In educating our mini-chefs how to cook, taste, and eat good food, we also need to teach them how and where to shop for good food. Let’s get them going on street level. One of my most favorite places to shop and to get inspired by what is fresh and healthy is the green market, where you can talk to the farmers and choose fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy that is super fresh and flavorful.
This Wednesday, as a sort of pre-class, my friend Avery, manager of our local market, took a group of the Yummies under her wing.
“My Grandpa grows cantaloupes and watermelons in his garden, ” one of the kids piped in when Avery asked them what kinds of things grew on farms.
“Eggs!”
“Cows! MOOOOOO!” (giggles)
Then, Avery showed them a whole row of different kinds of peppers and squash. Ohhhh. Ahhh.
She introduced them to some of the farmers and had the farmers talk about what they, in particular, grow on their farms. Despite the heat and the looming humidity, the kids managed to stay focused.
When we gave them each $5 to spend on anything they pleased, they really started to wake up and get excited. Asian pears, Italian plums, Jersey tomatoes, ripe and heavy, and of course a pain au chocolat (that would be my daughter) were some of the things that they added to their market bags. And, of course, after tasting the zucchini pancakes Avery had prepared for them, they had to pick up a few zucchini as well.
Avery has shared her wonderful recipe for the pancakes with us here. They are bright green and very tasty. A little side of yogurt-lemon dipping sauce would be my family’s way of adding onto the deliciousness: just squeeze the juice of half a lemon into 1/2 cup of plain yogurt.
Avery’s Light Zucchini Pancakes
Adapted from Jack Bishop’s Vegetables Every Day
*1 lb. zucchini (about two 6″ zucchini), grated
*1 clove garlic, minced
*salt and pepper, to taste
*1 egg
*2 T. fresh minced herbs, chives, mint, basil, parsley, or any favorite
*1/2 c. flour
*olive oil for cooking
Dry the grated zucchini by wringing it in a clean towel or draining it, salted, in a colander for half an hour.
Combine the zucchini, garlic, salt and pepper, herbs and egg, and stir in the flour.
Heat a little oil in the bottom of a frying pan, and cook the pancakes (little ones for appetizers, or larger ones to be served whole or in wedges) for about 3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges.
25/09/2009 at 1:22 pm Permalink
where were you when my kids were little?
25/09/2009 at 2:01 pm Permalink
this is so, so lovely. what a great idea.
and the recipe sounds delicious too!
25/09/2009 at 5:01 pm Permalink
I love that you're taking the kids to the Green Market. Such a wonderful idea. We're making zucchini pancakes this week as well. I picked up an abundance at the Farmer's market and we can only eat so much roasted zucchini
26/09/2009 at 1:17 am Permalink
Your posts make me miss my old neighborhood in NYC. Even though I live in the land of fresh produce (CA), I still miss the urban greenmarkets.
26/09/2009 at 5:01 am Permalink
Great education for them in so many ways.
Abbott's second grade class will be starting a unit of study related to the Pike Place Market soon from every aspect: economics, nutrition, etc. I think it's brilliant.
26/09/2009 at 5:18 am Permalink
Oh my gosh such an adorable adventure! I think what you're doing is great, Cate! I think you've really got a sense of what kids think is fun and exciting. You also know how to spark their curiosity.. kids are naturally curious but they're also super picky! Example, my friend gave her little sister some banana bread and she said "yuck", then she heated it up with some butter and her little sister loved it!
I am definitely letting you know next time I'm up in NYC. I hope it's soon because I'd love to go to the market and pick up some fall-inspired baked goods!
XO
26/09/2009 at 8:24 am Permalink
the kids are so cute
when I was living in NYC , Union Square was my farmers market,lol
enjoy your weekend
26/09/2009 at 12:49 pm Permalink
It is such a great way to spend time with children! So much fun and they also learn how to live healthy!
27/09/2009 at 1:15 pm Permalink
You know, I love a great zucchini pancake and we would have tons of zucchini if it were not for the marauding bandits (squirrels) that are stealing all of our zucchini and squash. I also love to make a simple calavacita out of zucchini.
PS – thanks for the blog love that you continually send to my wife's blog (modsquad)…
27/09/2009 at 8:17 pm Permalink
That market is divine! How fun!
28/09/2009 at 3:09 pm Permalink
Wonderful idea, I bet they had a blast
30/09/2009 at 7:14 pm Permalink
This is so awesome you gals do this! Wish I could send the girlies! Keep educating these fresh minds!!
p.s. Your super sweet comment for Grandmama (Dallas' mom) was so kind! I sent her an email for her to read it. I'm positive it made her day! Thank you! You're so thoughtful!
Happy Fall!