The phrase "you are what you eat" has long resonated as a cautionary maxim, emphasizing the profound impact of our dietary choices on overall health. This idea serves as a backdrop for a deeper exploration into how the foods we consume can either nurture or undermine our health. more

All our vendors, which are your local farmers/ranchers/bakers/Artisan Crafters, say a BIG thank you for all your support! We appreciate you all!! more

We've gotten past our annual blackberry winter so no better time than to make a blackberry pie to celebrate! I did just that the other night, I had just enough blackberries in the freezer for one, and boy it was good.  In case you are new to our part of the country and have no idea what I'm talking about, blackberry winter is a cold snap in late spring when the blackberries are in bloom and it was right on time this year. Now, I don't need a excuse to make a pie but this one was fitting, plus I freed up space in my freezer.  more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we embark on a thrilling journey to craft the ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadilla. This dish combines the creamy, dreamy delight of cheesecake with the crisp, comforting embrace of a quesadilla, all while starring the sweet and luscious strawberry. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you crave a slice of something extraordinary, this recipe is not just a treat—it's an experience. more

Ozark Fruit Company will have fresh harvested salad mix made into “ready to go salads”. This Saturday will be chicken, strawberries, walnuts, croutons and your choice of blue cheese or feta cheese. more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen! If you're in the mood to flip the script on your pizza night, why not take it outside and throw that pie on the grill? Yes, you heard right…grilled pizza! This isn't your average delivery fare. It's a fun, fiery twist on a classic that adds a delightful smokiness and a crispy texture that can't be achieved in a regular oven. The toppings? We're talking sweet red peppers, spicy jalapeños, juicy pineapple, and a daring drizzle of hot honey that brings everything together in a mouth-watering harmony of flavors. Ready to become a pizza grillmaster? Let’s get cooking! more

Welcome to a culinary journey that blends the tropical essence of the Caribbean with the bold spices of South Asia! Today, we’re diving into an elaborate recipe for Crispy Coconut Curry Fried Shrimp with Mango Jalapeño Dipping Sauce. This dish is a perfect amalgamation of crunchy, spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors that will transport your taste buds to a beachside feast. Grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delightful gastronomic adventure! more

Come out to meet our newest and youngest entrepreneurs Chase (age 13) and Jaden (age 9), the proud owners of “Frozen Dreams”! Chase started in business at age 6 with his own money he earned and started with vending machines and gumball/bouncy ball machines. He decided to start a freeze-dried business, so he sold his machines and started “Frozen Dreams”. His goal is to grow into a successful business here in West Plains. Jaden helps with the freeze drying but mainly he makes bracelets and perler beads, also known as Hama beads or Nabbi beads. They are colorful plastic fusible beads formed into designs of your choosing. Jaden has made a successful business at his school and now brings them to the farmer’s market! more

We've had a mild winter compared to some plus an early spring only means summer is in sight.  I know many who have already dusted off the grill and enjoyed some homemade bar-b-que and for me, grilling dinner is a favorite summer outing. And you can't grill without a good barbecue sauce right? Have you ever made your own? It's easier than you think and so much better than store-bought and you can customize each batch.  Most recipes have the same base but this one is an upgrade and you should have many of the ingredients already on hand. So, grab a pretty bottle or jar and make a batch, one for you and one for the hostess at the next cookout. This stuff is so good, you'll be hooked. Happy grilling! more

We want to thank everyone involved in the extensive planning for the “West Plains in the Path” eclipse four-day party. The planning that took place over a years’ time is what makes our city unique. At our farmers market we saw many new faces, folks stated they were having a good time in our City and we heard many great comments about the fun events that took place such as the Clydesdales horses, the parade and the ballon glow event, just to name a few. These folks may very well come back to spend time with us again! more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that takes the classic grilled hamburger to exhilarating new heights. This isn't just any burger; it's a symphony of flavors and textures, a bold fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy that will tantalize your taste buds like never before. I'm talking about the Tropical Heat Wave Burger, a creation that daringly pairs the juicy, smoky goodness of a grilled hamburger with the sweet charm of pineapple and the fiery kick of jalapeños. This is a burger that doesn't just sit on your plate; it dances, it sings, it explodes with flavor. Let's dive into the details of making this culinary masterpiece. more

In the vibrant palette of vegetables that grace our tables, bell peppers stand out for their vivid colors, crunchy texture, and sweet, sometimes slightly tangy flavor. But beyond their ability to add aesthetic appeal and taste to dishes, bell peppers harbor a wealth of health benefits, making them not just a culinary delight but a powerhouse of nutrition. more

This Saturday come and join “West Plains Party in the Path” at the farmers market with 40+ vendors. Abby Killough owner of Nerdy Knots will give you a free pair of eclipse glasses with every purchase you make with her, a must have for Monday’s eclipse! We will have live music, hot foods starting with an Ozarkan favorite breakfast of biscuits and gravy from 8 to 10 a.m. Cajun, Italian, Brats, Seafood, Ribbon Fries, Asian, hot and cold drinks (non-alcoholic) including kombucha, boba drinks, iced coffee, ferments, hot sauces, meats, mushrooms and other produce, pickled products, freeze dried candies, roasted coffee beans, farm fresh eggs, jams, honey, syrups, bakers, Artisan Crafters including hand-made quilts and jewelry, beauty and bath products, tinctures, salves, ginger shots, and more! Check our Facebook page for the latest updates at “Go Farm” Farmers Market of West Plains. more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we're embarking on a culinary journey that encapsulates not just a meal, but an experience to savor with friends and family. This guide is for those who delight in the details, who relish the act of creation almost as much as the feast itself. We're talking flaky pastries, the richest, most aromatic coffees, a vibrant fruit platter, the most decadent eggs Benedict you've ever tasted, crispy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside hash browns, and to crown it all, the star of our show: pineapple mimosas. Let's get started. more

Seafood is a healthy addition to any diet. Seafood, whether it’s fish, mollusks or crustaceans, tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat than meat- or poultry-based protein sources, and it may be rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Creating an unforgettable plate of homemade four-cheese tortellini with shredded chicken, bell peppers, and a dreamy homemade Alfredo sauce is a culinary journey worth embarking on. This recipe is not just about the steps and ingredients; it's a love letter to the art of cooking, an ode to the fusion of flavors, and a celebration of homemade pasta. So, roll up your sleeves, and let's dive into this culinary adventure together! more

Hagle Mushroom Farm returns to the market just in time for your Easter meal planning! He will have Lionsmane and Oyster mushrooms. Along with mushrooms we will have local meats, eggs, New York Style bagels, carrot cake and blueberry cinnamon rolls, fried pies, gourmet pastries and baked goods, breads, jams, syrups, honey, produce, pickles of all kinds, freeze dried candies, fresh roasted coffee beans and so much more! more

I don't know who needs to hear this but Easter is this Sunday! While I'm sure you have your menu already planned for a nice Easter dinner and I hope it includes something rhubarb.  It's the season for fresh rhubarb here in the Ozarks and mine has returned for another year of tasty desserts and jams. As spring arrives so do many delicious fruits and berries both wild and tamed, a nice by-product from our gardens to the table. Rhubarb is easy to grow and is one of the first to break ground, and right now is the perfect time to plant it too for a harvest next spring.  I make pies and jam mostly with my little bed and I always combine strawberries with the rhubarb to cut the "tang" out of it. This recipe for strawberry Rhubarb pie is an old favorite from generations ago making it foolproof. Like any pie recipe, you can cheat with a store-bought crust but homemade is always best and this recipe includes a crust recipe too. If you don't grow your own, you can find rhubarb in the stores this time of the year.  Happy Easter foodies.  more

This Thursday is our Annual Meeting for the “Go Farm” Farmers Market and Ozark Farmers Agricultural Cooperative at 6 p.m. at the Missouri Department of Conservation - Ozark Regional Office, 551 Joe Jones Boulevard. New market vendors are always welcome! Please call 417-293-0590 if you would like more information. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Today we’ll be taking on the creation of an extraordinary dish that combines the comforting layers of traditional lasagna with a vibrant twist of red bell peppers and a trio of exquisite cheeses. Get ready for the ultimate 3-Cheese Lasagna with Red Bell Peppers! more