Finding Fresh Ideas at the Everett Farmers' Market

In the Pacific Northwest we take special pride in local foods. Our farmers’ markets are robust with music, tasty treats, colorful produce, and fresh foods. This past Sunday Sound Dietitians enjoyed a day at the Everett Farmers' Market at the Port of Everett. Despite the clouds that blanketed the sky and a light mist of rain, true Pacific Northwesterners joined us in a beautiful day at the market.

​In collaboration with Sno-Isle Co-Op and the Everett Farmers' Market, we were able to meet market patrons to spread information about the local co-op and nutrition education regarding portion sizes, when to see a dietitian, and most deliciously… recipes! These recipes were constructed with seasonal and vendor inspired ingredients. Ever heard of garlic scapes? These are the green and edible tops of young garlic. Another recipe features fresh pasta. At the market, find creative pastas such as red pepper or nettle fettuccine. Take a peek at some of the great recipes below! 

Spicy Spring Green Mix with Sliced Radishes
Wash and dry greens. Wash and slice radishes. Top with your favorite dressing or make your own.
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Easy Vinaigrette: ¼ cup vegetable oil, ¼ cup vinegar or lemon juice, 1 tsp fresh minced oregano, 1 minced garlic clove or 2 tsp minced garlic scapes, salt & pepper to taste

Fresh Pasta
Start water boiling in a large pot. Cook your favorite pasta according to the directions on the package. Fresh pasta cooks very fast (2-3 min)! Drain and toss with sautéed asparagus and garlic scapes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh crumbled Feta Cheese. 

Spicy Pork Chops
Thaw your locally grown chops in the refrigerator in advance for a day. Remove from packaging and coat both sides with a chili-garlic sauce (or your personal favorite). Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes. Grill over medium heat, flipping every 5 minutes, until an internal temperature of 145 degrees F is reached. (Take care to not over-cook the pork, as this can easily happen!) Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Trim fat and portion into servings. (Large chops are often 2 servings.)

​Since the ingredients could be found at the market that day, market customers could also participate in a recipe scavenger hunt. Participants were given a list of ingredients as a shopping list that doubled as a scavenger hunt list. Families skimmed the farmers market for the vendors that sold recipe ingredients. Once all vendors were filled in on their list, families redeemed their lists for a nutritious prize… trail mix! 

We had a great time sharing a beautiful market day with the local market patrons and vendors. Please join Sound Dietitians at the Sunday Everett Farmers Markets on these dates: 5/29, 6/12, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/21, 9/4, 9/18, 10/2, 10/16.

Pick up a recipe, play a game, try a sample, and talk with your local dietitians and nutrition experts!
See you there!  
​- Amanda