[Meatless Monday] Carytown Farmer's Market

Hi!!! I'm officially back in blogger action this week! Although I don't have an actual meatless meal to share with you, I thought I'd show you yesterday's purchases from the Carytown Farmer's Market and some of my plans for them :)

The Carytown Farmer's Market just started up in mid-August in Richmond and seems to be well-received by the community. Richmond has its fair share of farmers markets (see list here); unfortunately, I haven't visited many of them yet. The Carytown Farmer's Market is particularly appealing to me because: 1) From my new apartment, its only a short 10-15 minute walk, 2) Its not an overwhelming size, and 3) Its open until 2PM on Sundays. The subtle fall weather made yesterday's walk to and from the market the true highlight of my day--the warm sun, the slightly cool breeze--honestly, it was kind of like walking meditation.

The farmer's market included two local meat vendors, one beef and one pork/chicken, two veggie stands, a flower tent, and various other food vendors (e.g. PICKLES!). Somehow I managed to avoid my typical splurges...sweets, pretty things...maybe it was the mere $15 in my pocket. Instead of a sack of raspberry preserves, banana bread, and red sunflowers, I left with a small selection of veggies for the week:



Curly Kale
I've only bought kale once in my life, but I really want to make it a more regular purchase! I hope to make kale chips this week with this bunch. Also, I just stumbled upon this pasta recipe that sounds divine.

• Kale Chips (Smitten Kitchen)
• Sweet Potato Cream Pasta with Crispy Kale (How Sweet It Is)

Green Beans
Sorry, folks. I know this isn't meatless...but how deliciously cute do these bacon green bean bundles look?!

• Bacon Wrapped Roasted Green Beans (Buns in My Oven)

Spaghetti Squash
First, I can't get over how adorable this squash is. And its the perfect size for a one-lady household! I had to buy it, of course. While I'm in love with eating spaghetti squash the traditional way with marinara, this asian twist looks like a worthwhile break from the norm. Also, I'm never one to turn down some feta and olives:

• Spaghetti Squash Sesame Noodles with Edamame (Family Fresh Cooking)
• Greek Stuffed Spaghetti Squash (The Sweets Life)

What would you do with these ingredients?

Happy meatless eating!