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.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Cops & Kids

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a sponsor of Cops & Kids.

This annual community favorite (last year over 4,000 people attended) is presented by the Westerville Division of Police and the Central Ohio Peace Officers at Hoff Woods Park, 556 McCorkle, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 12th.

This is a fun event for families and anyone interested in law enforcement and rescue.  Police and rescue squads from all around Central Ohio come to this event including mounted police, water rescue units, DARE cars, SWAT, K-9 units, and a real police helicopter.

There are activities for kids, music, exhibits, and kids have the opportunity to Dunk a Cop!

The first 1200 kids get a Cops & Kids souvenir gift. Free admission, free parking, a raffle, and free refreshments.

Cops & Kids is a Rain or Shine event.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 1st Market Report

Welcome September!  While the afternoon forecast calls for sunny and high 80s, we are also expecting (or is that hoping for) the forecast 7 to 10 mph breeze.

It's Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home. There is plenty of parking on-street and in lot in the vicinity of the market and throughout Uptown Westerville. 

(Reminder: even though it's just the farmers' market and you're steps away, be safe - lock your vehicles and keep valuables out of sight!)

This is a pre-Buckeye tailgating/partying and pre-holiday weekend market! 

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is certainly tailgater and cookout friendly!

Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers is featuring a recipe for grilled peaches today!

Select market vendors feature a selection of proteins that are ready for the grill:

Carousel Watergarden Farm: Poultry, including Brats
Flying J Farm: Grass-fed Beef
Northridge Organic Farm: Lamb
Triple J Farms: Beef, Pork, Poultry

Go meat-free on the grill:
Luna Burger: Veggie Burgers and Sausage Patties

Market vendor meats are packaged and frozen per regulations.  So, bring an insulated freezer bag or cooler with you for your protein selections.

Shopping at the UWFM, you will also find:

Blue Jacket Dairy: Cheddar Curds, Gretna Grillin', Chevre and Spreadable Cheese for Crackers 
Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand: Tortilla Chips, Salsas, Hot Sauces, BBQ Sauce and Seasonings
Arjay Gourmet Foods: Rohini's Chutneys (great as dips or glazes for the grill)
Sweet Thing Gourmet: Biscottis and Jams (jams make excellent glazes!)
Landrum Cottage: Gourment Crackers and Specialty Breads
Honey Health Farms: Raw Honey
Batter & Bowl: Cookies, Bars, and Confections (including No Bakes!)
Sue's Kitchen: Pie!!! Cookies, Confections, and Coffee Breads
Cathy's Tasty Treats & Carousel Watergarden Farm: Rubs, Dry Seasonings, Mixes and Farm Fresh Brown Eggs (who's hungry for deviled eggs?!)

From potatoes (potato salad sure sounds good!) to fresh melon, UWFM vendors feature a tremendous selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables:

Bird's Haven Farms
Branstool Orchards
Carousel Watergarden Farm
Doran's Family Farm
Flying J Farm
Northridge Organic Farm
Malabar Peach Orchard

Sweet and heat - we've got peppers! 

And, think flavor and ingredients - look for onions and garlic.

Sunflowers make everyone happy!  So, also visit: Eyestone Flower Farm and Farmhouse Herbs and Flowers for single flowers or simple bouquets that will certainly brighten your events! Look for sunflowers, zinnias, and gladiolas at the market.

If you can't make it to the market until closer to 6, but have something in mind, ask your market vendor - most vendors will be happy to take an order in advance and hold it for you.

We will not see Pleiades Maple Products (Eddie Lou is at the Morrow County Fair) and Bridgman Farm this week.

While you're at the market, we encourage you to Shop Uptown Westerville and just steps south of the market, visit Meza, 48 N. State, Tatjana Brown always features Market Wednesday $1 Wine Tastings and features a host of foods and ingredients to compliment your market purchases.

Remember the market opens at 3 p.m. and there are no sales prior to that time.  Feel free to mill about the market during set up, it adds to the ambience, but no vendor is going to sell you anything before 3 p.m. (market rules!)

Enjoy the day!  Go Bucks!  Have a safe, happy Labor Day weekend.

See you at the market!

Pictured: Hot peppers at Carousel Watergarden Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Sue's Kitchen's Cookie Care Packages

Sue's Kitchen introduces a new feature: The Cookie Care Package.

Choose from Sue Renner's delicious selection of chocolate chip, peanut butter, peanut blossom with a Hershey kiss, snickerdoodle, oatmeal walnut crispie, oatmeal raisin, sugar, or granola "biker" bar.

Want to send a surprise to your favorite college student?  Order a selection of home-made cookies from Sue's Kitchen.  Sue will ship your orders of 3 or 5 dozen cookies to your favorite student.

Ordered, baked, and packed with care and love, the Cookie Care Package is a great surprise for that first time away from home, the new academic year for sophs and up, a boost for mid-terms and a great ice breaker for new roommates and new friends!

Click here to learn how to order!  (Or talk to Sue on your next trip to the market.)

(By the way, Sue's Kitchen will not be attending next week's market.)

Photo: Sue's Kitchen Cookie Stack courtesy of Sue's Kitchen.