Market Umbrella is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3), based in New Orleans, whose mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Markets (CCFM) since 1995.
Recipe Archive
What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!
Green Tomato Salsa
Adapted from a NYT recipe with a few quick fixes to ensure the best flavor, this vegan recipe is a great way to use up the green tomatoes that have been sitting proudly at market stands the past few weeks. If you do not have a food processor, chop as fine as you can get it works perfectly. Salsas do not have to be pretty--once you get your veggies nice and homogenous, it’s sure to be a party! Pick up green tomatoes at produce stands such as Faust Farms, the Monica’s, and get them along with homemade tortilla chips at Isabel’s Tamales and More!
Spiced Grilled Peaches
Grilled fruit, like these Spiced Grilled Peaches, are a classic summer favorite. Desserts like these go great after many summertime hits like hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches -- and you can even add them to your salad! Coming together with simple pantry staples like sugar and olive oil, these grilled peaches are a very simple way to enjoy your daily fruit serving. A scoop of ice cream on top is never a bad idea as well. Andy, the recipe author, calls for five-spice seasoning which contains cinnamon, cloves, star anise, white pepper, and fennel. Nutmeg, a pinch of black pepper, and cardamom are some easy substitutes if you don’t have all the spices.
Potato Fry
This potato fry can quickly become a staple recipe in your cookbook, coming together easily in one pot. Warm and savory, these potatoes go well over rice and can be enjoyed with toast, tortilla or naan. Many produce vendors like Indian Springs Farmers Association and Amorphous Gardens have recently started bringing potatoes to market, and Amorphous and Poche Family Farms also happen to carry turmeric. Tomatoes and onions are abundant where produce is found. This recipe also allows for many substitutions in case you don’t have a few of the traditional spices on hand.
Blueberry Buckle Breakfast Cake
Cake for breakfast? It’s always a yes. A blueberry buckle is a great accompaniment to morning coffee with its sweet textured topping and bites of plump berries. Making the cake the night before is an easy way to be prepped for the next day, as the cake must bake for about 45 minutes. Blueberries are now available at all CCFM markets, and you can get milk and butter from T&R Dairy and sub-out pecans from the Indian Springs Farmers Association for the walnuts. If blueberries aren’t your thing, you can always swap out the fruit with other berry substitutions. This recipe also comes with a helpful video guide and a few troubleshooting tips to ensure that your cake is perfectly crumbly once out of the oven.
Cucumber Cooler Cocktails
Although it’s been a bit rainy the past few weeks, there’s no denying the summer heat is slowly settling in. Cucumbers are available at our produce growers’ tables, and you can easily snag some local mint from Mr. Mizell at our Tuesday market for this Cucumber Cooler Cocktail. These guys come together easy - just give them a shake and a stir and pour over ice. Waiting a bit before that first sip is key in letting the flavors infuse. Feel free to omit liquor for an all-ages cooler. Cheers!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Zoodles are a fun way to get in a serving of veggies and are perfect for eating during those hot, stuffy afternoons when you don’t want a big hot bowl steaming up in your face! If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler, mandolin, or sharp kitchen knife will do the trick just fine. Slice the zucchini lengthwise if using a mandolin. The “pasta” shape will differ based on what tool you use, but there are no wrong ways to zoodle! Enjoy them garlic-y and cheesy like this recipe or top off your favorite salad or sandwich with these fresh zucchini ribbons. Zukes are now available at all Crescent City Farmers Markets.
Vegan Tempeh BLT Sandwiches
A classic BLT has to be one of the more perfect foods we have developed as a species, and this vegan spin-off packs a punch of flavor. Ashley, Market Umbrella’s Director of Finance, likes a simple sauté with olive oil for the tempeh and pairs hers with market bread and veggies. Pop over to Crescent City Cultures on your way to the park or bayou on Thursdays to grab a block and try out this perfect picnic recipe. P.S. First of the season field tomatoes are also now available at market!
Garden Quiche
Bright May mornings always foster a cozy need for breakfast-in-bed. Although, that may just be because Mother’s Day is around the corner. This is a relatively painless dish that is sure to make ya momma proud and works perfectly for those soft cotton mornings when you just want to relax in the moment. The recipe is flexible and will take to many flavors and textures, calling for 1.5 cups of chopped veggies. Mushrooms, summer squash, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, leeks, and onions are a great start, and additions such as ham or bacon are always a good choice and available at any CCFM market. Pop some bubbly to take this garden quiche to boozy brunch levels.
Luncheon’s Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
This sweet potato salad has that warm, comforting taste of a heavier home-cooked dish but stays light and fresh with onions and herbs. Roast for about 15 minutes, flipping the cubes, and continue for another 15 minutes on the other side until easily pierced with a fork. Most of the herbs and veggies featured in this recipe are consistently brought to market, including the squash substitutions (though you may have to wait for a bit later in the season to pick those up).
Braised White Beans and Greens
This hearty dish is savory and filling, a one-pot meal that can be enjoyed on weeknights and easily lends itself to a dairy and meat-free preparation. Greens and garlic are always abundant at market, and Honest Foods Company, Leo’s Bread or Bread and Roses can supply the perfect, crusty loaf to soak up all that cheesy broth. You can enjoy this vegetarian meal alone or alongside another course. Reheat on the stove with a good stir or in a microwave under a damp paper towel. Soon, fresh beans will be available at market - we can’t wait to prepare this with creamy, fresh speckled butter beans!
Follow us on social media; Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Share a recipe; @ us on social media or email us at markets@marketumbrella.org.
About Us
The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly year-round throughout New Orleans. The CCFM hosts 70+ local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 150,000 shoppers annually.