OCEANS SPRINGS -- A steady stream of locals passed through the Ocean Springs Fresh Market Saturday morning, mingling with one another and purchasing local goods.

Market co-founder Diane Claughton, a self-taught chef who worked in a London restaurant, demonstrated some quick, easy recipes for individuals still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

The Ocean Springs Fresh Market opened last year, but closed following Hurricane Katrina. The cooking demonstration was part of Claughton and co-owner Charlotte Fraisse's dedication to promoting healthy eating. Dubbed "Good food, fast," the demonstration featured dishes easily prepared in a small area.

"A lot of people are still living in FEMA trailers and have little ovens and space to prepare meals, so we wanted to give them some delicious, easy to prepare items," Claughton said.

Anna and Dan Tisdale frequent the market, and enjoy the atmosphere. Anna Tisdale said the cooking demonstration showed her that making an omelet is an easy process and it can be a healthy meal.

"We really enjoy coming out to visit with people and like the old fashioned atmosphere of an open market that sells locally grown and baked good," Anna Tisdale said.

The market offers gourmet foods, fresh flowers, Mississippi grown organic and regular product in season, exotic plants, authentic Greek food, locally made treats local cookbooks and a hodgepodge of other items, Claughton said.

Claughton, known as Chef Diane, is a member of Slowfood, an international non-profit organization that recognizes the enjoyment of wholesome food is essential to the pursuit of happiness.

The demonstration also provided insight into how to live healthy by eating healthy, Claughton said.

"We talked a bit about labels and buying foods that you include natural ingredients," she said. "I truly feel that you need to know what is in the food you are eating in order to cook with it."

Ocean Springs native Candice Baggett dropped by the market for the first time Saturday and left with a loaf of bread and a watermelon. The Baggett family, complete with two children and a set of grandparents were planning a cook out for the afternoon.

"We were out and about and though we would stop in to see what the market has," Baggett said. "I am really impressed with the vendors and it is nice to have a place where you can bring your family and browse outside in this nice weather."

The Ocean Springs markets is prospering, Claughton said. The co-founders will hold a grand opening for the Moss Point Fresh Market on Sept. 30.

The Moss Point market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon with local vendors, music and a story time in conjunction with the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library. The Ocean Springs market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the L&N Depot in front of the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center off Washington Street in downtown.

Claughton said the both markets welcome new additions.

Nikki Wittner can be reached at nwittner@themississippipress.com or (228) 934-1448.