2/3. Strain the liquid and stir in honey. Will keep for months in reefer. Printer-friendly version More recipes  |
|
Are you being a smart consumer? The
fact you shop at the farmers' market demonstrates you are
just that. However, do you compare prices from farmer
to farmer? You should. There can be a great
disparity in prices from one farm to another. Compare
"apples to apples" and buy smart. Recently we have
had many comments on prices farmers are charging for
their produce and in response to that I have to say we
(CCCFM) cannot dictate the price a grower asks for their
product, but you can. Labor costs, fuel prices
and many other factors dictate the cost of a product.
You should expect to pay a "little" more
for an Organic product due to the higher cost of production
but a conventionally grown product should be in line
with the other growers that is how fair trade and competition
is supposed to work. A word about organics, just
because something is not sprayed does not make it Organic.
What makes a product Organic is a lot of had work on
the part of the farmer and a certificate from the USDA,
without this certificate it is just an ordinary carrot.
If you ask if something is Organic then the answer is
a simple yes or no. *Question: Are
your carrots Organic?* *Answer: Well, we don't spray
or use chemicals.*
This did not answer the question; the answer is a simple
yes or no. I am getting a rash of complaints from shoppers
about this and I want to know if someone gives you the
run around when you ask the question. A true Organic
grower will "proudly" have their certification
on display and give you the Yes answer you deserve. If
a farmer does not spray or use chemicals that's
fine and we encourage using clean farming practices for
a healthier world. We just cannot stand by while you
are misled by double talk. By law, a product cannot
be sold as Organic unless the farm and that product has
been through a rigorous testing and inspection process
lasting several years and certified by an USDA approved
agency.
Strawberries seductive perfume beckons
from the tables as you stroll by at the Walnut
Creek Farmers' Market.
Long, firm greenish purple stalks of asparagus beg to be grilled
and doused with balsamic drizzle. Spring is rearing her gorgeous
head and we Pavlovianly follow where led, which is to the farmers' market
to partake in the bounty. Strawberries have championed the seasonal
change and now grace morning cereal with chopped, toasted almonds.
Lunches are utilizing reusable containers to present the ultimate
pick me up break food of sliced strawberries and tangerines. Try
tossing tender spring spinach with sliced strawberries,
sliced spring onions, a sprinkle of balsamic vinaigrette and a generous
grate of ricotta salata over all. Rhubarb teams up victoriously with strawberries for luscious, steaming from the oven crisp with a dollop of local
honey sweetened mascarpone.Website: www.cccfm.org
© Copyright CCCFM 2008.