Joy to the Fullest: Farmers Market Finds!

God is good, all the time. I usually end each post with this statement, but why not start with it? God is good. He really is good! He always supplies all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19. Not some, but all!

A couple months ago, we needed a couple things that we purchase via a website. We were in the middle of preparing for our move to Pittsburgh and I was hoping that this order could wait to as to prevent a higher credit card bill (moving can be costly). I prayed over the situation in hopes the items, that were on empty, would replenish themselves, in similar fashion to when Elijah told the widow in 1 Kings 17:8-16 to give him a morsel of bread. The widow only had enough oil and flour to make one small cake for her and her son, but instead, made the small cake for Elijah. Verse 16 says,“The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.” I felt led to go to the website and place the order. So, I went to the website and began placing the order. The total was $49.61. Just before I hit the ‘confirm’ the order button, I saw a checkbox that stated, “Would you like to use the credit on file for $49.61?” I thought, really? Yes, I do! I checked that box and clicked ‘confirm’. That $49.61 was NEVER charged on my credit card. God took care of it! He supplies All of my needs confirming that God is good, ALL the time!

Now we have happily settled into our new home in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, about 25 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. And, we found a Farmers Market at a park in Monroeville, 10 minutes from here. I love a good Farmers Market Find because I can turn it into a delicious meal or snack. So here’s a Big Shout Out to the farmers and vendors who make the Market in Monroeville a success and to the Farmers Markets everywhere! And I present, Farmers Market Finds!

God is good, all the time!

Priscilla

Farmers Market Salad with Strawberry Ranch Fusion Dressing

Any or all equaling up to 6 cups:

Red beets, cooked and diced

Strawberries, sliced

Tomato, chopped

Cucumber, diced

Onion, chopped

Pineapple, diced

Sunflower seeds

Almonds, sliced or chopped

Pepitos

Sesame snacks

Variety of lettuce and baby greens

Cabbage, chopped

Your favorite Farmers Market Find

Strawberry Ranch Fusion Dressing, recipe below

In a large bowl, add all of the Farmers Market Salad ingredients, except the dressing. Blend. Drizzle the Strawberry Ranch Fusion Dressing over the Farmers Market Salad.

Strawberry Ranch Fusion Dressing was created because I would combine purchased Strawberry Vinaigrette with my homemade Buttermilk Ranch dressing and drizzle it onto a salad. I thought, I make the Buttermilk Ranch, so why can’t I add the Strawberry Vinaigrette ingredients and create my own? So voila! I have added both the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix recipe and the Strawberry Ranch Fusion Dressing recipe.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix

1/4 cup dry buttermilk powder

1 tablespoons dried onion powder

2 tablespoons dried parsley

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper, ground

1/4 teaspoon paprika powder

1 tablespoon dried dill

1/2 teaspoon salt

Add all ingredients to a dry, clean glass jar or an air-tight plastic container and place the lid on the container.

Shake the container to blend. Refrigerate.

To make ranch dressing

2-3 tablespoons Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix

1 1/4 cup whole milk

1/2 cup mayo

Blend together all ingredients in a bowl. Drizzle onto you favorite salad. Refrigerate the leftover dressing for up to two weeks.

Strawberry Buttermilk Ranch Fusion Dressing

1/2 c strawberries

1-2 tablespoon Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix

1/4 c mayo

1 tablespoon balsamic

1-2 tablespoon raw honey

splash of pepper

1/4 t salt

1/2 to 1 cup whole milk

1/4 - 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

In a blender, add all of the ingredients, except the milk and sour cream or yogurt. Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt, then blend. If the mixture is too thick, drizzle additional milk. If the mixture is too thin, add another 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt.

Drizzle onto you favorite salad. Refrigerate the leftover dressing for up to two weeks.