| Today is Friday, October 21st, 2011 |
|
Vol 2 Issue 42
|
OTHER MARKETS
Leesburg
Thanks For Supporting Local Agriculture at the Leesburg Farmers Market!
The Leesburg Farmers Market runs every Saturday through October 29, 8am until Noon Rain or Shine! The Winter Leesburg Farmers Market will start November 5, 9am-noon.
Ashburn
Last 2 Weeks to Shop Fresh & Local at the Ashburn Farmers Market!
Located in the Ashburn Crossroads Restaurant Park at the intersection of Ashburn Village Blvd and Farmwell Dr--behind IHOP and Fuddruckers! The Ashburn Farmers Market will be open Saturday mornings from 8am until noon through October 29, 2011.
Brambleton
Support Local Agriculture by Shopping at the Brambleton Farmers Market!
The Brambleton Farmers Market will be open on Sundays from 9am until 1pm through October 30, 2011 in the Sport & Health parking lot--42365 Soave Drive Brambleton, VA 20148, near Olympia.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We are a "PRODUCER ONLY" market - this means the people who you purchase your items from are the people who produce, plant, grow and harvest, these items. We are very firm in enforcing this rule to assure you that you are getting locally and quality grown products by the producer selling you the products.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lost and Found items for each market can be dropped off or picked up with the market manager - just look for the orange "Market Manager" sign.
|
|
What's For Dinner? Find it Fresh & Local at the Cascades Farmers Market!
The Cascades Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of the Senior Center on Whitfield Dr--near the library and behind Staples. We will be open every Sunday from 9am-1pm through November 20.
The Leesburg Winter Farmers Market will host a special Holiday Craft Section in November and December. Follow this link for an application:
http://www.loudounfarmersmarkets.org/
NewFiles/2011CraftAp.pdf
|
|
This week's recipe
Sweet Potato Pancakes
from The Chew
2 Sweet Potatoes, grated
1 Apple, grated
1/4 Cup Onion, very finely diced
1 Carrot, grated
2 Eggs (or 4 Egg Whites), beaten
1/2 Cup Flour
Salt & Pepper to taste
Olive Oil
Instructions:
Grate all the vegetables into a colander and press to drain well (or grate into a cheesecloth and wring). Place in a mixing bowl and stir in the beaten eggs, flour, salt & pepper.
Drop by spoonfuls into a frying pan with olive oil and flatten into a "pancake". Cook about 2 minutes on each side and set on paper towels to drain.
Note: I saw this breakfast recipe on "The Chew" and had to try it as a side dish for dinner. I used a Honeycrisp apple, but didn't have the carrot. They were so delicious, I only got 2 because the rest of the family ate them all. A very healthy, nutrient dense recipe! Judy Stroske, Market Coordinator |
|
Info from the LVHMC Farms!
Each week we give you a look at what is happening at the LVHMC member's farms and businesses.
Cristina from Westmoreland Produce in Montross, VA (Ashburn & Cascades Markets) has a number of exciting developments at the farm! She reports that they will be farming a new 57 acre plot next year in addition to their original 20 acres and a leased 20 acre property. This means they will be growing asparagus and berries next year. Cristina also reports that garlic has already been planted for next year's harvest and new strawberry plants were set out in August. It's hard to believe that little Juan Paulo is now in his "terrible two's"--Cristina says one of his favorite pastimes is to visit yard sales to look for new toys!
Bob Haskins from Haskins Family Farm in Middletown, VA (Leesburg Sat Market) has been run ragged by his pigs lately. Late last week, one group of pigs (10 in total and largest animals they have) got out 4 times in three days! One day the 16 smaller pigs in a separate setup got out at the same time and the whole group of 26 animals was running around together! The wet rainy weather has made perfect mud conditions for the pigs to root and escape their electric fences. When the big pigs ended up in the garden/orchard (completely fenced in, though by no means pig proof) on their own, Bob and Mary made the command decision to leave them there until they had a chance to put up some temporary fencing and move the feeder and water tank over to them. They didn't complete the equipment move until Sunday (the pigs moved themselves in on Friday), but the pigs enjoyed their time in the orchard, eating all of the apple/pear drops and rooting up everywhere.
Dana Sacco from Chicama Run Farm in Purcellville, VA (Leesburg Sat Market) also has pig news. In another month, they are getting a new boar pig (male pig) to breed to our sows (female pigs) so we expect to have a LOT of babies come spring since each sow can have over 10 babies and we now have 11 sows! They had a great and busy farm tour weekend! Hundreds of people came out to enjoy the country, gather their own eggs, listen to live music and have lunch under the trees. Things are finally winding down with chickens for the year since they don't raise any over the winter. It will be nice to have a break from butchering every week!
John Bailey from WoodTrail Graziers in Round Hill (Ashburn Market) has a new female German Shepherd--Missy, a 12 month old semi-rescue from a home that couldn't manage her care and attention. Missy loves to show the pigs the way home when they get out but the other day she herded one into a net fence, which resulted in the whole 160 feet of fence being uprooted and dragged across the pasture by the excited pig. John says they are hopeful for a more sensible future utility dog but right now, poor Missy is a pretty loose cannon.
Check back next week for more "Info from the LVHMC Farms"!
Farm Market Foodie
Halloween Pumpkins
The Farm Market "Foodie" is taking a little different angle this week with Halloween approaching -- I love Halloween; not the costume part, but the decorating. I love a well carved pumpkin, a spooky house and a real Ghost Hunt. I like Halloween better than Christmas--this probably stems from over 20 years of being a florist and going insane every December. I try to give trick or treaters (and their parents) an experience (and some decent candy). Here are some tips for carving the pumpkins you can find at the Farmers Markets and how to preserve them:
I've never had a lot of success using the craft store carving kits on real pumpkins; I usually just go with one of my Wusthofs (still a foodie!)--the santoku is my go-to for big cuts; the paring or boning knife for more controlled cuts. An ice cream scoop works as well as the pumpkin scrapers sold at stores to clean out the goop inside. Pros who carve multiple pumpkins prefer a sawz-all, a jig saw and a drill--if you have them, they can make carving a lot easier, once you get the hang of it. If you are going for the "peeled" look--just removing the skin to expose the inner flesh to carve, try a good Y-shaped vegetable peeler. Clay tools (these you can find at a craft store) are good for shaping the exposed flesh into teeth and scars. Try the battery powered "candles" to light your pumpkin.
For years, the old stand-by to keep carved pumpkins fresh was to coat them inside and out with vaseline. Tom Nardone on the extremepumpkins website ran a test and found that spritzing your pumpkin inside and out with a chlorine based cleaning spray works better than anything else (and doesn't feel sticky). For carving inspiration, and yummy sounding recipes for roasted pumpkin seeds (butter! salt! leave most of the goop on the seeds!) and the entire pumpkin preservation experiment, be sure an visit extermepumpkins.com (and see Tom's pumpkins on the Rachel Ray show)!
---Judy Stroske, LVHMC Market Coordinator
Earth Day Every Day!
Use Recycled Materials for a Great Halloween Costume!
Still not sure how you're going to dress up for Halloween this year? Instead of purchasing something new (and plastic), rummage through your house--with a little creativity (and maybe a glue gun), you can come up with a fantastic, unique (and green!) costume with little expense.
Check out these examples to get the inspiration flowing:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycled-halloween-costume-470708
For those who like brain teaser/tongue in cheek ideas, wear an all blue outfit and tie a rubber chicken (or box from KFC) to it and go as Chicken "cord on blue". |
|
Products in season for the month of October
Apples *  Arugula Beef Beets Bok Choy Breads Broccoli Broccoli Raab Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots * Cauliflower Celery Celery Root Cheese Chestnuts Chicken Cider * Cilantro Collards Cucumbers Dill Eggplant Eggs Fennel Flowers Garlic * Goat Green Beans Jams & Jellies Kale Kohlrabi Lamb Lettuce Melons Mint Mushrooms Onions * Parsley Parsnips * Pastries Peppers Pies Plants Pork Potatoes * Raddicchio Radishes Rutabaga * Sage Salsa Shallots * Soaps Sorrel Soups Spinach Summer Squash Sweet Potatoes Swiss Chard Tarragon Tat Soi Thyme Turkey Turnips * Walnuts * Wine Winter Squash * Wool & Products Yogurt
|
|
|
|
News from the Market Vendors
Baguette Republic ~ Pick up some of our wonderful artesian breads, crossiants and muffins! Breads include: Kalamata Olive, Panebello, Multigrain, Baguettes and more. Check out our new treats--something different every week: Gingerbread, Gourmet Brownies--who knows what else we'll come up with? Tel: 703-870-7740 E-mail: orders@BaguetteRepublic.com
Baker Pork ~ Now taking orders for Holiday Hams! Also whole pigs for roasting available by special order. Pick up some kielbasa sausage, chops and ribs for dinner! We have farm raised bacon and sausage, perfect for breakfast! All our hogs are born and raised on our farm in the Shenandoah Valley of VA. Try our country ribs in a slow cooker with our Family Recipe Barbeque Sauce! Tel: 540-477-3550 E-mail: bakerinc@shentel.net
Beckys Pastries ~ Our Bun's Bread makes a great french toast or sandwiches! Have you tried our scones, tarts and other sweet breads? There's ALWAYS something good on our table! We have healthy multigrain bread, too!
Bigg Riggs ~ Many varieties of fresh WV Apples. NEW--try our Spicy Peach Barbeque Sauce! You can't have a tailgate party without our farm fresh condiments--check out our Awesome Sauce, Wing Sauce, delicious Pickles, Jams and Drink Mixers. Tel: 540 550 5480 E-mail: ceo@biggriggsfarm.com
C.Hess Orchard & Produce ~ W.Va. HONEY CRISP Apples and many other delicious varieties! Winter Squash, Green Beans,New Potatoes and Fresh Turnips. Please Try a Slice from our Fully Loaded SAMPLE TABLE. Thank You for Your Patronage. Tel: 304-676-9445 E-mail: C.Hessgrowsit@comcast.net
Chase Your Tail Bakery ~ Reward your good dog with his favorite, freshly made dog treat from Chase Your Tail Bakery--does he like Puppy Pretzels? Herb Hydrants? Honey Buns? Stop by for the freshest dog treats Loudoun County has to offer! Tel: 703-771-3019 E-mail: info@chaseyourtailbakery.com
Chef Eloys KICKIN SALSAS ~ Don't forget some Chef Eloy's salsa for the football games this weekend--and try our Guacamole! Made fresh and has a "kick" at the end! Get your favorite freshly made, "never cooked" salsa! Try our Mild, Medium or Extra Hot; Banana, Mango or Corn & Black Bean Salsas. Tel: 571-313-1531 E-mail: chefeloycarrera@gmail.com
F & V Farm ~ Shiitake mushrooms--Log raised here in Lovettsville. Ask for our delicious recipes. E-mail: fandvfarm@yahoo.com
J & W Valley View Farm ~ Fresh from the Northern Neck of VA--kale, onions, okra, eggplant, sweet and hot peppers, cucumbers and more!
Medinas Produce ~ Fresh picked Tomatoes, eggplant, lots of greens, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, onions, potatoes and more!!
Milcreek Farm ~ Beef, Lamb and Goat -- no hormones, no MSG, no antibiotics! Some of Loudoun County's best Grass-Fed and pasture raised meats! Try some and taste the difference. Come early for Large Brown Eggs from our free range hens that will make your breakfast special! Stock your freezer! We are taking orders for our grass fed Beef, Lamb and Goat. Offered in 1/4's and 1/2's. Tel: 540-822-4181 E-mail: milcrk@aol.com
Mill Road Farm, Inc. ~ Hold on to your hat! Fall has arrived. Thank you to all came out to the Fall Farm Color Tour Weekend. Orders for your Rib roast for Thanksgiving or Christmas $8.75 / lb or would you rather have a leg of lamb? It is time to order! Honey this week - a limited quantity Yum! We are blessed; Keep your money local and buy local. Bred, born and raised Angus Beef-finished on Loudoun Grass; Steaks, Ground Angus, Patties & Roasts; along with lamb bred & raised on our farm Taking orders for whole lamb and for Split quarters, halves and whole Angus Beef; From our Farm to your Table; By the way try some of Bigg Riggs Ramp mustard and Chef Eloys salsa on your Beef Sausage - Enjoy! Any questions? Contact Chris Hatch by email Tel: 703-777-1356 E-mail: beefhatch@aol.com
North Gate Vineyard ~ Try our Chardonnay, Viognier or Apple Wines on these hot Summer days! We use 100% local grapes in our wines, about 90% coming directly from Loudoun County. Our current offering includes Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Meritage (Bordeaux blend), all priced between $16 and $20. Our 2008 Petit Verdot and Meritage are Gold Medal winners! Visit our new Tasting Room at the vineyard! Tel: 540-668-6248 E-mail: info@northgatevineyard.com
Pleitez Produce ~ Winter squash now ready--butternut, acorn, spaghetti. We also have okra (red and green), sweet onions, tomatoes and cherry tomatoes! We have several varieties of summer squash and eggplant. We also have French Breakfast Radish, Basil and Arugula, Broccoli, Kale, Collards, Lettuce, Cauliflower, Lettuce Mix and Mesclun Mix. You can see our family run farm in the Northern Neck of VA on our website www.pleitezproduce.com. Tel: 804-366-7020 E-mail: pleitezproduce@yahoo.com
We Take the Cupcake ~ This week we will be offering a variety of flavors in our new mini cupcake Push Pops! Come see us for some yummy Cake Pops as well! Visit our website at www.wetakethecupcake.com to see about booking We Take the Cupcake for your wedding, party or shower. Come on over and visit us on Facebook as well! Tel: 703-723-0525 E-mail: wetakethecupcake@hotmail.com
Westmoreland Produce ~ Green beans, okra, onions, kale and Winter Squash: Butternut, Acorn and Spaghetti squash ready now! We also have several varieties of summer squash and eggplant! Visit us at the Ashburn Market on Saturday and Cascades on Sunday! Tel: 804-333-4487 E-mail: westmorelandproduce@haloisp.net |
|
