It’s summertime and with that comes an abundance of fresh local produce! Some folks are lucky enough to have space and a green enough thumb to produce their very own bounty of fresh veggies, herbs and fruits. However, if you’re faced with any of the obstacles such as being limited on time or space or if gardening does not come naturally to you, fear not! Local farmers markets are coming to the rescue! (photo credit: Smithfield Farmers Market)
Not only will you support your local farmers, Farmers Markets offer a bounty of healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables and herbs and flowers. Local honey and farm-raised meats are often available as well. Locally, here in Hampton Roads, Virginia, we are fortunate to have many nearby Farmers Markets. Two of our favorites are the Smithfield & Williamsburg Farmers Markets. The Smithfield Farmers Market is located on Main Street in the Historic Downtown. It runs every Saturday morning from 9-12, beginning in late March and runs through October 20 of this year. The Williamsburg Farmers Market also runs every Saturday morning from 8-12, April through October. The Williamsburg Farmers Market is located in Merchants Square on Duke of Gloucester Street.
Farmers Markets can be an easy solution to the daily, “What’s for dinner?” dilemma. Fresh, in-season vegetables and herbs can be just the answer to a quick, healthy and even hearty family meal. Borrowed from Southern Living Magazine, these Farmers Market recipes, shown below, are easy, delicious and packed with healthy!
Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes
- 2 pounds assorted tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley
How to Make It
Gently stir together tomatoes, minced shallot, crushed garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and set aside for 1 hour and 45 minutes, tossing occasionally. Stir in basil leaves and Italian parsley leaves. Serve immediately.
Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella
-
8 ounces thin spaghetti
-
Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes (recipe above)
-
½ cup mozzarella balls
How to make it
Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and return to pot. Spoon in Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes and desired amount of vinaigrette; add mozzarella balls. Serve immediately. (photo credit: Southern Living Magazine)