Forest Grove Farmer's Market Part 2

I'm posting later than usual, but I did make it to the May 27th Farmers Market. Since I was still in recovery from my mild heart attack, I had very little energy but trudged through. I missed the next one on June 3rd, but that was my first day back to work and I was exhausted.

Just like the previous week, not too many booths selling produce but more than the week before. Grabbed some red potatoes of which I will most likely cut up and roast in the oven. Got two small cucumbers which I sliced up and added to salads, very tasty. And got some asparagus which I cooked in this great recipe.

Asparagus Stir Fry
8 to 12 stalks of asparagus
5 or more cloves of garlic
Sesame Oil
Soy Sauce
Rice Wine Vinegar
Dried Mustard
Cayenne Pepper
Corn Starch (optional)

Cut the bottoms off the asparagus and then slice diagonally into half inch strips, cut the garlic into small pieces, almost minced. I prefer to use much more garlic usually a small head, adjust to your taste. Since I'm not that accurate when using spices I don't have exact measurements of how much to add. I add as much as needed to flavor with. So for the sesame oil I added just enough to coat the frying pan. Once the oil was heated up I added the asparagus and garlic and saute for about a minute or two. I added equal amounts of rice wine vinegar and soy sauce (I used low sodium) about a tablespoon or so if you want to measure. I added the dry spices, about a half a teaspoon, adjust to your taste. The dried mustard can be substituted with Chinese mustard, I also added some five spice I got at Trader Joe's a while back and used Korean red pepper instead of the cayenne, not much difference. Once it is heated it's ready to eat. Corn starch can be added, about a teaspoon or less depending on how much liquid is in the pan, to thicken up the sauce. I didn't add any this time.

Serve as a side dish or over rice. What you have is a basic stir fry base so if you wanted to make a nail soup you could add onions, broccoli, peppers and other vegetables as well. To add more flavor and protein put in some meat, chicken, pork or seafood. I added some leftover pork to the remainder after I made this and had it for breakfast over some brown rice.

Hopefully I'll make it either this week of the 8th or next week back to the market. I know each week more items will be available and I'll have an opportunity to enjoy more fresh food.