Farmers Danielle Keeter and Mark McDonagh are co-owners of Mighty Gnome Market Garden in Waynesville, NC. They believe that a small farm can have a profound impact on their local food economy. They grow fresh, seasonal produce as sustainably as possible, all while following organic methods. Danielle explains that “everything is done by hand, we’re not riding on the back of a tractor. It’s just the two of us doing all of this. My favorite part about running the Market Garden is a toss-up between eating really great food and the community that has surrounded us here.”
Recipe
Strawberry Sandwich
This simple snack can be prepared in the classroom for a no-heat cooking activity.
Fresh Tomato Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a traditional antipasto dish–or an Italian first course. This version features ripe local cherry tomatoes, plus fresh herbs, greens, and spreadable cheese. It makes a great snack! For a no-heat classroom cooking activity, provide kids with their own ingredients so they can assemble their own open-faced sandwich at their desk.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
This simple recipe makes a fun no-heat class cooking activity. Don’t have peppers and carrots? Substitute other produce, like halved cherry tomatoes, radish slices, or baby spinach leaves. Or offer students an assortment of fresh veggies to choose from and let them design their own sandwich.
Squash Salsa
This salsa features local summer squash, plus black beans for added protein. It could be served with whole grain tortilla chips for a snack or local food taste test, or served in tortillas or over rice for a hearty lunch.
Zucchini Coleslaw
This variation on a traditional cabbage slaw incorporates shredded zucchini and features a simple creamy dressing. Consider preparing this recipe for a local food taste test when summer squash is in season.
Blackberry Granola Parfait
Fruit parfaits make a great class cooking activity! These individual snacks can be used to teach sequencing and practice fine motor skills. This version features local blackberries, but you could also substitute another seasonal berry or fruit, or use a mix of fruits.
Blueberry & Peach Bruschetta
Bruschetta is traditionally a savory antipasto dish–or an Italian first course. This sweet kid-friendly version features fresh summer fruits (use local peaches, too, if you can find them!), plus cream cheese and honey. It makes a great snack! For a class cooking activity, provide kids with their own ingredients so they can assemble their own open-faced sandwich at their desk.
Burrito Crunch Wraps
This nutritious wraps are packed with crunchy local cabbage, veggies, beans, and cheese. They’re full of fiber, protein, and nutrients. You can add or substitute other fresh veggies you have on hand to customize this burrito for your class.
Homemade Ranch and Cucumber Moons
This tangy dip is easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with crunchy local cucumbers. Kids will enjoy mixing together the dressing ingredients and using a kid-safe knife to cut up the cukes.