EATH DAY EXTRAVAGANZA AT ALUM ROCK FARMERS MARKET

By Talia Shapiro

Celebrate a healthy earth at the farmers' market on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22! There will be cooking demonstrations at 10am and 11:30am with our very own Market Chef Chris Hay, children's Earth Day arts and crafts, and an array of earth-friendly organizations to inform you.

We will have live music by local musicians and a special presentation on Sustainable Gardening given by local Master Gardeners.There will be a lot to see and do, but let's not forget our local farmers who bring you the freshest produce around. There will be fresh Asian greens from Yia Moua Farms and many kinds of fruit from Lujan Farms. Munch on kettle corn from Eat the Best and pick up a colorful bouquet of flowers from Osako Nursery to brighten up your day.

Here's a great recipe for a light spring meal using fresh Asian produce:
Stir-fried Baby Bok Choy with Shiitake MushroomsIngredients1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons canola oil2 large garlic cloves, minced6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps cut into 1-inch pieces1-1/2 pounds baby bok choy, leaves separated from the stems1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine3/4 cup Vietnamese stir-fry sauce.
Directions:In a large skillet or a wok, heat the oil until small puffs of smoke begin to appear. Add the garlic and stir-fry over high heat for 10 seconds. Add the shiitake and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the bok choy and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the wine and cook until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Add the Vietnamese stir-fry sauce and cook until the bok choy is tender but still bright green and the sauce is slightly reduced, about 4 minutes longer. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

So if you're looking for a fun day with the added benefit of informing you about how to help keep the earth healthy and how to keep yourself healthy, then come on by and enjoy a beautiful spring day.We thank you for supporting your local farmers and producers by visiting the market. We're at 57 North White Road every Sunday, year-round, rain or shine, from 9am to 1pm.