Swiss Chard with Garlic

Last week I made some Swiss Chard with Garlic using fresh Rainbow chard from the farmers market. The kids hadn't really taken to Swiss Chard in the past, but this time they were intrigued by the beautiful pink and green stems and the smell of garlic in the kitchen. At dinnertime, they tasted the wilted green leaves a little skeptically but were pleasantly surprised with the flavor. Both of them finished their servings of vegetables that night and Celia had seconds.

The summer is a fantastic time to get our kids to try some new fruits and vegetables. One of my favorite ways to get them interested in being more adventurous eaters is by taking them with me to the farmers market and letting them pick a new fruit or vegetable to try (my other favorite way is by having them grow fruits and vegetables in the garden with me.)

The farmers market is such a great place to stimulate our healthy appetites. The fruits and vegetables are displayed so lovingly by the farmers who grew them to make them look appealing and we know they are as fresh as it gets. I like to talk to the farmers about their favorite ways to prepare the produce to get some new ideas.

Our farmers market also has live music, chef demos, lots of foods to taste, and plenty of adorable dogs to meet, so its an ideal place for a family outing. This weekend consider taking your child(ren) to the market with you to pick some new foods. Afterwards, you can go home and decide what to make and cook together. Im willing to bet even picky eaters will be more likely to try something they helped choose and prepare at the festive farmers market.