Dawn Troutner

Market Report May 15, 2015

Another great night for the Toledo Farmers Market, there was a large crowd considering the Lincoln Highway Days were going on in downtown Tama. We appreciate the loyal customers and vendors that attend the Toledo Farmers Market.

Twelve vendors had their tables full of produce and products to sell. Kristi had breads, cookies, crisp’s, pies, coffee cake, bars, kolaches, rolicky, cinnamon and pecan rolls, twisty and some asparagus. This was the first week for Caryn, she had the following mixes, taco, fiesta ranch, spicy ranch, oyster crackers, puppy chow, snickerdoodle and her kettle corn and caramel corn. Caryn also had a assortment of jams and jellies. Darold had eggs, rhubarb, spinach, lettuce and coleus plants. Shirley, Freddie and Michael had kolaches, rolicky, noodles, and buchty. Chuck and Ginger had asparagus, radishes, green onions, rhubarb, lettuce, spinach, popcorn, kolaches, breads, cookies, pies, and crisps also. Dawn had jams, rosettes, catnip, dried herbs, radishes, aparagus, rhubarb and pepper flakes. Cheryl had a large assortment of ceramics, hand made towel sets, scrubbies, bath scrubbies, oven mitts, dish soap dresses, and microwave bowl holders. Vernon and Wilma had eggs and more eggs. Joe and Barb had breads, cinnamon rolls, granola, spinach, baby beets, green onions, bok choy, asparagus, parsley, jams and Watkins products. Jim had his hand made leather goods, wallets, belts, and coin purses. Pam had cat toys, potholders, hair ties, wooden magnets and baby booties all made by her. She also is selling Rada Cutlery. Karen had her Center Point Farm Soy Candles and soy products. She also has asparagus and black walnut trees. I am sure I missed something so be sure to come to the Toledo Farmers Market on Friday nights from 5-7 pm on the east side of the courthouse square.

I am Popeye the sailor man, I am super strong from eating spinach. Spinach is a very popular veggie right now. It is the peak of the season for it. Fresh spinach makes a great choice for a side salad or a salad meal. You can also layer spinach in your next lasagna recipe. Be sure to always wash the spinach very well since the leaves and stems tend to collect sand and soil. Come to the market and purchase your bag of fresh spinach. Then take it home and add your favorite salad ingredients such as chicken, nuts, seeds, and other vegetables, or maybe dried cranberries.

Among the world’s healthiest vegetables, spinach comes out at the top of the ranking list for nutrient richness. Not only is spinach a super food loaded with tons of nutrients, it’s in a low calorie package too. Bright, vibrant looking spinach leaves are not only more appealing, but more nourishing as well. Spinach leaves that look fully alive and vital have a greater concentration of vitamin C.

If you don’t like spinach in a fresh salad, than try this simple easy spinach recipe.

Sauteed Spinach

Two large bunches of spinach, about a pound

Olive oil, extra virgin

Three cloves garlic, sliced’

Salt to taste

Just use the leaf of the spinach, be sure it is very clean. Drain after washing and put in a salad spinner to remove any excess moisture. Heat Two Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add the garlic and saut for about one minute, until the garlic is just beginning to brown. Add the spinach to the pan, packing it down a bit. Use a couple of spatulas to lift the spinach and turn it over in the pan. This is to coat more of it with the olive oil and garlic. Do this a couple of times. Cover and cook for one minute. Uncover and turn the spinach over again. Cover and cook another minute. Remove from heat once the spinach is wilted. Drain any excess moisture from the pan. Add a little more olive oil, sprinkle with salt ( I use sea salt), And serve.

See you at market.