Home Grown is having a contest for people who enjoy snapping photos around their local farmers markets. Next time you head to Royal City Farmers Market be sure to have you camera in tow as your picture could be selected to win some fantastic prizes.

Photo by Jamila Ali

The Home Grown!Photography Contest offers a grand prize of $500 worth of Vancouver Farmers Market token that can be redeemed with all merchants at all Vancouver Farmers Market locations. The winning photograph will also be displayed at the “Home Grown” exhibition, opening August 2010 at the Museum of Vancouver. You will also receive 2 tickets to the opening of the Home Grown Exhibition Opening Party. The winner will be announced July 20th.

Four runner’s up will receive Farm Folk / City Folk 2011 calendar and one year free FF/CF membership.

For more information on rules and prizes please visit this page.

As soon as Summer Solstice comes along, my inner hostess has been sending me to the farmer’s market for fresh treats to feed friends and family. There is nothing like preparing a spread to nosh on over cocktails and chatter during these long summer evenings. Most people think that entertaining can be time consuming and costly but with a quick trip to the farmers market it can actually be quite the opposite.

My mother has always taught me to cook simply and cleanly. Never one to make overly-spiced fares, she has always opted for palette cleansing tastes like the zest of an orange in a salad dressing or fresh mint cooked with baby nugget potatoes. Her simple recipes and love of “backyard farming” has turned me into a green machine when preparing food. I believe that the best things in life are health and delicious food and when you shop local you can incorporate both.

Both vegetables offer unique, yet versatile flavours that can be translated into a number of dishes. I prefer an artichoke, especially when the hearts are marinated in oil and lemon with a hint of cilantro. When accompanied with a sweet Riesling from Blasted Church Vineyards it makes me think of being in the Mediterranean.

Here is a recipe for my mother’s delicious artichoke and spinach dip. Most of the ingredients can be found at the market and can be made in a pinch if you have unexpected guests. This dip is always a party favorite and only takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
- 1 large lemon
- 1 cup of artichoke hearts (plain or marinated in olive oil)
- 2 tsp of chili flakes
- 1 package of cream cheese
- 1 cup of fresh spinach (make sure you boil it first!)
- a couple pinches of fresh cracked pepper to taste
- You can also add a bit of mayonnaise if you like a creamier texture

Directions:
1. Chop spinach and artichoke hearts into small pieces
2. In a large bowl combine spinach and artichokes with cream cheese and mix well
3. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the mixture
4. Add chili flakes and pepper to taste

This dip has a creamy consistency with a citrus taste. The artichokes add a bit of texture as does the spinach. You can try grating some fresh parmesan into the dip and pairing it with a fresh loaf of artisan bread. Remember that this dip is best served hot so toss it in the microwave for a couple minutes right before you serve it. Enjoy!

Voila!