| Today is Thursday, July 21st, 2011 |
|
Vol 2 Issue 29
|
Other Markets
Cascades
Enjoy Music by Connor Duffy at the Cascades Farmers Market This Week!
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.
Ashburn
Enjoy Your Own Farm to Fork Feast from 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
Shop Fresh & Local 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 on Soave Dr 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.
Vote for LEESBURG as America's Favorite Famers Market! Click here!
|
|
The Leesburg Farmers Market Features Great Farm to Fork Local Products!
The Leesburg Farmers Market runs every Saturday through October 29, 8am until Noon Rain or Shine!
Save the Date(s)!
The Loudoun County Fair runs July 25 through July 30! Many of our Farmers Market Vendors participate in the events at the Fair--check out their website for more information: http://loudouncountyfair.com
Love your Farmers Market? Help us win the nationwide "Favorite Farmers Market" contest sponsored by the American Farmland Trust. The winning market last year only had 1300 votes, so we know you can top that! Please go to www.farmland.org/vote or use the link at the left and vote for the Ashburn, Brambleton, Cascades and Leesburg Farmers Markets to win!
Don't Forget! We now have a Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market in Leesburg for everyone who needs their fresh and local produce, meats, baked goods, salsa and dog treats before the weekend starts! The Market will be located in the Virginia Village Shopping Center on Catoctin Circle (same as the Leesburg Saturday Market) and will run from 3pm until 6pm, June 1 through the end of October. We have a variety of vendors, both new to the Leesburg Market and some of your favorites returning, so come on out and see!
We are always looking for family friendly entertainment for the Farmers Markets. If you would like to perform for tips and free advertising, please contact Market Coordinator, Judy Stroske at Judy@loudounfarmersmarkets.org or 540-454-8089 for scheduling information.
Come on out and talk to the Loudoun County Master Gardeners! They will be on hand at the Leesburg Market to help you with your gardening questions.
|
|
This week's recipe
Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Sausage
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 lb Hot Italian sausage
2 Red Bell Peppers, chopped
1 Onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon Garlic, chopped
2 1/2 Teaspoons fresh Marjoram, chopped
1 1/2 lbs Cherry Tomatoes, assorted colors
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 lb Cooked Short Pasta (fusilli, penne)
5 Oz crumbled Goat Cheese (Chevre) or Feta
Instructions:
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausages and sauté (breaking them op with a fork) until browned. Add peppers and onion and sauté until soft. Stir in marjoram, garlic, then tomatoes. Simmer until tomatoes soften and release their juices. You can crush them with a fork or potato masher as they soften. Season generously to taste with salt and pepper. Add the sausage mixture and goat cheese to the cooked pasta and stir.
|
|
Info from the LVHMA Farms!
Each week we give you a look at what is happening at the LVHMA member's farms and businesses.
The first annual Farm-to-Fork Loudoun celebration kicks off this week, and several Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Cooperative Members will be participating. You can find the locally raised products of the following farmers and wineries featured at local restaurants July 21-31:
Allder School Berries (Leesburg Sat Market)
Endless Summer Harvest (Leesburg Wed Market)
Fabbioli Cellars (Ashburn & Leesburg Wed)
Milcreek Farm (Ashburn, Cascades, Leesburg Sat)
Mill Road Farm (Cascades & Leesburg Sat)
Notaviva Vineyards (Ashburn & Leesburg Wed)
North Gate Vineyard (Cascades)
Potomac Vegetable Farms (Leesburg Wed & Sat)
Quarter Branch Farm (Winter Market)
Stoneybrook Farm (Leesburg Wed)
Willowcroft Farm Vineyard (Brambleton & Leesburg Sat)
Fox 5 News team (with Holly Morris!!) filmed at Stoneybrook Farm in Hillsboro (Leesburg Wed Market) to promote the Farm to Fork event. If you missed the clip on television, you can see it here: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/holly_live/holly-morris-stoneybrook-farm-071911 Be sure to watch all three videos--there is some yummy looking local food on display!
Not exactly "Info From the Farms", but our popular Market musician, Connor Duffy, was recently featured in an article about the Cascades Farmers Market in the Loudoun Times Mirror. Check it out here: http://loudountimes.com/index.php/communities/sterling_cascades_countryside Connor will be performing at the Leesburg Saturday Market on July 23 and the Cascades Sunday Market on July 24.
Check back next week for more "Info from the LVHMA Farms"!
Farm Market Foodie
Cherry Tomato Inspiration
It's hot outside--really hot! You can expect pop up thunderstorms almost every day. So what does that mean? It's Tomato Time in Virginia!
My all time favorite tomato is the hybrid cherry tomato "Sungold". Golden orange when ripe, this variety rates very high on the Brix (sweetness) scale. Unfortunately, it has a thin skin that tends to crack when subjected to those pop up thunderstorms, so most growers choose similar varieties that have been bred from the Sungolds--except Mocks (Leesburg Sat Market)--they can control watering in their hydroponic greenhouses and grow them with no splitting! I've tried several different varieties of cherry tomatoes from the Farmers Market growers this year and have found subtle and delicious differences between them--no new favorites, they're all good in different ways!
Of course, they all taste great eaten raw by themselves or in a salad, but here are some other ideas for using cherry tomatoes:
Stuff 'em! Slice off the top 1/4, scoop out the center and invert for 15 minutes to drain. Fill with pimiento cheese or goat cheese, mozzarella and some chopped fresh basil. For a truly decadent appetizer, mix a bit of mayo with chopped green onions and crisp bacon bits (maybe some shredded cheddar or pepper jack) and stuff into the tomatoes. Time consuming, yes--but your guests will never forget them!
Roast 'em! Slice in half and place (cut side up) on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or so--you want to remove the excess moisture, but these won't be like the shoe leather pieces you find in jars--just deliciously concentrated bites of tomato. Serve on crackers with a bit of cream cheese and chopped basil, drizzled with good olive oil. Toss with pasta and olive oil and chopped fresh herbs of choice; maybe a splash of balsamic vinegar. Or just snack on them! They keep well in the freezer or fridge doused with olive oil.
Try this week's recipe for Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Sausage--made with goat cheese and marjoram, it's a different taste combination for those used to basil and oregano.
---Judy Stroske, LVHMC Market Coordinator
Earth Day Every Day!
Celebrate "Farm-to-Fork Loudoun" July 21-31!
Shopping local at the Farmers Markets is one of the best ways to "go green", so for 11 days, Loudoun restaurants are working special menus sourcing local foods. Inspired by the "locavore" movement currently sweeping the nation, Farm-to-Fork Loudoun founder Miriam Nasuti set out to sow the seeds of a sustainable local food economy in Loudoun County by cultivating more ties between the county's deep-rooted farming community and its vibrant, growing marketplace of dining establishments.
The fruits of Nasuti's labors culminate this summer in Loudoun County, where participating culinary venues will showcase some of the county's best locally grown and raised produce, beef, poultry and wines. From July 21-31, 2011, restaurant patrons may order from special Farm-to-Fork Loudoun menus featuring at least 70 percent local ingredients complimented by a selection of Loudoun wine and spirits.
For more information, or to make a reservation, go to www.farmtoforkloudoun.com |
|
Products in season for the month of July
Apples *  Apricots Artichokes Arugula Basil Beef Beets Blackberries Blueberries Bok Choy Breads Broccoli Cabbage Carrots * Cheese Cherries Chicken Cilantro Collards Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Eggs Fava Beans Figs Flowers Garlic * Goat Gooseberries Green Beans Jams & Jellies Kohlrabi Lamb Lettuce Melons Mint Nectarines Okra Onions * Pastries Peaches Peppers Pies Plants Plums Pork Potatoes * Radishes Raspberries Sage Salsa Soaps Soups Strawberries Summer Squash Sweet Potatoes Swiss Chard Tarragon Tat Soi Thyme Tomatoes Turkey Wine Wool & Products Yogurt
|
|
|
|
News from the Market Vendors
Allder School Berries ~ The list of berries ripening now is changing again. The Natchez blackberries--the earliest U. of Arkansas variety--are winding down and Navahoes and Triple Crown blackberries are starting. We'll have some nice truly local blackberries this weekend but get there early. Blueberries are now plentiful, sweet and good for you. Also, try our select Forza Azzurri blueberries--they're extra big, juicy and sweet. Also two new products this weekend--our own berry patch honey and field-grown (the real deal) organic heirloom Cherokee Purple tomatoes. I hope to see you all this Saturday. Tel: 540-338-6412 E-mail: Allder.school@gmail.com
Baker Pork ~ Pick up some kielbasa sausage, chops and ribs for your cookouts! 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!
Beechwood Orchards ~ Donut Peaches! Both yellow and white!! Also regular yellow and white flesh peaches, blueberries and plums. Garlic--several gourmet varieties! Maybe even the first grapes of the season. Check out our facebook page for latest updates! http://www.facebook.com/beechwoodorchards E-mail: info@beechwoodorchards.com
Blue Ridge Dairy Co ~ Vine ripened tomatoes are ready--try them with our Loudoun made fresh mozzarella cheese! Have you tried our home-made farm style butter? Blue Ridge Dairy has all your favorite gourmet soft cheeses: mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, ricotta, feta as well as yogurt and yo-lite. Locally made here in Leesburg! Tel: 703-443-6605
C.Hess Orchard & Produce ~ We have West Virginia PEACHES and Nectarines, yellow and white varieties--also Sweet Plums , Summer Squash, Green Beans and Cucumbers. 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
Caprikorn Farms ~ Try all our varieties of Goat's Milk Cheese! We have both fresh Chevre and aged Goat Cheese. We have Jalepeno, Tomato and Basil and more! Stop by for a sample! Tel: 301-834-8030 E-mail: kidslovegoatmilk@gmail.com
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 ~ 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. Delicious for eating fresh, cooking or as a salad dressing. Tel: 571-313-1531 E-mail: chefeloycarrera@gmail.com
Chicama Run ~ We have fresh free range eggs! Also new Andouille and Chorizo sausage. Follow us on facebook! Sign in and don't miss our great recipes- http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Purcellville-VA/Chicama-Run/51719934502 Tel: 540-668-9828 E-mail: dana@chicamarun.com
Don's Dahlias Etc ~ Surprisingly, the dahlias are doing very well in this heat. We urge customers to come early as these beauties don't like sitting in the extreme heat. We cut the dahlias at their peak and condition them in a 38 degree cooler until ready for market. We have Mexican tuberose (think gardenia! waxy white with a great scent) beginning to bloom and should be available in two weeks. The calla lilies are still two months away. E-mail: dramstaddental@hughes.net
F & V Farm ~ The heat has slowed our mushroom production--sorry, but we won't be at the Market Saturday (and maybe not on Sunday). Shiitake mushrooms--Log raised here in Lovettsville. Great on the grill!! Ask for our delicious recipes. E-mail: fandvfarm@yahoo.com
Galletta's Pasta & Italian Specialties ~ Stop by for our fresh made pasta--fettuccini, three cheese ravioli and more! We also have delicious homemade sauces--marinara; lemon alfredo and pasta salad. Tel: 703-737-3700 E-mail: galletta@aol.com
Haskins Family Farm ~ We'll have plenty of fresh-never-frozen pasture raised CHICKEN this week (7/23)! Whole birds, boneless breast, bone in breast, thigh+drum combos, and wings will be available this week. Also, a full complement of our pasture raised pork in the form of loin roasts, chops, roasts, ribs, bacon and sausage/bratwurst this week! All of our animals are raised on pasture without hormones and only with antibiotics to treat a specific sickness. Tel: 540-869-3795 E-mail: info@haskinsfamilyfarm.com
Lola Cookies & Treats ~ Lola Cookies & Treats will be here this week with your favorite goodies! Fresh in season now--gluten free peach tart. Don't forget our delicious scones, southern biscuits, congo bars and coconut macaroons. Tel: 703-669-6970 E-mail: LolaCookies@aol.com
Medinas Produce ~ Fresh picked lettuce, kale, green beans, yellow wax beans, summer squash, cilantro and more!! Also veggie plants--squash, tomatoes & herbs!
Milcreek Farm ~ Beef, Lamb and Goat -- no hormones, no MSG, no antibiotics! Some of Loudoun County's best 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. ~ As always we have some sizzling deals on market days. I personally will not be at the markets on July 23, 24 & 30, but the good news is that my wife Janis, daughter Sarah, brother Bill and nephew Tremain will cover all the Markets for me (ask them for their favorite recipes) while I'm on the Beach Towel Mission Trip to Swansboro, NC serving folks down there from St. James Episcopal Church, Leesburg. Mill Road Farm-Three generations since 1950-Stewards of the land and purveyors of our bred, born and raised Angus Beef-finished on Loudoun Grass-and Lambs; Steaks, Beef Sausage, Ground Angus, Patties & Roasts; As always Ground Angus Beef discounts: 5% for three packs & 10% for 6 or more; In addition the first of the 2011 Honey Harvest. Eat out at one of Loudouns wonderful Restaurants and enjoy Farm To Fork Loudoun July 21-31. Any question? Contact Chris Hatch by email/phone Tel: 703-777-1356 E-mail: beefhatch@aol.com
Mock's Greenhouse ~ Greenhouse grown Cherry Tomatoes AND large Heirloom tomatoes!!! Brandywine varieties, Mr Stripy, Peach, Cherokee Purple and more! Have you tried our hydroponic green bib lettuce, red lettuce, cilantro, watercress and dandelion greens? Ask for our recipes! All of our vegetables are greenhouse grown in beautiful West Virginia. Tel: 304-258-5608 E-mail: info@mocksgreenhouse.com
Pleitez Produce ~ Watermelons, Honeydew Melons and Cantaloupes! Sweet corn is ripe & ready!! Fresh blueberries & blackberries!! We also have greens, lettuce, scallions, early tomatoes and cherry tomatoes! We have summer squash and eggplant, green and wax beans; Swiss chard and new potatoes. 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
Potomac Vegetable Farm ~ Summer Squash rules the day! Fresh, tender and delicious - great on the grill. Also beautiful baby eggplant, shallots and beets. We have a great variety of herbs for cooking, Swiss Chard and ripe tomatoes from Loudoun County! All grown "ecoganic"--without chemicals! E-mail: farmerellen@loudounwireless.com
Quail Hollow Farm ~ Come see our beautiful herb & flowering plants--many unusual varieties. We have everything you need for a great herb garden! Try our NEW handmade herbal soaps! Looking for some inspiration? Check out the pictures of our farm at www.qhfherbs.com. Tel: 304-258-0584 E-mail: jaanineg@yahoo.com
South Street Under ~ What's a cookout without Cibatta Bread? Check out all of our flavors! Don't forget our bread toppings--green or black olive tapanade, veggie cream cheese and white bean hummus. We also have cookies and scones! E-mail: southstreet@tuskies.com
Staff of Life Bread Company ~ On the docket for this week: Multigrain, Kamut Levain, White Batard, Pane alla Cioccolate, Olive Love, and Rhapsody in Bleu. We'll also be bringing our Crusty Rolls, our breadsticks and two varieties of savory buns: Pecorino-Romano with Caramelized Onion and Scallion; and Three Cheese and Fresh Basil. Check out Staff of Life Bread on Facebook, and oh: don't forget your Mandorlatini! E-mail: abbeythebaker@gmail.com
Valencias Produce ~ Fresh from the Northern Neck of VA! We have green and wax beans; new potatoes; onions; summer squash, sweet carrots, beets and more! Tel: 540-207-8913 E-mail: futbolg7@aol.com
Willow Hawk Farm ~ What's for dinner? Lamb! We'll have lamb chops, stew pieces, ground lamb, an assortment of roasts, and more for your favorite recipes, as well as all 3 flavors of our lamb sausage. If you need recipes, just ask us. We also will have our gorgeous washable sheepskin pelts at the market this week. Pelts make great gifts for the graduate and your favorite chair! Tel: 540-822-9143 E-mail: sheep@willowhawkfarm.com
Willowcroft Vineyard ~ Here's a delicious vineyard dessert--chop fresh peaches and marinate in our Claire wine for an hour or so. Spoon over a slice of pound cake and top with vanilla ice cream--yum! Visit Loudoun County's original winery now at the Leesburg and Brambleton Farmer's Markets! Have a taste of our locally grown international award winning wines. Don't forget to look us up on the web at www.willowcroftwine.com or befriend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter! CHEERS! Tel: 703-777-8161 E-mail: willowine@aol.com
Winding Woods Farm ~ We are back this week with our Goats Milk Soap, Goat Milk Fudge and solid Lotion Bars. Our scrubby gardeners soap is great for getting gardeners hands clean and feeling wonderful. Try some soap or lotion, it feels so nice you'll be glad you did. We will have a limited number of eggs and duck eggs (great for baking!). Tel: 540-668-9036 E-mail: windingwoodsfarm@yahoo.com |
|
