Hello again everyone! I've been rushing around helping cover for another trainer today, so I just have enough time to squeeze in my #fruitsandveggiesmonday post before I'm on to my next task! I adore @lenasveganliving and her contest too much not to share a little taste of what I've got cooking this week. :)
I know I keep saying it, but I really have such an amazing local farmers market. Each week I just cannot limit myself to buying a small amount. I keep thinking I'll reign myself in, but then I get too excited at each stall. Some women buy shoes, I overdo it on the vegetables. Haha! But seriously, can you blame me?....
I know all too soon the variety will scale back when the colder weather hits, so I may as well enjoy it now. Besides just basking in the plant-based rainbow, I got lots of doggy loving at the market this week, too. We don't have any pets, but I do enjoy saying hi to the friendly pups walking around the market. I was waiting in line to get a delicious vegan breakfast cookie from one stall when a wet nose caught my leg. I looked down to see a big squishy bulldog just itching for attention. At another stall I made friends with the silkiest and sweetest little boy schnauzer. Oh the people are fine, too, but the furry friends are always fun to make. ;)
I was hoping to crank out one of my epic meal prepping posts today, but time has got the better of me and I am not quite done with my prep for the week yet. Instead I'm tagging in @dksart for an assist on the grill once again! It's been a while since I have utilized his skills, and it really is a great way to do some of these beautiful veggies justice. If you think the grill is only for meat, you are totally missing out. ;)
Since we were out most of the day yesterday, I just didn't have the energy to make a homemade veggie burger. Luckily I had one pack of two left from Labor Day weekend to cook up along with all of the fresh farmers market goodies. I don't feel as bad about using a pre-packaged food item when it is only a small part of my meal plan. When it comes down to it sometimes ease wins out and a girl's gotta eat!
I did cut up baby bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and red onions to marinate for him to grill. Onions may just be one of my favorite grilled vegetables. They get so sweet and almost melt in your mouth! The marinade was just balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and zest, fresh garlic, basil, lemon pepper seasoning and some ground paprika. I blended the marinade together and then poured it over the vegetables to let them get happy for a few hours before getting tossed on the grill.
We also cooked the corn right in the husk this time around. @dksart was a little skeptical because he was afraid it would burn, but oh man did that corn taste fantastic! The husk keeps the moisture in so that the kernels are still nice and juicy. One of the farm stands had planted late season Avalon corn. No pesticides, non-gmo but definitely not skimping on the flavor! They advertised it to be sweeter than Silver Queen corn, and I think it definitely delivered. I probably could have made a meal of just that!
To throw in some greens I added chopped fresh kale on our plates. So sweet and tender, once again the local stuff blows store-bought way out of the water. I almost didn't get any, but my friend who helps out at one stand gave me a nibble to try. Sold!
A fantastic end of summer meal, for sure! Luckily we have plenty of the vegetables left over to help fuel me through my busy day today. Back to work in a few to finish this jam-packed Monday out! Have a great and healthy week everyone!
