It’s the season for gardening, but if you’re less of a “I have a green thumb” kind of person and more of a “I can’t even keep a succulent alive” kind of person, then the farmers market is your best friend this summer. Healthy eating is a lot easier when you can buy the freshest produce, breads, cheeses and meats straight from your local farmer. Grab your canvas bags and hit up a market, then be sure to whip up one of these family-friendly recipes for an easy weeknight meal.
Build-your-own naan pizza
Naan pizzas are a favorite in our house because they’re so simple to make, plus they can be easily customized. Grab a package of naan bread from the grocery store (or if you happen to find some at the market, even better) and go to town with ingredients.
Ingredients:
Anything you like! Get creative with your market haul. Our personal family favorite is asparagus, caramelized onions and goat cheese. I plan on buying some local honey from my farmer’s market to up the flavor with my pizzas this summer. Here are more ideas on delicious ways to top your pizzas.
Caprese salad skewers
(via Iowa Girl Eats)
It’s basically a scientific fact that children are much more likely to eat something if it’s on a stick and covered in sauce. While these skewers might not initially seem as appealing as a corndog, they’re still fun to chow down on. Plus, there’s enough cheese in the recipe to please even the pickiest of eaters. Kids can get in on the fun by helping assemble the snack, too.
Ingredients:
1 cup balsamic vinegar-cherry or grape tomatoes
mini mozzarella cheese balls (you could use a regular-sized ball cut into bite-sized pieces)
fresh basil leaves (cut or fold in half if large)
salt and pepper
toothpicks
Directions:
Bring balsamic vinegar up to a boil in a saucepan, then lower heat to medium and simmer until it's the consistency of very thin maple syrup (about 10 minutes). Pour into a bowl and let cool.Cut tomatoes in half. Thread a mini mozzarella cheese ball, basil leaf and a tomato half onto a toothpick. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle cooled balsamic reduction on top.
Strawberry watermelon slush
(via Eat Well 101)
We all know that sweltering days are on the way, and refreshing drinks will be necessary after a long day of work and wrangling kids. Strawberries and melons will soon be ready at the market and make healthier treats than endless popsicles and ice cream cones. This recipe is a super easy crowd pleaser and can be made into an adults-only version by adding rum or vodka, too.
Ingredients:
1/2 lb strawberries, hulled and halved
4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed and frozen
¼ cup lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions: In a small saucepan, heat strawberries with sugar and a tablespoon water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, until strawberries are completely softened. Press the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and collect the syrup into a glass jar. Meanwhile, place the watermelon cubes and lemon juice in a blender and puree until slush consistency. Divide the watermelon and lime frozen puree into glasses, pour the strawberry syrup over, then garnish with halved strawberries.
