If you ever find yourself stumped on what to cook, there’s always breakfast! Of course, there is the classic bacon, eggs, and toast—all of which can be sourced at Buncombe County Farmers Tailgate Markets now—but why not mix it up and try something new with a seasonal flare. Maybe you are not sure what to make for dinner, want to wow some friends for brunch, or are in a rush ahead of leaving for work, try out these breakfast ideas.
A breakfast frittata is a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge, to capture the season, or to wow your Sunday morning brunch guests. Now, this recipe takes a little time, but it is so worth it. Make enough and you’ll have delicious leftovers that make for a perfect quick breakfast. A frittata can come in endless combinations and are often a pairing of veggies, breakfast meats, stale bread, and cheese. If you are gluten free, leave out the bread and you have a crustless quiche! Start by sauteing your preferred vegetables like leeks, garlic, potatoes, mushrooms, and spinach (added towards the end of your sauteing) in a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. If you are adding meats, like ground sausage or bacon, add your sausage to the skillet with your veggies ahead of any tender greens, or get your bacon cooking in the oven. While those are sizzling, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and grease a square baking dish. Slice three pieces of bread into cubes and prepare them on a baking sheet to toast in the oven for about five minutes. In a bowl, whisk five eggs, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. Once your sauteed ingredients are cooked and ready, transfer them to the baking dish along with the toasted bread. Pour your whisked eggs over the frittata ingredients and add diced or shredded cheese to the top. Bake for 20-30 minutes then let cool for at least 5 minutes so it’s easier to cut. Serve warm with sliced scallions and hot sauce.
Try a savory spin on a gluten-free breakfast classic—oatmeal! This savory miso oatmeal is rich in flavor, quick and easy to make, and will keep you full all morning. For a single serving size, start by bringing one and a half cups of water or broth, three fourths cup of oatmeal and a pinch of salt and ginger to a simmer. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari, a tablespoon of miso, a half tablespoon of rice vinegar, and a teaspoon of sesame oil and stir until oatmeal is softened. Depending on your oatmeal choice, this should take about five to ten minutes. Transfer to a bowl and try a variety of toppings like a fried egg, microgreens, chopped scallions, sauteed greens, sauteed mushrooms, or J Chong Eats’ Chili Oil. Find microgreens from Second Flora (North Asheville and River Arts District Markets) and Winter Greens Farm (Asheville City Market).
In too much of a pinch to prepare a morning breakfast? Pick up some plain, jalapeno, or everything bagels from Hawthorne House Bakery (North Asheville Tailgate Market) or East Fork Bagels (Weaverville Tailgate Market) to pair with jams from Creasman Farms (Asheville City Market), McConnell Farms (North Asheville Tailgate Market), or Windy Hollow Farm (Weaverville Tailgate Market). If you are looking for a locally crafted non-dairy cream cheese, look no further than Darë Vegan Cheese (North Asheville Tailgate Market). Pair your quick breakfast with an organic and refreshing cold-pressed juice from Immortal Juice Co. (North Asheville, River Arts District, Weaverville, and Black Mountain markets).
That’s right folks, we are approaching the reopening of markets that aren’t already year-round and first up is Black Mountain Tailgate Market—now reopen for a spring season through April 12, before the market’s main season begins on May 3.
At winter markets now you’ll also find kohlrabi, cabbages, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, hardy winter greens, salad greens, winter squash, sweet potatoes, and more. Markets are also stocked with a variety of cheeses, pasta, pastries, drinks, and prepared foods. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.