Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Scramble

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When I found out that August was National Goat Cheese month, my first reaction was "I hate goat cheese!"  But then I stopped myself.  I remember the last time I had it (4-6 years ago, I didn't like it), and I knew it was time to try it again.  Your taste buds change every 5-7 years, and as you get older, the more bitter foods you like. 

I knew that there was a goat cheese stand, Bleugrass Chevre, at the Farmer's Market with free samples so I gave it another try.  I liked it surprisingly; I liked it enough to buy it.  I even found a recipe that looked delicious with goat cheese in it.  I even have some left over for another recipe.  My motto always has been and will be--try new foods!!!

As I sit here eating this (literally), I'm loving how the strong salmon and goat cheese flavor compliment each other.  I'll also divulge that I ate every. bit. of. this.  Yes--all two servings!

Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Scramble

from Tori Avey

Makes 2 servings

• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 1/3 cup (2 oz) sliced smoked salmon cut into small pieces
• 2 oz goat cheese
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Labaneh cheese or sour cream (optional)

1. Whisk eggs and milk together for 1 minute.
2. Heat butter in a pan until melted.
3. Add salmon and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add eggs, dill, and goat cheese.
5. Taking a spatula, every 1 minute, scrap from the outside edge to the center all the way around.  this allows the uncooked egg to flow in and cook.
6. When eggs are about 90% done, chop up the middle and spread it evenly in the pan.
7. Flip eggs once.
8. Season to taste (I only added pepper) and serve.

So go and try some goat cheese!  It's a free sample, and if you love it, then maybe you'll be adventurous at restaurants and try something with goat cheese in it!  I know I will!

Jennifer is the chef behind a girl eats world.  Head over to check out more recipes and kitchen tips!

Happy Farmers Market Week!

image from Franklin County Farmers Market

This week is National Farmers Market Week,  and I wanted to spread some love for my local market  (the Franklin County Farmers Market). They aren’t the biggest in the state, nor do they offer the variety of value-added products you might see in Lexington and Louisville, but the farmers are my neighbors, my friends, and I trust them with my food supply. I’m not biased, either! They were voted the #2 favorite farmers market in Kentucky in an American Farmland Trust contest and 46th in the nation!

My farmers market sits on the banks of the Kentucky River. Stalls line both sides of an open-air covered pavilion. The bounty of fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats, honey, eggs, soaps and beauty products, jams, jellies and breads astounds me every single week. The savvy consumer gets there early for the best selection. During certain special harvest times (like asparagus season), a farmer might run out of that offering before 9am! Strawberry season might be my favorite because there’s always one stall with a freezer full of fresh strawberry ice cream.

image from Franklin County Farmers Market

Not only do we buy bags full of fresh produce every week, but the farmers market is a social and entertainment hub as well. Most Saturday mornings feature a local musician entertaining marketgoers. Fresh coffee is offered for patrons, as well. I can honestly say that I’ve never been to the market where I didn’t run into at least 20 people that I know. I love being a part of a community that bonds over local food.

Looking at the big picture, I love that my farmers market is an impactful community endeavor. The three-times-weekly market brings people into our historic downtown business sector. Not only do those people buy produce at the market (putting money directly in the pockets of their friends and neighbors), but they also venture down Broadway for shopping, coffee-drinking and book reading. Economic dollars stay close to home. I’m certain I’ve financed at least one farmer’s vacation with the number of Zucchini Blueberry Muffins I’ve bought from her over the years. It’s neighbors helping neighbors. Our farmers market participates in the EBT program, so families who qualify for SNAP benefits can purchase healthier, more flavorful fresh fruits and vegetables, too. They are also participants in Senior Nutrition and WIC programs.

With over 500 farmers markets within a 200 mile radius of Frankfort, there’s one near you. Check out the National Farmers Market Directory to find one that I know you’ll love. Talk to the farmers. Try a new vegetable (ask for a tried-and-true recipe – you’ll get a great one every time). Enjoy the deals (3 enormous cucumbers for a dollar? Heck yes!). More importantly, enjoy your community, the local flavor, and some fresh eats!