Hi, Glitter Girls — Caroline of Coeur de La here! After a trip to my family’s farm in France in 2007, I still find myself daydreaming about local markets, wine & cheese samplings, and leisurely lunches. While reading “A Pig in Provence,” I was inspired to prepare a baked goat cheese salad. I headed to one of my favorite spots: the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market in San Francisco.
This market offers a wide range of goodies to be enjoyed — including the engaging picturesque location! A wide variety of made-to-order foods are available, including breakfast sandwiches, macaroons, pastries, fresh coffee, and blueberry lemonade. My first stop is always the Blue Bottle Stand for slow drip coffee. I arrive early so I can choose from the best selection of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and flowers.
When it comes to summer dishes, I love to keep meals simple, fresh, light, and hassle-free!
My salad whisked me back to the French countryside. Each bite was better than the first!
Baked Goat Cheese Salad
As seen in “A Pig in Provence” by Georgeanne Brennan
Ingredients:
- Arugula
- Mixed greens (any green will do!)
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar (to your liking)
- Crushed black pepper (to your liking)
- A pinch or two of salt
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- One baguette
- One tomato
- Goat cheese (a dry, raw goat cheese is best)
*This recipe is very adaptable — the amount and types of ingredients are endless!
Directions:
1. Wash and dry greens.
2. Drizzle greens with olive oil & balsamic vinegar. Lightly toss, coating evenly. Add a pinch of salt & pepper.
3. In a medium-sized pan, lightly crisp a few baguette slices in olive oil. Add garlic and brown lightly.
4. Broil goat cheese until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
5. Plate greens and arrange crisped baguette slices atop the salad. Garnish with a tomato slice and a piece of the goat cheese. Enjoy with a bottle of wine, a close friend, or a good read!
Tips at the Market:
1. When visiting for the first time, don’t feel obligated to purchase all of your groceries at the market. Keep things simple! Start by picking a dish you’d like to try, and only buy ingredients for that meal.
2. Chat with the vendors and get to know them. Meeting people is half the fun!
3. Wear comfortable clothing. When warm weather permits, I love wearing summer dresses and sandals.
4. Invest in a tote or basket. I also use soft mesh bags that can be washed and reused. (I swear the vendors throw in extra strawberries, cherries, or beets simply because I bring my own bags!)
5. Relax and have fun! Go with friends, grab a coffee, and admire the simple joys that the market has to offer.
Photography: Coeur de La
