Good Food Helps

Good Food Helps!

Obviously, right? And why not let “good food” help your goodbye to August, be less painful? After all, even though this will be the first market of September, summer is still hanging around for a few more weeks. Try to enjoy the summer flowers around you, while you still can. 

So yes, we all know that good food is good for us – and if you receive this newsletter regularly, you’re probably uniquely aware of that. Also, thanks for subscribing to our newsletter.

So first off, I’ll let you know that another guest “speaker” is sending you this week’s news – Nicole here. You may have met me briefly, (if you choose the “pickup” option) when you receive your weekly order, (as I would have handed it to you.) Or if you’re perhaps a long-time market customer, you may have seen me working in our “normal” outdoor market setup at the park over the years. Either way, hello!

There’s so much good food out there, and so many good folks involved in getting it to us – pretty amazing, no?  All of that made me wonder where do I possibly begin the conversation? Well thankfully, I was finally able to narrow it down somewhat, and figured, why not talk about good things to do with good food? That way I’m staying true to the helping theme. Also, I get to go on about some of my current market favourites, while crediting those who make it possible for us to enjoy them – yay! 

              

 

So broccoli, in my view, is as good a place to start as any. Not to mention, it’s one of my absolute favourite green vegetables. Thankfully, Kooner Farms has it right now, in glorious abundance. And if you’re wanting to add some variety in your selection of this cruciferous juggernaut, why not also try sprouting broccoli bundles from Marvellous Edibles? Yum! And last week I found an amazing, and very basic, recipe for “broccoli rice”. I’ve been eating it all week, so easy. It’s also grain-free and vegan – a great option for a paleo diet, (or any diet). 

 

Ingredients

• 2 heads of broccoli
• 2 tbsp of olive oil or coconut oil
• salt and pepper (if desired)
• chopped herbs of choice

 

Instructions

Cut the broccoli heads into large florets and peel the outer layer off the stem and cut into chunks. Then, using a blender or food processor, break the broccoli down to “rice” grains. A box grater can also be used here, in lieu of a blender or food processor. The rice can then be lightly steamed, and then ready to enjoy.

Or it can be sautéed, thereby adding in oil and herbs. For herbs, I recommend parsley – also available from Marvellous Edibles. However, Sundance Harvest has a great selection of other fine herbs to compliment this dish – including thyme, rosemary, sage and basil. Sauteed onions would also be a nice addition to this, which you can find from Thorpe’s Organics. Still want more? Mushrooms are another great way to elevate flavour profile here. Summergreen or Forbes Wild Foods can set you up with tasty, fabulous fungus to suit your needs.

More good news – this recipe works just as well with cauliflower, also available from Kooner Farms. And veggie rice freezes well, so feel free to stock up while you still can.

Tomatoes! Need I say more? Probably not, but I will, just to compliment their absolute deliciousness. I personally, wait all year for these – one of my favourite things about late summer. And whether you like field tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or the fancier heirloom varieties, look to Sosnicki Organics and Marvellous Edibles to get your fill. And if you’ve ever been described as a “saucy” individual, or perhaps just see yourself that way, this is your moment. Sosnicki has amazing Roma tomatoes that they are selling in 25lb half-bushels. Perfect for making sauces. So there – be saucy and proud. 

A fragrant basil bunch from Sundance would accompany your tomatoes quite nicely, either in sauce form, or raw. Again, stock up while you can.

Another veggie shout-out I wanted to give, is to okra. Kooner was also providing this over the last few weeks, and some of you had asked “what do I do with it?” Well for me, being of Caribbean roots, this was a staple growing up. My mother would always serve it with fish, preferably salted cod, but any type of fish would do. Vegan? Or just not a fan of fish? Well it can still be done quite nicely, just sautéed with onions and peppers, to compliment any main course.  Be sure to clip the ends off (top and bottom), and then just steam it for couple minutes, or lightly blanch it. Okra should be soft when eating, (but not overcooked). Feeling adventurous now? Hope so.

And lastly, for those of you who may not have as much time to cook/make some of these dishes, we understand. Thanks all the same, for your continued support. And a reminder that there is still much to choose from. Whether it’s a veggie or vegan lasagne or sheppard’s pie, from Tapioca Toronto, or delicious momos from TC Tibetan Momos, or Black Bean Burger wraps from Earth + City, we’ve got you covered! And numerous vendors in the shop carry hummus and dips to please most palates as well. (Don’t forget – you can search by item.)

And more “ready-to-eat” options for you still. So as we head into fall, and the desire for more comfort food grows, delicious baked goods from Motherdough Mill and Bakery, Robinsons Breads, and Alma Bakery, should leave you feeling very comforted. And if you’re not sure where to start, my daughter Carianne, who also works at our online shop, says the Corn Cake with Blueberries from Robinsons (featured), is an absolute must-have.

And for those of you that might be slightly bummed that Weicha peaches are done for the year, no need to despair. Reyes Farms peaches are still in delicious abundance. Or if you’re ready to switch gears from peaches, try these yummy concord grapes, featured. Reyes’ wild blueberries and plums offer great alternatives as well.

Ok, and there you have it folks, lots to choose from. The shop is currently open, so don’t miss out. And I just wanted to add in a note of thanks to all of you for hanging in there with us through this considerable, and sometimes challenging transition. We really do appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to adjust and modify in the hopes of serving you better.

Thanks so much and happy shopping!

-Nicole