Gooseberry Patch - Fresh from the Farmstand: Recipes to Make the Most of Everyones Favorite Fruits & Veggies From Apples to Zucchini, and Other Fresh Picked Farmers Market Treats

Mom always said, Eat your veggies, dear and thats still great advice! Theres a rainbow of fresh-picked produce as close as the neighborhood farmstand or even your own backyard. Why not eat local when its this easy?

For Fresh from the Farmstand, weve selected lots of flavorful recipes to add more vegetables, fruit and other healthy ingredients to family meals. Rise & shine for Yummy Blueberry Waffles or Bacon-Mushroom Frittata serve up Gwens Garden Gumbo with a basket of warm Cheese & Basil Scones at lunch.

For dinner, how about Country Chicken & Vegetables or Garden Mini Meatloaves that Grandma would be proud to serve? Try a satisfying meatless main like Hearty Vegetable Pot Pie or Cheesy Ravioli Bake. When the temperature rises, hearty Mediterranean Beef Salad and Market Eggplant Salad are refreshingly cool. Jazz up meals with savory sides & salads like Corn & Bacon Saut, Broiled Oregano Tomatoes and Lemon & Mint Bowtie Salad.

Youll find garden-fresh appetizers like Pattis Pepper Poppers and Creamy Green Onion Dip irresistible desserts like Luscious Strawberry Pie and Blueberry Orchard Sundaes. Theres even canning & freezing recipes to help you preserve the freshest flavors. Sweet Dill Refrigerator Pickles and Freezer Tomato Salsa are simple enough for beginners!

Weve added lots of useful tips for making the most of homegrown produce. With 240 tasty, easy-to-make recipes, this cookbook is sure to become a favorite year round.

See you at the farmers market!
Vickie & JoAnn

Jennifer Bontrager
Oklahoma City, OK

When I was a little girl, my grandpa owned a blueberry farm. The berries were so delicious that we always took home several gallons when our summer visit was over. This waffle recipe cooks up nice and fluffy and the farm-fresh blueberries only make them better!

2 eggs

2 c. all-purpose flour

1-3/4 c. milk

1/2 c. oil

1 T. sugar

4 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1/2 t. vanilla extract

1 to 1-1/2 c. blueberries

In a large bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Add remaining ingredients except berries; beat just until smooth. Spray a waffle iron with non-stick vegetable spray. Pour batter by 1/2 cupfuls onto the preheated waffle iron. Scatter desired amount of berries over batter. Bake according to manufacturers directions, until golden. Makes 4.

Visit a nearby farmstand for country-style baked goods, jams, jellies and just-laid eggs as well as fruits & vegetables perfect for a farm-fresh breakfast!

Cris Goode
Mooresville, IN

One morning I mentioned to my three-year-old daughter that I was making pancakes from scratch. She told me, Mommy, I dont want scratchy pancakes, I just want pancakes! This recipe will forever be known as scratchy peach oatmeal pancakes which she loves, by the way!

1-2/3 c. pancake mix

1 c. quick-cooking oats, uncooked

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

1 T. cinnamon

2 egg whites, beaten

1 T. vanilla extract

1 peach, pitted, peeled and diced

Optional: 1/2 c. chopped nuts

In a large bowl, combine pancake mix, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon; mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot buttered griddle. Turn pancakes when bubbles form and start to pop; cook other side until golden. Makes about one dozen.

Watch for old-fashioned syrup or cream pitchers at tag sales set out a variety of sweet toppings like flavored syrups and honey for fluffy pancakes and waffles.

Ann Cooper
Dallas, PA

Packed with delicious herbs and vegetables, this dish is especially good when fresh-grown ingredients are used. Feel free to use any combination of veggies you enjoy.