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Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report

Well, I have been really remiss in getting my farmers market reports out in the past few weeks. I have a hundred excuses (the heat, work, out of town, etc. etc.), but I have really missed the market and can't wait to get back. I'm going tomorrow and am dying to get my hands on some delicious fresh cherries. I can eat them like candy all day long. Other treats I'm on the hunt for: apricots and nectarines (they perfume the air of the whole market!).

Of course, I need my healthy green veggies, too. I'll be looking for fresh asparagus, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, artichokes, eggplant, onions, herbs.... All the good stuff for tossing together in salads, topping pasta or filling an omelet on those days when it's too hot to cook, but you still want to eat well. I've read several articles lately extolling the virtues of organic product. They think it contains much higher levels of nutrients than non-organic produce..... Luckily for all of us, most of the produce at the Old L.A. Farmer's Market is certified organic.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there,
ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 4/29/08

One thing we tend to take for granted, those of us who live in Southern California, is the abundance of delicious, fresh and healthy produce that is available to us all year 'round. This was brought home to me when we had family in town from the midwest last week.

They had come here for a birthday celebration and were able to spend a couple of extra days hanging out in our fantastic weather. On one of the hottest days we've had so far this year in NE LA, we piled into the car and headed out to Malibu. But being at the beach makes me hungry, so I packed up some sandwiches and fresh fruit to take along with us.

You cannot imagine the impact a cucumber can have on someone! I had picked up some fresh cucumbers at the farmers market a few days earlier. Without giving it too much thought, I sliced them up and popped them on some bagels with a smear of cream cheese and some smoked salmon. Delish! But the cucumbers were the talk of the trip from that point on..... How fresh, how delicious, how sweet and crunchy... Nothing else our relatives ate on their entire trip inspired as much conversation or compliments. Of course, I basked in the attention and got all the credit for the making the most amazing sandwich (which really just boils down to having the good sense to buy a few cucumbers at the market - who would've thought?).

Now, I have to say that I myself do love these cukes. They are small, have few seeds and a thin skin that is NOT waxed, so they are yummy unpeeled. I find myself putting them on everything (they are especially good with egg salad).

The other big impression on our out-of-town family was made by juicy, ripe strawberries on homemade waffles for breakfast one morning. They add color and vitamins, as well as flavor and sweetness to an otherwise only marginally healthy breakfast. Fresh squeezed juice (from citrus from the market, of course) is the prefect compliment.

It is easy to overlook how lucky we are to have such a variety of fresh, healthy and delicious produce available to us at any time of the year. To see this bounty through the eyes of visitors really brings it home and makes me grateful to live in CA and also to have a great farmers market to shop at within just a few blocks of home.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmers Market - April 3, 2008

Comparing apples and oranges..... Well, maybe you are not "supposed" to do this, but it sure tastes good if you do. Last week, the farmers market was bursting with apples of all kinds and citrus of all kinds, including oranges, kumquats, grapefruit and -- my personal favorite -- blood oranges. I brought home a bag of each to snack on through the week. The apples are sweet and crunchy. The citrus is tart an juicy. There's no need to choose between them -- you need some of each!

This time of year, I love to add chopped up apples to salads. In our cool but not cold, warm but not hot, Southern California spring climate, big, meal-sized salads are really satisfying for lunch or dinner. I love adding chopped fruit and nuts to them to make them even more substantial and filling. The apples that dominate at the farmers market right now are called Pink Ladies -- even the name is delicious! -- and they are crisp and sweet. These are perfect in a salad along with some walnuts, chopped celery and leafy greens -- all of these items can be found at the farmers market within just a few yards of each other.  You can whip up a complimentary dressing using walnut oil and cider vinegar to add layers of nutty fruitiness to the flavors.

The fabulous citrus available this time of year brightens the longer days with intense flavor and color. Blood oranges, with their ruby colored fruit and juice, look at wonderful as they taste. The juice is refreshing to drink when fresh squeezed or it can be reduced down to a light glaze on the stovetop to use as a sauce on poultry or even ice cream! Kumquats are my personal favorite. This time of year I carry around a small bag of kumquats wherever I go and pop them in my mouth whole for a juicy, zingy snack. The peels are so thin and have so much flavor, it's like eating candy with an edible wrapper. I can easily eat a dozen in a brief amount of time. Grapefruits are also abundant at this time of year and add another dimension to the fruit bowl. You can sprinkle some sugar on the cut side of a halved grapefruit and then stick it under the broiler for a minute or two until the sugar carmelizes into a sweet and cruchy crust on the fruit.

In addition to apples and citrus, the market is bursting with other produce, such as asparagus, broccoli, eggplant and green beans, as well as nuts, cheeses, oils and vinegars. There is a week's worth of groceries right at your fingertips on Tuesday evenings from 3 - 7 p.m. on Avenue 56, between Figueroa and Marmion Way, right next to the Gold Line station. Parking in the lot is FREE after 4 p.m., or save some gas money and take the train or a bus.

See you there!
ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 3/11/08

The market was hopping last week due to the warm weather, long days and – apparently – big appetites for all the new produce.

I scored a large bag of goodies – all of it organic – for what I thought was a great bargain. This week, my acquisitions included:

• 2 bunches of asparagus (both the thick and think versions were available – I chose thick, which are better for grilling).
• 1 bunch of carrots (tops on –the greens go into my compost bin)
• 3 cucumbers
• 3 zucchini
• 3 small eggplant
• 1 bunch of celery
• 3 Gala apples (Fuji were also available)
• 1 gorgeous Asian pear
• 1 plump pink grapefruit

All of the above were organic and all of it cost me a grand total of $15. As of today, we’ve eaten about half of it (there are 2 adults in my house, no kids). The asparagus and eggplant went on the grill (to go on a bed of cous cous from Trader Joes for a quick dinner ready in about 10 minutes). The zucchini was grated and mixed into pasta sauce. The celery was chopped up to add crunch to egg salad and tuna salad. I have some leftover to put into soup, along with some of the carrots. The apples, pear and grapefruit have been great just for snacking throughout the day, when my sweet tooth hits.

This is only the beginning of what promises to be a great year for locally grown fruits and veggies! All of the rains we endured over the winter will really begin to pay off now.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmers Market

Hi, everybody! It's been a long time since I've written in.... I got very busy with work (I'm sure many of you can relate) and then I was out of town for a bit. But now I'm back. The weather is gorgeous and as of this weekend, the days are even longer. That means that it's still light out at the market in the evenings, up until almost 7, so it's easy to get there after work and you can actually see the produce you are selecting.

And there are so many good things to buy right now! Citrus, of course, is king this time of year. The lemons, oranges, tangerines, tangelos and grapefruit are abundant, juicy and delicious and packed with vitamin C. Other good things to indulge in right now are eggplants, broccoli and asparagus.

Here's a fantastic and simple way to eat farm fresh, spring asparagus... Snap off the hard ends and simply boil or steam it until is is bright green and still crisp (maybe 5 minutes, if it's thin), then just toss it with a little bit of butter, a squeeze of lemon juice (see citrus, above) and salt and pepper. The whole operation takes about 10 minutes and this is a nice side dish with any kind of protein you like or maybe just for a healthy snack or even with an egg and toast for breakfast (and don't forget the fresh squeezed orange juice!). Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and a great time to get in a few servings of fruits and vegetables.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 1/8/08

Well, after several weeks “off”, due to holidays and weather, the Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer’s Market was back in action on Tuesday afternoon. It was a quiet day at the market, without as many vendors as usual, but it was nice to have it back. I am getting my new year started off on the right foot by stocking my kitchen with healthy and tasty foods.

At this time of year, citrus abounds at the market. Oranges and grapefruits overflow the boxes placed on the tables. I love freshly squeezed juice and citrus is so easy to do whether you have a fancy, electric juicer or an old-fashioned, hand-operated one like mine (inherited from a grandparent and still in great working order!). My favorite thing to do is mix up whatever citrus juices I have for a custom-made blend that is always unique and refreshing. I often mix oranges, grapefruit and even throw in some lemon. The ratio doesn’t matter, except for personal preference. If it’s too tart, a little bit of honey will smooth it out. And guess what? Honey is also available at the market!

I was tempted into buying a three-pack of strawberries at the market this week. I know that I should know better. To be honest, they were not the best strawberries I’ve had and nothing like the fabulous ones we get in summer. They were beautiful red on the outside, and even had a nice fragrance, but were sadly white and hard when cut into. Nevertheless, they are not wasted! I cleaned and chopped them up, then put them in the freezer. Now, in the mornings, I blend up smoothies with the frozen berries, some fresh squeezed citrus juice and whatever else I have on hand, whether it be a banana, yogurt, soy milk or even – why not? – a little vanilla ice cream. Not a bad start for a new day and a new year.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 12/17/07

Hello Highland Park!

Unfortunately, the Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmers Market was rained out last week, so nothing to report. I'm very glad that we all got some much needed rain and started to build up the snow pack in the mountains. The farmers will need the water to irrigate their crops so they can continue to bring fresh, nutritious and beautiful produce to market for all of us.

Today is Christmas Eve. I wish all of you and your families a happy holiday and bright, fun, healthy new year!!

I'll resume market reports in January when the market is back and I'll need to cook some healthy meals full of fresh fruits and vegetables to battle the aftermath of the holiday indulgences.

See you soon,
Maggie

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 12/4/07

This year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I’ve decided to avoid the mall at all costs. All of my holiday shopping, what little I do, will be done at small, independent shops, hopefully right in my neighborhood (who can afford to buy gifts if you have to spend your money on gas driving all over town?). Luckily for me, Highland Park and other nearby neighborhoods have an abundance of resources for a discriminating shopper.

My very first shopping spree of the season took place at the Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmers Market last week at Uncle Berch’s stand. They have my favorite salad dressing and marinade ingredient in the world – avocado oil blended with a touch of blood orange. It is deliciously fragrant and elegant. It happens to be very healthy, too – all that mono-unsaturated fat to keep your cholesterol in check. Although I’ve been buying it for myself all year, now is the perfect time to share this treasure with those I love. I bought half a dozen bottles to spread around to members of my family. Uncle Berch’s has an amazing variety of gourmet products that make ideal gifts for anyone on your list who likes to eat (and really, who doesn’t?). The avocado oil comes blended with other flavors such as key lime and toasted garlic. There is a variety of gorgeous olive oils as well as balsamic vinegars of different ages and with different flavorings, such as berries. There are also homemade jams in range of unusual and delicious flavors, which vary weekly. A small collection of oil, vinegar and jam, all placed together in a pretty basket or box, tied up with a bow makes a beautiful gift.

If you want to do an even more elaborate gift basket, consider adding some dried fruits and nuts from the stand right next to Uncle Berch’s. At this time of year, when everyone is inundated with chocolates and cookies, a basket full of healthy and tasty treats is most welcome.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 11/20/07

Last week, we (my husband and I) hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house for the first time ever. And we survived it! We had nine people for dinner, including siblings from both sides and their respective families.

The group includes: a quasi-vegetarian, a more serious vegetarian, a bunch of carnivores, a couple of picky kids and someone who doesn’t like onions. My hub did a great job with the turkey. There was a sausage stuffing and a mushroom stuffing, a “real” gravy and a vegetarian gravy (surprisingly delicious, made with a roux and homemade roasted vegetable stock). We did some zucchini on the grill at the last minute, while the roasted sweet potato fries were coming out of the oven and the white potatoes (well, Yukon gold) were being mashed. The salad was dressed (romaine, pears, walnuts and gorgonzola – what’s better than that???) and everything pretty much hit the table all at the same time. Remarkably lucky for our first try at this dinner, but we had lots of help in the kitchen.

The stand-out dish of the entire meal was the mashed potatoes with a pear puree. Everyone loved it, no matter what the individual’s dietary preference or habit. The pear puree was made the day before and kept in the fridge, to be heated slightly in the microwave and then swirled into the potatoes just before serving. The best part? Every ingredient came from the farmers market – the potatoes, the turnips (optional, in my opinion), the pears, the lemon, even the honey! I think that is the reason it tasted so good. The recipe can be found here, on the Epicurious website:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/231102

We will definitely be making these potatoes again and again through the chilly winter months. An added bonus: the pears make the house smell delicious when they are roasting.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (HP) Farmer's Market Report

It’s always a little sad when it starts getting dark so early this time of year, but it makes me crave warm, comforting, homemade food… and that means shopping at the farmer’s market for all the right ingredients.

This week I’m on an eggplant kick. I picked up some darling “baby” eggplants at the market. They are about the size of a small orange, beautiful dark, smooth skins and very plump. Bigger eggplants can occasionally get bitter, but there was no danger of that with these cuties, and they had very few seeds (which can also lead to bitterness).

We ate some that very evening on top of a homemade pizza (whipping up a pizza is so easy to do with dough, sauce and cheese from Trader Joe’s – just top with your favorite farmers market finds that week).

Afterwards, I found a very clever idea for eggplant on www.chowhound.com -- lightly breading and cooking in your waffle iron! If you have kids, this may be a new way to get them to eat veggies. No joke; check out this link (and I’m going to try it for dinner tonight myself):

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/446954

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (HP) Farmer's Market Report

For those of you who may have missed my farmers' market report, please accept my apologies and know that I have missed them, too! My fridge is empty and the cupboards are bare. I've had to survive on pantry staples and frozen entrees for the past couple of weeks.

Sadly, I've not been able to make it to the market recently due to working later than usual, and being away makes me appreciate it all the more. I can hardly bring myself to buy produce from the supermarket -- the prices are higher but the quality is not!

I can't wait to get back to the market this week to stock up on apples, pears, broccoli and greens, the remaining summer tomatoes and zucchini. I'm really looking forward to seeing squashes and other cool season favorites. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Now that there's a distinct chill in the air (are the Santa Ana winds finally behind us?), I can't wait to make soups and stews and turn the oven back on for roasting. Just about everything tastes great roasted (with a little olive oil and seasoning, nothing could be easier or more satisfying)!

So I found out that it's true what they say, absense does make the heart grow fonder, and I'm looking forward to shopping tomorrow.

The Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmers Marktet is located on Aveune 58, between Figueroa and the Meridian Way, next to the Gold Line station. There is free parking in the adjacent parking lot after 4 p.m.
See you there!
ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report

his is what I love about the Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmers Market – not having to cook dinner! Well, I do love to cook, but some days, it’s just not going to happen. Just because I don’t want to cook doesn’t mean I don’t want to eat something tasty and satisfying. That’s where the market comes in, conveniently scheduled around dinner-time.

This week I picked up tamales – chile / jack cheese for me and chicken and pork for my husband. Along with a green salad (greens from the market, of course), they made a great, light supper and took no time at all to prepare (just unwrap the corn husks). Other good options for dinner on the go are tacos and roasted chickens. There are still stone fruits to be found, even at this time of year. Try slicing some fresh peaches or nectarines on top of vanilla ice cream for a (relatively) healthy finale to your quick and easy dinner.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report

More new vendors at the market this week: now we have kettle corn!

Now that fall is here, I am in the mood for soup. Each week I visit the market, I am on the hunt for soup ingredients. This week it is potatoes and leeks procured from the market. I make the soup in my slow cooker and let it simmer all day while I work, run errands and otherwise ignore it until it’s ready to puree with a stick blender and then eat. It’s smooth, creamy and satisfying on these days that are getting shorter and cooler in the evenings.

I am also making an attempt to try at least one new thing every week, so this time I bought persimmons, which I admit to never having eaten before… I am not sure what to do with them, but I did find these recipes on the web:

http://www.seasonalchef.com/persimmonrecipes.htm

If any of you have favorite recipes or ways of eating fresh persimmons, please let me know! I could use some help.

I am also trying to put into practice the old adage “An apple a day….” I’m stocking up each week and trying to eat a whole apple every single day, as a snack or as part of a meal, chopped up in a salad or thinly sliced on a grilled cheese sandwich. There are several varieties to choose from; they are super portable and last all week long in the fruit bowl.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (HP) Farmer's Market Report

Fall is here! I visited the Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer’s Market – in its new location along Avenue 58 – just a few days after the fall equinox, the “official” beginning of the fall season. Sure enough, there was an abundance of fall produce.

Gala apples are available at nearly every stand. They have a sweet flavor with a hint of honey. They are great for using in salads or sautéing in butter to put over pancakes. Fuji apples should appear at the market in another week or so.

Now there are several varieties of pears to choose from, or to mix and match, including Bartlett, Bosc and Asian. A collection of pears makes a beautiful arrangement in a large fruit-bowl. Keep them on your counter or table and then grab one to snack on as they ripen.

Finally, my favorite – ripe pomegranates have appeared at the market. Their sweet, tart, crunchy seeds are perfect in salads, on yogurt or even in cocktails! For a great technique to extract the jewel-like seeds, check out this website:

Pomegranate

There is a new shaved ice vendor at the market. Give it a try while the weather is still warm.

Great news: we managed to get through a week without any incidents involving the Gold Line.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd.

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 9/11/07

What a nice surprise to go to the market last week and finally find it in its new location! There are now two spokes emanating from the corner of Marmion Way and Avenue 58. One leg runs along Marmion Way, alongside the Gold Line tracks. This is the “non-certified” section of the market with crafts and goods such as jewelry, clothing, soaps, etc. The other leg runs from Marmion Way to Figueroa, along Avenue 58. This is the “certified” section of the market, with fresh produce, plants available for sale and prepared foods such as tamales and roasted chickens. The market is now nicely visible from both the Gold Line station and from the main drag of Figueroa Blvd. Maybe this will encourage new visitors to check out the market and become regular shoppers!

Now that the weather is getting cooler – finally – I’m ready to turn on my oven again and make some hearty comfort foods. I stocked up on healthy staples such as fresh broccoli, Peruvian purple potatoes, green beans, various onions – all of these are great for roasting with a little olive oil and sea salt. This time of year, I love a nice roasted vegetable warm salad and can make a meal out of that alone, with a nice Asian pear (from the market, of course) for dessert.

The market will now be found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. In Seth’s words: “Please stop by the market for fresh, field-ripened, high quality produce from local farmers and spend time with your friends, neighbors and other community members.”

Oh, and let’s see if we can avoid any more accidents involving the Gold Line…. Those lights and guard rails are there for a reason. Please be careful!

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 9/11/07

I was surprised once again to find the Farmer’s Market in its “old” location last week. I wonder if it had anything to do with the sad collision between the Gold Line and a truck very near that location…..?

The market was very quiet last week, but it was the perfect opportunity to grab some delicious, crisp Gala apples and a jar of sage honey with which to celebrate Rosh Hashanah the following evening. Of course, I couldn’t resist scooping up a few more jujubes – my new favorite late summer fruit and a great companion to the apples to launch a sweet new year!

Is this the week the market will finally be in its new location on Avenue 58? The anticipation is building….Stop by tomorrow afternoon and we’ll find out together.

ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 9/5/07

I found two surprises at the Old L.A. (HP) Farmers Market when I visited last week:

1) The market was in it’s “old” (usual) location. Apparently, the move to Avenue 58 was delayed until this week, so when I visit tomorrow, the market will most likely be in its new location on Avenue 58, between Figueroa and Marmion Way. Parking will be available in the lot that the market used to occupy.

2) I discovered an amazing new fruit called a “jujube”, otherwise known as a Chinese date. I had never heard of these before. They are small, about the size of a small plum, and similarly round in shape. The ones I bought were bright yellow / green with reddish-brown spots. I was told I could eat them just like that (and the taste and texture would be similar to an apple), and I could also wait and eat them later, when they turned all brown and wrinkly (and the taste and texture would be similar to that of a date)…. Hmmmm………

I bought a handful and took the jujubes home to experiment a little. I ate one right away. Yes, there might be a hint of apple, but I agree with one comment I read on the internet: it tasted like a “sweet, crunchy styrofoam cup.”. Not bad, but not very exciting either. Nevertheless, they are very pretty little fruits, so I put them in a bowl on the counter and waited, until today….. Now they are all solid reddish-brown and wrinkled. I cut one in half and took a bite (skin on) – DELICIOUS. No longer crunchy, the flesh is smooth and slightly chewy. They are very sweet, but with a nicy tangy note of tart, too. The flavor is very intense and concentrated. They remind me a little bit of dried apples (the soft chewy ones, not the crunchy variety). Now I’m glad I bought so many!

Jujubes are thought to be extremely healthy (packed with vitamin C) and also to have medicinal properties. A tea made from them can be used to soothe a sore throat, among many other uses. They are commonly used in Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments.

I found a recipe for steamed pears, stuffed with jujubes and you may want to get some for yourself and give it a try:

http://chinesefood.about.com/od/dessertsfruit/r/steamedpears.htm

For myself, I think I’ll just finish eating them fresh, out of hand, before the afternoon is over.

See you tomorrow at the markets new location on Avenue 58.
ML

Old L.A. (HP) Farmer's Market Report

Whoever came up with the phrase “eat your colors” must have been a farmers market devotee. It’s a good way to eat and a fun way to shop, especially in the middle of summer when the riot of colors at the market is at its peak.

This week I was enthralled with all things purple, especially gorgeous purple potatoes. With these beauties, I made a delicious, warm potato salad, including red onions, dark ruby red heirloom tomatoes and bright, fresh basil – each item procured at the market. Topped off with a little smoked salmon for protein and flavor and it was an entirely satisfying meal.

My latest obsession is a book I just got my hands on called “12 Best Foods Cookbook” with over 200 recipes for using them in every day meals. Of the “12 Best”, over half of them can easily be gotten from the farmers market, including: blueberries (when in season), sweet potatoes, spinach (nearly always available), broccoli (plenty of good looking heads at the market last week), tomatoes (of all shapes, sizes and colors!), walnuts (also at the market) and onions (like the tomatoes, available in stunning variety). Throughout the book, the recipes incorporate many other “super-healthy” fruits, veggies and nuts easily picked up at the market: strawberries, avocados, grapes, greens of all kinds, red and yellow peppers, corn, melon and various squash. OK – typing that list made me hungry, so I’m headed off to the kitchen to put together my next meal.

I am away next week, so you won’t see a report from me for the August 28 market, but I will be back to see you all at the market in it’s new location on Avenue 58 on September 4th. Until then, stay healthy and enjoy the remains of the summer.

ML

Old L.A. (HP) Farmer's Market Report

Big news at the market! It’s going to be moving, just slightly, over to Avenue 58, between Marmion Way and Figueroa, where it will be visible from both the Gold Line and passing traffic on Figueroa. Hopefully, this will bring new shoppers and vendors to the market, so this local institution will continue to grow and thrive. As an added bonus, parking will be available in the lot where the market has been set up. All of this takes place as of September 4, so come check it out at the grand re-opening.

My big score at the market this week was a basket of fresh, black Mission figs. Delicious! You can eat them by themselves, chopped up in a salad or on ice cream; or make them into an elegant appetizer......Who needs a fancy Westside restaurant when you can doctor up these jewels at home? Try this classic, which is served all over town at high-end hot spots, but is simple to make:

Bacon wrapped figs stuffed with goat cheese:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/105402

You can even find the goat cheese, the lemons, the mesclun salad and the olive oil needed for this recipe at the market!

We are continuing to enjoy the usual summer bounty, tree-ripened stone fruits, fresh sweet corn, plump and juicy tomatoes…..Summer never lasts long enough and my plan is to eat as much as possible of these healthy and tasty treats while they are still here in abundance.

The market will be found this Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. near the Highland Park Gold Line station at Marmion Way, between Avenues 57 & 58 (one block west of Figueroa). In Seth’s words: “Please stop by the market for fresh, field-ripened, high quality produce from local farmers and spend time with your friends, neighbors and other community members.”

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (HP) Farmer's Market Report

This week at the farmer’s market, I picked up my usual favorites: avocados (back at the market in abundance!), tomatoes, fresh beans, huge bunches of scallions and cilantro, and tree-ripened summer stone fruits. In addition to the usuals (fragrant tangerines, peaches and pluots) I discovered an entirely new fruit that I’d never heard of before. It’s called sapote and is apparently popular in South America. I turns out that parts of Florida and California provide excellent growing conditions for this fruit. This type is a white sapote (the flesh inside is white, but the skin outside – which is thin and perfectly edible – is bright green, mellowing to yellow as it ripens).

The vendor (who also had delicious avocados, by the way), described the fruit as something like a cross between a pear and an avocado. I bought the fruit while it was still hard, but let it ripen over several days. It is ready when it gives slightly to pressure from your finger, just like avocados and pears. Others describe the taste as custardy, creamy, buttery and silky, like a cross between a banana and a peach. It does indeed have a very smooth, creamy texture. The flavor is very, very mild, with a hint of pear. It is delicious with a little squeeze of lemon or lime – the acid is a nice contrast to the richness of the fruit.

It is not easy to find recipes for sapote. Epicurious (my usual go-to website for recipes) comes up short. But… Google to the rescue. Here is a paraphrase of a recipe for a sapote shake, to help you cool off this summer:

A cup of sapote, peeled and seeded (the fruit has very few seeds)
A cup of yogurt (plain or vanilla would be good)
3 T of honey
½ cup of milk
dash of ground cinammon
cracked ice (to taste)

Put all in the blender and blend until smooth – drink immediately.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. near the Highland Park Gold Line station at Marmion Way, between Avenues 57 & 58 (one block west of Figueroa). In Seth’s words: “Please stop by the market for fresh, field-ripened, high quality produce from local farmers and spend time with your friends, neighbors and other community members.”

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 7/31/07

It’s Tuesday evening and, as per my usual habit, I hit the Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer’s Market to stock up on fresh produce for the week’s lunches and dinners. Although some vendors are m.i.a. this week, there is a new one worth noting – a student group from Pierce College in the San Fernando Valley has been growing pesticide-free herbs and veggies on campus and they have brought them here to share with us. I score some plump, juicy plum tomatoes from them. They are also selling fresh basil (which goes oh, so well with the tomatoes!) and the largest summer squash and zucchini I’ve ever seen. Judge for yourself in this photo.

The squash are not the only overgrown edibles at the market this week. The strawberries are abundant and for $5.00 we get a three-pack of the biggest, reddest, most fragrant berries I’ve seen all year. They will make a perfect strawberry shortcake with some freshly whipped cream and a bit of fresh mint from the garden. There are also several kinds of delicious grapes to add to the fruit bowl. High in iron and antioxidants, they make a tasty and healthy treat on a hot summer day. Try freezing the grapes and eating them while still frozen for a refreshing antidote to the blazing summer temperatures. Cool agua frescas are another way to chill out and hydrate while strolling through the market.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. near the Highland Park Gold Line station at Marmion Way, between Avenues 57 & 58 (one block west of Figueroa). In Seth’s words: “Please stop by the market for fresh, field-ripened, high quality produce from local farmers and spend time with your friends, neighbors and other community members.”

See you there. ML

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report

On my weekly visit to the Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer’s Market, I get to pick up delicious, fresh produce to satisfy physical needs and visit with friends and neighbors to satisfy social needs, too! I recruit my friend Kim as a shopping buddy and we hit the market, empty canvas bags in hand, ready to be filled. A neighbor from my very own Highland Park street – Al Strange – is manning a community table laden with flyers and announcements for local events and activities. Greetings and chitchat duly exchanged and we are off to procure this week’s goodies.

Kim scores on tree-ripened, fragrant peaches the size of softballs. These would be ideal in a cobbler – the official dessert of summer. Even better, try a peach-strawberry cobbler, such as this recipe from epicurious.com. You can use all fruit from the market (strawberries are still going strong, but who knows for how much longer?):

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/101825

The bounty of stone fruits is compelling, especially with all the samples available to taste, but this week is all about the avocados for me. I scoop up several medium-sized Haas for $1 each (another vendor has larger ones for $1.50 each) and 3 lbs of vine-ripened, scarlet colored tomatoes that are near bursting with juice. I have plans for both guacamole and a quick, fresh tomato sauce to use these up (with garlic and onion from the market, natch), but I’ll set aside one or two of each for salads with fresh spinach. The finishing touch for the salad is a light vinaigrette made with blood orange scented avocado oil, purchased at –where else? – the farmer’s market. The oil is a splurge at $12 for a bottle, but in addition to its great taste (you can taste before you buy at the market!), it is a mono-unsaturated fat that is good for your heart. Who can put a price on good health?

Need some protein to balance out all the rabbit food? The roasted chickens are back at the market this week. Buy a whole one or two to take home and give your oven a rest during these hot summer evenings.

The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. near the Highland Park Gold Line station at Marmion Way, between Avenues 57 & 58 (one block west of Figueroa). In Seth’s words: “Please stop by the market for fresh, field-ripened, high quality produce from local farmers and spend time with your friends, neighbors and other community members.”

See you there. ML

Old L.A. Farmer's Market Report

Picking up where Seth left off, I visited the Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmers’ Market last week to stock my kitchen, mingle with neighbors and spend some time outside on a glorious, hot summer afternoon.

Stone fruits dominate the market at this time of year. The fragrance of fresh nectarines wafted in the air yards away from the stand where they were found. This time, however, I opted for the pluots – a cross between an apricot and a plum. The kind vendor with the fancy handlebar mustache readily offered samples. There were three different varieties to choose from, so I took a few of each! The flavors of the fruit range from more sweet to a little tart and you can definitely taste the plum and apricot flavors distinctly. One has a light skin with a dark pink flesh that is as gorgeous to look at as it is to eat. Another variety is known as “dinosaur eggs”, due to it’s speckled skin and round shape.

Purslane is a leafy, green vegetable / herb that we discovered that day, which was completely new to me. The vendor explained that it can be eaten raw or cooked, much like spinach. My intrepid friend Kim bought a bunch and reports that it wilts rather quickly, so you want to eat it soon after buying. According to a quick search on Google, it turns out that this is a very nutritious vegetable that contains large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids (good for your brain) and also large amounts of vitamin C. Apparently, many consider this to be a weed when found in the garden, but they are missing out on an underappreciated veggie. A recipe for Cucumber-Purslane-Yogurt Salad can be found here:

http://landscaping.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=landscaping&cdn=homegarden&tm=1033&f=11&su=p284.8.150.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//starchefs.com/SJohnson/recipe05.html

Other produce to be found at this time of year are okra, corn (of course!), several varieties of melons, tomatoes, strawberries and the list goes on (many are organic).

In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, you can pick up California and imported cheeses, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and homemade jams. There are breads and pastries as well as raw honey. For a relatively small market, there are a wide variety of choices, including ready-to-eat refreshments, such as tamales and roasted corn.

In Seth’s words:
Please stop by the market for fresh, field-ripened, high quality produce from local farmers and spend time with your friends, neighbors and other community members.

The market is located between Avenues 56 & 57 on Marmion Way (1 block west of Figueroa), near the Highland Park Gold Line station. The market is open from 3 - 8 p.m.
See you there. ML