Our son, who lives in Ontario, is home for a visit. This is always a fun time for all of us. In addition to spending lots of time together laughing and catching up; most evenings we all work together to make a delicious dinner.
One of the things we enjoy doing on many Saturdays, is to make a trip to a nearby farmer’s market.
The farmer’s market that we usually visit is about 15 minutes from home and involves a short car ferry ride. Although I have been on this ferry hundreds, if not thousands of time, the beauty of crossing the Saint John River never fails to amaze me.
This past Saturday was gorgeous, so we had an early morning coffee run and market trip planned! When we arrived, shortly after 9AM, the market was full of shoppers. Vendor’s stalls were piled high with fresh produce, meat, eggs, baked goods and snacks. There were several local artisans selling their wares and a young man was playing guitar and singing. It is one of my favourite ways to spend a leisurely Saturday morning!
Our goal was to pick up some local produce for tonight’s dinner. We already had a couple of pork tenderloins waiting in the refrigerator, so we wanted something yummy to go with them.
Earlier in the week I had browsed the Ricardo website and found a recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloins with a Beet and Blueberry Salad that sounded delicious. So, the items for the salad, arugula; snow peas; beets and blueberries were on our shopping list.
There was a huge assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables available. We had no problem at all finding everything we were looking for to make tonight’s dinner.
The recipe called for beets; cooked, peeled and cut into thin wedges. My preferred method to cook beets is to scrub them well and cut off the top and bottom. I then place them on a doubled piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then all you need to do is pop them in a 400 degree F. oven for 45 minutes to an hour. They are done when you can easily pierce the beets with a knife.
To peel the beets, let them cool for ten minutes and use a piece of paper towel to easily remove the skin.
We only needed a few simple ingredients for this dinner, so it was important that they were as fresh as possible. These snow peas as well as the beets, arugula, and blueberries had all been harvested early that morning or the evening before. You cannot get much fresher than that!
The oil, garlic, and thyme, ready to coat the tenderloins. I keep a planter of herbs on my kitchen deck, which is where I picked the thyme. I love the smell of thyme!
The aroma wafting from the barbecue while the grilled pork tenderloins were cooking was amazing!
The dressing for the salad was also easy to make. Just oil, vinegar and maple syrup; simplicity at its best.
With everyone pitching in to help, dinner was a cinch to make. We really enjoyed everything about this simple, delicious and somewhat different dinner. I love that the fresh ingredients had an opportunity to shine!
If you are in the market for some delicious barbecue recipes, be sure to hop over and check out the extensive Ricardo recipe collection. I am certain you will find several recipes you will want to try!
It is so amazing to see all these fresh vegetables and herb. Really a beautiful recipe!
Going to the Farmer’s Market is my favourite Saturday activity!
That looks totally amazing and I am will to bet that the taste was even better. What an unusual, but completely reasonable combo of beets and blueberries. Will have to give that a try. Snow peas and sugar snap peas are always a great addition to any salad.
Great photos as well. We will have to do a “market trip” before the autumn closing.
Thanks Pat and yes we should, I am always up for a trip to the market!
Monica Parlee recently posted…Hiking and Exploring in My Skechers Flex Appeal
I love heading to our local farmers market to pick up fresh produce, I always feel so inspired to try out new recipes!
Elizabeth L recently posted…“Stole My Heart” Yarn Nursery Decor with Free Printable
I know Elizabeth, I feel the same way. I can’t wait to get back home and start cooking!
Monica Parlee recently posted…President’s Choice #GuidingStarsCA $150 GC Giveaway
I have recently fallen in love with beets, they’re good on everything! This sounds like a great recipe and I can’t wait to try it.
Randa Derkson recently posted…Watermark Beach Resort Osoyoos, BC #funatwatermark
Randa, I only really discovered beets a few years ago and now I look forward each season to having them…very earthy and delicious!
Monica Parlee recently posted…Hiking and Exploring in My Skechers Flex Appeal
That looks absolutely delicious. Nothing beats the taste of fresh produce. Gotta try your recipe.
Dogvills recently posted…What Is the Best Product to Ease Your Dog’s Itchy Ears?
I agree, nothing beats the taste of fresh produce. This recipe is delicious, if you have the opportunity, give it a try.
I’ve never cooked with beets, but you’re inspiring me to give it a try! I love spending saturday mornings at the farmer’s market as well. And then putting something together for lunch/dinner based on what I’ve bought!
I agree Tazim, it’s a fun way to spend a Saturday morning!
There is nothing more fun than going to a farmer’s market and getting some fresh veggies.
I love finding a great recipe Jason and then heading to the farmer’s market to buy the ingredients.
I always love visiting the farmers market! So many great finds. This recipe looks so good, something my entire family would love
Gingermommy recently posted…Win a Dyson V6+ Canada
This recipe was so good!
I am a very big fan of pork tenderloin. I didn’t think we have ever BBQed it though. Yum!
paula schuck recently posted…Start Planning for Parenthood Now With Trymester Fertility App #TrymesterAPP
It is delicious barbecued Paula, give it a try, I bet you will love it!
The farmer’s market is one of my favorite weekly outings. It looks like there was a ton of great stuff at yours!
Crystal recently posted…Homemade Chicken Nuggets
There were a ton of great options at the market Crystal, it was fun getting such fresh ingredients for this recipe!
Confession, I haven’t made it to the farmer’s market in my hometown ONCE this year! I’m really kicking myself because reading your post reminded what a difference there is betweent the produce you pick up at the grocery store and what you get from your local farmers.
It’s not too late Sarah, farmer’s markets are awesome!