The American Farm Bureau says prices for a basket of 16 basic grocery items rose by 8 percent in the first quarter of 2008. Other economists have predicted that food prices will remain high for another two years. Roger Allbee, Vermont's secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets, explains what's behind the rise in food prices and how it's affecting farmers, grocery retailers and consumers. (Listen)

Also in the program, a new cookbook celebrates locally grown foods with authentic Vermont recipes. Tracey Madeiros cooks Awesome Apple Pancakes with Jane Lindholm, and explains the inspiration behind the new book, Dishing Up Vermont. (Listen)

And foragers are out in search of fiddleheads, a springtime treat that some devotees take very seriously. We go for a walk near the Winooski River with two experts. (Listen)

Awesome Apple Pancake
A recipe from Champlain Orchards

Ingredients

3 eggs

¾ cup whole milk

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon almond or pure vanilla extract

2 tart peeled apples, cored and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons sugar

¾ teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter

Confectioners' sugar or pure maple syrup to taste

2 - 4 servings

1. Warm an iron skillet in a 425°F oven. With a handheld blender, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, salt and extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, toss together apples, sugar and cinnamon.

2. Melt butter in the warm skillet. Arrange the apples in a single layer on the bottom of the skillet. Carefully pour the batter over the fruit.

3. Bake for 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. To serve sprinkle with confectioners' sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.

Copyright 2008 by Tracey Madeiros, Dishing Up Vermont