You have probably heard a lot about eating “real food” or “local food” but if you are like I was a couple of years ago you may have a hard time imagining how to make that work for you…especially if you are on a budget.  Let me share with you exactly what a real, local dinner can look like for your family.

All of these foods were purchased at the Community Farmers Market on Saturday June 4th, 2011.  Dinner was made in less than 15 minutes prep time (about 30 minutes total).  It wasn’t difficult and my entire family enjoyed it.  Most importantly it was nourishing food prepared together in our kitchen and enjoyed together.

Cabbage & Sausage
1 head Cabbage $1.50 (Caneyville Farms)
1 pound Sausage $4.00 (Stoney Creek Farm)
1 Sweet Onion $1.00 (Caneyville Farms)

Brown sausage and add onion until carmalized
Chop cabbage and add to sausage and onions.
Cover with a 2-3 cups of water and cook down.
Salt and Pepper to taste

Summer Squash
2 Patty Pan Squash ($1.25) (Coleman Bros. Farm)
Olive Oil (Sam’s)
Salt & Pepper (Sam’s)

Warm oil on low to medium heat.
Add sliced squash, salt and pepper to taste
We like ours browned on the edge.  But you can cook them to your preferance.

Sliced Banana Bread $2.00 (Mennonite Delight)
Real Milk $1.50 (5 glasses) (Stoney Creek Farm)

Total for Dinner $11.25 (for a family of 5)