Paradise Farmer's Market

Since there are only 12 people who live in Paradise, how on earth do we have a farmer's market do you ask?  Well actually Paradise is a thriving metropolis compared to the "306 friendly people" in Avon.  This spring the town decided to start a farmer's market, and has offered all sorts of gardening classes free for the community.  There is even a community garden if you live on the SW side of town. (That means the 4th Ward.)  Today was the 2nd farmer's market for the season and they asked if I would do a little demo on cooking from your garden.  I love my garden and so I said yes, but as those of you know it's Cache Valley.  My garden is still just starting.  So I pretended I had potatoes, and beans, and bought the most beautiful packages of those veggies from Sam's.  In a few weeks though I will be harvesting beans and I will make the Warm Veggie salad all the time. The second item on the menu was Zuppa Tuscana.  My favorite soup in the world.  Full of Italian Sausage, Russet Potatoes, and Kale.  I grew Kale this year just for this soup, and it was a lovely addition to the bubbling pot of soup.   Even though I may not have grown every veggie in my menu tonight, I am growing them, and I was proud of my Kale growing skills at least.

Warm Veggie Salad

(adapted from Giada DeLaurentis' Everyday Italian)

Boiled New Potatoes

Blanched green beans

2 roasted red peppers chopped

1 clove garlic chopped

1 bunch green onions

 

Dressing:

¼ c. vinegar

zest of 1 lemon and its juice

½ c. oil

1 t. dried oregano or 1 T fresh

salt and pepper to taste

 

Toss all the warm veggies together with the dressing and serve.  The dressing would be great in a salad or over roasted veggies too.

 Zuppa Tuscana

 

 

1 lb. Italian sausage browned and drained

1 onion (cook with sausage)

2 clove garlic (cook with sausage)

6 c. water

6 bouillon cubes

2 Russet Potatoes sliced

2 c. shredded kale

pinch of red pepper flakes

1 c. cream

 

Bring all ingredients to a boil except for the cream.  Simmer until potatoes are tender.  Add cream and top with Parmesan Cheese.  It’s even better the second day.