Weekly Recipe Bundle for the Victoria Farmer Market: Basil and the Mad Hatter's Chicken Bake

As summer winds down, the Victoria Farmer Market offers an impressive selection of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients perfect for hearty meals. This week, we are focusing on a unique and delicious dish: Basil and the Mad Hatter's Chicken Bake. Featuring farm-raised chicken and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a delightful tribute to the bounty of our local farmers. Let’s dive into the distinct flavors of this dish and the incredible vendors that supply the ingredients!

Fresh vegetables at the Victoria Farmer Market

Sourcing Fresh Ingredients: The Heart of Our Recipe

The essence of any great meal lies in the quality of the ingredients used. At the Victoria Farmer Market, vendors are committed to providing fresh produce that enhances the flavors of seasonal dishes.

1. Turkey Hollow: Known for its farm-raised chicken, Turkey Hollow provides you with the finest quality poultry. Their chickens are raised sustainably with no antibiotics or hormones, ensuring that you’re serving your family a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

   
   

2. Crooked Pine Ranch: This vendor supplies organic peppers and eggplant. Their commitment to organic farming ensures that all vegetables are grown without the use of harmful chemicals. The peppers and eggplant add a robust flavor and creamy texture to the chicken bake. If you’re looking for yard-long beans, Crooked Pine Ranch has you covered. These beans not only add a unique presentation but also a crunchy texture, making every bite enjoyable.

   
   

3. Wagner’s Delight & Ward’s Cattle Ranch & Mushroom Farm : This vendor supplies delicious okra that will add depth and flavor to any meal. Wagner's Delight works hard to produce sustainable produce and delicious baked bread.

   
   

4. Wildflour Scones: And for dessert? Be sure to visit Wildflour Scones. Their freshly baked scones will be the perfect ending to your meal, allowing you to enjoy the sweet side of local flavors.

   
   

Using these fresh ingredients not only supports our local economy but also elevates the dining experience to new heights.

Eggplant from Crooked Pine Ranch

Step-by-Step Instructions for Basil and the Mad Hatter's Chicken Bake

Now that you have a grasp of the local ingredients, let’s get started on your dish. Preparing this chicken bake is simple, and you’ll be amazed at how well the flavors come together.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs farm-raised chicken (from Turkey Hollow)

• 2 medium-sized Mad Hatter peppers (from Wagner’s Delight)

• 1 cup diced garden squash (from Crooked Pine Ranch)

• 1 cup diced eggplant (from Crooked Pine Ranch)

• 1 cup yard-long beans (from Wagner’s Delight)

• 2 tbsp dehydrated basil medley

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish.

  
  

Instructions

1. Preparation of Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare all your ingredients by washing and chopping the vegetables. Ensure the chicken is clean and dry, then season it.

   
   

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced eggplant and squash. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until both are tender. Add the Mad Hatter peppers and yard-long beans, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

   
   

3. Prepare Chicken for Baking: In a baking dish, place the farm-raised chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the dehydrated basil medley evenly over the chicken pieces.

   
   

4. Combine and Bake: Add the sautéed vegetables over the chicken. Ensure that everything is evenly distributed. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

   
   

5. Finishing Touch: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to become crispy and golden.

   
   

6. Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven, let sit for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

   
   

This dish serves beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread, making it both easy to prepare and enjoyable to share.

Fresh Okra from Wagner's Delight & Ward's Cattle Ranch & Mushroom Farm

The Magic of Seasonal Cooking

This recipe not only showcases the charm of the Victoria Farmer Market but also emphasizes the importance of seasonal cooking. By sourcing local ingredients, you’re not just supporting your community - you’re also contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Eating with the seasons means you're consuming food at its peak freshness and nutritional value. Ingredients like those used in the Basil and the Mad Hatter's Chicken Bake are richer in flavor and easier to digest compared to out-of-season produce that has traveled long distances.

Incorporating seasonal recipes into your weekly meal planning encourages variety in your diet and allows you to experiment with new flavors.

Why Shop at the Victoria Farmer Market?

The Victoria Farmer Market is more than a place to buy fresh ingredients; it’s a community hub that fosters relationships among local farmers, artisans, and consumers. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making the market a regular stop in your weekly routine:

1. Freshness Guaranteed: The food found at the market is picked at its peak ripeness, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrition.

   
   

2. Support Local Farmers: Purchasing from local vendors helps sustain the local economy. Your money goes directly to the farmers, who rely on your support to continue their work.

   
   

3. Learn from the Experts: Farmers and vendors at the market are often willing to share tips and tricks for cooking with their produce. You can ask questions and gain valuable insights that can enhance your culinary skills.

   
   

4. Community Engagement: Beyond shopping, the market often hosts events that encourage community involvement, making it a great way to meet new people and connect with neighbors.

   
   

5. Variety of Choices: Vendors offer a wide range of products, from unique vegetables to baked goods, ensuring you have plenty of options to choose from.

   
   

By visiting the Victoria Farmer Market, you’re not just buying groceries; you’re participating in a movement that values sustainability and community.

A Delicious Ending

As you step away from the bustling market with your basket of fresh ingredients, you're not only preparing to make a delightful meal with the Basil and the Mad Hatter's Chicken Bake, but you're also engaging in a culinary adventure rooted in local flavors. Cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients like those provided by Turkey Hollow, Crooked Pine Ranch, and others allows you to create beautiful dishes while supporting your local farmers.

Take time every week to explore and experiment with new recipes. You may be surprised at how much joy and satisfaction you find in the journey of cooking and eating well!

As always, be sure to stop by Wildflour Scones for a sweet treat to complete your meal.

Happy cooking!