Official Opening Day

Hail to the green things! This past Saturday was a happy and exciting day for me. It was great to be back with the Athens Farmer's Market family. So many beautiful green things (like these gorgeous herbs from Companion Plants), so many vendors, so many customers!

The sunshine, blue skies and comfortable temperatures (albeit just a wee bit nippy) made me want to share and old Casa recipe with you. Plus, Sarah begged me to find something delicious and green (since green is the new black, by the way), and I'm happy to oblige; spring makes me hungry for green things!

Right now at the restaurant, we are preparing a delicious Fresh Spring Herb Vinaigrette to dress your salad. In fact, you can buy it at the market, or at least, feel free to come by and sample it! I have a special salad dressing that we've done at Casa in the past for you to make at home. Can I interest you in Casa's Green Garlic Vinaigrette? It's simple, easy and elegant.

Casa Nueva's Green Garlic Vinaigrette

1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar
1 1/2 cups Olive Oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Green Garlic (I know Rich Gardens Organic Farm has this!)
1 Tbs. fresh Lemon Juice (juice from 1/2 lemon)
1/2 Tbs. Honey (Cantrell's Honey is most delicious)
1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

Use an immersion blender or whisk it until everything is combined thoroughly. Then it's done! Use immediately on spring lettuces from Sassafrass Farm and Green Edge Gardens. Or try it on some delicious Ramp Pasta from Integration Acres with a little Parmesan cheese! Lip smackin' springtime goodness!
I wanted to take this moment to say thanks to all of the folks that came to market this past Saturday and that always grace the aisles with their presence. Way to support your local economy by buying that fresh, local, delicious food! And those smiles. Y'all know how to make the Casa folks feel good. Thanks for saying you missed Casa; we missed you too! See you next Saturday!