TASTY BITES:
Go Farm Fresh In The City

October marks the beginning of cooler weather and the return of many seasonal farmers’ markets in the Valley. There is nothing like the taste of freshly harvested fruit, vegetables and herbs, locally raised meat, harvested honey, prepared jams or freshly baked goods. And local farmers’ markets have it all and more.

Farmers’ markets are not only an affordable way to enjoy in-season foods and explore healthier food choices for you and your family, but offer an opportunity to meet the farmers, ranchers and purveyors of local products – it is a true community building experience.

With the help of Community Food Connections (foodconnect.org), we have compiled a list of both seasonal and year-round markets. Read our October issue, on stands and online, for a list of Northeast Valley Markets.

Veggies

Be The Farm

Time To Prepare Fall Gardens

Arizona Nursery Association member retailers are reporting increased interest in home vegetable gardening this year. October is a great time to begin the root and leaf crops which you start from seeds or seedlings. For information on local planting recommendations and nursery locations, read our story in CITYLife.

Little farmer

CITYSunTimes Online Extras October 2009
Read the full story

FOOD & WINE

From Farmers’ Market To Your Family Table

Need some inspiration on what to do with all of the delicious goodness found at the local farmers’ market? Here are two resources to feed your family quickly, creatively and nutritiously.

Play With Your Kids Food

The Gastrokid Cookbook: Feeding a Foodie Family in a Fast-Food World, by Hugh Garvey and Matthew Yeomans, answers the question, “What should we have for dinner tonight?” with easy-to-prepare, kid-tested, organic, sustainable and delicious recipes. Gastrokid’s philosophy is that kids should not be “cooked-down to.” Try recipes like Grilled Corn Salad, Seared Salmon with Honey-Lime Sauce or Green Zebra Pizza.

Rediscover The Home-Cooked Meal

Homecooking With a focus on fresh, readily-available organics, Notakeout.com provides daily menus along with complete a shopping list, game plan (beginning with “When you walk in the door….”) and instructions to prepare quick, delicious, seasonal dinners. Not only are the meals easy, notakeout.com even tells you what kitchen tools will be needed and offers a wine and dessert pairing. Sign up for a daily e-mail or visit when you need some inspiration. It is deliciously simple.

FOOD & WINE Online Extra | CITYSunTimes October 2009