Etna Farmers Market + Swiss Chard with Vinegar
The Etna Farmers Market is run by friendly farmers and vendors selling homemade pies and jams, organic fruits and vegetables, pottery, organic meats, flowers and body products grown and produced in Scott Valley. They are open from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from June to September. The market is located 514 N Hwy 3 on the east side of Dotty's.
The market has something for everyone. On one of our visits my granddaughter and her friend bought raspberry pinwheels from Grain Street Baker and succulents from the 'Pie Lady.' My daughter bought a garlic braid from Sugar Creek Farms. I bought organic peaches from Hunter Orchards.
This trip I got Swiss chard, zucchini, a beet from Dede and, of course, peaches from Hunter Orchards. I'll grate the big beautiful red beets for salads. My daughter will get the skin, top and bottom to dye some eggs for an art project. I will sauté the beet greens in a little olive oil and garlic. I'm looking forward to making noodles with the zucchinis I purchased from Les at Starlight Farms, in a Buddha bowl. I'll share the recipe after I perfect it.
To savor the sweet juicy peaches, I gentle scrub the fuzz off the skins. Cut the peaches in half, remove the pit and grilling them. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. For a rich simple dessert sprinkling slices with a little cane sugar and splash of cream.
The market requires shoppers and vendors to wear masks and stand 6 feet apart. Hand sanitizer is available throughout. Many vendors have someone dealing with produce and another person taking the money. The market accepts SNAP benefits. Bring your own bags. Contact them about curbside pick-up and Harvest Boxes. Visit their website, www.etnafarmersmarket.com or Facebook page.
After going to the market we went for a bite at Denny Bar Company - review is pending- then to Catherine Elroy's art studio/sale. It's a short walk to 608 Main St. where Cathy has set up an arts fair booth in her yard. look for the ART sign. Cathy's work is colorful and whimsical. A feast for your eyes.
Sautéed Swiss Chard with Vinegar
Ingredients
1 bunch Swiss chard
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large shallots - sliced
2 garlic cloves - grated
Salt
2 tbsp Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
Directions
Wash the Swiss chard and remove the stems then slice into 1' pieces. Tear leaves into 2" pieces.
Add chard stems and shallots to a pan with the oil on medium-high. I cook these in my Dutch oven. Sauté about 2 minutes stir as needed to prevent burning. Turn the heat to medium low and add the chard leaves and garlic, season with salt. Cook and toss until leaves are tender about 3 minutes. The stems should have a little crunch and the leaves tender. Do not over cooked. Take the pot off the burner toss with vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
