The Market Lady will be presenting two cooking demonstrations at the fifth annual Taste of Springfield event held in downtown Springfield on Saturday, October 1, 2011.  Food sampling of more than 25 locally owned and operated restaurants and cooking demonstrations will run from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.   The Market Lady, Lane McConnell, will conduct cooking demonstrations that incorporate local farm flavors at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

“I’m excited to show folks how easy it is to shop locally and prepare tasty meals for their family that consists of regional farm products,” said McConnell.  “I will not only be cooking at the demonstrations, but providing information about locally grown foods and answering any questions from consumers.”

One recipe that The Market Lady will prepare is a Butternut Squash Soup that is perfect for this winter.  The soup will be made with ingredients from local farms in the area.  Find below one of the two recipes that will be demonstrated and available for tasting this coming Saturday in downtown Springfield. 

Butternut Squash Soup
2 tbs. butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 whole butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
3 cans (14.5 oz. each) chicken broth
½ c. local honey
1 tsp. thyme leaves, chopped
½ tsp salt
1 tsp. pepper

In large pot, melt butter, stir in onions and garlic. Cook and stir until browned (5 minutes). Stir in carrots and celery and cook until tender (5 minutes.) Stir in potatoes, squash, chicken broth, honey, and thyme. Bring to boil and simmer for 35 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Place mixture into a food processor and mix till smooth. Return pureed soup to pot and season with salt and pepper.