Looking Forward to We ♥ Local Month in February!

It’s almost the end of January, and with February right around the corner, we’re gearing up for We <3 Local month at the Co-op! In a celebration of our local producers, we’re featuring themed weeks focusing attention on Produce, Dairy, Beverages, and Staples, with the chance to win prizes by interacting with our Instagram posts or attending our Meet the Makers livestream classes. Follow this link to learn more!

One of the best ways to interact with and support our local producers is by cooking with their products. It’s also blustery and gray outside, and I love warming up and having fun by getting into the kitchen, so really, it’s the best of both worlds! Keep reading to find a collection of some of my favorite recipes using lots of local ingredients.

One of my favorite things to make during the winter season is soup. It’s so comforting to have a pot of soup simmering away on the stove, and while recipes are always a great place to start, I love being able to adjust them based on what I have in my fridge. Here are a few of my favorites that make great “jumping off points”:

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Ribollita

 

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Hearty Lentil Soup

 

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Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup

 

Baked Goods

I often get into a baking mood during the winter, and using local produce in my baking is such a treat. Not only do we have some great local produce options during the winter from our farmers, but a variety of local flours, grains, dairy products, eggs, and sweeteners as well.

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Maple Honeynut Squash Muffins

 

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Chocolate Beet Brownies

Sweet Potato Brownies

 

Roast it Up

My other favorite way to use my oven during the winter is roasting. Roasting at a high heat caramelizes the sugars in local produce items like root vegetables and apples, bringing out their sweetness and adding an intense depth of flavor. It’s also a great way to cook a main dish, like a whole local chicken, and a side at the same time (and if you have a tiny apartment like me, keep the place nice and toasty without cranking up the heater)! If you’re vegetarian, roasting local tofu or tempeh cubes makes them nice and crispy and flavorful, and they’re a great addition to other recipes like grain bowls and stir fries.

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Parmesan and Herb-crusted Potatoes

 

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Roasted Celeriac & Carrots

 

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Garlic Tofu and Greens

Whole Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

 

For more amazing recipe inspiration, check out City Market’s recipes page, where you can search by ingredients, category, or browse the latest additions to the collection!