One of my favorite activities at this time of the year is visiting the farmers market. I schedule it every week. The markets usually are around from the beginning of July through the end of October. The only way that I could have fresher food is to have grown it in my own garden.
This year I have attended markets from Spanish Fork to downtown Salt Lake City. If you do not have a farmers market in your area, just look for a fruit stand along the side of the road or locally-grown produce in your favorite supermarket. At the Murray market last week, a lady told me that the only produce that could be sold at their market was that which was grown in Utah.
At these markets, I enjoy meeting the farmers that have grown the crops. I love to ask them questions about the produce. Every time I go, I bring home new techniques for preparing and storing the fresh fruits and vegetables that I purchase.
On my shopping list this week was onion, yellow squash, fresh corn on the cob, tomatoes, peppers, raspberries and blackberries. I have found that I can keep the berries for about a week and use them in everything from salad to having fruit over my cereal in the morning. I take each cup of fruit and put it into a lunch-size paper bag and fold the flap under the bottom and then put them in the back of the fridge to keep them fresh.
As for the vegetables, I made the most incredible Mexican Ratatouille that I have ever had. In fact, I’ve had it for the last three meals, as it has been so good!
Mexican Ratatouille
(Portions are not critical in this recipe)
1 onion, diced (brown in skillet)
2 to 3 medium tomatoes, diced
4 small yellow squash (cut in bite size pieces and steamed)
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
3 Anaheim peppers, roasted under broiler and skinned and diced
1 teaspoon of chicken stock, dissolved in ½ cup water
1 cup Pace picante sauce (medium spice if you want a little heat)
1 cup of diced, cooked meat or tofu of your choice
2 tablespoons of hard grated cheese per serving
After the onions have been browned in the saucepan, add all the ingredients except cheese and simmer for a few minutes. Place in a bowl and add the cheese on the top.
Dian has taken her ideas and shared them throughout the years in her many books. This month she is offering a 35- year Johnny Carson Anniversary special. Get 6 of her best books — a $95.00 value — for only $35.00. They’re great for gifts or just a wonderful library for you. These books contain the ideas that Dian has used on the NBC “Today Show”, Good Morning America and the ABC “Home Show” over the years. Check out this wonderful special at www.dianthomas.com. You can also preorder her new book on weight loss there.
