Saturday mornings at the Beaverton Farmer's Market and a Strawberry Pie

I am wondering why it has taken me this long to get down to the Beaverton Farmer's Market in downtown Beaverton. Last summer I was in the habit of getting up early on Saturday mornings to do my grocery shopping and I would visit the Cedar Mill Farmer's Market in the parking lot of my Safeway. I just figured the Beaverton Farmer's Market would be more of the same so I never went. I was so wrong!

The Beaverton Farmer's Market is 10 times the size of the tiny Cedar Mill Farmer's Market!


Last Saturday I dragged my family down there partially against their will. We were all pleasantly surprized at how much is down there. We got a flat of these beautiful strawberries.


We love this guy's tomato's. They have graced the tops of our 4th of July burgers and been made into tomato and cucumber salad several times this week.

Next we need to try these lovely squash and zucchini.


They also have a multitude of flowers.

And food vendors. The girls and I went back there yesterday and tried these crepes. They were running out of batter they were so popular. The Sweet Italy was delicious! Stuffed with mascarpone cheese and topped with berries (they happened to have blueberries on this day) and lemon zest.

Hannah is wearing her mad face because she didn't think she liked blueberries. Turns out she does.

The girls really just wanted to play at the playground and in this fountain.

The Beaverton fountain is a popular place for kids in the summertime. When we first moved here I was shocked to see kids playing in the public fountains. I could not believe that this was allowed! But actually it is quite popular and there are a number of public fountains throughout the Portland area where people go to cool off in the summer. Why they don't just go to a swimming pool I have no idea.

What did I do with all my strawberries you ask? Made strawberry pie of course!

I found this recipe on a blog I frequent called yourhomebasedmom. It reminds us of a pie we used to get at a local bakery that is no more. I have made 4 of these pies now. Two for Father's Day and two for the 4th of July barbecue we had with our neighbors. They came back for more the next day. It is so delicious I am going to give you the recipe. You're welcome.

Strawberry Cream Pie

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (one package)

1/4 cup sugar

6 Tbsp. butter, melted

Combine the above ingredients and press firmly into a 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 375 for 5-8 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool.

Strawberry Glaze:

1 cup strawberries

1/4 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 cup water

Crush 1 cup strawberries. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Add water and crushed strawberries. Cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thickened. Strain through a mesh strainer. Cool.

Creamy filling:

6 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup heavy cream, whipped

4 cups whole strawberries, hulled

Blend cream cheese and sugar. Stir in vanilla. Fold in whipped cream. Spread evenly in cooled crust. Refrigerate.

Place whole strawberries stem side down on top of creamed filling, pressing slightly. Spoon glaze over berries and chill for 3 hours.

Now go. Make some pie!