By HEIDI HARRABI
Austin Area Farmers’ Market

Buy the freshest, in season produce at the Austin Area Farmers Market. Did you know that the average carrot travels 1,838 miles to reach your table? When you buy local, you not only support your local community, but you help the environment. Industrial farms are a major source of air and water pollution. Small, local farms work hard to preserve their land and use sustainable methods to help keep our environment healthy.

Featured this week at the market are fresh, green onions, lettuce, radishes and rhubarb. You will also find baked goods, honey, farm fresh eggs, chicken and beef and more. Looking for a unique gift? There are some wonderful crafters at our market. Try Jeff and Jan Peterson’s glass wind chimes or jewelry, Mari Jo Stanek’s wonderful soaps, or Kim Finnegan’s homemade purses, jewelry and leather wallets, and much more.

The Market is open Mondays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Mall, Thursdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. downtown, First St. NE, just east of the justice center, and Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Park Mall.

Recipe of the week

RADISH DIP

2 c. radishes

2 t. minced onion

8 oz. cream cheese

1/2 c. sour cream

1 T. chopped chives

1/2 tsp. seasoning salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

Chop radishes. Mix remaining ingredients and add radishes. Serve with crackers.