Craving a mouthwatering butter tart? Have a hankering for some luscious homemade blueberry lemon loaf? Sounds like a trip to a farmers’ market may be in order.
While farmers’ markets are far from innovative – the Barrie market has been around since 1846 – many more, inspired by the local food movement, are taking root across Simcoe County.
Apart from homemade baked goods, Simcoe County markets feature a rainbow of local produce, honey, locally raised meat, plants, flowers, preserves and gourmet food products.
According to Robert Chorney, executive director of Farmers’ Markets Ontario, the current interest in farmers’ markets is nothing short of intense.
“This spring we’ve had more calls from people wanting to start markets than ever before,” he says, adding that he sees three factors driving the renaissance locally.
“The whole local food thing is huge right now, and it’s here to stay. People want fresher foods grown locally,” says Chorney, who is also the founding President of Farmers’ Markets Canada. “Secondly, the economy; community groups are looking to do something new like put a bit of fizz in their downtowns. Lastly, the farmers are saying they’ve had enough … they want to sell direct and cut out the middle man.”
In the early 1990s, Ontario was home to about 60 markets, a number that is expected to balloon to 165 by the end of the year; this will add more money to the already estimated $3.09 billion the Canadian economy absorbed thanks to a February 2009 study.
Inspired by the tastes of Simcoe County farmers’ markets, the following recipes are sure to delight. Every recipe (except for the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies) contains at least one locally grown or produced ingredient. Enjoy!
CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI LOAF
This type of loaf is available at various farmers’ markets around the province. It tastes fabulous and makes great use of local zucchinis. As a substitute for buttermilk, combine 1/2 cup milk and 1 tbsp of white vinegar (let sit for 10 minutes before using).
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1-1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tbsps cocoa
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups grated zucchini
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
PREPARATION: In large bowl, cream together oil, butter and sugars. Stir in eggs, vanilla and buttermilk.
In medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined. Using a wooden spoon, stir in zucchini and chocolate chips.
Pour mixture into two greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
Bake in preheated 350F oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean.
Makes 2 loaves.
