On June 20th and 21st, Sappington Market will be hosting “Meet the Farmers” days which will include lots of free samples of natural and organic pork and beef cooked on the grill. Farmers from Missouri’s Best Beef Coop, Heritage Acres Pork and Ozark Mountain Pork will be preparing delicious meats and will be available to talk about the way they raise their livestock.
On both June 20th and 21st, Nancy Smith of Herbal Comfort will be demonstrating healthy and tasty ways to add flavor and nutrition to outdoor meals by using herbs. Demonstrations will be at 12:00, 2:00, and 4:00 both days. There is no charge for the demonstrations and participants will take home lots of ideas to add spice to barbecued meals.
There are many very simple ways to use herbs for outdoor cooking. A simple, effective and fun idea is to use a twig of rosemary to brush olive oil onto meats and vegetables while they’re cooking. Simply dip a clean twig of rosemary into olive oil or a marinade and brush it on.
A deliciously different twist to cooking fish on the barbecue is to lay a large sprig of fennel on top of a fish fillet in aluminum foil and cook until done. Fennel has a wonderful affinity with fish, and it’s mild enough not to offend the sensibilities of the more conservative palates in the family. Fresh basil abounds in summer, and has many uses in outdoor cookery. Most everyone loves simple salads of fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil. Basil can also be added to foil packets of meat or vegetables to be cooked on the grill.
There are many types of basil, and they’re all delicious. The most widely used variety is Genovese basil, which has the flavor recognized by most people. Some other really delicious and unusual basil varieties include:
Marseilles – A nicely shaped plant with medium-sized leaves with a very strong, sweet scent and flavor.
Minette – A very small, full flavored basil with small leaves. Preferred for container growing. Forms a mound with small white flowers.
Purple Ruffles – Very dark, ruffled purple leaves make a gorgeous statement in a flower arrangement. Taste is good, and the color makes it a good garnishing or salad basil. This basil is also very good for vinegar, because it makes a deep pink vinegar.
Lemon Basil – The incredibly awesome lemon flavor of the tiny leaves wakes up almost any vegetable, and is great on chicken or fish.
Save the date on your calendar to learn lots more about herbs and outdoor cooking at Sappington Market June 20th and 21st.
Sappington Market is located at 8400 Watson Road, between Elm and Laclede. Call 314-843-7848 or visit www.sappingtonfarmersmkt.com.