"Use one Maryland-produced item a day." That's the challenge, folks, laid before us this week during "Buy Local Week" in Maryland. Yesterday, Chesapeake Foodie, whistling happily in the 90-degree heat, visited the Governor's mansion for a backyard bash and did our fair share for Day One.

Eight whole days, from July 19th to the 27th. Yes, eight days. The explanation -- it's either an opportunity to bookend your week with two visits to Maryland farmers markets, or because our farmers work so hard, they can cram eight days of work into a seven-day week. (

• We reduce the food-miles our meals take -- less fuel, better for planet!
• We keep our dollars close to home -- good for the producers, good for our state's economy.
• We support family owned farms -- so they can keep farming!
• And it just tastes fresher and better. Good for us!

One Maryland-grown, -caught or -produced product a day? That's it? Not a prob, Gov! They're everywhere. At supermarkets, seafood stores, at farmer's markets, and restaurants that feature local foods.

This is a challenge we can handle. Let's get eating!

* Served at the backyard picnic:
Chesapeake Fields snacks and artisan breads
Swann Farm corn on the cob
Perdue pulled chicken BBQ and grilled chicken
Poached striped bass from the Seafood Marketing Board
Watermelon from Hales Farm
Sauders deviled eggs. Must get recipe.
Potato salad. Priapi Gardens, Homestead Farms, Clagett Farm
Binkert's Frankfurters, Baltimore
Hamburgers from Deer Creek Beef and Sassafras River Beef
Tomatoes, Clagett Farms
Chapel Country Creamery Cheddar Cheese
Pies and Desserts from Baugher's Orchards and Emily's Produce.
Honest Tea drinks from Montgomery County.