Farmer's Market Excursion

I have been dying to go to a Farmer's Market for the longest time. I googled it and found one in my area that was pretty close to my house, so I decided I had to make a trip to it over the weekend. I was very impressed with the goods at the farmers market. All the farmers and local growers were all very friendly at each of the booths. I didn't know what to expect so I was a little shocked by how packed it was. 

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After my first ever experience at a farmers market I have a few words of wisdom for anyone new to this experience as well. First of all I recommend bringing some reusable bags. I didn't think to do this so at each booth I was given the crappy plastic bags that start to rip when they are filled full. I also recommend going with a friend. My fiancé was busy helping his dad move a bed so I decided to just go alone since I was going so early on a Saturday. I regret this because I really didn't get to stay as long as I wanted because going alone I could only carry so much while still carrying my purse and my water bottle. Next time I'll wait till my fiancé, one of my sisters, or a friend can come along to carry stuff as well. 

Here's everything I ended up being able to get and carry myself. I got 4 ears of corn, 3 cucumbers, 6 tomatoes, 2 GIANT sweet potatoes, sunflower whole grain bread, and Apricot/Cranberry Brioche. I was pretty excited that I was able to get all of this fresh food straight from the farmers for less than $20. Next time I go back I'll have to stop by the meat and fruit booths to hopefully find some fresh meat and juicy blackberries.

I can't believe how GIANT these sweet potatoes are. I can't wait to cook these up tomorrow night. 

<3 Kelly Jean

Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Quinoa Veggie Burger

Sometimes finding a dinner that pleases both myself as a vegetarian and my meat-loving very hungry fiancé is not that easy. I always search Pinterest for new inspirations for tasty meal options. I recently happened upon a recipe for a spicy quinoa veggie burger and decided I had to give it a shot. The recipe was originally taken from the PopSugar Fitness blog that has tons of inspiration for healthy meals and great easy to do at home workouts. 

Here's how to make this tasty veggie burger:

INGREDIENTS

1 small sweet potato, baked
1/4 cup dry quinoa
1/4 cup dry barley
15-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons parsley
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 fresh red peppers

                             

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake the sweet potato for 45-60 minutes or until soft.
2. While the sweet potato is baking, cook the quinoa and barley in separate pots until soft, about 30-60 minutes (barley takes a little longer).
3. Remove the stem and seeds from the red peppers. Cut the whole pepper in quarters and the half a pepper in half, and roast all six pieces in the oven for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Once the sweet potato is baked and cooled, combine garbanzo beans, sweet potato, parsley, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt and pepper, flour, and one tablespoon oil in a food processor.
5. Allow the grains to cool, and then in a separate bowl, mix the bean mixture with the quinoa and barley.
6. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large pan on medium heat. Place heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the hot pan, and use the back of the spoon to pat them flat and form four-inch diameter patties. Brown both sides of each burger. Serve on a bun with one piece of the roasted pepper, sliced into thirds.

Yield: 6 servings

NUTRITION

Calories per serving
 
202

It was definitely not the easiest veggie burger I have ever made, but it was definitely the best. My fiancé asked twice during dinner when I would be making this again. I believe that is a good sign.

<3 Kelly Jean