SPECIAL MUSICAL GUESTS

Courtesy of the Brandywine Folk Collective

Listen to the sounds of “I Am Love” and “Vita and the Wolf” while shopping this Friday at the Kennett Square Farmers Market.  

 MARKET VENDORS

First Friday at Market brings several special guest vendors, in addition to our regular First Friday line-up (see below for a complete listing) including Heirloom Jewelry and Temporary Tattoos and Spodee Spirits by Quaker City Mercantile.  

Happy Cat Farm returns with their inspired selection of seeds, plants, and produce.  Read Tim’s blog for Williams-Sonoma about heirloom tomatoes http://blog.williams-sonoma.com/how-to-grow-heirloom-tomatoes/  for a sense of what’s to come! 

Rambling Roots Farm will have their delightful cheddar cauliflower, broccoli, napa cabbage, spring mix, spring onions, radishes, beets, chard, kale, parsley, strawberries, and mushrooms from Cordivano Brothers.  We offer a recipe below that will work well with their buttons or portabellas! 

Rex Farm Orchard will bring all the strawberries you could ever desire, in addition to their broccoli rabe, asparagus, red beets, apples and jarred goods including honey. 

Londonvale Farm Produce will add shelling peas, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli to their usual line-up this week.  Note: Londonvale will not be bringing strawberries, so be sure to visit Rex Farm for your homegrown supply! 

Papa’s Pastry Shop creates the most refreshing watermelon drink that is perfect on a hot summer day.  Stop by and discover that they are not just about pastries (although their cookies, cakes and breads are wondeful). 

Taste Artisanal features a delicious fresh Arugula Pesto made with local organic arugula from Sunnygirl Farms in Kennett Square.  Mmmmm! on pasta. 

KAS Cake Emporium will have “on tap” the finest of their cakes, in generously sliced portions: coconut flan, pineapple coconut cake, fresh carrot, banana walnut cake, tre leche, fresh lemon meringue pie, and don’t forget their famous spicy meat pies in beef and chicken! 

Golden Valley Coffee Roasters: Brings their whole-bean, fair trade, shade grown, bird-friendly coffee, roasted in West Chester, PA, from a variety of different countries and styles of roast from light to bold. Stop by their table for a complimentary taste! Special orders including special grinds for french press, espresso, etc. available at:sales@goldenvalleyfarms.com 

Additional Vendors:

This Week At Market…

Be sure to see a complete vendor list below to get your shopping lists started for Friday… 

 And yes, strawberries are HERE!!!  

        Fresh, seasonal berries are so delicious, but they’re also quite delicate.   There’s nothing more tragic than buying a pint of local berries, only to look in the fridge the next day and find that fuzzy mold growing.   Here’s a tip on how to  prevent the mold:  Wash them with vinegar!

 When you get your berries home, prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider work best) and ten parts water.  Dump the berries into the mixture and swirl around. Drain, rinse if you want (though the mixture is so diluted you can’t taste the vinegar,) and pop in the fridge.  The vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit, and voila!  Raspberries should last a week or more, and strawberries go almost two weeks without getting moldy and soft.  Enjoy!

THIS WEEK’S VENDORS  

Lettuce tell you.  It’s probably thyme that we begin to talk about produce.  We carrot believe it’s May and we’ve bean meaning to feature the vegetables.  How long dill we wait?     

Happy Cat Farm  will be with us this week, featuring the cream of their tomato crops. This is the place to stock up on heirloom, hard-to-find tomato varieties for your garden.  

Rex Farm will have strawberries, Come early, as they will go quickly.  Also find broccoli rabe, asparagus, and their delicious apples and apple products.

Rambling Roots Farm will also have strawberries and then spring onions, lettuces and other bagged greens, chard, radishes, and mushrooms. Their radishes are especially mild right now.

 

London Vale Farm brings wonderful fresh produce and a variety of herb plants.  :ook for collard greens, snap peas, cucumbers, green onions, kale and lettuce. Also, free-range eggs! 

Vera Pasta (bi-weekly vendor) will have their different flavors of penne pasta (have you tried their sriracha pasta?), pappardelle, linguini, fettucini, and more, including their yummy marinara and gravy.   

Shadygrove Greenhouses will have their bounty of hanging plants, perennials, bouquets and more for your garden or centerpiece. Look for Daniel in a new spot, with more space: still on State St, just moved down slightly towards the intersection of State and Union. 

Meadowset Farm  announces that Camel’s Back is BACK! This cheese is a more mild, nutty, Basque-style mini tomme that is the perfect snacking cheese, and the kids love it. Try it tomorrow at market! Also find their grass-fed lamb (ground & chops), beef (ground & pre-made burger patties), and The Last Straw, a hard pecorino-style artisanal cheese. 

Crossan Kettle Corn features a Memorial Day special “Patriotic Kettle Corn,” in addition to their usual selection of sweet cheddar, cinnamon, honey mustard, crab-seasoned, and herb.  Buy some for the parade or your cook-outs!

Additional Vendors:

• Taste Artisanal spreads
• Will Hurd:  Your Personal Architect
• Anita’s Guacamole
• KAS Cake Emporium 
• God’s Country Creamery cheeses
• Sunset Park Gluten-Free/Vegan Cookies
• Golden Valley Roasters
• Philly Bill’s Dills (2-4pm)
• Maiale Meats 
• Naughty Nutty Love
• Big Sky Bakery
• Jack’s Jams & Jellies
• Guinea Hen Gardens – eggs, honey, herbs
• Nomadic Pie Truck
• Papa’s Pastries 
• Sweet Salvation Truffles  

• Nick Castelli’s Plants

Don’t forget the Kennett Food Bank accepts food and cash donations every week at Market.  The need for food continues and actually increases during the summer months when children are no longer in school.  Thank you!

 

Find many returning and bi-weekly/monthly vendors this week! Be sure to see a complete vendor list below to get your lists started for Friday… 

FARMERS MARKET SHOPPING TIPS

Adapted from About.com

1.  Know Your Seasons  -  Learn what grows in your area and when, so that your expectations are on target with what the vendors will be bringing to Market.  Plan your meals accordingly, getting inspiration from recipes in the e-newsletter or other fresh & local websites like www.localfoods.about.com   

2.  Go Early or Go Late - For the best selection, especially for popular-but-limited items, arriving early at market is a must.  For the best deals, vendors are often willing to discount items at the end of the day.  Markets tend to be less crowded at the start and end of the day, as well. 

3.  Bring Big Bags and Small Change - Using heavy-duty reusable bags is good for your purchased items and good for the environment.  And having the smaller bills and change simply helps your transaction go quickly and more smoothly.  Having a cooler available, in case you aren’t going home immediately, is another helpful tip. 

4.  Plan for Spontaneity -  Be willing to experiment, try a new food or select an item you didn’t expect to find.  Often the vendors will offer samples or advice on how to prepare something new. 

5.  Work in Volume - When it’s peak season, you want to take advantage of those great flavors and prices.  Besides trying more new recipes, consider freezing, canning, drying foods for later in the year.

6.  Think Whole Foods  -  Remember that carrots come long and unpeeled, beets have greens and maybe some dirt attached.  It may look slightly different than at the grocery, but it is worth it.

7.  Take Your Time - Browse the market slowly, seeing all there is available.  Make this a time to socialize with the vendors and other  like-minded shoppers who appreciate the opportunity to shop local and fresh foods.    

THIS WEEK’S VENDORS  

Tis the season for plants, plants plants!  You will find a plethora of beautiful items for your home and garden at market this week.  

Nick Castelli’s Plants carries colorful annuals and perennials, in addition to his wonderful succulents.  

Shady Grove Greenhouse returns for the season with tons of seasonal plants.  Hanging baskets, bouquets, decorative pots, starter flowers and vegetables, shrubs, and more!

Chansonette Orchids has exotic plants in all shapes and sizes, from classic to funky. 

Rambling Roots Farm will have spring onions, lettuces and other bagged greens (arugula, spinach, spring mix, and baby kale), chard, radishes, and mushrooms.  Their radishes are especially mild right now.

 London Vale Farm   also brings a variety of herb plants, plus more fresh produce – look for collard greens, snap peas, cucumbers, green onions, kale and lettuce.  

Nomadic Pie Truck celebrates her 1 year anniversary this Friday with a free mini pie to her first 20 customers. Be sure to stop by and congratulate Molly on her success!  

La Cucina Verde (now a bi-weekly vendor) has Kurry Kraut, Moroccan Carrots, and Pineapple-Mango Salsa on the menu this week.

Meadowset Farm  will have their grass-fed lamb (ground & chops) and beef (ground & pre-made burger patties), plus The Last Straw, a hard pecorino-style artisanal cheese from ewe’s milk. Try a burger tonight, or meatballs with lamb or beef!

• Taste Artisanal spreads
• Will Hurd:  Your Personal Architect
• Anita’s Guacamole
• KAS Cake Emporium 
• Beyond The Spice simmering sauces (bi-weekly)
• God’s Country Creamery cheeses
• Amazing Acres Goat Dairy
• Dia Doce Cupcakes (monthly)
• Sunset Park Gluten-Free/Vegan Cookies
• Golden Valley Roasters
• Nomadic Pies
• Philly Bill’s Dills (2-4pm)
• Maiale Meats 
• Naughty Nutty Love
• Big Sky Bakery
• Jack’s Jams & Jellies
• Guinea Hen Gardens – eggs, honey, herbs
• Rex Farm Orchard
• Papa’s Pastries 
• Sweet Salvation Truffles  

Discover in season locally-grown produce, eggs and honey, meats and cheeses, fresh baked goods and other local delicacies this week at this week’s Farmers Market.  Cut flowers and some bedding plants will be available.   

The cool temperatures may have slowed the growth of produce somewhat this Spring, but you will find that our farmers are beginning to harvest a wider selection of greens this week and a few additional items, as well. 

 Everything you find at the Kennett Square Farmers Market is grown, raised, or prepared by our vendors, using wholesome seasonal ingredients.  Also take a moment to support these local non-profits at Market this week: 

• The Kennett Food Cupboard accepts cash or food donations each week;

• The Bayard Taylor Library will hold library card sign ups, plus have tickets and a raffle for the May 31st Home and Garden Tour.  

THIS WEEK’S VENDORS  

Rambling Roots Farm will bring plenty of greens to Market this week.  look for bunched and baby kale, chard, head lettuce, arugula, radishes, and spring onions.  You’ll recognize Phil & Shanna, formerly of Down to Earth Harvest, and you’ll love their produce!  

 

Chansonette Orchids is also bringing cut flower bouquets from Schaeffer Flowers in Lancaster, in addition to their lovely orchids.  A perfect option for Mother’s Day.

 

Naughty Nutty Love has 6 oz. jars of her freshly ground nut butters in several flavors.  Combined withJack’s Jams & Jellies and Big Sky breads, you have a PB&J right on the spot at Market!

 

Sunset Park Gluten Free  will have delicious gluten-free coffee cake at Market this week.  A perfect combination with Golden Valley Roasters coffees!

  

 

Philly Bill’s Dills actually comes to us from Doylestown and he requests that you catch him early in the day, as he will be at Market only from 2-4 pm.

 

 

 Additional Weekly Vendors:

• Vera Pasta
• Londonvale Farm Produce & Starter Veggies
• Nomadic Pies
• La Cucina Verde
• Crossan’s Concessions Kettle Korn
• Maiale Meats 
• Nick’s Succulents & Plants
• Guinea Hen Gardens – eggs, honey, herbs
• Rex Farm Orchard
• Papa’s Pastries 
• Sweet Salvation Truffles 
• Taste Artisanal spreads
• Will Hurd:  Your Personal Architect
• Meadowset Lamb & Pecorino  

• Anita’s Guacamole

• KAS Cake Emporium

• God’s Country Creamery

• Beyond The Spice simmering sauces

•  

  Thank you to our generous Market Sponsors –   HARVEST MARKET OF HOCKESSIN, LESTER WATER, INC. and  THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF S. CHESTER COUNTY

 

We are so excited to welcome  back all of our returning vendors and customers to the Farmers Market after   an overly long winter.  While the Kennett Square Market now maintains  its presence year-round, there is nothing like the long line-up of pop up tents down East State Street and through the brick walkway during the regular season.  People gather at the Market to catch up with friends as well as to stock up on fresh and local foods, plants, and other items.
You will discover some new faces as you browse the Market, as we strive to maintain a balance of products for sale.  Let us know what you are looking for, if you can’t find it. We’re glad to have your feedback.   Email  ksqfarmersmarket@gmail.com
In supporting the greater Kennett community, each week the Market welcomes   participation from other local non-profits:

• The Kennett Food Cupboard accepts cash or food donations each week;
• The Kennett YMCA and ACTIVATE KENNETT will present dietitians with healthy living/eating activities;
• The Bayard Taylor Library will hold library card sign ups, plus have tickets and a raffle        for their upcoming  Home and Garden Tour.

THIS WEEK’S VENDORS                           

Anita’s Guacamole brings a tasty Guacamango, Cucumber Guacamole, Anita’s Fresh Salsa, and Mango Salsa.  A perfect choice for this Cinco de Mayo weekend!

Nomadic Pies  asks you to stop by the truck and check out the many great flavors, including a delicious new savory pie.

Guinea Hen Garden brings their fresh eggs, honey, and herbs.  Also look for the 2013 Kennett Square calendar at Wick’s table, filled with fantastic KSQ photos.

Taste Artisanal welcomes summer with the first of their summer spread lineups.  Returning favorites are the Mediterranean Tapenade, Muhummara, and Slow Roasted Tomato Bruschetta. 

Will Hurd – Your Personal Architect has a new canopy and signs to welcome the new season.  Bring your big and small questions to him, or just visit with him for a moment.

Harvest Market, a veteran sponsor of the Kennett Square Farmers Market, will showcase samples of what’s in season and new prepared items available from their new Harvest Market Kitchen.  Look for them to return every 1st Friday!

Ellen April Soaps is another First Friday vendor who have a large selection of soaps and body products, including their newest soap, Tussie Mussie.

Additional Weekly Vendors:

• Jack’s Jams and Jellies
• Londonvale Farm
• Big Sky Bakery
• Maiale Meats
• Rex Farm Orchard
• Papa’s Pastries
• Sweet Salvation Truffles
• Sunset Park Gluten Free Cookies
• Naughty Nutty Love
• Meadowset Lamb & Pecorino
• KAS Cake Emporium
• Golden Valley Roasters
• Chansonette Orchids

Bi-Weekly Vendors:

• Amazing Acres Cheese
• Flickerwood Wines
• Philly Bill’s Dills
• Vera Pasta

First Friday Vendors:

• Spodee Spirits
• K-9 Kraving
• Happy Cat Farm Seeds & Plants
• Abdels Tunisian Olive Oil

On Friday May 3rd, from 2-6pm, the 2013 Kennett Farmers’ Market Season will re-open its weekly schedule after a fantastic winter outdoor market season. This winter, we had the pleasure of welcoming a few new vendors to the line-up: delicious southern-style baked goods and Latin-American cuisine by KAS Cake Emporium; Lamb and Pecorino by Meadowset Farm & Apiary; certified Fair Trade, Organic, locally roasted coffee by Valley Roasters, Sweet Salvation Truffles, Take Me Bake Me pizzas, and apples and more by Rex Farm Orchard.

All of these vendors return, in addition to many veteran and some new summer season vendors.  Look for handmade pasta by Vera Pasta, artisan nut butters by Naughty Nutty Love, spirited samples by Spodee Spirits, produce by Rambling Roots Farm, pickles by Philly Bill’s Dills, and seeds by Happy Cat.  Our returning regular season weeklies, including Flickerwood Wines, London Vale Farm produce, Big Sky Bakery, Jack’s Jams & Jellies, Sunset Park Gluten Free cookies, and Abdel’s Organic Olive Oil promise to bring you the biggest and best market Kennett Square has seen.  Harvest Market will also be sampling what’s fresh and available in their market kitchen.

Our grand opening on May 3rd will feature live music by the charming new folk duo, Foxhound, a charming new folk music project by Chris Kasper and Kiley Ryan.  We return to the 2 pm to 6 pm hours.  Parking is available in the adjacent municipal garage off of North Union Street.  A huge thank you to our generous sponsors – Lester Water, The Land Conservancy of Chester County, and Harvest Market.  Come out to celebrate on May 3rd, then return weekly throughout the season to buy local and stay fresh!  

Have you met Troy, owner of Rex Farms Orchard? He has been with the Market all winter and is staying on for the regular season.  Besides the very best in tree fruit products (fruits, cider, juice, butters, and sauces), Rex Farms also grows some vegetables.  Troy brings amazing onions, using a special curing process that allows them to stay fresh all through the winter.  Try the apple salad recipe below with Meadowset pecorino and Abdel’s Olive Oil. Or add a Rex onion to a Maiale salami sandwich served on Big Sky’s hearty bread! Discover the other wonderful items our vendors will be bringing to Market this week.  Hope to see you there!

THIS WEEK’S VENDORS

Big Sky Bread still makes bread the old -ashion way. This week they promise to bring everyone’s favorite breads, as well as some sweet treats and granola!    

Sweet Salvation Truffles will tempt you some of their remaining Easter treats at 50% off!  Indulge! 

Golden Valley Coffee Roasters features their locally roasted, naturally grown coffees.  Have you tried the Breakfast Blend?  It’s worth waking up for! 

Guinea Hen Gardens raises herbs, chickens, sheep, bees, and their own vegetables.  At Winter Market, find eggs, honey, some greens, and herbs.  

KAS Cake Emporium prepares Southern style desserts, including mouth-watering sweet potato pies, luscious coconut cakes, and fudge.  If you don’t see it, ask!

Maiale Meats & Charcuteries  prepares everything from the salumi to meatballs in house and from scratch. They believe that better tasting food is made from fresh and local ingredients.

Meadowset Farms  is produces grass-fed lamb and beef, in addition to their superb line of raw sheep’s milk cheeses.  

Take Me Bake Me Pizza have amazing pies each week. Their freshly made bake-at-home pizzas use fresh toppings on deliciously healthy crusts. Pre-order your pie as they sell out quickly:  Mompops10@gmail.com 

 Crossan Concessions  will bring assorted flavors of their Kettle Corn, including traditional, cinnamon, and sweet cheddar.  Look for more flavors to come! 

If you are planning a special Valentine’s meal this weekend, take advantage of the Market’s offerings.  What’s more romantic than an easy yet nourishing meal? For starters, serve some of Countryside’s flavorsome carrots with Maiale’s classic hummus.  Then tuck your way into a warm spinach salad with a poached egg from Guinea Hen Garden (see recipe below). Or try braising Maiale’s fish sausage in a Flickerwood red wine and tear into a hearty peasant loaf from Big Sky Bakery. For dessert we recommend Sweet Salvation’s chocolate-covered strawberries. Looks like we’ve got ourselves the most simple, heart thumping, fist pumping, local meal. Bon appetit!

This week, take a moment to introduce yourself to our newest vendor, Crossan Concessions will be bring their fresh-popped kettle corn. Since we all love all things small and local, while in town take a moment to explore the wonderful independently-owned shops and boutiques.   Find details on the Historic Kennett Square website, http://www.historickennettsquare.com

THIS WEEK’S VENDORS

COUNTRYSIDE BAKERY is back this week with their own farm-grown produced and baked goods.

MEADOWSET FARMS brings grass-fed ground lamb and loin chops, plus grass-fed ground beef available. They typically raise only two Jersey steers at a time for beef along with their flock of sheep on the farm.

CROSSAN CONCESSIONS will bring assorted flavors of their fresh-popped Kettle Corn, including traditional, cinnamon, and sweet cheddar (!!).  Look for more flavors to come.

REX FARMS ORCHARDS  recently received a ribbon for their sweet apple cider.  They bring apples, fruit butters and sauces, as well.

SWEET SALVATION TRUFFLES features Valentine chocolates and chocolate-covered strawberries.

TAKE ME BAKE ME PIZZA now sells a 12 inch pizza for the same price as their previous pies.  Look for plain, Margarita, Mediterranean, and veggie pesto.  Pre-orders are preferred – mompops10@gmail.com

ABDEL’S TUNISIAN OLIVE OIL also carries Moroccan Argan Oil and infused oils.  These are the best cooking oils!

BIG SKY BAKERY will have Irish Soda Bread this week.  Get yours in preparation for your St. Patty’s Day celebration.

FLICKERWOOD WINES will have a variety of wines for your special Valentine.

GOLDEN VALLEY COFFEE ROASTERS brings locally roasted, certified organic, fair-trade, shade grown coffee to market.

GUINEA HEN GARDEN brings fresh eggs, local honey, and homegrown herbs that are a fine addition to any recipe.

WARM SPINACH SALAD with POACHED EGGS From foodandwine.com

4 Large Eggs 1 lb Baby Spinach 5 Tbs Olive Oil 1/4 Cup Sherry Vinegar 2 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar 2 Large Shallots, thinly sliced 2 tsps coarsely chopped Thyme                           Freshly ground pepper & salt In a small saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the eggs and simmer over moderately high heat for 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water and let stand for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep the pan of hot water on the stove over low heat. Meanwhile, put the spinach in a large bowl. In a medium skillet, combine the olive oil, sherry and balsamic vinegars, shallots and thyme, and boil for 1 minute. Crack the eggs all over and gently peel them under warm running water, keeping them whole. Using a slotted spoon, slip the eggs in the hot water for 30 seconds. Pour the warm dressing over the spinach, season with salt and pepper and toss. Mound the salad on plates, top each with an egg and serve.

Events like the Super Bowl match up this weekend are not just about the game, it’s also about the food.  There are plenty of ways to choose great tasting and healthy options with fresh and local items from the Kennett Square Winter Farmers Market.  We offer a couple of simple dip recipes below and suggestions from our vendors as starters.No matter who you are cheering for, you’ll be a winner! 

“Girl Talk”, a program at the Garage Community Center focused on serving at-risk migrant girls ages 14-17, will be selling handmade Valentine’s Day cards to raise funds for their field trips. Stock up for all your special someones! 

 Pop back into Kennett Square for the First Friday Art Stroll with shops open late, art exhibits, live music, and more.  

 The Winter Market is “rain, snow or shine”.  The February 1st Market will be found along East State Street from 2-4 pm.  We look forward to seeing you!  

THIS WEEK’S VENDORS

Abdel’s Tunisian Olive Oil    

Big Sky Bakery 

Flickerwood Wines  

God’s Country Creamery    

Golden Valley Coffee Roasters   

Guinea Hen Garden    

KAS Cake Emporium 

Sunset Park Cookies