Aiken County Farmers Market & Chef Ed’s Summer Specials
Throughout the summer, if you’ve dined with us in our restaurant, you have seen quite a few specials from our Executive Chef Ed. Did you know that many of these specials were sourced directly from our local farms and farmers from the Aiken County Farmers Market?
The Aiken County Farmers Market, open several days a week from sunrise until noon, is filled with incredible local produce from farms across the state of South Carolina. You’ll also find fresh flowers, locally grown meats, and locally produced cheeses, honeys, baked goods, and more. It’s a place to gather, to share stories, and to swap recipes with one another as new friends are made each and every week. The Aiken County Farmers Market has a long history in Aiken—one that dates back to the early 1900s—and we’re happy to see the market still up and running today.
You can visit the market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from sunrise to noon year-round. Our own Chef Ed personally takes a trip there each week to source items from local farmers to create his weekly Farmers Market Special in our restaurant. These delicious specials have been popular with our guests this summer! Did you happen to dine with us while the Zucchini Fritters with Marinara Sauce were on the menu? We’re sharing the recipe for that special with you today.
Zucchini Fritters with Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
1 lb zucchini, grated
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/4 cup chives, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp oregano, chopped
2 tbsp basil, chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup fresh Mozzarella, grated
1 tbsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
4-6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Grate the zucchini using large holes of a box grater and place in a colander over a medium sized bowl. Toss with 1 tsp of salt and let sit for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, squeeze out as much liquid as possible, and set to the side.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Add in the grated zucchini, chives, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, and cheeses. Mix properly.
- Stir in baking soda, baking powder, and flour.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium high heat.
- Drop 1 heaping tablespoon of batter into the pan per fritter. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and firm.
- Serve immediately with a side of marinara sauce.
Be sure to stay tuned to our social media to see what Chef Ed creates next!
