First time at Farmers Market!

[alarosalpn]

I finally stopped at our local farmers market...
Prices were higher than a grocery store but I'm sure taste better.
I bought 2 small purple/white eggplants.. Can anyone tell me how to use them?
I also bought 2 bunches of fresh spinach, 3 pints of orange cherry tomatoes,1 pint yellow little tomatoes (they look like tiny pears), dozen corn,apples, peaches and zuchinni...
Confused on what to do with the eggplant though.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[NikoSan999]

Only thing I know to do with eggplant is parmesan it. I've never eaten it but want to try it. I'll probably parmesan it.

I'm in Fl and we used to have vegetable/fruit stands along the road every other mile. I've looked all summer and only foumd one and it's in another town 1/2 hr away. Ours is usually cheaper than the grocery.

[MaryCarney]

babaganoush!

[Libby]

Blanch it then sautee it Chinese style!

Chinese Style Eggplant Recipe

How to Cook Eggplant Asian Style | eHow.com

I wasn't feeling all that hot today and didn't make it out to the farmers market this am. Will try for another one on Sunday.

[frugalwarrior2]

I bought the mini eggplants from the asian seller. They said slice and saute in olive oil w/ garlic. You can add meat to just cook it first.
HA HA look who was posting at the same time.

[frugalfranny]

Our F. markets are usually higher than a grocery store too.

But....you always know that they were just picked that morning and not sitting in some back cooler for the last week!!

Glad to have the eggplant ideas.........I planted one this year and have four small ones coming. My first time growing it so I will use the ideas.

[mauimagic]

There are farmer markets at the malls and in the parking lot at Kmart - strange, but great to find things easily. I tend to overbuy because of the variety and freshness of everything - makes up for the times that produce is sparse in our home!!

[Palooka]

Sometimes ours is higher than the grocery store too, but like to support them.

Eggplant soaks a ton of oil up so just use a little. Grill it up and it makes a good veggie sandwich.

[happymomof4]

Here is an Eggplant Parmasean Recipe I use.

2 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 teaspoons salt
2 large onions, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 tablespoon honey
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, divided
32 ounces shredded cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Place eggplant in a colander; sprinkle with salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onions, basil, bay leaves, oregano and thyme in oil until onions are tender.
Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, honey and lemon-pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add garlic; simmer 10 minutes longer. Discard bay leaves.
Rinse eggplant slices; pat dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine eggs and pepper; place bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip eggplant into eggs, then coat with crumbs. Let stand for 5 minutes.
In a large skillet, cook half of the eggplant in 2 tablespoons butter for 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Repeat with remaining eggplant and butter.
In each of two greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dishes, layer half of each of the eggplant, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 35 minutes or until bubbly. Makes 10-12 servings.

[ladytoysdream]

I was at the farmer's market with the cousin last week who has a spot there to set up. She had eggplant on the table for 50 cents each. First lady picked them up, asked how much and then was asking for a better price. Next thing we both know, there is a lady standing next to her, wanting to know if there was anymore. I told her no. I charged the first lady the 50 cent each price and never hesitated. Yet the week before, the cousin said she had more on the table and never sold any.
Years ago, I had a recipe using bread and eggplant and putting it in the oven to bake. Only made it once......it was good. Have no clue the name of the recipe now.

This market has a stupid policy. Once the farmers decide a price, then the other farmers have to use the same price. You get scolded if you drop under the price. ( I call it price fixing myself ) I heard the one organizer call this market a BOUTIQUE.
They even told one farmer he had to leave because he continued to undercut the others.
I had gone to one of their meeting this spring to see how to get set up with them. Doing my homework I call it. Trying to get ideas for next year. We did not have a lot of extras this year. I still am trying to convince the hubby our 2 acres has to be productive, and not just a BIG lawn for him to mow.

[tervsforme]

I go to our local farmer's market every sunday. Yes it is a bit more than the grocery, but the taste and quality is sooo much better. Nothing like a fresh picked tomato in my opinion. I got peaches last week and they were heavenly!