Fresh Tomato Sauce - 

Ingredients 

3 pounds medium farm fresh tomatoes 

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

⅓ cup finely minced shallot

2 large garlic cloves, finely minced

½ teaspoon sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

¼ teaspoon cane sugar

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 sprig fresh basil

Instructions

Slice the tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds. Set a box grater over a large bowl and press the cut side of the tomato flesh against the large holes of the grater. Grate the tomato flesh into the bowl, leaving the skins behind.

Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over low heat. Add the shallot, garlic, salt, and a few grinds of pepper and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.

Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, cane sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and basil sprig. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard the basil sprig and season to taste.

Let us know if you made this recipe by tagging @skokiefarmersmarket on Facebook or Instagram.                     

The Skokie Farmers' Market accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). To further support SNAP recipients, the Market offers a Match program, matching the recipients with $25 per transaction. For each dollar deducted from your Link card at the Market (you will receive a Link Token), you will also receive $25 in matching funds (Link Match Voucher). To learn more about this program, please check out the Link Up Illinois website. 

We would like to thank Endeavor Health and Link Up Illinois for their very generous grants for the Farmers’ Market and all of the SNAP customers.

                   Link Tokens

Snap Tokens can be used for:

Fruits and vegetables, honey, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, plants (which produce food for the household to eat) and other foods (such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages) 

                Link Match Voucher

Link Match can be used for:

Fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, plants (which produce food for the household to eat) 

Jennifer Engel
Certified Market Manager 

This season marks Jennifer’s fifth year leading the Skokie Farmers’ Market, where her passion for local food and community has helped grow the market from 25 to 70 vendors. She brings two decades of experience in marketing,  membership and community relations from her time at Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Jennifer’s green thumb is next level—her home garden is basically a farmers market of its own. She also serves on the Board of the Illinois Farmers Market Association and stays active in several local community groups. When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find her on a trail with her partner and their three rescue pups.

Email: farmersmarket@skokie.org

Phone: 224-496-0714

Steve Klebe
Assistant Manager

Steve is no stranger to Skokie—he’s spent the last 10 years serving the community as a Property Inspector for the Village of Skokie. At home, he shares a big yard (complete with a native prairie and woodland garden) with his three beloved dogs.

A fan of camping and Jimmy Buffett tunes, Steve is excited to be part of the Market this season. He’s looking forward to connecting with both customers and farmers—and picking up a few good gardening tips along the way!

Celebrating 50 years: Established in 1975, the Skokie Farmers' Market has grown from a small gathering of local farmers into a cherished weekly community event that now features approximately 70 vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and more. This year marks the Market’s largest vendor lineup ever, offering everything from farm-fresh produce and baked goods to meats, cheeses, bottled cocktails, and artisan products.

Skokie Farmers' Market
Sundays, June 1 through November 2
7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Skokie Village Hall (west lot), 5127 Oakton St.

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