Market Nights: Episode 2: Happy National Farmers Market Week

🌽 Celebrating National Farmers Market Week with Episode 2 of Market Nights

It’s National Farmers Market Week, and around here that means two things:

1. Support your local growers and makers.

2. Fire up the stove and get creative with what’s fresh.

So naturally, we dropped Episode 2 of Market Nights on a perfect Wednesday morning down at the Old Capitol Farmers Market in Downtown Springfield.

This time around, we cooked up a whole spread inspired by the summer harvest and packed with flavor. Here's the full rundown:

🍝 Bucatini Carbonara

This one was kid-approved and a major crowd favorite. We did a creamy twist on the traditional carbonara, using a rich Alfredo-style sauce that one critic saying, “This tastes just like Olive Garden!” We used both Italian sausage and bacon, which gave it an extra layer of depth and a little spin from the classic pancetta. You just can’t go wrong with pasta, cream, and crispy bacon.

🥩 Spicy Steak Crostinis

Whew. These had bite. The steaks were marinated in a savory mix of soy sauce, thyme, and Worcestershire, then grilled and served on toasted crostinis. What made them spicy? A horseradish cream sauce drizzled right on top. The heat caught a few folks off guard — in the best way.

🌽 Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

We all love elote, but authentic elote hits different. We roasted the corn and made a homemade cilantro-lime aioli, which helped the cotija cheese cling just right. Topped it all off with Tajin and fresh cilantro. Our street food meets the market — and not a single kernel left behind.

🍅 Cajun Fried Green Tomatoes

Gone before we knew it. We battered them in a spicy Cajun-seasoned flour, and the crispiness was unmatched. We were honestly surprised how much the kids loved these — proof that when it’s good, it's GOODT. Flavors don’t have to be too grown-up. These are definitely making a return.

🥒 Summer Harvest Zucchini Boats

These were hearty enough to be dinner on their own. We stuffed fresh zucchini with ground beef, sautéed market vegetables, and topped it off with sharp cheddar. The balance of textures — soft zucchini, juicy fresh ground beef, and melty cheese — was perfect. Even our more skeptical eaters went back for seconds.

🍑 Peaches & Berries Trifles

The perfect summer dessert. Fresh peaches, mixed berries, fluffy homemade whipped mousse, and crumbled graham cracker crust layered into individual cups. Light, sweet, and hard to share with the kids 👀

🧋 The Sips

Not pictured, but very much enjoyed:– My vanilla iced latte– EJ’s blue raspberry iced green tea

If you didn’t know — Whimsy Tea is right on the corner of the farmers market, and it’s the spot for getting your caffeine or tea fix. A must-stop before or after your produce haul.

✨Market Nights Crew Updates✨

We were missing a couple of our Market Night OGs this time (you were missed, truly!), but the kitchen didn’t feel empty for long — because we gained another toddler and a new taste tester! And we have to say, the food reviews were brutally honest… in the best way… kinda

🚚 OK, Let’s Talk About This Food Truck

Because we have to.

The Lumpia food truck was parked at the market and it calls our name every time. First of all — their mango iced tea is GOODT. Like, sip-boom 💥-gone.

And the lumpia? Perfectly crispy, flavorful, and stuffed just right. If you see them out, don’t think — just order. You won’t regret it.

Whether you’re a longtime market lover or just discovering how fresh, local food can transform your meals, National Farmers Market Week is a great time to get inspired and support your community.

🎥 Watch Episode 2 of Market Nights now and follow along as we turn fresh ingredients into unforgettable meals — and memories.

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