What to make with your Farmer’s Market finds

One of my unofficial goals for this summer is to get better at going to the Farmer’s Market.

In case you’re thinking “how is it possible to be bad at going to the Farmer’s Market?”…trust me, it is.

Being bad at going to the Farmer’s Market looks something like this:

1. Forgetting your recyclable tote, which you set out on the counter the night before for that exact purpose.

2. Overdressing/forgetting your sunglasses/not being in the mood for iced coffee even though that’s, like, half the point of going.

3. Having big plans to buy a ton of vegetables, then getting overwhelmed and coming home with nothing but two random zucchinis and a loaf of orange chocolate chip bread. (The bread = incredible, btw.)

4. Forgetting about the zucchinis/struggling to figure out what to do with them, until they inevitably shrivel up and go bad. (Poor things.)

At least I always remember to snap random pics of people lounging and checking their phones on the capitol lawn.

Last weekend, I decided to get serious. I started with an actual recipe, wrote out an actual list, and even got up extra early on a Saturday morning to beat the crowds.

I wasn’t just strolling–I was on a mission. I was unbelievably legit.

(I still forgot the recyclable tote, though.)

An hour later (that’s fast–I’m crazy efficient when I’m toddlerless), I headed home with (mortifying) plastic bags stuffed to the brim with fresh veggies, feeling virtuous. (No bread, but I did grab a rhubarb oatmeal bar for the hubby–he loves his rhubarb).

5 days later, I still haven’t (gulp) used everything…

But I did make this:

Corn isn’t in season yet, so it probably wasn’t the best choice out there, but baby steps, people!

I was deeply concerned that it would be “too healthy” (aka light and meatless) for Brent, so I told him about ten times that he “didn’t have to eat it” and “could grab something else to go with it.” To my surprise, he gobbled up two bowls AND ate all the leftovers the next day (behind my back, no less).

So I guess the skillet was good. And I now have a tiny, tiny bit of Farmer’s Market success under my belt.

If you’re thinking about hitting up a Farmer’s Market this weekend, I highly recommend preparation. You might think it would be easy to grab a few things that “speak to” you, bring them home, and effortlessly whip up some creation that magically incorporates them all (I kinda did)…but I promise it’s not easy at all.

If you need recipe inspiration, here are a few things I’m eyeballing for future FM trips…

1. Farmer’s Market Scramble

I eat scrambled eggs all the time, but for whatever reason, I never think to throw in some veggies.

This is like Farmer’s Market Veggie Usage 101.

This recipe is obviously just one example of a scramble–they’re super easy to change up, and it’s hard to go wrong.

My mom actually made me the best egg scramble I’ve ever had using the most random combination I’d ever heard of: eggs, zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and S&P. It blew my mind. Seriously, go make that as soon as possible.

I also made a big batch of egg and veggie muffins last weekend (that Brent and I chowed within days). No recipe, just beaten eggs mixed with chopped meat and veggies, plus S&P, and baked for 30 minutes at 375.

2. Farmer’s Market Quesadillas

Because cheese.

3. Farmer’s Market Fettuccine

Swap that ice water for wine and we’re in business.

4. Baked Zucchini Chips

THAT’S what I should have done with those zucchinis…

5. Farmer’s Market Quiche

The scramble’s sophisticated older sister.

Have I ever told you how much I love tomatoes? <– really old post, but really really good recipe referenced in it!

6. Hot Bacon Caprese

Sometimes, when I’m in serious Lazy Farmer’s Market Attendee Mode and/or when I have Mason with me, I’ll grab my two go-tos–fresh tomatoes and basil–and run.

I’m usually pretty good about finding something to do with those, even if it’s just a plate of caprese.

But caprese WITH BACON??

7. Farmer’s Market Orzo Pasta Salad

Why don’t I cook with orzo more?? I love orzo!

And lemony dressings.

8. Tomato and Corn Pizza

Because it’s colorful and pretty. And when the husband/kids ask what’s for dinner, you can say “pizza.”

I hope you weren’t too hungry when you started reading this…

Have a great weekend. :)

Are you a Farmer’s Market regular?

Do you have a favorite Farmer’s Market recipe?

Any tricks for using up random veggies??

xoxo