Farmer’s Market Bounty

Saturday mornings are for the Market Square Farmer's Market.  I've finally settled into accepting that, at this stage of my life at least, I am decidedly grumpy if I accidentally commit to activities that interrupt my market Saturdays. In that vein, I've also decided not to post on Saturdays until after I've gone to the market.

Above is today's haul:  two small heads of lettuce, collards, Swiss chard, cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes and eggs.

I went to the market anticipating that I would buy eggs and Swiss chard: one of my favorite farmer's had sent out a notice saying they would have chard, taking requests.  When I discovered that I could chose between a 1 pound and a half-pound bag, I jumped at the opportunity for the larger bag.  I had already spotted the zucchini, and Swiss chard and zucchini soup has long been a summer favorite.  The collards will probably be used in a simple and homey saute with local pork sausage and I am undecided about the fate of the cauliflower.  I originally thought I would simply roast it, but having inspected the freezer I see that I also have some (local) ground lamb and could make a shepherd's pie.  It has been a long time since I've made shepherd's pie and it sounds good, even if it is not a particularly summery dish.  With cauliflower mash it is decidedly less heavy than with potatoes though, and I might just go for it.

The tomatoes were a whim.  It is too early for tomatoes, until recently the nights were too cool for the plants to set fruit. These are hot-house grown.  They are however, the first tomatoes I've seen that smell almost-like a summer tomato.  Except for cherry tomatoes, I rarely buy tomatoes except in season.  I do realize it is a bit snobbish of me, but the difference in taste and texture is significant.  Will I be disappointed?  Perhaps.  In the meantime I am looking forward having one in a lovely salad for lunch.  I just have to decide on the protein of choice for today.

Have a lovely weekend.