While locally grown cut flowers for a Valentine’s Day gift may be hard to come by at farmers tailgate markets this time of year, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate local produce into this special holiday! Markets have plenty of colorful produce to coordinate an at-home Valentine’s Day meal, including sweet potatoes, radishes, leafy greens, and more! 
 
This delicious (and easy) frittata recipe uses farm fresh veggies to make a Valentine’s Day breakfast for that special someone. Start by peeling and cutting one medium sweet potato into quarter-inch slices. To a microwave-safe bowl, add the sweet potato slices and two tablespoons of water, then cover. Microwave on high for five to six minutes until the potato is tender. Whisk together seven large eggs, three tablespoons of milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In an oven-safe skillet, cook six bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and set aside on paper towels. In the same skillet, sauté one chopped green pepper, half a cup of chopped red onion, and two cups of coarsely chopped fresh kale for 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the egg mixture, potato slices, and bacon, and cook for two minutes until the eggs are partially set. Transfer the skillet to a 375-degree oven, and bake for five to seven minutes until the eggs are set. Cut into wedges and serve! You can find kale from Thatchmore Farm at North Asheville Tailgate Market. Bacon is available from Dry Ridge Farm (North Asheville and Asheville City markets) and Sugar Hollow Farm at North Asheville Tailgate Market. 
 
Sometimes radishes are best enjoyed simply by themselves! Take advantage of the bounty of radishes at farmers markets this weekend by making this vibrant salad, which is naturally reminiscent of the signature Valentine’s colors of red, pink, and purple. Start by washing and trimming one pound of mixed radishes (we recommend watermelon, french breakfast, and purple daikon radishes), then thinly slice with a mandolin or knife. Place your slices into a large bowl, season well with kosher salt, then squeeze and scrunch the radishes several times with your hands to work in the salt. Freshly squeeze the juice of one lemon (saving the rinds), and grate one-and-a-half ounces of parmesan cheese directly onto the radishes and toss well. In a separate bowl, whisk together another ounce and a half of grated parmesan cheese, half a cup of chopped basil, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the mixture onto the radishes and toss again until well coated. Serve by transferring desired amount to a plate, then drizzling with a little more olive oil, sprinkling sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and lastly, finely grating lemon zest over your salad. You can find beautiful radish varieties from vendors like Ten Mile Farm and Velvet Morning Farms at Asheville City Market and Highgate Farm at River Arts District Farmers Market! 
 
This baked potato recipe uses the colorful stalks of rainbow chard and vibrant insides of a sweet potato for an appetizing addition to a Valentine’s Day dinner. Bake your sweet potato. While it is still warm, cut the potato lengthwise and gently pull open. Using a fork, fluff the inside of the potato and add half a tablespoon of coconut oil and salt to taste. Continue to fluff until the coconut oil is melted and thoroughly combined. Heat another half tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat in a skillet, then add one clove of sliced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Add two cups of thinly sliced rainbow chard and a teaspoon of lemon juice, and cook until the greens begin to soften. Add a splash of water, cover the skillet, and turn off the heat, letting it stand for another minute. Stuff the cooked chard into the sweet potato, then sprinkle on toasted coconut chips and pomegranate arils. You can find sweet potatoes for this recipe from Lee’s One Fortune Farm, and rainbow chard from Mighty Gnome Market Garden at Asheville City Market. 
 
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region, even in the winter. 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.