SD Weekly Market Blogs

GET TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

We spotted the first big-heart artichokes of the season at Suncoast Farm's stand at the Little Italy Mercato last Saturday. They could be just the thing if you’re aiming to win someone’s heart this week; like asparagus and oysters (also at the market now) they're considered aphrodisiacs.

Don’t be intimidated by these gorgeous green globes, we’ve found some friendly advice on how to prepare them so your special dinner will impress that special someone.  You may want to dip the lovely leaves in a homemade aioli made with eggs from Swiss Mountain, imported olive oil from Italianissimo, and fresh garlic from Sage Mountain; or for a delicious vegan option, use almond based Bitchin’ Sauce.  We also like this pretty recipe for roasted artichoke hearts.

When the last leaf is eaten, you’ll be down to one last tender bite, the heart of the artichoke.  And herein lies the true test of love: will you share?

SHOP & SCORE!

Score a touchdown with your football buddies by shopping the Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers’ Market before the big game this Sunday. Those “lucky” enough to attend the Super Bowl this year will be bundled up in big coats, hats and mittens in Indianapolis with a high temperature predicted to be 38 degrees. We’ll be the real lucky ones here in sunny San Diego, enjoying the game in Tees and sandals!

Start with appetizers and snacks; grab a few baguettes from Belen Bread and a bottle of infused olive oil from Bistro Blends for dipping, snag some sweet dates from Morocco Gold Dates and fill your shopping bag with scarlet grapes from Smit Orchard. Forget the fried potato chips and heavy cream dips! Pick up some crunchy carrots, celery and sugar snap peas from J.R. Organics to dip in sprouted hummus from Majestic Garlic or pesto-flavored Bitchin’ Sauce. While you’re at the Bitchin’ booth, grab some extra tubs to spread on your pre-game sandwiches, grilled chicken or fish!

Paradise Valley Ranch has you covered for guacamole. Ask them for fresh limes and  3 or 4 avocados that were just picked and not quite ripe, stick them in a paper bag when you get home and they’ll be ready to mash by game day. Rodney Kawano Farm has your tomatoes, and Maciel farms can supply the cilantro and jalapenos to kick up your favorite guac recipe. We like this one with or without the bacon.

Not hosting the game this year? Grab a gift tin of Honey Cinnamon, Chipotle and Spicy Lime roasted almonds from Hopkins AG and a bouquet of gorgeous flowers from Maldonado Flowers for the host. You’ll be named Most Valuable Guest for sure!

WAIT A MINUTE THERE, CUTIE!

You've got to hand it to the three California Citrus growers that branded their clementines as Cuties and made them a marketing legend and a guilt-free, go back for seconds (or thirds) food for late night sweet tooth cravings. Just as tasty and easy to eat, find Page tangerines, Clementines and Satsuma tangerines at the North Park Farmers' Market this week. You'll be paying just for the fruit, not the brand, so you'll save a little cash while encouraging your kids' love of these naturally sweet and healthy treats. Pick up a dozen from Paradise Valley Ranch, Smit Orchards or R&L Farms.

Eat them as is, for a Vitamin C-packed, super sweet snack, or get creative and try adding a touch of tangerine juice along with the lime in guacamole for a surprising undertone. They're amazing as an addition to many salads: section a tangerine, toss with fresh spinach from Suzie’s Farm and a thinly sliced red onion from JR Organics. Whisk together a little tangerine juice, salt and pepper, California Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar and you’ve got yourself a great start to any dinner. For a main dish, pick up a tri tip from Da Le Ranch and vroccoli from Kawano Farms and try this Tangerine Beef recipe. 

It's cold season, so spike your green tea with the juice of a tangerine, some fresh mint and a squeeze of honey from Meljess Bees for a soothing and healing beverage. Tangerines are usually at the market form November to late April, so enjoy them while you can.

NEW YEAR, NEW FOODS

Whether you've had a 2011 to celebrate, or you're one of the many who feel they barely survived, there's something hopeful about washing away the past and welcoming a new year. Shop the Little Italy Mercato tomorrow to make your celebration delicious.

In the spirit of transition, pair old favorites and new foods tomorrow night. Stuff Morocco Gold Dates with Cinnamon PB Peanut Butter. Devil a dozen eggs from Swiss Mountain. Try a fresh sea urchin from Poppa's Fresh Fish or order a live lobster, and shuck Carlsbad AquaFarm oysters at your party. Mary at Taste Cheese will introduce you to varieties of fromaggio that you've never tried before; pick up Sweet Potato or Whole Grain crackers from Fresh Start Foods and complete your tray with honeyed almonds from Hopkins AG and dried pluots from Smit Orchards. Stop by Mello Mushroom and try this clever Chanterelle Ceviche recipe to serve with Baba Foods' pita chips. Slice and grill zucchini from Poiros Family Farm and stuff with Terra Bella Ranch's sun dried tomatoes and Springhill Farms goat cheese for these rollups.

What's left? Just grab a few bottles of Merlot or Viognier from Triple B Ranch at the Mercato, and some cold Prosecco from Mona Lisa for that midnight toast, then it's on to 2012!