My neighbor keeps spoiling me this summer. Every few days he'll bring over homegrown butternut squash, zucchini, cucumber or tomatoes. It makes me remember the days that I grew up helping my dad in his garden. 

A few weeks ago I made a list of all of vegetables I want to grow in my own garden. But as I got to thinking about how much work it was as a kid, I decided the next day I'll just start shopping more often at the farmers market!

Southwest Louisiana has four farmers markets. When I get in a rut about what to cook for dinner, I just go to the farmers market and see what's fresh and available. Plus, they keep their Facebook pages updated so I know what they will have!  

Cash and Carry Farmers Market

Tuesdays

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Location: Corner of Enterprise and Broad in downtown Lake Charles

Tip: Get there as early as you can! And Garden Path Groceries always has healthy take away food. We love her quinoa and butternut squash stuffed red bell peppers.

 Charlestown Farmers Market on Nelson Rd.
Thursdays
Time:  3-5:30 p.m.
Location:  Trinity Baptist Church parking lot - corner of Nelson and Country Club Rd.
Purchase Louisiana-made items including grains such as jasmine rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats, gumbo, canned goods, baked goods and plants.

Charlestown Farmers Market (Downtown) 

Saturdays

Time: 8 a.m. - noon

Location: Behind 1911 Historic City Hall in downtown Lake Charles

Tip: Enjoy the day with the family in downtown Lake Charles. Bring a stroller for the little ones. They always have samples the children enjoy trying and advice for the adults on how to cook the veggies.

 

Sulphur Farmers Market

Saturdays

Time: 8 a.m. - noon

Location: Olde Tyme Variety Store, 810 Ruth St., Sulphur

Tip: This week there are figs! (I've been dying to make a fig pie!) And they often have someone making fresh crepes for breakfast and you can even pick up barbecue for lunch, in addition to the fresh fruits and vegetables for your side dishes.