Cabot, Arkansas, is a gem for food enthusiasts looking to incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients into their cooking. The town is home to a vibrant farmers market and local farms that offer a variety of seasonal produce and products. Here are five delicious recipes that showcase the best of Cabot’s local ingredients.
1. Summer Berry Salad
Local Ingredient Highlight: The Cabot Patch is well-known for its fresh berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Located at 3885 Hwy 89 S, Cabot, AR, this farm offers a delightful u-pick experience during the berry season. You can visit them to get the freshest produce directly from the source.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mixed greens from The Cabot Patch
- 1 cup of strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 cup of blackberries
- 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup of toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup of local honey
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar from Squizito Tasting Room
- 1/4 cup of olive oil from Squizito Tasting Room
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
- Top with goat cheese and toasted pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Drizzle over the salad before serving.
2. Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots
Local Ingredient Highlight: The Cabot Farmers Market, open from May to September, offers an excellent selection of fresh, locally grown carrots. This market is a staple for locals looking for high-quality produce.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of carrots from Cabot Farmers Market
- 2 tablespoons of local honey
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil from Squizito Tasting Room
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Peel and cut the carrots into sticks.
- Toss carrots with honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
3. Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
Local Ingredient Highlight: The Cabot Patch also offers a fantastic selection of fresh tomatoes, including heirloom and cherry varieties, perfect for a fresh pasta sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh tomatoes from The Cabot Patch
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil from Squizito Tasting Room
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound of pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce.
- Stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and top with Parmesan cheese.
4. Peach and Berry Cobbler
Local Ingredient Highlight: The Cabot Patch is renowned for its juicy peaches and an assortment of berries. Their farm offers these fresh fruits during the summer, making it easy to create delicious desserts.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of fresh peaches from The Cabot Patch, sliced
- 2 cups of mixed berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
- 1 cup of milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine peaches, berries, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Spread in a baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, remaining sugar, and milk until smooth. Pour over the fruit.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Caprese Salad with Basil Infused Olive Oil
Local Ingredient Highlight: Squizito Tasting Room offers an exquisite Basil Infused Olive Oil, perfect for enhancing the flavor of fresh ingredients. This local shop in Cabot provides a range of premium oils and balsamics, making it a year-round destination for food lovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes from The Cabot Patch, sliced
- 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons of Basil Infused Olive Oil from Squizito Tasting Room
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar from Squizito Tasting Room
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a plate.
- Tuck whole basil leaves between the slices.
- Drizzle with basil infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Conclusion
Cabot, AR, offers an abundance of fresh, local ingredients perfect for creating delicious and nutritious meals. By shopping at local farmers markets and farms like The Cabot Patch, and specialty stores like Squizito Tasting Room, you not only enjoy high-quality produce but also support the local community. So, head to your nearest market and start cooking up these tasty recipes today!