As you all may know from my post a few months ago, going to the farmers market is one of my favorite rituals. I love browsing all of the seasonal produce and taking home what looks new and exciting. Taking advantage of the succulent produce from each season allows me to make fun, seasonal meals. Here are a few of my favorite winter recipes in which I use ingredients sourced from my local farmers markets (I go to whichever market is open the day I want to cook, so check your local listings, as most cities have markets open on days other than Sunday!)

 

Sorghum Glazed Turnips

My recent discovery, sorghum syrup, has me very excited to glaze what are usually very boring, turnips. The syrup adds a very sweet note to the bitter turnips.

Roasted Baby Beets

These aren’t your mother’s beets. Roasted in a broth seasoned with honey, cider vinegar, thyme, and parsley, they have great flavor and make for a colorful presentation. Top with hazelnuts and crumbled ricotta cheese to complete the dish.

Kale Pesto

I absolutely love this variation on traditional pesto. Swap out the basil and add fresh seasonal kale. Top your pasta, fish, or chicken with this healthy sauce.

Vertical Pear Salad

Impress your guests with this surprisingly easy salad, made with winter pears. You can put any salad inside that you’d like. I usually use watercress, toasted pecan, blue cheese and vinaigrette dressing.

Pomelo Citrus Bars

Before the spring fruit starts popping up at the farmers markets, you can find a unique winter fruit and make it your new best friend. Pomelo, also known as Chinese grapefruit are larger than grapefruit, but have the same color and texture inside. These citrus fruits are sweet and tangy, and taste wonderful in a dessert.