Eating Local with Brothers Marketplace and Natick Community Organic Farm | Fresh Summer Recipes

A few weeks ago, Brothers Marketplace and the Natick Community Organic Farm teamed up in celebration of their 1st and 40th birthdays to encourage eating local and eating healthy. Tours of the farm, informative demonstrations, and a wholesome, locally-grown meal made for the perfect anniversary celebration kickoff. (Read on for a few of their fresh and delicious summer recipes!)

Guests and media gathered at the 27-acre Natick Community Organic Farm, which was founded in 1975 to provide jobs for local teenagers. These programs have since expanded – the farm now “employs” children of all ages, provides educational summer programs, and is open to the public during daylight hours for visits and access to the farmstand. Many employees and volunteers spoke of the rewarding experiences they have had as part of the farm’s programs, and the life skills that working directly with the land teaches. The farm is home to various livestock, fruits and vegetables, flowers, and even a sugar shack for making maple syrup. Everything is certified organic and ethically cared for.

Brothers Marketplace began partnering with the farm and selling their produce last year. A division of Roche Brothers Supermarkets, Brothers Marketplace focuses on local, freshly-made products. They believe that it is of the utmost importance to know where food comes from, and to ensure that it is sustainable, honest, and healthy.

The chefs at Brothers Marketplace crafted a few recipes specifically for the event (using fresh ingredients from the farm, of course.) My favorites were the Roasted Garlic & Lemon Kale Salad and the Caprese Salad Cups served on a Roasted Patty Pan Squash (recipes to follow!). They were both so fresh and wholesome without compromising bold tastes. Try them out, and let us know what you think!

LEARN MORE!Brothers Marketplace. 41 Center Street, Weston, MA. 781-966-3696. 446 Main Street, Medfield, MA. 508-359-6850; brothers-marketplace.comNatick Community Organic Farm. 117 Eliot Street, Natick, MA. 508-655-2204; natickfarm.orgGET THE RECIPES!Roasted Garlic and Lemon Kale Salad A unique and fun presentation of kale (a renowned superfood) that’s sure to entice even the most picky veggie eaters. Bold lemon and garlic flavors make this one a winner. (And it smells wonderful while cooking, too!) Roasted Patty Pan Squash Caprese Cups Great for entertaining or to simply serve for the family, this recipe delivers a tasty new take on a classic Italian salad in a bowl you can eat! Fresh ingredients guarantee this to be a light, healthy, and delightful dish.