Farmer's Market Bounty: Healthy Chicken Tenders and Veggie Medley

On of my favorite Saturday morning activities whilst in Vermont, was to visit the local farmer's market. The organic produce I brought home was fresh, crisp, and loaded with nutrition and flavor. I love knowing that when I chop veggies and take a bite out of something, there are no residues from pesticides and best of all, everything was picked fresh that morning.

The Saturday market in Woodstock, VT, Mt. Tom Farmer's Market is a collection of local growers and craftsmen and similar to what can be found at many rural farmer's markets across the country. It's also nice to support the local economy, and even better is that I spend less on this wonderfully fresh, locally grown produce than I do if I purchased at the commercial grocery store.

Markets obviously offer different things depending upon where you are, and yet there's a similarity which is comforting. What I've miss most since leaving Vermont is the widely practiced focus on supporting local farmers, ranchers, and growers. It's everywhere, but I've never seen such a presence of it as I did there.

Below is a very simple meal using the lovely veggies procured at the market. The more natural color to a meal the better, to my way of thinking. Simple, nutritious, inexpensive - also very filling! All that is required are a few veggies and a little chicken. The idea behind this dish it not to use any extra salt or fats - the result is surprisingly satisfying and you'll barely know you're heating a healthy meal.

Healthy Chicken Tenders and Veggie Medley

Serves 2

• 6 chicken tenders - should be boneless and already portioned out, preferably organic/cage free
• 1 organic red pepper
• 1 organic green pepper
• 1/2 organic red onion
• 1 organic tomato
• Mrs. Dash seasoning of choice (used as a salt-free seasoning option)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (finely chopped)
• 2 sprigs fresh oregano (finely chopped)
• Organic Pam Olive Oil cooking spray (or similar)
• Freshly ground black pepper, if desired to taste.

1. The chicken can either be grilled or broiled - the idea is to cook it without using any fats. Be sure whichever method chosen that you don't overcook the meat. Because you're not using any fats, you'll want it as tender and juicy as possible. Spray both sides of the chicken with the non-fat cooking spray and sprinkle with the Mrs. Dash seasoning of choice. I used the garlic and herb variety.
2. Chop the peppers and onion into small chunks and mix with the finely chopped thyme and oregano; saute lightly over medium heat using the cooking spray - no more than 2-3 minutes. The veggies will remain crisp. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash - be sure not to use anything with salt.
3. Slice the tomato and sprinkle with Mrs. Dash - do not cook. 
4. Once everything is on your plate, sprinkle with a little pepper if desired.
5. Enjoy a very nutritious and satisfying meal!

Allergy Warning: Unless you're allergic to certain herbs and seasonings, or tomatoes, allergy exposure should be minimal or none at all.