Have you been to the Springfield Farmers’ Market in the Battlefield Mall parking lot? It is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings beginning at 8:30.

At the market, you will find everything from fresh flowers to locally raised beef, pork and chicken. You can get fresh eggs and baked goods. And of course, there is a large selection of leafy greens, berries, and vegetables such as green beans, squash, tomatoes, new potatoes, and peas.

The prices are reasonable and most sellers boast organic growing processes. “In the U.S., the average grocery store's produce travels nearly 1,500 miles between the farm where it was grown and your refrigerator” (http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/whybuylocal/).

Just think of all the recipes you can make with your fresh purchases. Scramble two or three fresh eggs with a couple of teaspoons of your favorite herb and add in onions, peppers, and 1-2 ounces of locally raised sausage. Enjoy with 2 slices of homemade bread. Every ingredient for this easy breakfast can be purchased at the farmers’ market and is about 500 calories.

The fresh vegetables make great side dishes. While making dinner, place cut up cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, broccoli, and cauliflower on the counter with low-calorie, low-fat dressing or hummus. Slice a tomato (or more than one) in half. Spread cut side with Dijon mustard and sprinkle with a little salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons melted butter, ¼ cup dried bread crumbs, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese for every two tomatoes. Sprinkle this on each tomato half and broil until crumbs brown and tomatoes are tender. Or just sprinkle tomato slices with fresh herbs.

While grilling, place corn on the cob (in shucks) on the grill until browned all around. Cut up new potatoes and onions, place in foil coated in cooking spray, sprinkle with pepper and other grilling spices you like and grill until potatoes are tender. Slice eggplant, spray each side cooking spray or lightly coat with olive oil and season then grill each side until brown.

You can also make a fresh vegetable pizza. Using a store-bought crust, top with tomato sauce, then add zucchini, squash, onions, tomatoes, or any other vegetable that sounds good. You can also add hamburger or sausage. Top with mozzarella or parmesan cheese.

Add fresh berries to cold or hot cereal. Throw a handful in pancake or muffin batter. Sprinkle plain, non-fat yogurt with berries. Top French toast or waffles with berries and ¼ cup plain, non-fat yogurt instead of syrup or powdered sugar. To make berries last longer, freeze them in an airtight container after 2-4 days. This can be used for smoothies later.

So after a hard workout with your personal trainer from Big Time Results or to celebrate accomplishing a corporate wellness goal, treat yourself to a bouquet of locally grown flowers for just $6-10 from the farmers’ market! Or stop by the other booths for handmade crafts. Workout local, buy local!

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