Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Lexington Farmers Market

A couple of weeks ago, my friend asked me to dog sit for a few days.  Since I love his dog, Brady, it was easy to say yes.  We became good buddies over the few days and I wanted to find something outside that we could do.  I thought that going to the Lexington Farmers Market would be a good idea.

I wanted to check out Wright-Locke farm because they kindly mention me in tweets every week and I see pictures of their beautiful organic produce.  I did a loop around the market first because I didn't know how Brady would do around all the food.  He manage to down a whole hot dog the previous weekend at a cookout.  So we did a loop and I kept him close by.  All the kids wanted to pet him and he is super friendly so it wasn't a problem.  I just told them to keep an eye on their treats.  Just when I thought I wouldn't get any shopping done, a nice man asked me if Brady could try a dog treat he just bought from a vendor.  Brady ate two and seemed to like them, although, I don't think he is too picky.  My behavior analyst instincts kicked in and I went to buy Brady some dog treats to use as a reward for sitting and staying with me.  By that point it was really hot and I didn't know that Brady doesn't like the heat.  I bought him a dozen dog treats from Camberville Treats, but Brady didn't seem to care because he went right under the table to get some shade.  The woman from Camberville Treats snapped this cute photo of him.  I can't stand his cuteness!



So once I got Brady out of the shade, I managed to get some shopping done.  I went to Wright-Locke farm and bought some organic raspberries.  By this point, Brady kept going under all the tables to sit in the shade, so it was easier to shop.  Then I bought some breakfast sausage (my current addiction) from Chestnut farms.  Then it was time to take my buddy home because he was hot.  On the way back to the car, we had to stop under every tree so Brady could sit in the shade.  When we got home, Brady happily enjoyed his treats in the air conditioning!!

If you have the chance to take a trip to Lexington, go on a Tuesday to check out this market!  There are some awesome vendors that I didn't get a chance to see including, fiore di nonno, Samira's homemade, Stillman's and many more.  This is the type of market you can do all your weekly shopping at!  Check it out on Tuesdays from 2-6 on the corner of Woburn St and Mass Ave in Lexington!

Here is a little something I have been into for breakfast lately:

1 breakfast sausage patty from Chestnut farm or your favorite farm
2 eggs from your favorite farm
A sprinkle of your favorite cheddar

Cook the sausage patty until it is cooked all the way.  A trick I used to do this is to add a small amount of water after I flip it to help cook through without burning it.  In a separate pan, scramble the eggs and cook to your liking.  Then put the sausage patty on a plate and cover with scrambled eggs and then sprinkle with cheddar cheese.  Enjoy!




Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Garlic Scape Pesto

One of the many seasonal veggies that I have been into recently is garlic scapes.  I guess I am always into them this time of year, but I am intrigued about the many varieties I found at the Needham Farmers Market a couple weeks ago. 

I usually just chop them up and throw them into my salad, which is delicious.  But since I bought so many, I have been trying to find other ways to use them.  I chopped them up and threw them in with some green lentils along with some vegetable broth. It was a nice surprise when I got a burst of spice in a bite of lentils.  I have also been sauteing them in a bit of olive oil with spinach.  All are a good way to use garlic scapes, however, I offer up this recipe for the real garlic lovers.  Next time you are at the market, grab a handful and make this pesto.  I do recommend eating this alone or when you don't have to go out because you will reek of garlic!!

Garlic Scape Pesto



8-10 garlic scapes
handful of pistachios 
juice of 1/2 lemon plus zest
1/4 c parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil (I eyeball it until it makes a paste)

Put all ingredients in a food processor until it makes a thin paste.  I topped some zoodles with this pesto along with some sundried tomatoes to make a delicious dinner.  You could also use pasta or chicken and it would be delicious!