There's Something New at the Farmers' Market

by KRISTEN ARMSTRONG, Staff Writer

(Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:00 PM EDT)

Going to the Middleburg Farmers' Market can be an adventure for the senses - the smell of herbs, the bright colors of locally grown produce - and it's hard to resist buying lots of different fruits and vegetables.

But once you bring all your fresh treasures home, what are some fun ways to prepare them?

Now, you can learn a few recipes from the experts. Starting on May 17 at 11 a.m. with a demonstration given by Hidden Horse chef Nick Pappadakis, culinary experts will share their talents and recipes featuring the produce of the season.

Pappadakis has been at the Hidden Horse restaurant for about eight years, but has also worked in restaurants in Leesburg, Florida and Massachusetts. Starting out washing dishes at the Red Fox Inn at the age of 14, Pappadakis is passionate about the culinary arts and the restaurant business.

“I like people's reactions and I get satisfaction of seeing people happy,” he said.

And, in his opinion, working with fresh ingredients (especially ones from the Farmers' Market) is the best way to go.

“It doesn't get much fresher, and you know exactly where it comes from,” he said. “You don't have to worry about the stuff in it.”

Putting his ideals to work, he will demonstrate how to make a sweet spinach salad with grilled salmon, using fresh spinach from nearby Vineyard Nursery.

“It has fresh spinach, onions and mushrooms, with a honey mustard dressing, tossed, with salmon on top,” he said. “It's simple and it's good.”

The Middleburg Farmers' Market is located behind the community center and is held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. A chef-led recipe demonstration will take place once a month.

For more information on the market, call (540) 771-0225.

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