Visiting your neighborhood farmers' market elevates weekly grocery shopping from a chore into a sensory treat. The smell of freshly baked bread, roasted peppers, herbs and flowers. The vibrant chatter of vendors and patrons discussing the goods and the rustle of visitors making the rounds. The taste of fresh berries sampled straight from the bin. Bulging bags promise a week of good meals. 

Possibly the ultimate farmers' market is found at San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza. Perched upon one of the most picturesque points of the Bay, this market  is home to some of the best organic produce, wine, cheese, bread and meat in the country. Using this famous market as its backdrop, THE SAN FRANCISCO FERRY PLAZA FARMERS' MARKET COOKBOOK provides the definitive guide to shopping farmers' markets by season, and shows you how to use your yield in more than 100 fresh, easy-to-assemble recipes.

Organized by season, the book identifies the availability of products and offers advice on choosing, storing, preparing and freezing items. Want to pick the perfect pepper? Look for beauty—it should be well-shaped, shiny, hard, and the stem should be fresh and green. Stock up on rhubarb and freeze it so you have some all year long. Just blanch it in boiling water, drain, and refresh in ice water until cool. Then, pat dry and put in zippered freezer bags. And never refrigerate your tomatoes—it dismisses their aroma and disables their texture. Store them on a plate away from sunlight.

Follow the link below for recipes plucked straight from the book: Shaved Raw Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette, The Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes, Salmon with Miso Sauce, and Beautiful Blueberry Pie. They make the perfect excuse and inspiration to visit your local farmers' market.
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/ferryplaza/

WIN WORLD-CLASS OLIVE OIL
One of the most popular vendors at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza is McEvoy Ranch, creators of award-winning olive oil. Email webmaster@chroniclebooks.com with the subject line “Ferry Plaza” and you will be entered to win one of three complimentary bottles of this world-class oil—a staple in the pantry of the serious foodie.

HOMEGROWN PURE AND SIMPLE
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/homegrown/

MACARONI AND CHEESE
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/macaroniandcheese/

AT HOME WITH MICHAEL CHIARELLO
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/athome/

THE TAILGATING COOKBOOK
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/tailgating/

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