Onion Tart

The Bismarck farmers' market is held in possibly the most unattractive place in the entire city: the Kmart parking lot. Only the gasification plant across the river rivals the ugly view one can behold in north Bismarck on Highway 83, aka Land of Telescoped Restaurant Signs. However, finding fresh veggies with the dirt still clinging on Saturday mornings makes it worth the trip.

Pulling into the parking lot, I see one lonely table, its flowered plastic tablecloth barely hanging on in the blustery winds. Admiring the lone farmer's gumption to sell produce in 35 mph gusts, I shove my car door open against the wind, jump away as it quickly slams behind me, and head towards the table.

The farmer lady greeted me and we started the ND weather talk. "Slow start growing vegetables this year, with the cold weather and dodging hail storms and all..." I perused her offerings: rhubarb, onions, and some fresh herbs. She was almost apologetic from the slim pickings, but I'll never leave a farmers' market empty-handed. As I already had plenty of rhubarb and herbs, I grabbed a bag full of Walla Walla and Red Hamburger onions and went home with thoughts of dinner.

With the cooler windy weather, I decided to turn the oven on and make an onion tart. It tasted pretty good, but not passing along the recipe since it still needs some tweaking; maybe cheese and/or Italian sausage with it next time? But I still enjoyed every bite, knowing that a flour mill in Harvey, a few egg-laying hens roosting just outside of town, and my friendly Kmart parking lot onion farmer all provided me with dinner this evening.

For that, I am grateful.