Last Minute Farmer's Market Details + Yummy Fall Recipes

Okay, so we're really getting to that time of year in the Ozarks when Farmer's Markets end for the season. In fact, the next few weeks will be the last times to get thee to the markets! Here's a quick list of some of the larger ones that I've been to and the information on how much time is left to enjoy them! I'd also love feedback on these and any other markets that you've been to.  For instance, has anyone been to the Friday Night Farmer's Market?

One of my favorites, the Christian County Farmer's Market that meets at the Ozark Community Center (the same one that used to be located on the Ozark Square, which I definitely preferred!) will have its last week next Thursday, October 7th. They meet each Thursday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.. As well as hosting some of the same vendors that are sold at Homegrown Foods, you can oftentimes find a variety of handmade crafts there. Last year my mom bought a beautiful birdhouse that was made from a gourd.

The Greater Springfield Farmer's Market is another popular one, located in the Battlefield Mall parking lot. They start each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. until October 30th, with no specific end time, so it's best to get there as early as possible! Their website has a useful table of harvest times for different produce as well as an extensive list of their vendors.

If you live closer to the downtown area, the C-Street Market  is a great option. I couldn't find info online with specifics on closing dates, only that they run from May 8th "through October". I've only tried to go to this one a few times, and recently there were only a few vendors when I got there around noon. Their hours are listed as Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.. But, even if that happens, the upshot is that there is plenty to do near this market!

As much as I love going to Farmer's Markets, I'd be the first to admit that the experience can be very hit and miss. I'd be interested to hear from anyone else who has been to several different markets to see which market they find to be the most consistent as far as vendors showing up and produce variety and abundance. If you're lucky at this time of year, you may find some farmers selling early fall produce. Here are a few recipe ideas for those of you lucky enough to get them fresh (or, of course, purchase from a grocery store) beginning with my favorite ever apple pie recipe:

French Apple Pie with Oat Crust

¾ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 ¼ cups of flour

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp cinnamon

dash of salt

6 cups sliced apples (about 6 apples)

½ cup butter

Pastry for 9” Pie

1/4-1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare pastry. Mix sugar, ¼ cup of flour, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Stir in apples. Turn into pastry-lined pie plate; Mix 1 cup flour, butter and brown sugar and oats to your liking until crumbly. Bake 50 minutes. Serve warm. 

Here is a recipe for an Eggplant Rollatini from Kraft Foods that I haven't yet tried, but I'm dying to. Their website also has a lot of other fall food ideas that sound great. 

2 eggplants, trimmed and peeled

1 container  (16 oz.) BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN 2% Milkfat Low Fat Cottage Cheese

2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

1/3 cup  plain dry bread crumbs

1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/4 cup  chopped fresh basil

1 jar (14 oz.) spaghetti sauce

HEAT oven to 350ºF. CUT thin slice off 2 opposite sides of each eggplant; cut remaining eggplant lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place 12 slices in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 5 to 6 min. or until very tender; place in colander. Drain well. Place in single layer on clean kitchen towel; top with second towel. Press out excess moisture from eggplant. MIX cottage cheese, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella, bread crumbs, Parmesan and basil; spoon about 1/3 cup onto each eggplant slice. Roll up. Place, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with spaghetti sauce and remaining mozzarella. BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 5 min. before serving.

Lastly, for seasonal cooking, I have to direct you to Bon Appetit Magazine and their website, which has the recipes from each issue on it. I can't give any specific recipes because every single one on this page sounds delicious. 

So, time to share... what are your favorite fall foods and recipes?