Editor's Note: Bridgeport Farmers Market is open 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. today at the Marketplace at Charles Pointe. In addition to the Market's regular array of offerings, today holds a few special treats. Pictures to accompany this blog post are at the gallery below.

 

This week our regular guest blogger, Heidi Nawrocki, offers up a fantastic autumnal recipe along with other ideas on seasonal local eating. But before we get to that I want to share with you two special events that are taking place at the Market today.

 

First off the Market is going to take its love of dogs to the next level. We are pleased to host the Clarksburg Kennel Club who will be offering up a range of activities. First, the club members will conduct a Meet the Breed session where folks can get an idea of what breed of dog might best fit their lifestyle. They will also be demonstrating canine obedience training in the field adjacent to the Market. In addition, therapy dog teams from Mountaineer Therapy Dogs will be on hand to inform the public about their good deeds.

 

The other event happening today is a performance by an extremely unique musical group called Ancien from Athens, OH. As you Market regulars know we have hosted just about every known genre of music over the years, from country to rock and from jazz to Americana. But the music you will hear Ancien play today will open your ears up to what is known as World Fusion. In their case that fusion is made up of Arabic, Spanish, Gypsy, Aboriginal, Medieval, and Asian Indian musical traditions.

 

Ancien also has a local tie in that they feature Clarksburg resident and area educator, Barbara Thorne Cale, on dumbek (which is a Middle Eastern goblet drum), recorder, violin and vocals. There is no explaining the exotic mix of sounds you will hear today so you will just have to come out and hear it for yourself. Take it from me; you’ll be glad you did. Hear them here as well: http://www.reverbnation.com/ancien

 

And now back to our regularly scheduled end of the month guest blog by Heidi Nawrocki.

 

Seasonal eating brings with it a certain rhythm. You soon start to crave Brussel sprouts in the winter and tomatoes in the summer. You quickly learn that a salad and greens actually taste far superior in the cooler weather. The Farmers Market is a wonderful place to learn about seasonal eating...because when you buy from your local farmers, you ARE eating seasonally.

 

Summer has faded into fall and the leaves are beginning to change. The landscape of the market is changing as well. While some farmers still have summer squash and zucchini, some are beginning to bring winter squashes. Pumpkins, butternut squash, and maybe a delicata can be found. The winter squashes are great because they can be stored in a cool place for an extended period. And there are so many ways to prepare them! Roasted, stuffed, or made into pumpkin bread – the possibilities are endless. One of our favorite ways to use a butternut is to roast it and make butternut squash and black bean soft tacos.

 

Black bean and butternut squash soft tacos

 

1 medium butternut squash

Black beans equivalent to one can

Small onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Salt to taste

 

Tortillas

Shredded cheddar cheese

 

Peel and cut butternut into bite sized pieces. Lightly coat with olive oil and cover with cumin and cinnamon. Bake at 375 for approximately 25 minutes.

 

While squash is baking, sauté the onion and garlic. I prefer to use butter, but any method would be fine. Add black beans to pan.

 

When squash is done, remove from oven. Assemble your soft taco and enjoy!

 

So, go out and enjoy all the loveliness of fall – the occasional pumpkin spice latte, an Oktoberfest beer, and some pumpkin roll. But don't forget about your local farmers and their mounds of pumpkins and other fall squash.

 

Until next week, Stay Fresh!

 

The Bridgeport Farmers Market Association is the seven member all volunteer board of directors that governs the Bridgeport Farmers Market. It is supported by a wonderful group of community volunteers who help in the setup and maintenance of the market. For more information on the Farmers Market or to see how you can help please e-mail us at bridgeportfarmersmarket@yahoo.comor, better yet, LIKE us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. You can also check out the Market’s own YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/BridgeportFarmersMktor for more BFM video content you can now go to http://vimeo.com/bridgeportfarmersmarket/videos

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