Now that Halloween is behind us, it’s time to start planning some holiday recipes! Try mixing up your Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts this year with new ideas for local carrots, persimmons, and apples!
Farmers markets are stocked with a colorful assortment of carrots this week! Gajar ka Halwa, or carrot pudding, is a popular Indian dessert that will surely become a holiday favorite with its creamy, decadent flavor. Start by peeling and shredding four cups of carrots (about eight medium-sized carrots). Add one tablespoon of ghee to a large wok or frying pan over medium heat, then add the shredded carrots and sauté for about eight minutes, continuously stirring while cooking. Add one and a half cups of whole milk (or milk alternative) to the carrots, and continue stirring until the milk is absorbed by the carrots. Add five tablespoons of sugar and another tablespoon of ghee, and continue to stir for another five to six minutes. Then add half a teaspoon of cardamom powder and half a cup of chopped cashews, dry roast for a few more minutes, and serve! You can find carrots for this recipe from Ten Mile Farm (Black Mountain and Asheville City Market), Gaining Ground Farm, and Full Sun Farm (River Arts District and North Asheville markets). Pair this delicious dessert with a warm cup of chai tea from Chai For (West, East, and River Arts District markets).
This sweet and crunchy persimmon crumble pie is a deliciously simple dish that can be enjoyed as a dessert, breakfast, or snack! Start by thinly slicing one cup of persimmons and one cup of granny smith apples, and arrange in a greased pie dish. Sprinkle with a teaspoon each of sumac, cinnamon, and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, stir together one-and-three-fourths cups of all-purpose flour, one-third cup of oats, half cup of sugar, and two-thirds cup of melted butter until evenly mixed. Press the crumble mixture onto the persimmon and apple slices. Bake in a 350-degree oven until the crumble top is golden brown. Serve hot with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and enjoy! You can find persimmons from Lee’s One Fortune Farm (River Arts District, East Asheville, Asheville City, and Black Mountain markets) and Wild Goods Foraging (East Asheville Tailgate Market).
At farmers markets now you’ll also find broccoli, beets, turnips, radishes, winter greens, potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and much more. Markets are stocked with a variety of meats, cheese, rice, pasta, bread, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.