Market News - June 8, 2010
From the Market Manager
One of our long-time regular market customers, Kimberly Antal, died last week; she was 51. Kimberly had major health problems that often had her in the hospital for weeks at a time. I didn’t know what her problems were, but many of you would recognize her as she was VERY skinny and I’m sure many of you thought that she was anorexic. I don’t think that that was it because Kimberly loved to cook and eat.
One of her pleasures was coming to our market and talking with the vendors about food. As Caroline Pam from The Kitchen Garden said, “She was one of the first customers whose name we learned when we first came to the market several years ago. We always looked for her when we returned in the spring and were worried if we didn’t see her for several weeks. Although we never knew what she suffered from, we knew that falls and fractures were common, and that she was quite frail. We were always impressed by her love of the market, her passion for baby vegetables, seeking out the best, most blemish free specimens, and her upbeat personality.”
When blueberry season returns, I will share a recipe that Kimberly sent to me a couple of weeks ago.
I just want to add that the connections that many of us make at our market is part of what makes it so special.
Weather, etc.
Today the weather is glorious. We were overdue for perfect weather. Thanks to those of you who do come out when it’s hot or rainy. I’d like to think that you’ve come to value the market so much, and appreciate the hard work that our vendors do, that you are willing to be a little uncomfortable to support them.
Please keep spreading the word about our beautiful new location. The only comments I’ve heard about parking is that someone had to drive around 3 times to find a space. You can park along the driveways also. You won’t get a ticket.
The Chester Theatre Company
Their new season begins on June 30th. Chester is only one hour from here, an easy ride. The plays are performed by professionals and the theatre, held in the town hall, is air-conditioned. Their phone # is 413-354-7825, website is ChesterTheatre.org. Definitely worth the trip.
Recipe
Chicken Breasts in Wild Mushroom Sauce
350 degree oven
8 boneless breast halves
¾# fresh wild mushrooms
¾ C. sherry or port
4T. unsalted butter
1/4 C. flour
2 C. half and half
1 T. fresh or ¾ tsp. dried thyme
1 C. sour cream
salt and white pepper
Chop mushrooms, soak in wine for 30 minutes. Drain and save liquid. Heat butter over medium heat, add flour, cook until bubbly about 3-5 minutes. Add cream and reserved wine and cook, stirring until thick, about 10 minutes. Cool slightly then add sour cream, reserved mushrooms, and salt and pepper to taste. Arrange in ovenproof dish and bake 35-45 minutes.
Value Added
I’m sure that you have gone to an apple orchard that has a bakery where you can purchase apple pies, etc. Those are value added products. The farm is taking their products, and adding to them so that they can earn more money. Obviously more work is involved, but the profit is significantly higher than if they just sold the apple or quart of milk, or zucchini.
You will see value added products from the two dairies that attend our market. Trinity Farm makes yogurt, butter, and now fresh cheese in addition to their milk offerings. Sweet Pea Cheese is a part of the Hayes Dairy Farm. They have goats and cows on their farm. The cheese and yogurt are their value added products. You can also buy frozen goat meat from them. (Not a value added product exactly, but sometimes a goat isn’t productive anymore and…..
Farmers are doing this because they want to stay in the business of farming, and as you all know, there are many forces at work to discourage farmers.
This ‘n’ That
If you haven’t seen “Food Inc.” yet, rent it. You will find yourself nodding in agreement with much that is in this movie. That is why you patronize this market.
Don’t forget to take down your tag sale signs.
Use your car ashtray for your butts; that’s what they’re for. The street isn’t an ashtray. AND, the filters aren’t biodegradable, so they stay there forever.
Curb Appeal Check List
Are you doing all that you can to make your home attractive? Here are a few tips to help.
- Start by taking a close look at your house and yard. Stand across the street and take notes
- Is the gutter free of leaves, sand, litter? Homeowners are responsible for keeping clear 3’ from the curb.
- Tree belt: Is it free of trash?
- Front yard: Is the grass trimmed? Are the plant beds free of weeds. Do your bushes need trimming?
- Fences: Are they in good shape, or do they need shoring up or painting?
- Front porch: Is it clean? Are your stairs in good shape? How about the railing? Is it shaky? These are safety features also.
- Have you collected items that you mean to dispose of? Are they leaning against your house or garage?
- Windows: Are any cracked or broken?
Check out the green crate for newsletters and recipes. You are welcome to contribute recipes that we will distribute.
Remember that we are a rain or shine market. We are here 12:30-6 each Tuesday.
