As the Manager of the Georgetown Farmer's Market, I’ve had the privilege of trying so many new fruits, veggies, snacks, and locally made products—many of which have become staples in my weekly market haul. Here are a few of my favourite finds, along with two easy recipes to get you thinking about new and creative ways to shop (and cook with!) the best of what the market has to offer.

Garlic Scape Pesto: A Summer Obsession

Garlic scapes are one of those things I truly look forward to at the start of summer. Now, you could take that in one of two ways: “Wow, she must have a really boring life,” or “Okay, this girl is serious about her scapes.” While I won’t be addressing the first... the second is completely true.

Garlic scapes make the best pesto—not just for the usual pasta dishes, but as a bright, garlicky addition to so many summer meals. Think: roasted veggies, grilled chicken, fish, sandwiches, garlic bread, pasta salads… it goes on. I got my garlic scapes from Emily at Red Rabbit Gardens, but there are several vendors who might have them this week and next (early summer). 

If you know me, you know I don’t measure in the kitchen. So, take these quantities as gentle suggestions—feel free to follow your taste buds and measure by vibes. 

Here’s my go-to Garlic Scape Pesto recipe:

• ~20 garlic scapes, cut into 4 cm-ish chunks

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)

• 1 cup peeled almonds or slivered almonds

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup olive oil

• Salt, pepper, and chili flakes (optional) to taste

Toss everything into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and emulsified. If the blade is getting stuck, add a splash of cold water to help it along. I freeze batches of this pesto to use throughout the year—trust me, it holds up beautifully.

Lavender Haze: A Floral Summer Sipper

One of the quiet pleasures of the market is in the scents that guide you as you stroll through the vendor rows. One of my favourite stops—for both scent and conversation—is Baroque Botanicals Lavender Farm. Their peonies, fresh English and French lavender (yes, there is a scent difference!), and beautiful home products add a soft, calming touch to the market atmosphere.

Tom and Jesse, the lovely owners, are always ready with a warm smile and a peaceful vibe—probably from being around soothing lavender all day! I always look forward to hearing from Tom about Jesse’s latest creations, especially when they’ve come up with new ways to incorporate lavender into food and drinks.

Inspired by their Lavender Simple Syrup, I created a drink that’s become my summer go-to. It’s light, floral, and perfect for those extra hot days.

Here’s how to make the Lavender Haze (named after my unbearable appreciation for Taylor Swift, of course):

• 1 oz lavender simple syrup 

• 3 oz dry Prosecco (or club soda for a mocktail)

• 2 oz lemonade

You can garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh lavender—but fair warning, make sure to adjust the sprig when drinking, to avoid a poke in the nose (from personal experience).

Whether you’re trying garlic scapes for the first time or sipping your way through a lavender daydream, I hope these ideas spark some inspiration for your next visit to the market. Happy shopping—and even happier tasting!

If you have a farmers market haul recipe to share with us, send it my way to farmersmarket@downtowngeorgetown.com, we would love to see what inspires you from the market to your kitchen. 

Until next time,
Bethany