One of my most favoriest things to do in life is to go the the Farmer’s Market in downtown Dallas. When I go I feel healthy, connected to nature, and among the living. Ripe juicy fruit and vibrant vegetables are in every stall. We parked in Shed 3 and then remembered that the local growers sell in Shed 1. Note to self: Park in Shed 1 next time. In Shed 1 you will see signs that say Verified LOCAL Farmer – which means that the produce in that stall was grown within 150 miles of Dallas. Shed 2 is a “foodie’s delight”. Here you will find eateries and specialty foods. I had read rave reviews about the BBQ from The Pecan Lodge in Shed 2. Unfortunately they didn’t open until 11 o’clock, and we had to get back home. Maybe next time. Shed 3 is for produce dealers. This is the place to buy signature fruits and vegetables from out of state.
This watermelon display was so pretty. Look how red those slices are. We were too lazy to carry around a 15 pound watermelon, so we didn’t buy one.
The okra was beautiful and just the right size. Can’t wait to make okra with stewed tomatoes.
These onions are small. I used them to make marinated cucumbers and onions. Yummy! The longer they are in the refrigerator the better they will taste. Wish I had bought more of these onions.
How about vine ripe tow maters? Hot Rod caught the joke before I did on a previous visit here. Wonderful, delicious, juicy and flavorful just begins to describe these jewels. Just sprinkle with a little or a lot of salt and pepper, and you are good to go.
Love the street musician playing so early in the morning. She was really pretty good. Wish I could wear those earrings.
For the young ‘uns and the young at heart, there is the balloon man. Not shown in the picture is a little girl who was mesmerized and waiting so patiently for her balloon.
Beautiful plants are for sale.
I wanted these gorgeous sunflowers. Why didn’t I buy them?
Here is my haul:
Shelled black-eyed peas- Already cooked and oh so good! Easy – breezy to do. Dice and cook some bacon in a Dutch oven. Add diced onions and cook until wilted. Add a teaspoon of chicken stock base. (You can add chicken stock instead.) Add shelled peas and cover with water or chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper. Add other spices if you like. I liked a pepper/paprika blend this time. Delish!
Pears – need to be eaten soon (My bad. I did not check the basket given to me. These are much riper than the one I tasted.)
Ranier cherries – Yummy! I can’t stop eating them.
Cucumbers and onions – One of our favorites. They are sliced and happy in the marinade of lightly sweetened oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The cucumbers and onions will keep in the refrigerator for a week or more – if they last that long.
Tender little yellow squash – Oh, yah! – Cooked and ready to eat. I just sautéed some diced onions in butter, then added the squash. Cook until the squash is tender and season with salt and pepper.
Sweet corn – Should have been cooked yesterday!
Tomatoes – Love them! We’re eating on them. (Don’t put them in the refrigerator.)
Peaches and blueberries – I see a cobbler in our future.
Oh yes, the okra – These will be cooked with onions, garlic, and stewed tomatoes. Add salt, pepper, hot sauce to your liking, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. When you eat this, you will know life is good. (That is – if you like okra. If you don’t, I feel sorry for you.)
When cooking fresh fruits and vegetables I usually KISS – Keep it Simple S…. Adding too much extra sauce, etc. often covers up the wonderful natural flavors.
Now, I just need to make a pan of cornbread and we will be in hog heaven.
Blessings to you and yours,