When it comes to food, the local options for shopping in St. Louis are surely unsurpassed in the whole country!
Think about it, we have three major supermarkets: Dierbergs, Schnucks, and Straubs; many small deli style shops; several permanent produce stands and Sappington Market; I have been told we have a different farmer's market in town everyday of the week; and many opportunities to buy directly from area farmers individually.
I was talking with one of Isabel's nurses about healthy eating a few days ago. Hmmm, let me think, our normal eating habits are at least moderately healthy, but with vacations and the unscheduled nature of dealing with a serious illness, I was having trouble remembering our last vegetable experience.
I conclude, it is a good time to support our local farmer's market.
Tower Grove Park hosts a very successful market on Saturday morning. So Will and I decided to brave the heat and go in search of fresh healthiness.
\We found a festival atmosphere as folks strolled from tent to tent choosing
from an inspirational variety
of vegetables
amid the welcoming presence of real people who work all week to bring the best of their farms into the heart of the city.
Not only veges but fruits and grains,
handmade candies, baked goods and cheeses,
home grown meats and home harvested honey are available.
All of this is displayed in one of my favorite St. Louis parks.
So this is what we should do: slow the pace a bit, choose a beautiful Saturday morning
to meander through the park, wade in the pool,
or play on the play ground,
then choose some of your favorite treats at the market, find a shady tree and have a picnic.
Well, that is what we are doing next time, but this day a schedule insists we take our treasures home. On the short drive back to Maplewood, I was considering the cost. Folks had told me the prices would be higher than usual...and they were. So for my big family, maybe this will have to be a special but unusual treat.
However, the created feast was so outstanding I will be back much sooner than later. A Saturday afternoon meal of fresh picked vegetables and fruits....a good tradition I think!
So this is what we had:
grilled summer squash with a sprinkle of salt.
rainbow swiss chard saute'd with some olive oil and prociutto
sliced tomatoes with slivers of fresh basil and Feta cheese
and peaches so sweet they didn't even need sugar.
I heartily recommend this summertime outing, find a market near you and go have a really good time!
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