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Tart, crunchy, sweet, juicy, you've got your favorite, we've got your apple!
Has anyone seen the commercial when the husband is at the grocery store with his wifes shopping list and all she wrote on it was apples?
The husband has the “deer in the headlights” look because there is an aisle a mile long of different types of perfectly shaped apples, and he has no idea what kind of apple to buy.
It can be confusing, I admit. There are about 2500 varieties of apples grown in the U.S. Well….. that is what happens when you don’t buy at your local farmers market.
Apples from all over the country are shipped here and lots of energy is expended in order to transport them to the grocery. Now, I know you are going to say “Michigan, Ohio and Indiana grow apples, so it did not take that much energy to get them to my grocery store.” Well I can tell you that it took a lot less energy for our local farmer to bring it to us AND you are impacting our local economy.
OK, I am having an Ed Begley Jr. moment, forgive me. If this family shopped at their local farmers market, the farmer that regularly sold apples to this guys wife would probably know what kind of apples she buys!
Still not sold… well then come out and taste some on Saturday. You will not be disappointed, I promise. We will be sampling apples from BACK YARD ORCHARDS, from nearby Rising Sun, Indiana.
DID YOU KNOW
40 varieties of apples are grown in OHIO?
All 50 US states grow apples? ( so it does not mean the apples in the mega-mart are local)
Vitamins and Nutrients are found in the skin? One more reason to buy ORGANIC, when you peel the skin you lose a lot!
Apples ripen 6-10 times faster at room temperature.?
Rainbow Apple Salad with sunflower seeds and poppy seed dressing
3 apples with different color skins washed and chopped into bite size pieces
1/4 cranberries and/or raisins or both!
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup orange juice
Immediately after chopping apples soak them in orange juice to prevent browning for 2 minutes
Drain, add celery, cranberries and raisins.
Dressing
1/2 cup natural sour cream
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider vinegar
1-2 Tablespoons remaining orange juice
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon poppy seeds.
Pour dressing our apples and then mix in sunflower seeds. Enjoy!
If you have a favorite apple recipe please share it with me, I would love to hear from you!
Happy Seasonings!
Barbie Hahn
thesuburbanchef@fuse.net
Its that time of year when you can go to the market and see all the bounty that Ohio has to offer. We are really fortunate to live in an area where we have family farms committed to providing the best local produce. It is a lot of work to get their product to the Farmers Markets, so when you see them wiping their brow know they have been up since before sunrise picking the best for YOU!
I get excited when corn is in full swing. I often over buy or cook too much and I am always looking for ways to use my “extra” corn. This recipe is great because you can use grilled corn, steamed corn, uncooked corn, whatever you have around works just fine in this recipe. Check out all the different varieties that are available at The Market, many so sweet, you do not need butter!
DID YOU KNOW
Corn is America’s favorite crop?
The Native Americans named it Mahiz which means “that which sustains us”
Before corn was hybridized cobs were not much bigger than your finger?
Corn is thought to have originated in Mexico almost 7,000 years ago.
Corn is rich in phosphorus, magnesium and vitamins B, B6.
Corn on the cob is a great source of fiber.
Farmers Market Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa
This bright and flavorful Salsa can be served simply with tortilla chips or can be served over grilled chicken or with tacos. The flavors get better as it sits overnight. Great to make a day ahead and take to parties, cookouts or picnics.
Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa
1 large can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 ears uncooked corn, cut from the cob (or leftover grilled or steamed corn works just fine)
1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped
2 large cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely minced
½ cup diced red onion
1/2 bunch scallions (green onions), minced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 limes, juiced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Mix all chopped ingredients in a bowl add lime juice, olive oil, cumin chili powder and salt and pepper. Let sit for about 1 hour to let flavors marry.
Got a great corn recipe, share it with me, I would love to hear from you.
Happy Seasonings!
Barbie Hahn
thesuburbanchef@fuse.net
It’s National Farmers’ Market Week! If you’ve not yet had a chance to make it to the Anderson Farmers’ Market, this is definitely the weekend to make the trip. In addition to a summer’s bounty of produce, the Market will be featuring samples of dishes made from items from our very own producers, including this delicious dish.
