Farmers Market

I'm so excited for this weather to get better! Happily within the next month or so my favorite farmers markets are opening up. One of my favorite ways to start my weekend is to go and see all of the fresh produce and vendors. It's a great way to stock up on high quality ingredients. Here are my finds from today:

Carrots, hazelnut brownies, spinach and kale mix, and spinach starters. All for $10!

New Ingredients Part 1

While at the store not long ago I noticed produce I had never heard and some I just didn't know much about.  I decided to look into them to see what they are, what to do with them, and if I want to try and use them.

 Chayote Squash
Mild flavor and texture
From tropical farms so they are available all year round
Buy:small firm fruits that feel heavy
Store: for several weeks, in the crisper or in a paper bag
Eat: Most of the time it's cooked but it can be eaten raw. Can be cooked using any method like grilling, baking, and steaming.


 Tamarind:
African spice, used in Worcestershire sauce.
Buy: Can be found in a variety of forms. I just happened to find whole beans
Store:In processed forms it can last almost forever
Eat: Use the dried forms for rubs, marinades, and other spice combinations

Persimmons:
A Mediterranean fruit with a sweet taste. There are two varieties; the American and the Japanese or Oriental variety.
Buy: Available later in the year. choose fruits that are rich in color, blemish free, and plump. Make sure the leaves are intact.
Store: Ripen on paper bag and refrigerate once ripened. Eat quickly. Can be frozen in a puree or whole.
Eat:You can eat them raw just remove the pulp. Add to smoothies and salads. The can be poached and preserved in to puree or preserves.
***These are what I'll be trying once they come back in season this winter***

Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Bonus: Look at these HUGE avocados I found. They were larger that my fist.

Sorry it's blurry

Bacon Grilled Cheese

I had leftover bacon and needed to eat it so I decided to make a bacon grilled cheese. Is was delicious. So here's my how-to make any grilled cheese. It may take practice to get the bread a golden brown color but the practice is well worth the reward.

What you need:
Butter
Bread
Cheese- thinly sliced
Bacon (2-3 slices)


In a pan over medium heat place butter and allow to melt. While melting cut cheese thinly and arrange on bread. Place bacon on top next and top with the second slice of bread.  Place uncooked sandwich on to melted butter and cook. Using a spatula to check for coloring. Flip to brown the other side. Remove from pan, cut, and enjoy.

Notes:
Thinly sliced cheese will melt better the thick slices, so for a cheesy sandwich do multiple layers.
This method works for any type of grilled cheese that requires heating. I would recommend adding veggies like lettuce and avocado afterwards if you want to make a more sandwich like grilled cheese.