JANUARY 20th WINTER FARMER’S MARKET

According to the USDA, currently there are over 1,200 Winter Farmers Markets operating across the country. While this is almost a 38 percent increase from last year, it shows how unique and fortunate that Kennett Square has one of those Winter Markets in our town.  Remember to thank our vendors for coming out and sharing their wonderful produce during the winter season.

 

We are so excited that HARVEST MARKET has agreed to be the Winter Farmers Market sponsor for 2012.  Their store has a complete selection of organic and natural foods, nutritional supplements, and natural health care products. The also serve the greater community as a resource for health information through our large book selection, monthly events, and knowledgeable staff.  You can find them at  7417 Lancaster Pike in Hockessin, DE.
It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to one of our special vendors, as Red Haven Farm will no longer be with us………     Also Papa’s Pastries and God’s Country Cheeses are taking a break from Winter Market, but we plan on them returning in the Spring.
We are very excited to welcome several new vendors to the Kennett Square Farmers Market, including Mountain View Poultry, Birchrun Hills Farm, and Beyond The Spice.  Read on below for details about each of these new members of our ever-growing and evolving market.
Congratulations to Jack’s Jams for earning five ribbons in the 96th PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW.  Jack’s Strawberry Jam and Jack’s Spiced Peaches earned him two first prizes, his Bread & Butter Pickles and Apple Jelly both earned third places, and the Cherry Jam was awarded a fouth place…  Make sure to visit him at Market and try some of his prize-winning wares.

OUTDOOR WINTER MARKET VENDOR

Our newest market vendors are:

Birchrun Hills Farm crafts handmade farmstead cheese from their beautiful herd of Holstein cows. They will feature such unique varieties as Birchrun Blue, Fat Cat, Equinox, Experimental and the elusive Red Cat!

Mountain View Poultry Farmcarries an expansive line of the finest local organic meats and products such as grass fed chicken and turkey (all cuts and sausages), raised in an open field without antibiotics or other chemicals. They will also have organically pastured eggs and other prepared items for sale.

Beyond The Spice

brings slow-cooked artisan simmer sauces which use all fresh produce, no paste, puree, dehydrated, oleresins, or process ingredients  (except coconut milk) and flavored with “subcontinental spices”.  They are all vegetarian and you add meat, seafood or vegetables to your personal taste.  Bhartha, Tikka, and Coconut Ginger are among the choices.
 Other returning vendors include:

Big Sky Bakery
Countryside Farm and Bakery
Guinea Hen Garden
Jack’s Jams & Jellies
Maiale Meats

Will Hurd Architecture

ROASTED TURKEY BREAST with spinach-blue cheese stuffing

INGREDIENTS

1	Boneless turkey breast, (3.5 to 4 lbs)
1	Chopped spinach, cooked & squeezed dry
2	ounces blue cheese or feta cheese
2	ounces cream cheese
1/2	cup finely chopped green onions
1-1/2	tablespoons Dijon mustard
1-1/2	tablespoons dried basil
2	teaspoons dried oregano
Pepper & Paprika

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat roasting pan and rack with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place turkey between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Pound turkey to 1-inch thickness using flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Combine spinach, blue cheese, cream cheese, green onions, mustard, basil and oregano in medium bowl; mix well. Spread evenly over turkey breast. Roll up turkey so skin is on top. Tie closed with kitchen string.
4. Carefully place turkey breast on rack; sprinkle with pepper and paprika. Roast 1-1/2 hours or until no longer pink in center of breast. Remove from oven; let stand 10 minutes before removing skin and slicing into 14 (1/4-inch-thick) slices.

 

Farmers Markets in Winter: A surprising amount of action this season. by Laura Muzzi Brennan, County Lines Magazine

The variety and activity at local farmers markets this winter just might surprise you.     Until the last few years, the romance between many farmers markets and their devoted customers was strictly a May to November affair, fizzling as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey was carved. Now, more and more markets, including outdoor ones, are staying open during the winter months, making locavores and local producers so happy together.

“Farmers markets are no longer a novelty; they’ve become a necessity,” says Abby Morgan, manager of the Kennett Square Farmers Market. And to meet customers’ needs, the Kennett market as well as the West Chester Growers and Bryn Mawr Marketss are simply braving the cold and staying in the same location, albeit with abbreviated hours and fewer vendors. Others, like the East Goshen Market, are moving to indoor locations close by. See sidebar for market days and times.

Winter Market Wonderland

What you’re likely to find at a winter market might just surprise you. “A lot of people think eating local during the winter means eating only meat, cheese and bread. Not so!” Abby Morgan assures me. Some nearby producers, like Countryside Farms and Down to Earth Harvest, use hoop houses and greenhouses to extend the growing season, thus making fresh, local produce available during winter months. Also, hardy crops that store well, like apples and root vegetables, are still available when temperatures plummet.
The best way to find out what producers are bringing each week is to subscribe to your favorite markets’ mailing lists. You might also want to check out their blogs, websites and Facebook pages, especially for the most up-to-date information on cancellations for bad weather. Some markets stay open if there’s just a dusting of snow, but don’t care to brave ice storms!

Winter CSAs

If you like the idea of shopping before you shop, ask whether vendors at your favorite market run a winter CSA (community-supported agriculture). CSAs usually work like this: you pay a set amount at the beginning of the season to a farmer who then provides you with a box of locally produced goods every week or every other week. Often, you may pick up your CSA share at the vendor’s stand at the farmers market. It’s that easy.

When a CSA share is too much of a commitment, consider pre-ordering groceries week by week. Simply contact vendors in advance — contact information is generally on market websites — and ask them to set aside your order to pick up on market day. The East Goshen market is largely a pre-order market, but vendors also bring extra goods so non-planners can eat well too!  

Markets With Benefits

Besides providing healthy local food, winter markets — especially those held outdoors — offer other advantages: a few minutes of exercise, a much-needed dose of fresh air and maybe sunshine, and the chance for friendly conversation.

“It’s easy to get isolated in the winter. Going to the market keeps people connected,” remarks Molly Terlevich, who co-founded the Bryn Mawr market, now in its second winter season.

Winter is also the time when farmers are making plans for spring and summer crops, explains Donna Levitsky, co-founder and co-manager of the East Goshen market. So if you’ve developed a love of English peas or peppery arugula, winter is the time to make your preferences known.

 

 

JANUARY 6th WINTER FARMERS MARKET

          Once again, the Winter Farmers Market will be set up along East State Street and in the Genesis Brick Walkway from 2:00 pm until dusk this Friday, January 6th.  While it may be “chilly” today, there is a warming forecast for Friday and so you’ll still be able to meet your friends, listen to a little music (a surprise DJ is planned!), have a bite to eat, and come home with good food from near, not far.        

        What will you find at the winter farmers’ market?  Local farmers grow root crops during the summer, and these can be stored and sold during the winter months.  High tunnels and greenhouses make it possible for farmers to provide greens and herbs year round.  Additional farm items include soups, meats, mushrooms, cheese, eggs, honey, baked goods, jams and so much more.
         Since it’s First Friday in Kennett Square, also look for several craft vendors, including Lisa’s Infinity Scarves and Bumblee Handmade Cloth Diapers.  And then stick around town for an pleasant evening at the Art Stroll.  Find more details about the Art Stroll at Historic Kennett Square.

See you at Market!!