NEVADA CITY, Calif., September 16, 2026 – It’s peak produce season and Local Picks enlisted Chef Mielle Chénier-Cowan Rose to share tips on how to prep and enjoy the local bounty.
Budget-Friendly Cooking
Eating vegetables as a main dish, rather than just a side, is cost-effective. Mielle emphasizes simplicity, suggesting that having a few versatile, homemade sauces (tahini, yogurt, or herb-based pestos) in the fridge can transform basic grains, proteins, and vegetables into great meals throughout the week. Recipes can and should be adapted to what you have on hand, substitutions are encouraged.
Shop Local Because:
Shopping at farmers markets or joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) recirculates money into the local economy at a rate 60% higher than spending at non-local grocery stores. Beyond the economics, you’re likely to see your neighbors, enjoy music, and you can ask the farmers directly about how they grow their produce, how to best use or store what you buy.
The Nevada City Farmers Market takes place outdoors every Saturday 8:30am – 1pm until December 19th on Union St in downtown Nevada City. From January 9th to April 3rd, 2027 the Winter Market is indoors at at the Sierra Academy for Expeditionary Learning, 505 Main St in Nevada City.
Mielle’s YouTube channel has easy recipes and her cookbook “Veganish: The Omnivore’s Guide to Plant-Based Cooking” is available in bookstores and online. Bon appétit!