Last Saturday, Starkville Main Street launched the 2013 season of the Starkville Community Market with a great crowd, live music and plenty of home-grown and hand-crafted goodness. The growers and activities for opening day were just a taste of what’s in store for the summer! Lots of fresh fun has been planned for each Saturday, and new farmers and vendors are being certified every week. In addition to the Market’s favorite growers and makers showcasing their fresh produce, baked and canned goods, and hand-crafted items, Market plans also include a schedule of culinary and gardening demonstrations to share ideas and information about using fresh foods in your kitchen and incorporating them into your garden at home.

Chef Ty Thames of Main Street’s Restaurant Tyler kicked off the summer series of culinary demonstrations last week with a delicious breakfast idea using fresh items he’d found just that morning at the Market! He created a sweet and creamy strawberry and basil yogurt spread served over homemade bread — a healthy, fresh and easy idea for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea or snacks. The bread, strawberries and basil were all purchased from local vendors just a few booths away. As he prepared the snack samples for everyone to enjoy, Chef Ty shared with the crowd how he seeks out fresh ingredients like those found at the Market in creating his menu for Restaurant Tyler. He even uses items from some of the growers participating in the Market this summer!

There were lots of smiling faces leaving the table as Chef Ty shared his samples, and I believe there was line at the strawberry vendor shortly after! Ty was kind enough to share is recipe for Saturday’s morning snack so that it could be posted here. Enjoy making this snack at home, and keep your eyes open for more great demonstrations at the Market this summer.

STRAWBERRY & BASIL YOGURT SPREAD

1 cup yogurt
2 cups strawberries (diced)
1 cup pecans (chopped)
1 oz honey
1 tablespoon basil (chopped)

In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir.