Ep 7. Farm to Table
- February 20, 2013
- 20 min
Not My Mama's Meals is a cooking show where chef Bobby Deen takes his mother's classic Southern dishes and transforms them into healthier versions that still maintain their delicious taste. In season 3 episode 7, titled Farm to Table, Bobby is taking a trip to the farmers' market to get fresh, local ingredients for his dishes.
Bobby starts off by visiting a local farmer who grows herbs and edible flowers. He picks up some fresh mint and basil, along with some pretty petals to garnish his dishes. Next, he heads over to a honey stand to get some local, raw honey for his recipes. Bobby likes to use honey in place of sugar whenever he can, as it is a natural sweetener that provides great flavor without the added unhealthy effects of sugar.
At the farmers' market, Bobby chats with some farmers and learns about the different produce that is in season. He picks up some fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and squash, along with some sweet corn and eggplant. Bobby likes to take advantage of the seasonal produce as much as possible, as it is not only fresher and more flavorful, but it also supports local farmers and agriculture.
Back in the kitchen, Bobby gets to work preparing his farm-fresh dishes. He starts off with his version of a classic Southern dish: fried green tomatoes. Instead of deep-frying the tomatoes, Bobby uses a baking method that gets them just as crispy and delicious without the added oil and calories. He serves them up with a homemade remoulade sauce made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Next up, Bobby makes a grilled chicken with a fresh tomato and corn salsa. He marinates the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, honey, and herbs, then grills it to juicy perfection. The salsa is simply a mixture of fresh diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and some chopped herbs. It's a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for summertime.
For his vegetarian dish, Bobby makes a zucchini and eggplant lasagna. Instead of using noodles, he layers the vegetables with a homemade tomato sauce and a mixture of ricotta and parmesan cheeses. It's a hearty and filling dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition.
Finally, Bobby whips up a refreshing dessert of honeydew melon and berries with a mint syrup. He simply cubes up the melon and tosses it with some fresh berries, then drizzles over a syrup made with honey, mint, and a bit of water. It's a light and summery dessert that is perfect for capping off a farm-fresh meal.
Overall, Not My Mama's Meals season 3 episode 7, Farm to Table, is a celebration of fresh and nutritious ingredients that are readily available at local farmers' markets. Bobby shows that healthy eating doesn't have to be bland or boring, and that classic dishes can be transformed into healthier versions that still maintain their delicious taste.