Tag: farmers market

Spicy Fall Slaw

When it comes to slaw, you may think of summer foods, pulled pork and heavy meals.  Though I do love a good pulled pork sandwich and some creamy coleslaw (one of my weaknesses), there are other seasons and healthier ways to enjoy this side dish.

With the crisp air, fall foliage and fall foods flooding the farmers markets, we are offered a bounty of seasonal produce and opportunities for nourishing foods with the fall feels.

Though I will miss the smell and taste of fresh tomatoes off the vine and other summer goodies, I am really loving the abundance of fall foods in the garden.  Foods like beets, kale, sweet potatoes and cabbage. Local orchards offer an abundance of delicious apples and some pears, depending on your area.   Many of these items can be included in your slaw recipe if you’re looking for a creative variety.

Spicy Fall Slaw #simplerecipe #fallfoods #holistichealth

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Included in this dish is one of my favorites- red cabbage. Cabbage is packed with healthy nutrients and delivers an abundance of health.  It’s been shown to reduce inflammation, support digestion and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.  Kohlrabi is an incredible superfood and one that’s loaded with antioxidants (help remove toxins in the body).  It’s a cousin to Brussels, kale, broccoli and cabbage.  Not only is it healthy and high in nutrients but it’s low in calories too.  A veggie that you may find at many fall markets.

Crisp apples have similar benefits as cabbage but they also help support brain power and have been shown to support gut health.  Sometimes I add in Asian Pears as well if they are in season.  They are a great source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C and potassium.  They also help support lung health and function.  Apple cider vinegar and lemon are some of my favorites for supporting detoxification and cleansing in the body.  Speaking or resetting and cleanings, if you’re feeling a need for it in your body (and mind), I welcome you to check out my upcoming Reset.  Link: Fresh for Fall Reset

OK… back to this tasty recipe…

This slaw recipe is a fall staple and one I make often during the season and beyond.  With cabbage and apples in full swing, it’s a great time to eat with the season and enjoy the colors of health.  This dish pairs well as a base with some pulled chicken or protein of choice on top.  You can add crunch with pumpkin seeds or enjoy it alone.

This recipe is super simple, easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.  The ginger and additional ingredients give it a little kick and fun taste.  I welcome you to try the recipe as is or double it up and save some for later.  This is a great dish for entertaining too!

 

Spicy Fall Slaw

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced

1 large kohlrabi, peeled and thinly sliced or grated

1 cup carrots, grated

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 apple or Asian pear, sliced

1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated

1 tablespoon Bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or oil of choice (I love Olive and Basket)

Juice from 1 lemon

Optional Garnish: Microgreens Maryland Microgreens

DIRECTIONS:

Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Massage the vegetables using clean hands to help the vegetables wilt. Adjust the seasoning to your tastes. Allow the slaw to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.  If using, top with Microgreens before serving.

Happy Fall Y’all!  Enjoy! ?

XOXO,

Kim

Summer Heirloom Tomato and Fruit Salad

When it comes to summer foods, simple salads and summer produce dishes are often the option of choice for cookouts, picnics and delicious meal options.  With the summer markets and gardens offering a bounty this time of the year, it’s pretty easy to find salad options.  When it comes to this simple dish, I invite you to get creative with different flavors and textures.

This recipe can be created as written or you can choose to opt out ingredients for others.  With summer slowing down, I am finding an abundance of fresh produce that needs to be used or canned.  Therefore I loaded this goodie up with things I had from the market and garden.  Fresh herbs can be altered and include basil, mint or dill. Not only do herbs provide an additional flavor and garnish but they also help with detoxification.

Heirloom tomatoes are one of my favorites to grow in the garden.  Though I do love all fresh off the vine tomatoes, I’ve really grown to love the heirloom variety.  This year in the garden, I am growing black prince, green zebra and persimmons (which have been called a tree fruit).  These tomatoes have an added health benefit in that they contain lycopene.  One of the most powerful natural antioxidants.  These tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, which helps to nourish different parts of the body and has been linked to stress reduction.

Summer Heirloom Tomato and Fruit Salad #farmtotable #simplerecipes #seasonaleating

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Watermelons are another staple often found in the garden and at markets during the summer season.  This juicy and tasty fruit helps to keep us hydrated during the hot summer months.  Watermelon has been linked to reduced inflammation, heart health and weight loss.

The combination of these two beauties are not only gorgeous but also healthy and delicious.  I often top my dishes with goat or sheet cheese, which is easier on the digestion at times.  You can play with different dressing ideas like oil and fresh squeeze lemon, balsamic glaze or dressing or you can make your own like the simple recipe below.  You can add additional toppings like avocado, nuts and seeds too!

Have fun with summer produce this season.  There are so many fun and delicious combinations to experiment with.

Summer Heirloom Tomato and fruit Salad

 

ingredients:
  • 4 heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges or bite sized pieces
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 2 peaches, nectarines or plums (you can add all if you like)
  • 2 ounces of goat cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • small handful of mint leaves
  • small handful of Microgreens https://www.marylandmicrogreens.com
  • Optional: Bed of arugula or spinach 
dressing:

To Prepare the Salad:

1. In a bowl or serving platter, place greens as a base.
2. Mix the microgreens (if using) with the salad greens or reserve for topping
3. Top the greens  with tomatoes, fruit and then goat cheese.
5. Sprinkle nuts, if using and serve with dressing.

Dressing Directions:

In a mason jar with lid or mixing bowl, mix oil with a gradual drip of balsamic to taste.  Depending on the desired sweetness.  Add the honey for desired texture and taste.  If using, finish with salt and pepper.  Shake or stir to combine ingredients before serving with the salad.

ENJOY! ?

P.S. if this salad sounds appealing to your palate, I welcome you to check out this summer beet salad. Summer Peachy Beet Salad

XOXO,

KIM

 

Summer Peachy Beet Salad

Summer is in full swing and so are the local farmers markets.  With so many people starting their own gardens this year and supporting local, we are enjoying a delicious bounty of local fresh produce.  Each week I’ve been sharing (through Facebook) the goodies I’ve been growing and buying and the different ways to prep them.

Today for Farmers Market Friday, I am spotlighting two of my farm fresh favorites- beets and peaches.  Not only are they delicious and display a gorgeous array of color, they pack many health benefits too.

Beets are a powerhouse of health and provide tons of nutritional value.  They help keep blood pressure in check, help to reduce inflammation, provide digestive support and they help to support brain health.  Beets also help support the liver, which is a vital part of our natural detoxification process.  Something we need for better health and immune support.  They’ve also been linked to weight loss and improved athletic performance.

Peaches are a juicy and tasty summer fruit that is packed with antioxidants and nutrients.  It’s been shown to improve heart health, aid digestion, reduce allergies and protect skin.  Something we especially need to be mindful of when we are outside during the summer months.  They are also hydrating.  Which we definitely need during the hot summertime.

This recipe is so flexible and you can play around with a variety of toppings such as dressings, cheeses, nuts and berries.

 

Summer Peachy Beet Salad

Ingredients:

2 Peaches, sliced into bite size pieces http://www.willowspringsproduce.com
Arugula or Mixed Greens of Choice
2 Beets, cut into bite size squares http://www.willowspringsproduce.com
Goat Cheese (regular or cranberry and tarragon)
Sliced nuts (almonds, walnuts and pine nuts are a great option)

Optional: Red Radish Microgreens  https://www.marylandmicrogreens.com

To Prepare the Beets:

Preheat oven to 425 degree

Toss beets in 1-2 Tbsp avocado oil or oil of choice.
Roast in a cast iron or oven safe pan for 30 minutes. Stirring throughout the cooking process.
Beets will have a golden color and be done when a fork or knife can be pinched through them.

 

To Prepare the Salad:
1. In a bowl or serving platter, place greens as a base.
2. Mix the microgreens (if using) with the salad greens.
3. Top the greens  with beets, peaches and then goat cheese.
5. Sprinkle nuts, if using and serve with dressing.

White Balsamic Dressing:

½ cup  Infused Olive Oil or Oil of Choice https://oliveandbasket.com

¼ cup White Balsamic Vinegar https://oliveandbasket.com

1 Tbsp raw honey

Optional: Salt and Pepper to taste

Dressing Directions:

In a mason jar with lid or mixing bowl, mix oil with a gradual drip of balsamic to taste.  Depending on the desired sweetness.  Add the honey for desired texture and taste.  If using, finish with salt and pepper.  Shake or stir to combine ingredients before serving with the salad.

Enjoy! ?

XOXO,

Kim

FARM FRESH TOMATO, BASIL AND FETA SALAD

Growing up as a child, I loved picking farm fresh, ripe tomatoes right off of the vine.  I didn’t care if they were washed or not.  I would bite into them and enjoy the sweet, juicy and oh-so-fresh taste!  I wouldn’t need any salt or pepper.  Just a sweet, juicy and ripe tomato.

Even as an adult, I still enjoy those simple pleasures and load up every time I see them at the farmers market.  I love checking out and learning about the different kinds.  If you see one that looks unfamiliar to you, I encourage you to check it out.  There are so many wonderful varieties.

Even though I love all kinds, I use roma tomatoes with a lot of my dishes.  This one in particular pairs well with roma tomatoes.  They have less seeds and are not as soft, so they prepare well and combine the flavors and textures nicely.  Throw in a little olive oil, seasoning, some feta, fresh basil, and you have a spectacular dish.

I love taking this dish to events, picnics, parties and get together’s.  I love making it at home as well.  It’s delicious with some healthy pita chips or veggies while relaxing on the deck with a chilled glass of vino.  With the holiday approaching, this dish would make a lovely appetizer at your event or picnic.  I also add it to my chicken dishes and zoodle recipes.  It’s always a crowd pleaser.

“Farm Fresh Tomato, Basil and Feta Salad #farmtotable #farmtofork #cleaneating #freshfromthefarm #healthyappetizer

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FARM FRESH TOMATO, BASIL AND FETA SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

10 Fresh Roma Tomatoes (chopped)

1 container of feta (I love the Mediterranean feta from Wegmans)

Small handfull of fresh basil

3 Tablespoons of dry Italian Seasoning (or half of a seasoning pack if desired)

Organic extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

Wash and dice all of your tomatoes.  Mix them in a bowl with the feta cheese.  Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over your ingredients.  Combine and mix in the seasoning.  Lay your ingredients out on your serving tray.  Sprinkle a small amount of seasoning on top.  This may be more than the three tablespoons.

*I recommend you taste as you go and adjust accordingly.  This is a very simple dish, but some prefer more of less of the seasoning, oil and feta.

*The same goes for your fresh basil.  I love basil, so I chop up a small amount and sprinkle the dish with this fresh herb.  It’s just as delicious without, so don’t worry if you don’t have it or don’t love it.  I do love to garnish the ends of my dish and create a farm fresh display (as shown above).

Chill to combine flavors before serving.  I recommend a chill time of one to two hours, but it’s not necessary.

Serve alone, with veggies or organic pita chips.  ENJOY!

IF YOU MAKE THIS YUMMY DISH, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS OR ALTERATIONS.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE in the comments section BELOW.

Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday week!

XO,

KIM

 

 

FARM FRESH WATERMELON POPSICLES

Summer is the perfect time for farm fresh watermelon popsicles!

Summer is officially here and the weather forecast is calling for a HOT weekend here in Maryland.  When I think of summer and hot days, it reminds me of the pool, summer foods and fun with family and friends.  I love fresh watermelon on hot summer days.  Even better…cool popsicles made with fresh melon.

I love to make popsicles because they are fun, easy and a great way to enjoy your fresh fruits.  If you have kiddos, I recommend getting  them involved in the fun.

There are so many options for this tasty, healthy treat.  You can turn so many drinks and fruity concoctions into a frozen popsicle.  Experiment with it and have fun!

FARM FRESH WATERMELON POPSICLES #summertreats #freshwatermelon #farmersmarketfinds #popsicles #watermelon

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Popsicles take about 5 to 6 hours to fully freeze, so you want to allow time for the freezing process.  We make ours the night before or early the next day.  I love a cold, juicy popsicle in the middle of the day when it’s nice and hot!  If you’re like me, I recommend that you prepare yours the night before.

You can find popsicle molds in many home stores, the dollar store, online and where kitchen items are sold.  When shopping for your molds, I recommend looking for BPA-Free molds.  Dishwasher safe options would be great for quick and easy cleanup.

As I mentioned before, you can create a ton of options for your popsicles.  The popsicle will taste just like the drink or mix, so make sure it’s oh-so-delicious before your start pouring.  I suggest sticking to natural sugars like fruits, instead of adding sugar filled ingredients and junk.

Do you have a favorite mix for your summer popsicles?  I would love to hear what you think about this recipe.

 

Watermelon Popsicles

Serves 6 to 8
4 cups seedless watermelon (no rind)
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon honey
BLEND THE INGREDIENTS: Blend the watermelon, lime juice, and honey in a blender. Pour the mixture into Popsicle molds and place in the freezer until solid.
Enjoy!

 

XOXO~

Kim