Healthy eats

Today I woke up early, excited to venture out to one of the two local farmer markets St. Augustine has to offer. Even though the locals here have told me that the summer is a relatively slow season for the market (the heat isn't so hot for local produce,) I was still interested in seeing what it had going on. I've been lucky to get involved with large farmers markets in Winter Park and Sarasota in the past - they've always been lively, full of all types of vendors (not to mention there's usually a waiting list to get in), have live music, sampling, and pet friendly. So this market had a lot to live up to.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the farmers market, held in the parking lot of the St. Augustine Ampitheatre. It was a small, shaded walkway filled with a handful a vendors of all types, from organic produce farmers, to local tea and coffee shops, and those who made their own hand made goods and art. It was cool under a row of large oaks and there was a decent crowd wandering in and out of the tents they had set up. A group of six or seven or so had set up with their acoustic guitars and banjos and were playing traditionally country and folk music, which was nice. All the people I met were super friendly and it seemed like a really nice, close knit group who are out there all the time. Although pets were technically not allowed on the property, there were plenty of market patrons with small dogs in tow, and no one seemed to worry or complain about their company.

I ended up picking up a small bonsai plant and some organic pomegranate green tea, but also had an idea for a new dish, thanks to one of the guys behind the produce stand.


And here it is. It was easy to make and delicious!

Whole grain rotini pasta with baby spinach leaves, diced red (sweet) peppers, Parmesan cheese and creamy Caesar dressing. I sauteed the peppers then tossed it like a salad. It was wonderful!