The Southern Village Farmers Market has started up again, and will take place every Thursday through October 25th, from 3:30 – 6:30 pm.

We continue to accept applications for the 2012 Market.  We look forward to seeing our returning sellers, and also welcome new vendors.  Click here to see our application package.

Each week, the Market will offer free samples of fresh produce and prepared foods in our ‘Joyful Cooks’ feature, along with recipes.  The Market will feature special events each week—chef demos, book signings, live music, and more.  Plan on coming out to join us for the fresh produce, local crafts & the fun!

Calling all Joyful Cooks: As we start planning for our 2012 Market, we’re looking for anybody with any culinary creativity to do a cooking demo using Farmers Market produce.  Please contact us if you’re a professional chef, a home cook, a cookbook author, a baker or canner, or if you know somebody who might like to cook at our Farmers Market some Thursday.  Send an e-mail to bev@bpropnc.com.

Check out our ‘Joyful Cook’ section this week to sample Kale & Strawberry Salad.  Here’s the recipe:

KALE & STRAWBERRY SALAD
1 Bunch Kale, stalks & ribs removed, leaves thinly sliced*
1 Lemon, juiced
¼ Cup Olive Oil, plus extra for drizzling
Kosher Salt, to taste
2 teaspoons Honey
Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
1 Cup Sliced Strawberries*
Small Handful Toasted Sliced Almonds

Directions:
In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil, and a little bit of salt.  Massage until the kale begins to wilt, 2-3 minutes (Don’t skip this step.) Set aside while you make the dressing.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, honey & black pepper.  Stream in the olive oil while whisking until dressing emulsifies.

Pour dressing over the kale, add the strawberries & almonds, toss & serve.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Can add or substitute fresh spinach, blueberries.