metro blog: Eat your vegetables, please

Pickle me lovelyToday was a very production day in the kitchen. I find that I am the happiest and most continent working in that spot. Hours pass without me noticing till I look up at the clock and realize I've been at it for some time. Good stuff.The summer months at the farmers markets are crazy good. I have been scoring at the Wednesdays Leesburg Market. Beautiful produce, fruit and super nice vendors. Open from 3-6pm and is located at Va. Village Shopping Center, Catoctin Circle.I have started purchasing my bread from Bonjour La Parisienne. I love it and love its artisan look and taste. Great addition to the Cowbell.Westmoreland Berry Farm's fruits are so delicious. The strawberries last week melted in your mouth. This week I made a cherry almond coffee cake and black raspberry blueberry jam which I will use as a filling in homemade pop tarts.Potomac Vegetable Farm offers wonderful organic veggies. This weekend I will be serving up sauteed kale, squash and oregano on the veggies melts, add some mac & cheese and it is a taste sensation.Also made more tomato jam and pickled up some more veggies. If you know me, you know I love to pickle and make jam. I am going to get my Virginia certification so I sell jars at the trailer, will keep you posted.

Market bountyFound this while cruising food blogs, yummy! Iced Mocha Green Monster Smoothie This icy drink is a hybrid between an Iced Mocha Coffee and a Green Monster Smoothie. Yield: 2 servings or 3 cups Ingredients: 1 cup coffee, room temperature 1/4 cup almond milk 1 small handful spinach 2 tbsp cocoa powder 3 large Medjool dates, pitted (or sweetener of choice) 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 10 large ice cubes 1. Blend until smooth. Gulp. Cool down. Enjoy summer!

Twinkle Bell Secret Dining FellowshipDon't forget about the July 27th. I have had fantastic response! The Chef's Table is booked, woot woot!!! but still have seats available. To get in touch with me,cheryl.615@hotmail.comcall me,304-433-7665or stop by the Cowbell at Lucketts, Friday, Saturday or Sunday 10am-5pm to sign up. Waiting to hear from you!XXOO,Cher