Downtown Farmers' Market and Acorn Squash

     

     Every Saturday morning, the Sustainable Food Center hosts three farmers' markets, one of which is held Downtown at 4th and Guadalupe. This market may be a little easier to get to for people who live in Central Austin. It is held in Republic Square Garden, which has some nice shaded seating areas where you can enjoy the prepared foods you can buy at the market. Although parking is often a problem downtown, there is a free parking lot adjacent to the market so you shouldn't have a problem finding a space. 

     Vendors here sell everything from apples and cucumbers to kombucha and specialty chocolates. The market feels much bigger than the one at Sunset Valley and is well-suited to leisurely browsing and savoring a seasonal scone with a cup of fair-trade, organic coffee. 

Texas Coffee Traders sells organic, fair-trade coffee at the Downtown market.

      Now, fall produce! I am particularly excited about acorn squash right now. It's an excellent source of fiber and vitamins and all that good stuff, and it's also really yummy! Acorn squash is typically dark green and, surprisingly enough, it is shaped like an acorn. It is similar to a small pumpkin and is often used in soups because it creates a creamy texture when cooked and pureed.

http://www.organicfoodsdelivery.com/acorn-squash/

       My family has fallen in love with this delicious recipe from Real Simple. The dish is gorgeous and it makes our house smell wonderful every time we make it. 

       Now go acorn squash from some friendly farmers at the market and make something delicious with it!