To Market, To Market, To Buy a Fat...tomato???

Day 106.

I'm giddy with excitement over the spring season! Today, my husband and I visited our first farmer's market of the season, and it was brimming with fresh produce. We walked around, scoped out, sniffed, touched, and selected a bunch of things. I ended up spending nearly $60 more than my budget allows for mid-month groceries (yes, that's more than twice my mid-month budget), but I couldn't contain myself. Besides, I hadn't spent my early month $400-$500 anyway, so I am still at a savings.

This recipe uses some of the produce I bought at the farmer's market today. It's fresh and light, yet satisfying and filling. Paired with oat bran cornbread, this is a yummy springtime meal.

Baked Spaghetti with Black Beans
Makes 5 generous servings

What You Need:

• 1/2 lb spaghetti, cooked according to package directions, drained, and tossed with 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 Roma tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 3 Tbsp salsa
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• sliced green onions for topping

How it's Done:

1. Heat olive oil in saute pan. Add onions and saute for one minute.
2. Add tomatoes, salsa, cumin, sea salt, and white pepper. Cook and stir for five minutes. Remove from heat. Gently stir in black beans.
3. Combine pasta with sauce. Pour into an 8" square baking dish (coated with non-stick baking spray for easy cleanup). Cover with cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
4. When done, sprinkle green onions over top and serve.

Oat Bran Cornbread
adapted from The Quaker Oat Bran Cookbook

What You Need:

• 1 cup oat bran (uncooked)
• 3/4 cup corn meal
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp baking pwoder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk

How it's Done:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour into a greased 8" baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.