Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Agape Garden

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes Agape Garden.

Agape is a unique, true community experience.

Agape's Chelsea Merriman tells it best:

Agape is a gardening partnership between Otterbein College student volunteers and the youth residents at the United Methodist Children's Home in Worthington.

The premise of the garden arose out of need to revamp a volunteer program. A pastor at UMCH spoke about the power of letting a child grow something and use that as a metaphor for their lives (we all start out as seedlings and need lots of care and attention to grow. Then when they are big enough, they can provide for other people either physically or emotionally).

Thus began a two year endeavor to create a garden of herbs and vegetables where the children at the home make all the decisions. The children chose what to grow, and they work every week on cultivating the garden.

The name of the garden, Agape, was chosen by the children and it means "selfless love; giving of self." This
name couldn't be more appropriate for the work the children and volunteers do.

The garden would not have been a success if not for the unending support from UMCH and Otterbein, and also for the Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Foundation for believing in this program.

People can reach Chelsea at Chelsea.merriman@otterbein.edu.

Agape features organically grown fresh herbs and hand-made shea butter herbal soaps.


Stop by today! Shake the hand of the young gardener who grew your fresh herbs!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Market Bags!

This week when you stop by the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, take your purchases home in a New Market Bag.

Contributed by WUMA member Amish Originals Furniture Co., and designed by WUMA member Brickstreet Communications, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Bags are made of durable, water-proof, tear-proof, and recyclable non-woven polypropylene by Kool Pack. Each bag is 12" wide by 12" high with a 26" woven handles.

Purchase a bag with a minimum $3 donation to the W.A.R.M. Fresh Green Program at Amish Originals, 8 N. State or from your favorite market vendor.

Ask your market vendor today!

And, remember, bring your market bag back with you each week!

(100 bags available at today's market.)

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 27th Market Report

What a week -- Westerville Schools start today. The Bucks open their season on Saturday. (Go Bucks!) Celebrate Westerville's Community Picnic at Alum Creek Park is Sunday. And, Monday is Labor Day.

That translates to... family meals, lunches, on-the-go eating, picnics, cookouts, and tailgating -- that's a lot of good eats!

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a great place to pick up the fresh, delicious produce, artisan foods, and recipe ingredients that are on your weekend shopping list.

These market vendors will not be present this week: Varley Valley Products, Taste of Seattle Coffee Company, Carousel Water Garden, Z Blue Berry, and Buckeye Mustard.

Also, Snowville Creamery has now closed its 2008 market season.

Keep in mind, Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Fay is visiting Central Ohio -- it's a cool, pleasant day and we may see sprinkles here and there -- most of our vendors have canopies and they're happy to share for dodging raindrops and just a reminder -- might want to pack an umbrella just in case.

Stop by on the way home from school!

Click here for information about the Celebrate Westerville Community Picnic (pdf).

Check back throughout the day as we hear from our market vendors throughout the morning.

Just a reminder: Westerville Schools are now in session and Emerson Elementary and Hanby School are both Uptown as is the Westerville Public Library -- so follow posted speed limits (yes, it's a pain, but it could save a life), step up alertness (kids are kids -- they will dart into traffic), be extra aware at bus stops and when a bus stops, and stay off cell phones in school zones.

Photo: Fresh melons from Bird's Haven Farms.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: A Labor Day Weekend Recipe from Flower Power Gourmet: Rosewater Pound Cake

Diane Coyan of Flower Power Gourmet recommends...

Rosewater Pound Cake

1 cup butter, softened
2-3/4 cups sugar
6 large eggs
1 tbsp rose flower water
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup sour cream
zest from 1 lemon

▪ Optional garnishes: powdered sugar, bittersweet chocolate, red roses, rose geranium leaves.

▪ Preheat oven to 300F.

▪ Oil and dust with flour a 10" tube pan.

▪ Cream butter with sugar until light.

▪ Add eggs one at a time, then rosewater and extracts.

▪ Sift flour, salt and soda 3 times. Add alternately with the sour cream to the butter mix.

▪ Add the lemon zest last.

▪ Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 1 -1/2 hours, or until golden and firm.

▪ Loosen cake edges with a knife and let stand for about 15 minutes in the pan, then invert on a wire rack to cool.

Optional garnishes: Glaze or dust with powdered sugar. Drizzle melted bittersweet chocolate. Garnish with rose geranium leaves.

Flower and herb-infused confections are a sweet addition to any summer table. Visit Diane and Summer at Flower Power Gourmet at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

Click here to visit the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Recipe Directory.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: A Labor Day Weekend Recipe from Bridgman Farm: Grilled Tomatoes

Mary Bridgman of Bridgman Farm recommends...

Grilled Tomatoes

If you want to serve up your tomatoes as a side dish or appetizer, grill them face down for two to three minutes then flip them over to finish off.

Any part of the tomato that is going to be in contact with the grill needs to be lightly oiled. Brush a little olive oil over the surface of the tomato and it won’t stick. Most of this oil will be lost to the grill so you really are not adding much fat. Don’t use too much or you might get flare-ups which will ruin your tomatoes.

▪ Cut out the stem end and then cut the tomato in half.

▪ Before grilling, brush them with olive oil seasoned with salt, pepper, herbs and spices.

▪ Grill them for about two minutes cut side down then turn them over.

▪ Serve right off the grill or sprinkle on garlic, cheese or whatever you want to season your tomatoes with or load them up with cheese, nuts, seasoned bread crumbs or whatever else you want.

Stop by Bridgman Farm at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market and check Mary's selection of tomatoes -- from cherry varieties to full-size heirlooms. Hint: A select mix of sweet cherry tomatoes in a distinctive glass bowl make an easy, colorful, healthy, delicious snack during cookouts and parties.

Bridgman Farm produce is chemical-free.

Click here to visit the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Recipe Directory.

Mary's recipe source: about.com

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: A Labor Day Weekend Recipe from Pleiades Maple Products: Maple Barbecued Spareribs

Eddie Lou Meimer at Pleiades Maple Products recommends....

Maple Barbecued Spareribs

3 pounds spareribs
1 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper

▪ Roast strips of ribs on a rack at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.

▪ Drain fat from pan.

▪ Cut ribs into serving size pieces.

▪ Place in the bottom of a 9x12 pan.

▪ Combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan and boil 5 minutes.

▪ Pour over ribs in pan and bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

Use the best ingredients -- pick up a bottle of Pleiades Maple Syrup at this week's Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

For more Pleiades Maple Products Recipes and to learn more about Ohio Maple Syrup, check out: There's Nothing Like the Real Thing by Dan Toland in Our Ohio magazine.

Click here to visit the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Recipe Directory.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: A Labor Day Weekend Recipe from Carousel Water Gardens/Cathy's Tasty Treats: Rosemary Garlic Potatoes

Cathy Krist of Cathy's Tasty Treats Recommends...

Rosemary Garlic Potatoes

▪ Wash 4 -5 medium potatoes, slice in half long ways, then cut each half in Texas potato slices (wedges).

▪ In a sealable-plastic bag add 1/4 cup canola or cooking oil, pour in 2 tablespoons of Rosemary-Garlic Seasoning (pick up some Rosemary-Garlic Seasoning at Cathy's Tasty Treats).

▪ Add potatoes to bag. Shake to mix.

▪ Pour onto a baking sheet and bake for 35 - 40 minutes or until done, turning once during cooking.

▪ Serve hot as a side dish. Leftovers are great cold as a snack.

Looking for more cookout ideas? Stop by Carousel Water Gardens/Cathy's Tasty Treats at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market and meet Cathy at the market this week and ask Cathy to recommend her favorite dip mixes, seasonings, and rubs.
Ask about Cathy's Crock Pot Cake Mixes!

Click here to visit the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Recipe Directory.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: New Market Vendor Websites

We are pleased to announce two new websites for Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market vendors:

Arjay Gourmet Foods
, featuring Rohini's Chutneys is now live: http://www.chutneylady.com/

Learn more about your favorite farmers' market vendors --
Click here to visit the Market Directory.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Blue Jacket Dairy's August 20th Market Report

Blue Jacket Dairy shares their market report for August 20th. Angel King shares:

We are bringing Fresh Mozzarella to the market today. It is so fresh that it was made yesterday. Stop by our tent and pick up a 1/2-pound ball.

Make sure to purchase a farm-fresh tomato from one of the other vendors and you will have the most incredible side dish for dinner tonight.

Blue Jacket Dairy features fresh farmstead cheeses:

▪ Fresh Mozzarella

▪ Fresh Cheddar Curds

▪ Chevre

▪ Quark

▪ Gretna Grillin'™

Stop by Blue Jacket Dairy to sample and shop.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 20th Market Report

August 20th is Week 16 of the 2008 Farmers' Market Season.

Today at Arjay Gourmet Foods, in addition to her delicious chutneys, Rohini Mulchandani is featuring apple halvah -- and it is a cool, sweet treat. Made from Ohio apples, Rohini's apple halvah confection is perfection.

Rohini's chutneys fit perfectly on your table from breakfast to snacks, so stop by Arjay Gourmet, sample Rohini's chutney flavors and ask Rohini to recommend her favorites.

Jane Varley of Varley Valley is back again this week with her delicious home-made artisan breads, click here to read Jane's market report.

Blue Jacket Dairy has fresh mozzarella today. Click here to read Blue Jacket Dairy's August 20th market report.

This week, we say farewell to Mockingbird Meadows. Dawn Combs is experiencing the growing pains of good fortune and for that, while we will miss Dawn each week, we are proud to have played a role in Dawn's journey. Best Wishes to Dawn and Carson in San Francisco at the Slow Foods event and beyond.


Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Varley Valley August 20th Market Report

Jane Varley of Varley Valley is back at the market in good form. Jane reports: I will have a greater selection of bread this week. I am bringing Challah, Lemon Swirl, Cinnamon Swirl, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, Whole Wheat, Totally Wheat and Parmesan Peppercorn Wheat.

I didn’t get the chance to make any more jams. I spent a long weekend with my family celebrating my Dad’s 80th birthday. We went sailing, fishing, and talked a lot. Being a Varley gathering, there was plenty of good food. In addition to my love of baking and cooking in general, my sister-in-law is a professional chef. We enjoyed the results of our fishing in the farm pond and had a wonderful meal of fresh-caught bluegill and bass.

I checked on the elderberries at the farm and the birds have certainly enjoyed them. So unfortunately, I will have no elderberry jam this year (unless someone out there has some for me that the birds haven’t yet gotten). I did get some blackberries that my brother picked for me so I will have some blackberry jelly soon. I look forward to seeing you at this week's market.

By the way, if you haven't sampled Jane's Spiced Plum Jam -- you are missing out. Try some today!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Mockingbird Meadows Closes Its Market Season

This week, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is saying adieu to Mockingbird Meadows for the season, Dawn Combs shares...

Mockingbird Meadows is sad to report that they will not be able to make it for the rest of the season. What a great, growing market! We’ve had a lot of fun with the other vendors, the market organizers and the loyal customers. Things have really grown for us this year and we have been given the opportunity to sell our skincare line in Whole Foods starting in September. Also, as many of you may know, we are heading to San Francisco over Labor Day weekend to showcase our infused honeys at Slow Food Nation. Unfortunately, with growth comes more responsibilities and less time to get everything done. With just the two of us doing the work, we have found that we need our Wednesdays at home. Good luck to everyone, we will try to visit when we can!

Green health to you,

Dawn Combs
Mockingbird Meadows
614-354-5162
http://www.mockingbirdmeadows.com/

Thank you, Dawn. We wish you well and hope to see you at the market in the future.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Take a Photo Tour of The August 13th Farmers' Market

Sweet!

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Week 15 Photo Tour is now on flickr.com.

This week, market shoppers and vendors welcomed a nice breeze on a lazy summer afternoon.

The produce selection continues to grow and grilling seems to be on people's tastebuds -- Flying J Farm sold out of ground beef.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is your mid-week Central Ohio choice to shop for delicious outdoor entertaining supplies -- fresh produce, cheeses, meats for grilling, artisan foods, and flowers for your table.

Click here to view the 2008 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market season Photo Tour collection.


Pictured: A bumble bee finds fresh cut sunflowers from Cat Run Ranch.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Take the August 6th Market Photo Tour

Anyone hungry for tomatoes?

The August 6th Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market photo tour is now on flickr.com.

Last week the weather was amazing and every market vendor was present but one!

It was... picture perfect!

The produce was beyond compare and the selection of artisan foods was a real crowd pleaser.

Market customers purchased nearly 1000 pounds of fresh, sweet peaches!

August 6th's market was a nice, steady assembly of happy customers and lots of kids, families, friends, and dogs!


Pictured: Cherry tomato selection from chemical-free Bridgman Farm of Washington CH.

Uptown Westerville Farmers Market: August 13th Market Report

This is Week 15 for the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market! Wow!

Jane Varley of Varley Valley will indeed be at tomorrow's market. Jane will be bringing bread (a limited selection, so come early), including Challah, and her delicious jams: Strawberry Rhubarb, Strawberry Peach, Low Sugar Strawberrry, Low Sugar Blueberry, and Low Sugar Spiced Plum, Low Sugar Crabapple, Mango Chutney, Hot Mango Chutney, and Spiced Plum.

We will not see Sue Renner of Sue's Kitchen this week. If you'd like to pre-order a pie for next week, give Sue a call 614.588.6903.

Snowville Creamery will not make the market this week, but look for them at next week's market. And, Buckeye Mustard will also not be attending this week's market.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market features, organic, chemical-free & conventionally grown produce, and home-made artisan foods. When you buy local, you buy quality, and the person who fills your order at the market is the person who grew or made what you are buying. And, that market vendor lives in Central Ohio.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market vendors love to talk with customers -- so try samples, ask questions, share stories, and shake the hand of the person who grew or made your food. A weekly trip to the market is more than a quick run to the store...

Pictured: Stroller-friendly and kid-friendly, shopping at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is always big fun. (Left to right, Sue's Kitchen, Blue Jacket Dairy, Bird's Haven Farms)



Thursday, August 7, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Lost & Found

Did you lose a pair of prescription sunglasses when you left Landrum Cottage Designs at the August 6th Farmers' Market?

We have them.

Just e-mail the market at: info@uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.com



Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 6th Market Report

August 6th is smack in the middle of National Farmers Market Week.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is one of 4400 farmers' markets in the United States.

This week is going to be an exciting week at the market -- we have a full-house!

Dana Landrum from Landrum Cottage Designs will be here this week with her amazing artisan breads. This is just Dana's second appearance at this year's market.

And, the produce just becomes more and more beautiful and plentiful each week -- this is what's right about living in Central Ohio!

This week visit...

▪ Arjay Gourmet Foods -- Gorgeous, tasty chutneys, baked goods, and halvah.
▪ Bird’s Haven Farms -- Produce and Flowers
▪ Blue Jacket Dairy -- Artisan Cheeses
▪ Bridgman Farm -- Chemical-free Produce
▪ Buckeye Mustard -- Sweet/spicey mustard and hot wing sauce
▪ Carousel Water Gardens -- Produce, dried herbs, rubs
▪ Cathy’s Tasty Treats -- Special home-made treats for your favorite canine
▪ Cat Run Ranch-- Beautiful cut flowers
▪ Doran’s Family Farm -- Some of the best sweet corn in Central Ohio, produce
▪ Flower Power Gourmet -- Flower and herb-infused artisan foods
▪ Flying J Farm -- Grass-fed beef, organic produce, flour
▪ Frijolito Farm -- Free-range eggs and poultry
▪ Landrum Cottage Designs -- Dana's beautiful, delicious breads are always a market favorite
Malabar Acres -- Peaches!
Mockingbird Meadows -- Honey, infused honey, beeswax products, dried herbs, personal care products made from edible ingredients
▪ Northridge Organic Farm -- Organic produce, sunflowers, organic wool yarns
▪ Pleiades Maple Products -- Ohio maple products from candy to syrup
Snowville Creamery -- Same-day, non-homogenized milk from pasture fed cows
▪ Sue's Kitchen -- Delicious baked goods: pies, cookie stacks, quick breads, cinnamon rolls
▪ Taste of Seattle Coffee Company -- fresh roasted this morning
▪ Z Blue Berry -- Fresh from the fields blueberries by the pint


Kids love the market -- they can taste and sample -- so it's great for family outings. And, it's a great place to meet friends, buy local, and enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon. See you at the market!


Pictured: Produce selection from Bridgman Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Flower Power Gourmet's August 6th Market Report

Diane and Summer of Flower Power Gourmet say:

This week we'll have...

Strawberry Lavender Lemonade, Hawaiian Lemonade, Lavender Cinnamon Buns, Fresh Mint Brownies, Chocolate Oatmeal Lavender Cookies, and Lavender Lemon Cake Bars

See you at the market!

Diane and Summer
Flower Power Gourmet


Shopping Tip: Kids love to sample and shop at Flower Power Gourmet!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: The July 30th Market Photo Tour is Now on Flickr

The July 30th Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Photo Tour is now on flickr.com.

At the July 30th market, summer breezes and clouds cooled shoppers. Corn, tomatoes, and peaches dominate shopper interests along with the market's delicious artisan foods. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market offers more than foods -- it's a great destination point for family outings and running into old friends.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: July 23rd Market Photo Tour Now on Flickr

Wait a minute -- is that the aroma of ripe peaches from Malabar Acres? It is!!

The July 23rd
Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Photo Tour is now on flickr.com.

July 23rd's market day was warm and humid, for sure -- the dog days of an Ohio summer are here.
But shopping was a breeze at this week's Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market. This week from garlic to tomatoes to fresh-picked peaches -- the market produce selection was a vibrant, fresh bounty.

Click here to take the July 23rd Market Tour.


Pictured: Delicious fresh peaches from Malabar Acres.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: July 16th Market Photo Tour Now on Flickr

The July 16th Market photo tour is now on flickr.

A perfect summer's day in Uptown Westerville and a perfect day for a shopping trip to the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

The market grows more and more vibrant as the beautiful garden colors of summer arrive -- brilliant tomato reds, bright sunflower yellows, deep eggplant purples, blueberry midnight blues, and the vivid green and yellow hues of summer squash.

July 16th was a perfect day for the first of this season's sweet corn from Central Ohio favorite, Doran's Family Farm.

From breakfast table to before-bed snacks a trip to the market nourishes the day.

Click here for the July 16th flickr.com Market Photo Tour.


Pictured: golden sunlight cherry tomatoes grown chemically-free from Bridgman Farm of Washington Court House.