After weekend market closures, freezing temperatures and even some snow last week, we’re all itching to get back to our regularly scheduled farmers markets for some fresh, local produce! Winter is a great time to lend additional grocery shopping to local farmers as they brave the elements and weather through their slowest season.
Find a collection of local goods at Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets to make a market-inspired puff pastry tart. This is another recipe that you can make your own based on what you want to eat, your dietary needs, or what is available at markets—you can even get the kids involved to help you pick and dress your toppings. This recipe can be made with pizza dough as well, but who doesn’t love the leveled-up flakiness that a puff pastry brings?
Begin your puff pastry promenade by gathering ingredients. Pick up a roll of puff pastry at the grocery store (most groceries have a gluten-free option as well) and everything else you can piece together from market shopping—for produce think broccoli, winter squash, sweet potatoes, onions, daikons, carrots, parsnips, fennel, mushrooms, kohlrabi, spinach, arugula, and for meats think shredded chicken and ground sausage. Find chicken from Wild East Farm (North Asheville and River Arts District markets) and Good Wheel Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market). Find ground sausage from Dry Ridge Farm (Asheville City and North Asheville Markets), Sugar Hollow Farm (North Asheville and River Arts District markets), and Dillingham Family Farm (Weaverville Tailgate Market). As for sauce, you can use traditional pizza sauce or pick up a creamy Roasted Garlic Wedge from Darë Vegan Cheese at North Asheville Tailgate Market for a simple and seriously delicious vegan white sauce. Find the best homemade balsamic vinegar from Highland Gourmet at the River Arts District Farmers Market and a variety of meltable cheeses at all markets.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and begin chopping your hardier veggies. Chop enough veggies (about three to four cups) to make a layer on a small to medium sized baking sheet. Roasting your veggies will help remove water to keep your puff pastry tart from getting soggy, and of course, increase the toasty flavor. Roast until they begin to soften, about 20 minutes. Keep any tender greens, like spinach or arugula, aside until you're ready to dress your tart. While your veggies are roasting, cut the roasted garlic wedge into big cubes and start melting it down in a small pot on low heat, stirring with a rubber spatula regularly. If you are planning to add any chicken or ground sausage, get those prepped and cooking as well. As your veggies get close, roll out your puff pastry on a baking sheet—most puff pastries come with wax paper, but if not, add some to the baking sheet to make it easier to get cut and serve your market tart. Spread your garlic sauce evenly over the puff pastry with the spatula, leaving about a three fourth inch border as your crust. Add your preferred toppings like your roasted veggies, ground sausage, cheeses, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar then bake for about 20 minutes or until your pastry is golden brown. Add tender greens before putting your tart back into the oven or keep them aside as a fresh final topping. Once ready and slightly cooled, cut with a pizza cutter, serve, and relish in the flakiness of your winter-market-haul creation.
During this time of year, markets may need to make adjustments or cancellations due to unpredictable weather. Keep up-to-date with your favorite markets through their social media and newsletters.
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.
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ASAP's mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food.
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ASAP's 22nd Annual Business of Farming Conference will take place in a new location this year, Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall in Flat Rock, NC due to damages sustained at AB Tech while it was a FEMA shelter.
Join us in a few weeks, Feb. 22, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. for a day of networking, learning, and commiserating. This year’s conference will have a special focus on post-storm recovery and resilience.
View the full list of workshops, sign up to volunteer, and register at asapconnections.org.
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