Melted Sweet Potato Quesadillas

2 T vegetable oil
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
1-2 tsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
4 c. peeled, grated sweet potatoes (about 2 large)
1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 T minced fresh)
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste
10 (6-8 inch) whole wheat or flour tortillas
1 1/2 c shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese

Sauté the onions and garlic in heated oil until onions soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in grated potatoes, oregano, chili powder and cumin. Cook, covered, for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Spread 1/3 c. sweet potato filling on half of each tortilla and top it with 2 T cheese. Fold tortillas over to make half-moon shapes. Place folded tortillas, 2 at a time, in the skillet for about 3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. (You can also bake the quesadillas on a cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees.) Keep cooked quesadillas warm by placing them on a cookie sheet in a 300 degree oven until they are all ready.

Makes 10 servings
Per serving: calories, 248; fats, 10 grams (18% of calories); cholesterol, 20 milligrams; carbohydrates, 29 grams; fiber, 3 grams; protein, 10 grams; sodium, 270 milligrams

Weekly Farmer's Market Report

I was delighted to discover my open air friends back in their usual places when I visited the farmer's market today. They said they were moved down to the lower end for cleaning the last two weeks and not very many people saw them. I have been trying to use more of the winter vegetables like cabbage, turnips, butternut squash, sweet potatoes and rutabagas. Today I found beet greens and spinach amongst the collards. I will post some of the recipes I have found and used. Coolest find today at the Wise Farms area: local strawberries! They are called Winter Berries. They are grown in a solar tunnel at Lewis Nurseries and Farms in Rocky Point, NC. They were $5 a pound (very amply filled container) and $9 for two containers. It reminded me that over the next few months we will have a lot more produce to choose from. Yay!

The Produce Box

It's official. I am now a coordinator for The Produce Box. I am excited to be supporting local farmers and getting fresh veggies! Here is a little bit about it:

The Produce Box is dedicated to improving the local food system in the Triangle by providing a direct link between local farms and consumers. We do this by offering a variety of seasonal products, delivered weekly by Neighborhood Coordinators, who live in the neighborhood they serve.

There is more information on their website: www.theproducebox.com

Granny's Slow Cooker Chili

Since I am posting first, I thought I'd take the liberty to add a recipe I really like! This is a great recipe to get in all your beans and veggies. Plus, how can you go wrong with the crockpot? Check out Granny's Slow Cooker Chili and you'll be on your way to healthy eating! Cornbread on the side is a winner too!