January 14, 2006

While the Winter Market is open rain or shine, recall that the AFM vendors come from near and far, the weather here might not be the same as there, and they have to make their decision to come to the market earlier then we have to. That said, it was only the iciest morning last winter that the market was empty, so don’t let a regular old winter day deter you from coming. The vendors are counting are you, the customer, to come and make their trip worthwhile, just as much as you are counting on them.

Green salad is not just for summer. By growing indoors, AFM vendors can bring you fresh greens all winter long. A hot vinegar and oil dressing is perhaps the best known way to warm-up a winter salad. And of course adding bacon bits, hard boiled eggs, dried fruit and nuts can step up a salad to a full meal. Mixed greens make a bed for grilled fish or scallops.

Or baked cheese. Begin by dipping market fresh cheese rounds in olive oil, and then in breadcrumbs. You can include a ground herb such as thyme in the bred crumbs mix. Place on baking pan in 400 degree oven about 5 minutes. Cut onto a mix of greens and herbs available from the Arlington Farmers Market.