Fresh Spring Dishes
Maggi Gallaspy
You pull into the gravel parking lot, turn off the engine and immediately take in the sweet aroma of freshly fried donuts, homemade bar soaps and wooden wick candles.
It is the perfect favorite place to be on a Saturday morning, especially when the weather is that perfect balance of sunny and breezy.
Grab your friends and fur buddies and travel down County Road 7100 until you see the endless line of cars parked on the unpaved gravel roads and parking lots. That’s when you know you’ve hit the right spot!
At 8924 County Road 7100, Wolfforth Farmers Market opens its doors every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. where local, small businesses can sell their products to the community.
While many businesses faced challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wolfforth Farmers Market flourished. In an outdoor setting with a safe way to buy ingredients scarce at chain grocery stores, the community rallied around its local vendors.
The market was home to 30 vendors before the pandemic and now hosts over 130 on a family-owned plot of land outside of the city.
But even before the growth, many Lubbock locals and visitors have made the Wolfforth Farmers Market part of their weekend routine since it first opened in Nov. 2017.
As spring rolls around, you can too! One of the best “buys” at the market is fresh produce. From juicy tomatoes to crunchy peppers and berries bursting with sweetness, there is always an ever-changing assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you’re anything like me, upon walking in, you’ll be overwhelmed with the options in front of you. No worries, I got you! Today, we’re talking all things recipes you can make with fresh produce found at the Wolfforth Farmers Market.
There are several vendors that sell fresh produce, so take your pick! From Texas Country Produce to Little Sprig Farm and many vendors in between, you’ll find great prices for quality fruits and vegetables, so buying seasonally is accessible and supports local farmers.
I usually stock up on staples which include sweet potatoes, eggs, peppers, blackberries, strawberries, avocados and fresh-baked bread, which I buy from a different vendor each week. There is a variety of rolls, loaves and flour options available at the market if you want to make your own.
Be sure to make a stop at El Molino Tortillas. This family-run business serves up the tastiest salsa and tortilla chips in the 806. What’s even better? They have different levels of heat to satisfy your cravings. If you need help to decide which one to go with, try them all! They set up an easy-tasting system, so you can try out all of their products before purchasing.
Would you believe me if I told you Auntie’s Salsa was only $5? Too good to be true, right? Not! A jar or tub will easily last me a week or two, depending on what I’m serving up that week. My favorite way to eat it (besides scooped onto a fresh tortilla chip) is with my sweet potato hash and a fried egg.
If you’re feeling inspired to shop local this spring, try out my top 3 fresh produce recipes!
Sweet Potato Hash
Sweet potato hash is my signature dish and one my family raves about. If sweet potato isn’t your favorite to work with, I encourage you to try this recipe. With savory notes and added veggies, you can use this hash in a variety of ways.
Eat it alone, top it with a fried egg or add it into your favorite breakfast scramble. We eat this dish breakfast, lunch and dinner in my house, and it has easily become a weekday staple. Don’t forget to throw a little of Auntie’s Salsa on top.
Avocado Toast
When avocado toast first became popular over five years ago, we assumed it to be another food trend. But here we are in 2023, and the simple yet wholesome dish is still as popular as ever.
My take on avocado toast is simple and allows the fresh produce to shine with its natural flavors. With only 7 ingredients, this dish is perfect to whip up as a quick breakfast, lunch or snack when you’re on a time crunch or just looking for something easy.
Spring Baked Fruit Crisp
This dish transitions through the seasons with ease. Though I fill my favorite variation with peaches and berries, this baked fruit crisp is easily adaptable to the ingredients you have on hand or find at the farmers’ market. Feel free to use my recipe as inspiration and make your own version!
The perfect balances of texture and taste combine for this gluten-free spring dessert. Who am I kidding? You could get away with eating this for breakfast too! It’s healthy, filled with whole ingredients and is a dump-and-go baked treat. Meet the Spring Fruit Crisp.
From salsa to sweet potatoes and everything in between, let the Wolfforth Farmers Market serve as your inspiration to get into the kitchen this spring. You’ll be rewarded with fresh, quick and wholesome meals perfect for one or the entire family!
