Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Season's Greetings!

"Let each put in his share: loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth."

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the Coming Year from The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

Have a Safe, Happy Holiday Season!


Quote from the film The Bishop's Wife, 1948

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Sweet 'n' Creamy Pumpkin Dip

Sweet 'n' Creamy Pumpkin Dip

from Sue's Kitchen (a great dip for molasses and sugar cookies!)

1 8 oz. package cream cheese
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. orange extract
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

In a food processor blend cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Remove lid and add pumpkin and remaining ingredients. Blend thoroughly.  Chill 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 2-1/2 cups.

Delicious!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Week 26 Photo Tour

The final market Photo Tour of 2010 is now on flickr.

Click here to take the tour.


Pictured: Princesses and super heroes shop at Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe Spinach, Bacon and Apple Salad

Spinach, Bacon and Apple Salad

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

SALAD:
5 slices bacon
1/4 c sliced almonds
8 c spinach, rinsed, stemmed and torn into pieces
1 Red Delicious apple

DRESSING:
1/4 c. vegetable oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp prepared mustard
salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Preparation: Place sliced apple, bacon and almonds in a bowl. Combine vinegar, sugar and mustard in a mixing bowl and whisk in oil. Toss dressing mixture with apple mixture. Serve over spinach.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Spicy Grilled Eggplant

Spicy Grilled Eggplant

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

1 medium globe eggplant or 2-3 long Asian eggplants
1-2 tsp salt, to remove water from eggplant (not needed for Asian eggplant)
1-2 tbsp olive oil, to brush eggplant for grilling
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped mint

Spicy Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp finely minced fresh garlic
1 tsp your favorite ground chili pepper

Remove stem end and wash eggplant but do not peel. Cut eggplant into slices 1/2”-3/4” thick, being careful to make all slices the same thickness. (Cut Asian eggplant on the diagonal to get bigger slices.) Put eggplant in colander in single layer and sprinkle with salt. Let drain 20 minutes, then turn over and sprinkle other side with salt and let drain 20 minutes more. (If you're using Asian eggplant, they don't need to be salted.)


Preheat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Remove eggplant from colander and put each piece between two papers towels and press with your hand to squeeze out water. Wipe eggplant dry and brush both sides with olive oil.


Place eggplant on grill and cook 4-5 minutes per side. Watch them carefully because they go from nicely browned to overly dark quite quickly.


When eggplant is done, remove from grill and place in large plastic bowl. Pour in spicy sauce, and gently stir eggplant to coat with sauce.


To serve, assemble eggplant on serving plate and sprinkle with mint and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.




©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Spiced Waldorf Salad

Spiced Waldorf Salad

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

SALAD:

2 c coarsely chopped apples, about 2 medium apples
1 1/4 c chopped celery
1/2 c coarsely chopped walnuts

DRESSING:
1/3 c mayonnaise
2 tsp sugar
dash allspice
1 tsp lemon juice

Preparation:
Place chopped apple, celery and walnuts in a bowl. Combine mayonnaise, sugar, allspice and lemon juice. Toss mayonnaise mixture with apple mixture. Serve over salad greens.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Root Vegetable Chili Soup

Root Vegetable Chili Soup

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

This market favorite is a special twist on a traditional chili, this soup is perfect for cool autumn nights. Use the suggested root vegetables or mix in some of your favorites to customize this hearty meal. Great with cornbread!

1/2 cup fresh corn
2 tbsp canola oil
1 chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
4 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin seed
2 medium carrots cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 cups diced tomatoe
s1 small russet potato, finely diced
2 Anaheim, banana, or mild peppers, seeded and chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped1
 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced, optional
2 small rutabagas (or other root vegetable) peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cups water or stock
chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish

1) Heat large pot over medium heat. Add corn and sauté until beginning to brown.

2) Add oil, onion, and garlic, and sauté until onion is soft.

3) Add rutabagas, carrots, tomatoes, potato, Anaheim pepper, bell pepper, jalapeño, and stir in chili powder and cumin.

4) Add 3 cups water or stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5) Season with salt and black pepper. Serve with green onions or cilantro.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.
©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Simple Pumpkin Soup

Simple Pumpkin Soup

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

1/2 cup onion
3 tbsp butter
2 cups mashed cooked pumpkin (a "young" pumpkin is best)
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground pepper
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup half & half

1) Chop the onions and gently brown with butter in pan.

2) Put mashed pumpkin with onions in pan. Add the salt, sugar, nutmeg and pepper.

3) Slowly add chicken broth and half & half. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil.There are a couple of ways to make uncooked pumpkin into puree:

Baking:
Cut the pumpkin in half and discard the stem section and stringy puip. Save the seeds to dry and roast. In a shallow baking dish, place the two halves face down and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 375° oven for about 1.5 hours for a medium-sized sugar pumpkin, or until tender. Once the baked pumpkin has cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree or mash. For silky smooth custards or soup, press the pumpkin puree through a sieve.

Boiling:
Cut the pumpkin in half and discard the stem section and stringy puip. Save the seeds to dry and roast. Peel the pumpkin and cut into chunks. Place in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the pumpkin chunks are tender. Let the chunks cool, and then puree the flesh in a food processor or mash it with a potato masher or food mill.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Potato Hash

Potato Hash

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

The potato was introduced to America in 1719 by the Irish, but had been cultivated in the Andes mountains for thousands of years before going to Europe in the 1500s. Over 4000 varieties of the potato exist. The Russets is America’s most beloved potato.

5 small red potatoes (about 1lb), cut into 1/2” cubes
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced garlic
1 medium red pepper, diced1 medium green pepper, diced
2 medium green onions, sliced thin
2 tsps plus 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp chili powder
parsley sprigs for garnish

1) In 2-quart saucepan over high heat, heat the potatoes in enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.

2) Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 5 minutes until potatoes just tender. Strain and reserve potatoes.

3) Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet, cook garlic, green onions, red and green peppers until lightly browned.

4) Add potatoes. Continue cooking until potatoes are golden brown and tender, stirring mixture frequently. Season hash with sea salt and chili powder.

5) Arrange the potato hash on platter. Garnish with parsley sprigs.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

6 med tomatoes, diced
1 med onion diced
1/4 c fresh Cilantro chopped
2 to 4 fresh serrano or jalapeño peppers, seeded & minced
pinch fresh, roasted or powdered garlic powder
salt to taste

Put all ingredients in a bowl, mix well.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Grilled Peaches

Grilled Encore Peaches

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

In Ohio, fresh peaches are easy to find because they are in-season from July until September. For this recipe, be sure to choose a variety that is fresh from the branch.

4 ripe peaches, cored and cut into eighths
8 tbsp unsalted cold butter, cut into small pieces
8 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

1) Heat grill to medium.

2) Cut four 12-inch squares of aluminum foil. Divide the peaches onto the foil squares. Divide the butter, sugar, and cinnamon over peaches; fold foil to seal edges.

3) Place the packets on the grill; cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the peaches are soft and the butter has melted. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve with your favorite honey granola. Mix a few tablespoons of Ohio maple syrup to fresh whipped cream and add on top.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Gazpacho

Gazpacho

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

2 large tomatoes
1 medium cucumber (peel if the skin is tough)
roughly chopped1 red or green pepper, seeded & chopped
1 medium onion
3-4 tbsp red wine vinegar
1-2 cloves garlic
5 tbsp water (vary the amount according to the consistency you prefer)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (preferably Spanish)

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Sieve the puree.

Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Some people add bread, which has been soaked and then squeezed. This gives the soup a thicker consistency.

For more recipes, check the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Butternut Squash Guacamole

Butternut Squash "Guacamole"

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

1 roasted butternut squash (see below)
1/2 c minced shallots or caramelized sweet onion
1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
salt & black pepper to taste
minced jalapeno or your favorite chile pepper (optional)

Mash roasted squash with fork.

Mix in all ingredients.

Serve with tortilla chips or use as a substitute any other way you enjoy traditional avocado guacamole.

Roasted Butternut Squash

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

1 butternut squash
olive oil or butter
brown sugar (optional)
salt

1) Preheat oven to 350°.

2) Cut squash lengthwise in half.

3) Lay halves on baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle olive oil over the open squash or add small dabs of butter all about. Sprinkle salt over surface. If desired, sprinkle brown sugar as well.

4) Roast until squash is soft. This can take 25 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the squash.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Beauregard Sweet Potato Pancakes

Beauregard Sweet Potato Pancakes with Homemade Applesauce

from the UWFM's Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

3 medium-sized raw sweet potatoes
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp cream
1 egg
1 tsp salt

Grate sweet potatoes and mix well with other ingredients. Cook by spoonfuls in 1/4" hot oil or butter. Turn only once. Serve with fresh homemade applesauce

Homemade Applesauce

1 quart apples, peeled and sliced
1 c water
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
cinnamon (optional)

Put all ingredients in a sauce pan and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until apples are tender. Mash the mixture until smooth. Refrigerate to cool.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: After the Season... Blue Jacket Dairy...and Meza

Yearning for your favorite artisan cheese?

Stop by Meza at 48 N. State in Uptown Westerville for select Blue Jacket Dairy cheese varieties.  (Meza also carries a selection of best selling jams from market vendor Sweet Thing Gourmet.)

Blue Jacket Dairy is taking holiday orders for Christmas delivery through Wednesday, December 22nd, or make a trip to Bellefontaine and stop by Blue Jacket Dairy's store at 1434 County Road 11, Bellefontaine, OH  43311

Tuesday (12.21), Wednesday (12.22) & Thursday (12.23):  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday (12.24): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Online: www.bluejacketdairy.com (sign up for the Blue Jacket Dairy eNews)

Call: 937.292.7327 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: After the season... Arjay Gourmet

Rohini Mulchandani's delicious chutneys are available year 'round!

Rohini tells us...

Check out my website at www.chutneylady.com or call 614.854.9576

Happy wintering!

Rohini

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: After the Season... Carousel Watergardens Farm

Mark and Cathy Crist of Carousel Watergardens Farm are busy year-round! 

Cathy tells us... Carousel Watergardens Farm is at the Bexley Natural market with our eggs & chicken, also Greener Grocer with produce & eggs. Our farm web site is http://www.cwffarm.com/.

We also offer winter vegetable, meat and egg CSA's as well as a Thanksgiving CSA.

Then our Columbus Winter Farmers Market is going to start our 2010-2011 season.

The market started in November and our market has moved to a new venue at a much nicer facility: the Clintonville Woman's Club at 3951 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214.

There will be lots of great farm products as well as value added farm products such as farm fresh eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, goats milk cheese & fudge, bison, Bavarian pretzels, honey and honey by products, soaps, veggie burgers, apples & cider, fresh baked pies, sweet breads, cookies, artisan breads, gluten free baked goods, jams & jellies, herb dips, rubs & seasonings and  produce in season such as potatoes, cabbage, garlic, onions, limited peppers hot & cold, spinach, spring mix, sweet potatoes, broccoli and so much more.

The market still offers everyone's favorite the hospitality area plus local live entertainment, and this year lunches are available at the woman's club. It's a fun destination for all.

The Columbus Winter Farmers Market is the only market sponsored and put on by farmers for farmers to market direct to the consumer.

In 2011, we will have markets on Jan. 8 & 22, Feb. 12 & 26 and March 5 & 19, 2011. 

For more info our web site is http://www.columbuswinterfarmersmarket.com/ or call 740.387.3580.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: October 27th Market Report

Today is the final Market Wednesday of the 2010 season - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., N. State and E. Home in Uptown Westerville.

The market is a great place for pumpkin shopping (from traditional to Cinderella to bumpy, gnarly pumpkins) and Bird's Haven Farms and Doran's Family Farm have mini pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn, too. Amherst Greenhouse will be at the market today with their beautiful potted mums ($5 gigantic potted mums and $18 gargantuan potted mums!), so stop by the market for your Halloween and harvest season decor.

Warning! Amherst Greenhouse's mums seem to exponentially grow larger as you try to put them in your car!

There is still plenty of produce from potatoes to green beans to peppers (sweet and heat), Malabar Peach Orchard has fresh-from-the-tree apple varieties, and the market also features fresh eggs and poultry from Carousel Watergarden Farm; cheese from Blue Jacket Dairy; veggie burgers and breakfast sausages from Luna Burger; tortilla chips, salsas, hot sauces, and bbq sauces from Montezuma Brand; rubs and seasonings from Cathy's Tasty Treats and Montezuma Brand; jams from Sweet Thing Gourmet; Rohini's chutney at Arjay Gourmet; maple syrup and sugar from Pleiades Maple Products.


Baked goods and confections abound with our newest vendor Sugar B Bakery featuring loaf breads, bagels, and flatbreads; pies, cookie stacks, and coffee breads from Sue's Kitchen; sweet and savory baked goods from Landrum Cottage (try the artiboli!); fresh baked biscotti from Sweet Thing Gourmet.

This week, Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers is featuring pumpkin recipes.

Click here to visit Chef John's Farmers' Market Recipes.

At the market we're celebrating the bewitching season with a little trick or treat of our own today. We hear some vendors are planning on coming in costume and decorating for the season. And, to warm up for tomorrow night, kids 10 and under can trick or treat at the market - vendors will have treats (limited quantities for about 50 kids). We want to see if a Market Wednesday tribute to All Hallow's Eve at our last market of the season (always right before Beggar's Night, Midnight Madness, and Halloween) can become a new tradition.

We will not see Batter and Bowl and Cowtown Candies at today's market.

We've had such a great Market Wednesday season. Special thanks to Church of the Messiah, Dairy Queen, Amish Originals Furniture Co., Meza, Gary Gardiner, Two Caterers, the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, Westerville Chamber of Commerce, the City of Westerville, Uptown Westerville merchants and residents, and...

our patrons!!

Pictured: Apple pie from Sue's Kitchen.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: October 20th Market Report

It's a beautiful fall Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville!

This is our next to last market of the 2010 season and it's been a great season.

We will not see Honey Health Farms, Bridgman Farm, and Eyestone Flower Farm at this week's market and just a reminder that Northridge Organic Farm and Flying J Farm completed their market season last week.

Bird's Haven Farms, Carousel Watergarden Farm, and Doran's Family Farm have a nice selection of fall produce and pumpkins!

Mike Dippold of Malabar Peach Orchard has a selection of all sorts of apples grown and fresh-picked in Richland County.

Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers is featuring pumpkin recipes this week and next.

Next week, join us in our season finale week as we celebrate Halloween! Kids 10 and under can get a jump on Beggar's Night and wear their costume to the market for a little trick or treating!  Market vendors will be ready with treats for our ghoulish young guests! (Supplies are limited to the first 50 kids).  Who knows, you might see a few surprises from our market vendors as well....

(Westerville's Beggar's Night, by the way is Thursday, October 28th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

As always, Meza, 48 N. State, features the Market Wednesday $1 wine tasting, so stop by and visit Tatjana Brown to see what she has in store.

See you at the market!

Pictured: Gala apples from Malabar Peach Orchard.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: October 13th Market Report

It's a beautiful autumn Market Wednesday in Central Ohio and a perfect day for al fresco shopping at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

The temperatures are cool and the leaves are turning and produce is still plentiful at the market including, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, peppers, squashes, pumpkins, peppers, green beans, garlic, onions, and even tomatoes.  Visit market produce vendors Bird's Haven Farms, Carousel Watergarden Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Flying J Farm and Northridge Organic Farm. 

Malabar Peach Orchard features a variety of Richland County-grown, fresh-picked apples.

This is the last week of the season for Northridge Organic Farm and Flying J Farm.  Much thanks to Mike & Laura Laughlin and Dick Jensen for a great market season of delicious organic produce and meats.

Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers is not attending this week's market, but will be at the market the last two weeks of the season.  We appreciate Chef John and Chef Colin's presence at the market - giving new meaning to the phrase chef's surprise!! 

Bridgman Farm and Eyestone Flower Farm will not be at the market this week.

The UWFM features a tremendous variety of pantry and tailgating fare including salsas, sauces, and tortilla chips from Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand, Rohini's chutney from Arjay Gourmet Foods, Ohio maple syrup, spreads, and syrup based sauces and dressings from Plieades Maple Products, and jams from Sweet Thing Gourmet and Cathy's Tasty Treats at Carousel Watergarden Farm.

Fresh meats and poultry are available from Northridge Organic Farm, Flying J Farm, and Carousel Watergarden Farm.  Carousel Watergarden Farm also features free range brown eggs.  Visit Blue Jacket Dairy for their delicious cheese including cheddar curds, chevre, and the market favorite Gretna Grillin' cheese. And, Luna Burger features delicious veggie burgers and breakfast sausages.  (All meats, poultry, and veggie burgers are sold frozen and eggs and cheese are refrigerated.)

The market features an awesome selection of baked goods and confections including, traditional loaf breads from Sugar B Bakery; pies, cookies, and coffee breads from Sue's Kitchen (if you want pie, get to the market before 4 p.m. or contact Sue ahead of time); cookies, brownies, and protein bars from Batter and Bowl; fudge varieties, puppy chow, caramel apples, and brownies from Cowtown Candies; sweet and savory breads and crackers from Landrum Cottage, and biscotti from Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Check with Sara Yates at Batter and Bowl for her special order Halloween iced cookies - black cat, bat, ghost - individually wrapped Sara's special spooky cookie package is $20 and great for ghouls, ghosts, and goblins of all ages!

On the run, but still want market fare? Check with your favorite vendor.  Most vendors will hold a special order for you if you let them know ahead of time, so you can have your farm fresh in a dash.

Market vendors have right out of the field pumpkin and decorative squash varieties and, of course, Amherst Greenhouse is here with their amazing potted mums, starting at $5 per pot.

As always, we encourage you to Shop Uptown Westerville on Market Wednesdays including stopping at Meza, 48 N. State. Meza features a variety of affordable wines and pantry fare and each Market Wednesday, Tatjana Brown hosts a Market Wednesday $1 wine tasting... a perfect pairing.

Have a great day and see you at the market!!

Pictured: Breads from Sugar B Bakery.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: October 6th Market Report

Grab a sweatshirt and come on up to the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market - it's Market Wednesday!

Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers is featuring a recipe using potatoes and peppers from the market today.

Amherst Greenhouse is here as you can see (photo above) and our produce vendors, Bird's Haven Farms, Carousel Watergarden Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Flying J Farm, and Northridge Organic have a plentiful farm fresh produce selection. And, Malabar Peach Orchard has a selection of Richland County fresh-picked apple vareties.

Sara Yates of Batter and Bowl is featuring a special Halloween cookie package of individually wrapped Halloween cut-outs for $20!  A fun treat for ghouls and goblins of any age! (By the way, Sara bakes and decorates cakes for all occasions.)

Also, check with Sue Renner of Sue's Kitchen and ask her about her cookie care packages. Order a selection of 3 or 5 dozen cookies and Sue will ship them to you favorite cookie fanatic!

Stock your pantry and fridge as you shop for cheese, meats, baked goods, chutney, jams, raw honey, salsa, maple syrup, and salsa - all Ohio Proud.

Stop by Meza, 48 N. State, for Tatjana's Market Wednesday $1 wine tasting!

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 29th Market Report

It's a beautiful day in Uptown Westerville - a great autumn Market Wednesday.

This week we welcome Angela Bowman's Sugar B Bakery to the market.  Sugar B features home-made loaf breads, bagels, and scones. A great place to stop for your daily bread!

This will be the last week of The Front Porch hospitality area at the market.  We can't say thank you enough to Lindsay Smith, Church of the Messiah, UM, and the Front Porch volunteers for offering a place to sit, chat, and a cool drink.

Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers is featuring root vegetable chili today.

We, of course will see Amherst Greenhouse for the first time this season.

And, we welcome back Rohini Mulchandani of Arjay Gourmet Foods after a two week absence. Rohini's chutneys are a great addition to any pantry.

Sweet corn season is over, and market produce vendors feature a wide array of vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, root vegetables and squash varieties.

Think of UWFM when you are thinking about your Halloween pumpkins!

We encourage you to Shop Uptown Westerville and visit Meza, 48 N. State, for Tatjana's Market Wednesday $1 wine tastings.

This week we will not see Northridge Organic Farm, Bridgman Farm, Cowtown Candies, and Eyestone Flower Farm.  Triple J Farms and Branstool Orchards have ended their 2010 market season.

See you at the market!

Pictured: Green onions from Northridge Organic Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Mums the Word

Amherst Greenhouse begins its 2010 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market season this week! 

Amherst is a market patron favorite with their reasonably-priced and beautiful potted chrysanthemums.

Adin and Mary Horst weren't sure they would make it to Westerville this season (last week they told us they wouldn't be able to come) so we welcome them to the 2010 market season.

Pictured: 2009 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market season's Amherst Greenhouse blooms.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Fall Festivals

It's time for Fall Festivals!

October 2nd, visit Flying J Farm's (5329 Van Fossen, Johnstown) annual Fall Colors Harvest Festival. 

The event begins at noon and includes farming and green-focused workshops and vendors, activities that include hayrides, fishing contests, and a bonfire. You can even bring your camping gear!

Parking and admission are free.

Click here for details.

And, October 9th, Doran's Family Farm (5462 Babbit Rd., New Albany), hosts the New Albany Arts Council's 17th Annual Harvest the Arts Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parking and admission are free and the event includes entertainment, a crafter's marketplace, and children's activities.

Click here for details.

Of note: There is a lot of construction in Central Ohio, double check road closings and routes before you head out.  Click here to connect to Paving the Way.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Week 21 Photo Tour

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Week 21 Photo Tour is now online on flickr.

Since the market was cut short due to weather, this week's photo tour is brief!

Click here to take the tour!

Pictured: Pecan pie from Sue's Kitchen.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Stormy Weather

For the first time in 5 seasons, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market closed early due to weather on September 22nd.

A "red cell on the radar" storm approached the market at incredible speed around 4:45 p.m. and the storm moved in so fast, market vendors were still loading out and patrons were rushing to their cars as the high velocity storm moved through.

Weather reports the next day indicated computer models of the storm underestimated the velocity and intensity of the storm.

A tribute to the vendors at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Vendors who were already packed and ready to go, stayed behind among the sirens, inches of standing water, winds, and pelting icy rain to help their fellow vendors pack up to clear out. No one left behind.

Reports of a spinning farmhouse, girl in pigtails, and a little dog flying by during the storm could not be confirmed.

Thanks to photographer Gary Gardiner of Westerville Life for capturing this moment during one of our most memorable markets ever and for staying behind to help vendors load out in the powerful elements.

Pictured: Before the Deluge. Photo courtesy of Gary Gardiner. Used with persmission.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Mums This Week

We are disappointed to report that Amherst Greenhouse will not be bringing their potted mums to the 2010 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

The summer weather has affected blossoming.

We initially posted that we would not see mums this season, but to paraphrase Willie Wonka, "strike that... reverse it!"  We just heard from the Horsts and they will be bringing mums to the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market starting this week, September 29th.

Amherst Greenhouse is a market favorite with their beautiful, affordable potted mums.

Pictured: From 2009, potted mums from Amherst Greenhouse.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Week 20 Photo Tour

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Week 20 Photo Tour is now online on flickr.

Click here to take the tour!

Pictured: Peppers from Northridge Organic Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Week 19 Photo Tour

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Week 19 Photo Tour is now online on flickr.

Click here to take the tour.

Pictured: Chef Colin Sweet of Two Caterers' carved apples.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Week 18 Photo Tour

The Week 18 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Photo Tour is now online on flickr.

Click here to take the tour.

Pictured: Fresh out of the ground organic sweet potatoes from Northridge Organic Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 22nd Market Report

Well, our "slow cooker summer" can't quite let go, so we have a beautiful day that's a touch humid, but still a great day for a touch of farm fresh!

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio.  The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is open for business from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home Streets in Uptown Westerville.  The market runs from May through October.

Cowtown Candies will again be attending market today.  We welcome Bee Katz to our market.

Sugar B Bakery, featuring home-made loaf breads, scones, and bagels is scheduled to debut next week (September 29th).

We've had so many requests for Amherst Greenhouse's beautiful potted mums. We heard from Adin and Mary Horst and Amherst Greenhouse will not be attending this season at all.  So, we are sorry to report no mums.  Mary tells us the summer's heat discouraged blossoms. 

We will not see Arjay Gourmet, Bridgman Farm, Eyestone Flower Farm, and Pleiades Maple today and Triple J Farms has completed their market season.

As we bid farewell to one of the best peach seasons ever, we welcome Apples to the market.  Each week we see more and more apples in more and more varieties from Gala to Fujis.  Malabar Peach Orchard sells single apples, and it's great fun for kids to pick out their own apple fresh out of the orchard.

Produce is still plentiful and gorgeous and look for potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic and there are still plenty of peppers, tomatoes, and more.

Chef John of Two Caterers is featuring Butternut Squash at this week's market.

See you at the market!

Photo: Fresh picked apples from Malabar Peach Orchard. 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 15th Market Report

Oh, what a beautiful Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville today!

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market opens for business today at 3 p.m. (through 6 p.m.) at N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot.  The market season runs through October.

The produce selection is still full of flavor and variety.  We are still seeing some peaches and each week apples are becoming more and more plentiful.  Doran's and Bird's Haven still have sweet corn and we have an abundant supply of tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic, peppers, and squash varieties.

Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers will be creating some delicious dishes from today's market fare (literally Chef's surprise, we don't know yet what John will be cooking up).  See something at the market you're not sure how to prepare - check with Chef John.

Our market vendors love to talk, so don't hesitate to ask questions!

We will not see Arjay Gourmet, Bridgman Farm, Eyestone Flower Farm, and Pleiades Maple at today's market.  And, actually, all four vendors will not be attending next week's market as well.

Today we welcome Bee Katz's Cowtown Candies of Pataskala.  Bee is bringing home-made fudge, buckeyes, caramel apples and other confections with her to market today.

Sweet Thing Gourmet is currently featuring Vanilla Pear Jam.  This popular seasonal favorite is made in a small batch, so it is a limited edition presence.

Pick up your daily bread on Market Wednesday.  Next week, the UWFM welcomes Angela Bowman and Sugar B Bakery.  Angela features hand-made loaf bread and bagels.

We are awaiting Amherst Greenhouse and their beautiful mums, so as soon as we know, you'll know!

We encourage you to Shop Uptown Westerville while you're here for the market, including Meza, 48 N. State.  Meza features a Market Wednesday $1 wine tasting and a selection of good pantry ingredients (along with their wonderful wines), including a lot of Ohio Proud.

Big thanks to Sonny and Rose D'Andrea at the Dairy Queen (84 N. State) for including the UWFM on their sign each week. 

Enjoy this beautiful day and we'll see you at the market!

Pictured: Sweet Thing Gourmet's Vanilla Pear jam.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Chef John's Market Wednesday Recipes for Apples

Ohio in the fall - fresh, crisp, delicious apples.  The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market features apples from Malabar Peach Orchard and Branstool Orchards. 

Malabar Peach Orchard is a favorite stop for kids (no matter their age!) this time of year - they can pick out and purchase just one apple!

Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers is featuring apples today.

Here are two recipes courtesy of Chef John:

SPICED WALDORF SALAD

SALAD:

2 cups coarsely chopped apples, about 2 medium apples
1 1/4 cups chopped celery
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

DRESSING:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
dash allspice
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Preparation:

Place chopped apple, celery and walnuts in a bowl.
Combine mayonnaise, sugar, allspice and lemon juice.
Toss mayonnaise mixture with apple mixture.
Serve over salad greens.

----------------------------

SPINACH BACON AND APPLE SALAD

SALAD:

5 slices bacon
1/4 c. sliced almonds
8 c. spinach, rinsed, stemmed and torn into pieces
1 Red Delicious apple

DRESSING:

1/4 c. vegetable oil
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. prepared mustard
salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Preparation:

Place sliced apple, bacon and almonds in a bowl.
Combine vinegar, sugar and mustard in a mixing bowl and whisk in oil.
Toss dressing mixture with apple mixture.
Serve over spinach.

Sweet!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 8th Market Report

It's a beautiful Market Wednesday in Central Ohio and the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is ready to host some awesome fresh air shopping at N. State and E. Home this afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The weather is going to be sweet - sunshine, a light breeze, high 70s, and low humidity.

Fresh produce is plentiful and we are starting to see more and more apple varieties at Malabar Peach Orchard and Branstool Orchards.

We welcome Otterbein University students and families to Uptown Westerville and the market.  This weekend is new student weekend (and an Otterbein Uptown! Pennant Weekend) and classes are in session this coming Monday, September 13th.

Resident chef, John Skaggs of Two Caterers is featuring apples today, including a carving demo by guest Chef Colin Sweet.

We will not see Sue's Kitchen, Bridgman Farm, Carousel Watergarden Farm, and Eyestone Flower Farm this week. 

And, if you are planning on chutney, make sure you stop by Arjay Gourmet Foods this week, Rohini will not be here next week and the week after.

We always encourage you to Shop and Dine Uptown Westerville when you're Uptown for the market (or anytime!) and a reminder that Meza at 48 N. State always features a Market Wednesday $1 wine tasting throughout the season.

See you at the market!

Picture: Nortridge Organic Farm garlic and tomatoes.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Press Release: Our Resident Chef

September 7, 2010

For Immediate Release

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Features Resident Chef

"That looks delicious, but what do I do with it?" Now, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market can answer that question as Market Wednesday welcomes resident Chef John Skaggs of Westerville's Two Caterers. Located at N. State and E. Home in Uptown Westerville, the market is open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each Wednesday through October.

Chef John is now part of the weekly Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market line-up, cooking with fresh ingredients right from the market that include fresh produce, meats, eggs, cheese, and artisan foods. John is posting special Market Wednesday recipes on the Two Caterers website along with advice for choosing and prepping market selections.

So far, Chef John has prepared simple recipes for patty pan squash, eggplant, tomatoes, and peaches. This week Chef John is featuring apples available at the market from both Branstool Orchards and Malabar Peach Orchard with special guest, Chef Colin Sweet. Chef Colin will be carving fresh apples into sculptures like birds and butterflies.

"The rich flavor of locally-grown, sun-ripened, fresh picked fruits and vegetables this season is beyond compare," says market manager Linda Foor, "The addition of Chef John Skaggs, and his passion for cooking fresh and cooking simple is a perfect pairing with Market Wednesday."

Chef John's enthusiasm for food extends to eating, entertaining, and educating. "My mission is to positively preserve the ideals of our diverse culinary traditions in the kitchen, garden, and farm," says Skaggs, "I have a responsibility to our guests, our employees, and our purveyors to increase food awareness by producing, cooking, and serving with inspiration and passion."

Located at 6800 Schrock Hill Court (off Schrock, west of Cleveland), Two Caterers features contemporary cuisine offering corporate and social event catering and planning including menus for breakfast, dinner, lunch, hors d'oeuvres, brunch, dessert, and weddings.

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is Ohio Proud.

Photo: Chef John Skaggs shares grilled peaches at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.