Enjoying Nature's Bounty

One wonderful thing about life in Northern Michigan is the abundant fresh produce available in summer months.  There's nothing better than enjoying a meal made with locally grown veggies and herbs from the garden!  We had to share a picture of last night's dinner - grilled chicken breasts topped with bruschetta made with home grown basil and tomatoes and zucchini taken from a local farmer's garden.  This zucchini easily weighs 6 or 7 pounds and we will be coming up with creative ways to use it up! 

Other produce grown locally includes strawberries, sweet corn, potatoes, green beans, peas, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and much, much more along with farm fresh eggs and free-range meats.  You can find these at local farms, roadside stands, farmer's markets, parking lots, and other places.  Check out the Alpena Farmer's Market website for market hours, produce availability timeline, and lots of other information.  Another great way to find fresh locally grown produce is to take a drive out to our bountiful agricultural areas in rural Presque Isle and Alpena Counties and go treasure hunting until you find what you seek!  It makes for a fun, relaxing day and a yummy dinner afterward.