If you don't live in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood, and had never heard about Locally Grown Gardens, you might just drive on by.
But long-time customers of the place know about the hidden treasure inside, even in January.
Owner Ron Harris opened in the in the shell of an old gas station on 54th Street eight years ago to just sell produce and products from local farmers.
Farmers are still selling their own goods out of the backs of trucks in Ron's parking lot.
But now, Ron also enjoys a loyal following of customers who come in for lunch and dinner at his restaurant next to the Monon Trail.
“I really enjoy the cooking part of it even more now, but that wasn't the vision when I first opened” says Ron.
His signature dish at Locally Grown Gardens is the salmon, served on a bed of baby greens with a citrus vinaigrette dressing.
“We also do a nice market Salad with roasted veggies of the season, goat cheese and baby greens with a shallot vinaigrette" says Ron.
And Ron's pies, if he doesn't sell out before you get one, are delicious.
“Pecan, pumpkin and apple in the winter, and then in June and July Blueberry and Peach.”
Ron's favorite month is July.
“Because everything is available. The only challenge with July is all the flavors I enjoy, everyone enjoys, is so bountiful. You have so much to use it becomes challenging.”
And believe it or not, while we are all freezing through January, Ron is sweating it out because he says he's running out of time, with his busiest months just around the corner. Even though you won't find vine-ripe tomatoes in the store in January, you will still find a lot of fresh produce that is prime in the winter. A lot of root vegetables, and citrus from southern states. He also sells the things he likes to cook with, like vinegars, mustards, spices, many of them from local providers.
Ron's place is so eclectic, you'll also find dishware and flatware for sale.
Even if you don't know what you're looking for, it's a fun little shop, with great food, so spend some time in, and help a local business owner at the same time.
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Locally Grown Gardens: The Classic Pound Cake
Recipe:
3 large eggs, room temperature
3 tablespoons milk, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ cups sifted cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup granulated white sugar
13 tablespoons (1/2 cup + 1/3 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
Pound Cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter or spray with a non-stick vegetable spray, a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and butter or spray the paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
In the bowl of your electric mixer, with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), place the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar) and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds or until blended. Add the butter and half of the egg mixture. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are moistened. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for about one minute to aerate and develop the cake's structure. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add the remaining egg mixture, in 2 additions, beating about 30 seconds after each addition to incorporate the egg and strengthen the cake's structure.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake for about 55 to 65 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find the cake browning too much as it bakes, cover with a piece of lightly buttered aluminum foil after about 30 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a lightly buttered wire rack.
The Classic Pound Cake can be covered and stored for several days at room temperature, for one week when refrigerated, or it can be frozen for two months.
The Classic Pound Cake is a good item to have on hand for after school snacks, visiting neighbors, or a nice house warming gift.
The Classic Pound Cake can be garnished with some fresh fruit such as strawberries and some whip cream. Also, a nice chocolate sauce goes well with the cake. A hot cup of coffee can be enjoyed in junction with The Classic Pound Cake.
Makes one 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf.