Summer is here - finally! I love Wisonsin summers because there are so many delicious, local foods to enjoy. The very first crops of the season are emerging from the rich soil, intoxicating our sense of smell.  One of the season’s first crops are hearty green vegetables, like kale, swiss chard, and asparagus, all chocked full of antioxidants.   A perfect way to celebrate spring is to indulge in the unsurpassed flavor of local foods.  Many foods are celebrated with hometown-feel festivals:  morel festivals, asparagus festivals, strawberry festivals.  How fun - we  love certain foods so much that we turn them into a reason to celebrate! 

A fun way to enjoy local foods is to frequent your local farmer’s market.  Usually these occur on weekend mornings.  Here in Milwaukee the Milwaukee Public Market also features a summer farmer's market and of course, lots of local goods inside, too.  Also look for local farm markets and roadside farm stands.  You will be amazed at how much money you save on produce from local farmers as compared to produce from a traditional grocery store.  Your savings may be anywhere from $20 to $40 per week, depending on your family’s size and produce eating habits.  You can also join a CSA (community supported agriculture) and buy a farm share.  To find a CSA near you, click here.

Another huge difference you will notice between regular grocery store produce and local produce is the flavor.  Local produce is fresher, because it doesn’t has to travel for thousands of miles before reaching your table.  That also means it packs more nutrients.  The only drawback to this is that your family will become produce snobs!  Once you taste a local peach dripping with succulence, don’t expect to be able to tolerate bland, mealy, mushy grocery store peaches. Enjoying local foods also gives you peace of mind.  First, you’re helping decrease global warming by reducing the amount of fossil fuels it takes to get the food to your table.  Second, you’re supporting your local economy.  Who doesn't like to accomplish two things at once?!      

Also, if you're looking for a fun event this Friday the 20th, I'll be at the Milwaukee Public Market cooking up some tasty treats for the Market Mixer.  This is great place for singles to hang out - there will be food and wine featured form the newest Market addition: Thief Wine - a wine bar and boutique wine shop.  The cost is $15 which includes two wine pours and my cooking demo, event is from 6-8pm and my demo starts at 6:30.  Hope to see you there.