What We're Reading: Rita

The growing season is off to a robust start and Michigan farmers' markets are filled with an incredible selection of fruits and vegetables. If you haven't been to the granddaddy of them all - Detroit's Eastern Market - recently, you're likely to be pleasantly surprised. The market is undergoing a massive renovation; two of the large sheds have been completely redone, and construction is set to begin on the remaining buildings. Check out Eastern Market at http://detroiteasternmarket.com/ . Of course, there are many other markets in our part of the state and a recent Detroit News article included a list arranged by county http://detnews.com/article/20100610/LIFESTYLE05/6100317/The-Detroit-News-Farm-Market-Guide



But what to do with everything in your market bag once you get home? Emeril Lagasse has created another pretty but practical cookbook, this one focusing on local ingredients. Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Cooking Fresh contains easy-to-follow recipes for everything you can find at your local market, incuding dairy, eggs, poultry, and meat, as well as fruits and vegetables. Turn your farm fresh ingredients into fabulous dishes like Cheesy Creole Tomato Pie, Sweet Potato Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter, Honey-Brined Pork Chops with Nectarine Chutney, and Watermelon Rind Sweet Pickles, then finish off your meal with Rhubard Strawberry Crisp or Apricot Clafouti.

There are many other cookbooks that can help you find your inner locavore - check out these titles, too.

641.5 J Detroit's Eastern Market: A Farmers Market Shopping & Cooking Guide by Lois Johnson

641.5 P EatingWell in Season: The Farmers' Market Cookbook by Jessie Price

641.5973 B Cooking From the Farmers' Market by Georgeanne Brennan

641.5973 N Local Flavors: Cooking & Eating From America's Farmers' Markets by Deborah Madison

For a live demonstration of cooking with fruits and vegetables, be sure to attend the Whole Plant Food Preparation program at the library on Thursday, July 29, at 7:00.