from the market to the kitchen

After experiencing first-hand what it involves to get produce from the fields to the market, I wanted to document the journey from the market to the kitchen. Market manager Sarah Conley was gracious enough to invite me into her home one afternoon as she cooked dinner for her family of four - herself, husband Zach, daughter Magnolia (2 years) and daughter Juniper (3 1/2 months). This particular afternoon she had planned to make rhubarb and strawberry cake with strawberries she had purchased from the market and a ham/asparagus/potato fritata with ham and asparagus she had also purchased from the market and Ohio-grown potatoes she had purchased from Kroger.

Recipe #1 - Rhubarb and Strawberry Cake


The recipe calls for 2 cups finely chopped rhubarb and 2 cups finely chopped strawberries...


Plus 1 cup yogurt or sour cream...


Mixed with 1 egg, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda and a pinch of salt in a 9x9 greased baking dish.


The cake is then topped with a sprinkling of 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour and oats if desired. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes (until brown on top).

Recipe #2 - Ham/Asparagus/Potato Fritata


For the fritata, Conley simply combined chopped ham, asparagus and potato with onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt and pepper cooked in olive oil over medium heat on the stove.

Personal Insights

While the food was being prepared, I took the opportunity to speak with Conley (an OU social/environmental ecology studies alum) about her personal beliefs on food. Despite global concern mounting over the food crisis in recent months, Conley said that she feels many Americans have long undervalued the worth of food. She said that her family has always been willing to spend more for healthy food to promote a healthier lifestyle that will in turn (hopefully) mean less trips to the doctor's office.

Conley said that she strives to buy the freshest, least-processed food she can for her family and that while being locally-grown and organic are both top priorities in what she's looking for, locally-grown food wins out over organic.

"If it comes down to it, I'll buy conventionally-farmed local food over organic food from elsewhere, because buying local and supporting the local economy is more important to me. To some people food can just be something you eat - to me, food can be a political statement."

Conley also shared a book she recently read titled Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver. The book follows Kingsolver's family through one year as they pledged to eat strictly local foods by growing their own products on their Virginia farm and buying from neighboring farms.

All in all, it was obvious that Conley has a real passion for food and for cooking - something my generation and I (admittedly) lack. She alluded to the "Slow Food Movement" which I was unfamiliar with. According to Slow Food USA:

"Slow Food USA believes that pleasure and quality in everyday life can be achieved by slowing down, respecting the convivial traditions of the table and celebrating the diversity of the earth's bounty. From the spice of Cajun cooking to the delicious simplicity of produce at a farmers’ market; from animal breeds and heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables to handcrafted wine and beer, farmhouse cheeses and other artisanal products; these foods are a part of our cultural identity ... By reviving the pleasures of the table, and using our taste buds as our guides, Slow Food USA believes that our food heritage can be saved."

Our discussion about slow food really struck a chord with me, because even when I watch my mother prepare a meal from scratch for our family, I'm almost too impatient to even help. Sadly, I'm more used to microwaveable meals and instant food. Is the American food tradition fast-food chains? I studied abroad in Pamplona, Spain, two summers ago and lived with an older Spanish woman and her family. Their culture was so embedded in food and sitting down at the table and eating together, it is at times a stark contrast to the fast-paced American lifestyle.

"Socializing centered around food... I think that's beautiful"
- Conley