02 Sep Wed 2009
Westminster Farmer's Market Report for 09-04-09
Pay NO Attention to the Weather.It is Still Summertime!
Our Students are back at school, Labor Day is upon us, and summer is NOT over!Summer eating has just kicked into gear this month.Only now are we tasting perfection in our tomatoes and peppers and melons.Don’t miss this opportunity to taste real food at its peak of flavor.Summer may be over in a few weeks, but summer eating continues until the first frost which may be six to eight weeks away (may be wishful thinking but I can hope)!Expect all the bounty of July and August and add to that some of the cool weather crops, onions, lettuce, Brussels sprout, cabbage, broccoli, winter squash and more.If you consider summer over now you are selling yourself short and you can look forward to a long off season – we had enough of that last winter.So continue eating from our local gardens by visiting us at the farmers’ market.
Tomatoes are incredible right now.There are so many varieties available at the market and you should try them all!Find your favorites and give up those pink grocery store things.My favorite use of tomato is simple tomato salad:tomato, onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, goat cheese or mozzarella and black olives.I am experimenting with different tomatoes and combinations of tomatoes, juliet, brandywine pink, black krim, and a colorful mix of cherry tomatoes have all been delicious.I am still waiting for evergreen and golden girl to ripen (though maybe evergreen already has??? Hmmm…).If tomato salad is not your thing, how about thick slices of tomato topped with basil and mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil and roasted in the oven for a few minutes?That along with a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine makes up the ultimate summer evening meal.
As some of the fall fruits arrive in our market you have many opportunities to experiment.Attached is a recipe for a delicious apple cranberry sauce that will turn any ordinary pork into a sumptuous meal.The sauce is from my sister who does everything with an elegant flare!It is beautiful and delicious served as a sauce on pork loin or pork tenderloin.We served it the other night with a roasted fresh ham steak (which is like a large and deliciously flavorful pork chop – not cured).To put the recipe together, we had some cranberries left over from last year and a can of applesauce also from last year so we made these substitutions.I think it would be terrific with anything available in the farmers’ market.Since I didn’t have apples on hand I considered using pears instead of the applesauce – but the applesauce was opened and had to be eaten.Don’t be fooled by the ingredients, although this calls for curry powder, this is not a curry sauce.It is the perfect melding of flavors to achieve an indescribably delicious sauce.
Labor Day is a terrific opportunity for grilling.Steaks, kabobs, burgers, fresh ham steaks, or ribs served with corn on the cob, roasted potato with your favorite salad on the side makes a delicious and easy, no fuss meal for your family and friends.Of course our farmers’ market is stocked with everything you need.Make your Labor Day cook-out your local meal of the week!
Do you have senior coupons or WIC coupons that you have not used up yet?They are very easy to use at our market.Simply look for the signs at each vendor’s booth.These coupons are good for vegetable purchases and most of our vegetable vendors can accept them.They are only good until October so don’t leave them behind when you leave for the market.Our vendors will be very happy to help you if you have any questions about these valuable coupons.
Last week we had about 28 vendors at the market and a fair crowd by 3:15.If you stopped by after 6:15, everyone packed it in when the rain began.No worries for this week though: no rain in the forecast.The market stayed very busy for much of the afternoon.Although some items seem to sell out quickly, there is PLENTY of variety and, chances are, you fill find everything you need.We now have a directory by the water cooler that will keep you up to date on the vendors and the products that are available in the market.Stop by and take a look so you can determine your best route through the market.This week we expect vegetables and fruits and meat and eggs, cheese, bread, herbs, jam, desserts, everything you need for your one local meal each week!
Again, we were lucky enough to have Lauren Dennen performing her Irish Step Dancing and Susan Nickerson on Violin.This week we have Ann Patsis singing at 5:00.Stop by and enjoy the show, and please help us find some way to support our local performing artists.
With 9 farmers’ markets left until the end of the regular season, you have plenty of time to shop for gifts.Make your Christmas list now and browse the market for ideas.Purchasing 2 gifts each week will simplify your holidays and give you more time to enjoy them giving you more time to concentrate on cooking great food and enjoying your family and your friends!
Christmas Gift Ideas of the week:
·Jewelry from Marianne Allen.Her booth is usually about halfway down on the left hand side if you are looking at the gazebo.This jewelry is beautifully crafted and very artistic.I especially love the scarabs that are both pins and pendants.There is surely something you can find to stand out on any outfit you own!Her website is www.mariglass.com if you want more information.
·Everyone needs hats and scarves that you will find at buzyhandz.You will find this booth toward the further end from the gazebo and on the right hand side if you are looking at the gazebo.In addition to beautiful cool weather hats (that some of us will need for those early morning Saturday sports when we have to dash out of the house before we have a chance to shower), Jessica has some beautiful knit children’s clothing and purses.In this booth, you can also check out some fine herbal soaps made with organic ingredients from Auld School Natural Products.
Massachusetts Local Food delivery day is this Friday so don’t forget to stop by and pick up your order if you took the time to order.If you are curious about this program, we will have brochures to give you a bit more information.This cooperative will be bringing local food to you throughout the winter.
Thanks to all that have been donating items to the market vendors.All are being put to good use and the donations are much appreciated!Useful items that vendors can use at the market: Berry cartons and Canning jars and coffee grounds.If you are buying items in canning jars and you do not need them, please consider returning them to vendors.If you find it easier, you can place them in the recycle bins and we will get them to where they need to be…
Have a good week and see you at the market.
Kerrie Hertel
Westminster Farmers’ Market: Fridays 3:00 until 7:00 until October 30th.
Ashburnham Farmers’ Market: Mondays 3:00 until 6:00
Princeton Farmers’ Market: Thursdays 3:00 until 6:00
Winchendon Farmers’ Market: Thursdays 4:00 until 7:00.
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Recipe for:Apple Cranberry Sauce for Pork |
Maple Heights Farm |
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1 cup fresh cranberries 1 cup coarsely chopped cooking apple 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar ½ cup water ¼ cup onion, finely chopped |
1 Tblsp minced peeled ginger 1 tsp curry powder 1/8 tsp ground red pepper ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper |
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Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.Bring to a boil.Simmer covered 20 minutes.Uncover and simmer 2 minutes until thick.Cool 10 minutes.Blend. Serve on pork tenderloin or any other cut of pork.
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