 From Chef Lesley Stiles: Summer Squash SautÉed w/ Orange and Mint 4 or 5 medium sized summer squashes (could be zucchini, patty pan, crookneck etc.), cut in large chunks 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil zest from 1 medium sized lemon 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint a couple of chili flakes ¼ cup chicken or vegetable stock kosher salt and freshly ground pepper Heat oil in a large sauté pan and add the garlic. Cook 2 minutes on medium heat. Add squash and sauté for 3 minutes on medium high heat. Add chili flakes, mint and zest and sauté 1 more minute. Add stock and cover for 2 more minutes. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Serves 4. Printer-friendly version More recipes |
 From the General Manager, Jessie Neu: Back to the future in Orinda... the story is... location, location, location! The momentum is growing and this is not just a new trend... it's the future. Where are all the new people coming from? Well... folks are well read, smart and are taking responsibility and ownership... this is what this is all about. The markets in your town depend on you... they are running like well lubricated and healthy machines. Thank you for being there. Tell your neighbors they should come too... it's a weekly, local happening! The choices are spectacular... taste the difference! The seasonal changes are dramatic and the farmers are chomping at the bit to come back... so we are adjusting weekly to make room for everyone who will be joining us... Welcome Back! Kashiwase Farms featuring organic stone fruit like the "Dough nut Peach and Aprium." Look for them in Orinda and Walnut Creek. New Members: Empis - Award winning Empanads - Sat. in Pleasant Hill and Orinda; Lucious Charms Sweets - in Orinda; Diaz Farms - Sun. in Martinez; Aprils Garden - backyard grower - Sat. in Pleasant Hill. *Please Note: The non-agriculture vendors in Martinez are now relocated on the east side of the market as the market is expanded. This is due to an effort to work with Main Street Martinez and to keep all the farmers' together on the west side of the market. A Government Sell Out? Marketing to Kids: We expect our Government to help us by protecting our best interest for our families and especially our children. A recent news story about a partnership between the Department of Health Services and Dreamworks in which they developed a public service announcement, on television to encourage kids to "Get up and play for 1 hour a day" reveals the real goal in the hidden agenda... a hypocritical link in that the TV advertising industry targets kids by connecting more than 70 not-so-healthy foods and other consumer products to the service announcement. For more information and resources for parents go to: "The Hard Sell" - Marketing to Kids at www.cbsnews.com Time to Act on the Good News on the 2007 Farm Bill Action Alert - House and Senate Food and Farm Bill call for increased support for Healthy Affordable Local, and Regional foods from family farms in underserved urban and rural areas. Take Action Now to urge members of congress to stand up for healthy food programs in the upcoming farm bill. To learn more click here: calfoodandfarming.org/policy/ Sign a friend up for the e-Newsletter! Jessie Neu can be reached at gm@cccfm.org California Legislature 14th Assembly District Members Resolution No. 1200  Resolved by Assembly Member Loni Hancock ...that Contra Costa Certified Farmers' Markets Inc. be commended on the Celebration of its 25th Anniversary on the vital role it has played in improving the quality of life in the communities in which it operates and extended best wishes for continued sucess in the future. |
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Thanks to everyone who came out to help us celebrate our
Grand Opening in our new location. And
grand it was! We love our new digs, and it seems that
you do too, judging by the overwhelmingly positive response
we received from customers and growers alike. The
City of Orinda has been very supportive and helpful as
we fine tune everything. It's beginning to
feel like home. Last week we were joined by Hamlow
Ranches with organic stonefruit, and Empi,
with Argentinian Empanadas, which were completely new
to me, but now are a favorite. This Saturday Cottage
Kitchen will
return as will Spengers' Bistro
Blends, and Steve's
Bees, who come every other week. So, grab a friend
and come on down to the Farmers' Market. I
look forward to seeing you. Stop by the manager's
stall and say "hi".
We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful place with such
great access to
the farms in East County and the Central Valley. The
fruits got a good punch
from our cold snap this winter and the apricots
and peaches are already in
the market at the same time as the first crop of cherries.
The flavors of
our fruit and vegtables are really a treat. I was visiting
friends for dinner and they had bought their produce from
an organic "supermarket."
A bit of a
surprise to find no taste in the fruit. The difference
in farmers' market produce and supermarket produce is the
same as the difference between a store bought tomato and
a homegrown tomato. We are so lucky to have access
to such great farms and farmers. 
The asparagus season is winding down. I know it's sad, but this means the start of another season. Tomatoes, corn, tomatoes, and all those luscious stone fruits. I know I mentioned tomatoes twice, I like tomatoes.
Last week we welcomed back Mora Farms known for their sweet fruits and grapes and Kashawasi
Farms with their organic fruits. We are looking forward to seeing the rest of our seasonal family soon, Smith
Family Farms and Alhambra Valley Farms to name a few. It's going to be a great season!
Asparagus
is gone for another season but fava beans
and green garlic abound for some silky,
sensual flavor combinations. Sauté green garlic in good olive oil and a
little stock on medium heat for about 30 minutes. This will render the garlic
to caramelized butter. Pop your favas out of their little blankie and drop into
boiling salted water for about 3 minutes. Drain and cool in ice water. Slip their
second layer off and mash the bright green jewels with some lemon peel and lemon
oil. Stir in the caramelized garlic and spread onto a nice little toast. Shave
some pecorino on and sprinkle with sea salt. Now this may seem a bit laborious
to you but remember that this is a three day weekend and you can do the whole
bean shucking thing while you watch a good flick. Be sure that the blankies and
skins make it into your compost for a luscious treat in your yard potion.
Memorial Day weekend is upon us - a time for remembrance,
celebrations and family gatherings. It is observed on the final
Monday of May and was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday
commemorates U.S. men and women who lost their lives serving their
country. It was established in 1868 to honor the dead from the Civil
War. Over the years Memorial Day came to serve as a day to remember
all U.S. men and women killed or missing in action in all wars.Website: www.cccfm.org
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