What to Make with Your Farmer's Market Stash!

We've got tons of delicious seasonal recipes today to utilize all that wonderful summer produce! Check it out!

When Scott and I moved from our home in Raleigh to the mountains of Western North Carolina last summer, I was sad to have to leave our prolific raised garden beds behind. But it didn't take us long to discover that a nearby small mountain town has a wonderful local Farmer's Market every Saturday morning from late Spring through the Fall.

We had a large Farmer's Market in Raleigh but it was on the other side of town and, because of the distance, we didn't get there very often. This one's just 10 minutes away and is always quite lively with bakers, crafters, soap makers, cheesemakers, jam and jelly vendors and lots of farmers.

They sell a plethora of veggies, greens of every variety, beef, bacon, pork, honey, berries, peaches, plums and the prettiest bouquets of mountain flowers you've ever seen.

There's music too, sometimes a little band, sometimes a singer or banjo player, always something upbeat and cheerful. So it's a really fun place to wander through on Saturday mornings as friends and neighbors greet each other and children scamper joyfully to the melodies that fill the air.

My problem is that sometimes often I lose my brains and purchase way more than I need or have the time to use up. I thought you might have that problem too, whether it's at a nearby farmer's market or at your local grocery store. There's such an abundance of beautiful summer produce, it's just hard to resist!

So we're sharing a post today with recipes to give you some inspiration for utilizing all that delicious seasonal stash!

These one-bowl, tender-crumbed Peach (or nectarine) Crumble Muffins are studded with juicy fresh peaches and have sweet, buttery, cinnamon streusel topping.

 

This Fresh Peach and Sweet Cherry Crisp is amazingly easy and super delicious! Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a dessert everyone will love!

 

Chocolate Cherry Zucchini Cakes- Got zucchini?? These little cakes are so moist and delicious, you'd never know they're fairly low in fat and loaded with veggies!

 

Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad - if you look up "summer" in the dictionary, you just might see a picture of this fresh, delicious, vibrant salad!

 

With a delicious, but super easy press-in crust, glistening jewel-hued tomatoes and lots of fresh basil, this Tomato Basil Fresh Mozzarella Tart makes a beautiful breakfast, lunch or dinner!

 

 

 

This Sesame Ginger Green Bean Salad is easy, and almost completely make ahead. Throw it together at the last minute - expect rave reviews!

 

A delicious, make-ahead soup that's perfect as an appetizer soup; this Fresh Corn Soup is also wonderful for lunch or casual dinners!

 

This flavorful Green Bean Caprese Salad combines slender green beans and baby potatoes with classic Caprese ingredients. The salad is finished off with a drizzle of delicious Lemon Basil Oil.

 

Quintessentially summer, this Tomato Party Couscous Salad is delicious, healthy and make-ahead. It's perfect for potlucks, parties, and picnics.

 

A quick (only 10 minutes prep time), easy and super delicious Summer Berry Galette that's perfect for entertaining, yet simple enough for a weeknight splurge.

 

This fresh, delicious Farmer's Market Feta Bruschetta is always a hit and easy to put together. It's also super adaptable!

 

These Zucchini Morning Glory Muffins are healthy, moist, easy to throw together and super delicious! Perfect for breakfast, brunch and snacks!

So pick your favorites and head out to the Farmer's Market or your local grocery and pick up some great seasonal produce. The season is fleeting, so enjoy the bounty now!