(Im)perfect greens

I was washing a bunch of greens recently when I had a surprise visitor–a pale green inchworm, a happy little camper (very much alive) chilling out and clearly visible against the deep green of the kale.  I plucked him out and continued with my dinner prep.    Moments later, I was greeted by the worm’s sibling (cousin? niece?) standing on top of the leafy heap and swaying happily on his/her inchworm butt –little did he know that the days of hanging out in the veg were coming to a swift end.

the finished product, sans worm

There is a total ick factor in all of this.  I think that like most people my first impulse is to want my food to be glossy and perfect, and finding something moving (alive!) in my food gives me the creeps.  But I’m trying to work on that, reasoning that a live worm means no toxic chemicals and a short journey from the farm to the plate.   The local and sustainable factor is a big reason I work (and shop)  the market.  And that’s what I keep saying I want, so if it means I find an occasional critter in my food so be it.

By the way, the sauteed kale, served over pasta, was delicious.

August 9, 2010 | Tags: | 1 Comment »

Pig at the Market

This week Crystal, one of our meat vendors, brought along a baby pig.  He upped the cuteness quotient at the market considerably.  She set him up in a little pen, along with his stuffed bunny (what did I say about cuteness?).  Here’s the best picture I could get, as he spent a fair amount of time napping/rooting around under the straw:

this little piggie went to market

You can’t really see it but his tail was not a corkscrew;  it looked like a little black licorice whip. Maybe they get curly when they get older.  Directly above his head they were setting out samples of pulled pork (very tasty, by the way) and it got me to thinking about the disconnect between us and our food–I know this isn’t exactly new ground, there’s been a lot written about this lately–but I did wonder, how do you reconcile the cute animals who on a smaller, family run farm have names (Crystal is running a contest to name this pig) and personalities, with what ends up on your plate?  (One option, of course, is to not eat meat, but I’m not one of those people.  My philosophy is to buy high quality meat raised organic/sustainable and enjoy it as an occasional meal.)

I ended up talking about this with another vendor whose farm raises animals for her own families’ consumption only.  She admitted that she does feel a pang when they are sent off to the butcher, but she also stressed that she believes it’s her job to give these animals a good life, in all senses of the word, while they are in her care.  Not a stance that vegetarians may agree with, but it made sense to me.  And being able to know how my food (animal or non) is raised is feeling more and more important to me!  It’s one reason I like being a manager at the market, I love being able to discuss this kind of stuff with the vendors.

Fyi, this little piggie won’t be heading off the farm anytime soon–he’s destined to be a breeding boar who will grow to about 900 pounds, ie bigger than a Volkswagen.

July 13, 2010 | Tags: | No Comments »

Meet the market managers

Ok, the farmers market is officially open!

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you…well, not totally, but I thought you’d like to know a little bit about us, your Andersonville Farmers Market managers.  Find out all about David and I after the jump:

Tomato ecstasy!

Market Manager Joan

Local girl, lived in Andersonville for 20+ years.  Totally dedicated to/thrilled about having a market in the neighborhood.  Long time local foods advocate/farmers market devotee/avid cook, happy to have a market to call her own.

Vegetable I most resemble: An artichoke, because they’re a little prickly but have a sweet, tender heart (aw).

Five favorites from the market: Bennison’s Bollstock (don’t ask what it is, you just have to try it), any kind of berry, toscano kale (makes great kale chips), fresh eggs, sugar snap peas

New items I’m most looking forward to trying: Everything!!!

Market Manager David

Born and bred in Chicago.  Genetically programmed to love farmer’s markets, has visited markets and road-side stands with his grandfather since he was a young sprout.  Culinary school grad who’s addicted to fresh ingredients, makes a mean scone.

Fruit I most resemble: A honeydew melon because they’re sweet, cool, and summer is their season, baby.

Five favorites from the market: pumpkins, Bennison’s chocolate croissants, Rare Bird Preserves, lamb steaks (grill, baby, grill), heirloom tomatoes

New items I’m most looking forward to trying: Everything!!!

Come see us at the market tomorrow!

June 29, 2010 | No Comments »

Volunteer at the Farmers Market!

Ok, time to get off the couch and volunteer at the Andersonville Farmers Market.  This is what you’ve waiting for while hibernating like a bear all winter!

Read the rest of this entry »

June 15, 2010 | Tags: , | No Comments »

Help us get Link processing at the Andersonville Farmers Market

Girl with tomatoesEven before our first market day last year, the Andersonville Farmers Market has always been a grassroots effort. Without the support of neighborhood businesses, block clubs, local elected officials, and individual community residents, this huge undertaking would not have been possible.

Today, we’re asking for your support again. We want to be able to offer the Link program at the Market so that lower-income community members on cash assistance or SNAP (food stamps) can buy local produce and other food goods at the Market. Because of changes in the economy that we’re all feeling, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce doesn’t have the budget to pay for the start-up costs associated with the program – the most expensive of which is buying a wireless terminal to process the Link transactions.

That’s where you can help! We’re trying to raise $500 to cover part of the start-up costs (which will total approx. $1,000). If we can raise half of the total amount, we’ll be able to afford to start the Link program this year, as well as sustain the program for the future.

Every little bit helps – there is no minimum donation amount! To support this effort, check out our campaign on The Point. You can also join using the widget at embedded in this post. The Point makes it easy and secure to give a donation – and your card is only charged if we meet our goal!

Thank you for helping us make sustainable, locally-grown goods accessible for all!

June 3, 2010 | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Andersonville Farmers Market vendors!

The Andersonville farmers market is approaching fast, we’re counting down to our start date of June 23rd.  This year’s market is full of  lovely locally sourced goods.  All the 2009 vendors are returning, but in case you’ve forgotten who they were (it’s been a looong winter) here’s a handy little reminder:

Returning vendors

Bennisons www.bennisonscakes.com-European Bread & Pastries
Brunkow Cheese www.pcmli.com/cw_bk.htm-Freshly made cheeses and cheese spreads
C & D Farms www.cdfamilyfarms.com-Pork, beef, chicken & eggs
Gethsemane-Herb www.gethsemanegardens.com and tomato plants
Grassroots Farm www.grassrootsfarmllc.com-Vegetables
Hardin Farms -Fruit
Herbally Yours www.herballyyoursvinegar.com-Flavored vinegars and spice mixtures
Hillside Orchard www.hillsideorchards.us-Fruit, chestnuts, preserves
Iron Creek ironcreekfarm.com/default.aspx-Vegetables, fruit
Mint Creek www.mintcreekfarm.com-Lamb, goat, beef
Nessalla Kombucha www.nessalla.com-Brewed kombucha teas
Paul Friday www.flaminfury.com-Fruit
Phoenix Tofu www.phoenixbean.com-A variety of tofu products
Rare Bird www.rarebirdpreserves.com-Preserves
River Valley Ranch www.rivervalleykitchens.com-Mushrooms, salsa, sauces, vegetables
Specialty Pasta -Gourmet fresh pasta
Tomato Mountain www.tomatomountain.com-Tomatoes, salsa, sauces
Triple A www.tripleavegetables.com-Vegetables, melons
Twin Gardens Farms www.twingardenfarms.com-Vegetables
Videnovich Farms www.videnovichfarms.com -Vegetables, wool, flowers

So now you may be thinking, “same old same old?”  Not so fast, there’s a  big crop of new vendors at the market this year:

New Vendors

B True Bakery www.BTrueBakery.com-Baked goods
Breadman Baking www.breadmanbakingcompany.com-Bread & foccacia
Garden Offerings -Flowers
Katherine Anne Confections Katherine-anne.com-Chocolates, caramels, marshmallows
Nice Cream www.nicecreamchicago.com -Ice cream (1/2 and full pints) & gourmet popsicles
One Sister Pierogi www.onesisterinc.com-A variety of pierogies
Oriana’s Oriental Orchard www.asianpearfarm.com-Asian Pears, Paw Paws, Black Walnuts
Prairie Fruits & Cheese www.prairiefruits.com-Goat & Sheeps milk cheeses

Keep in mind that there will also be great entertainment, eco-Andersonville presentations, and maybe a surprise or two.  The first market is from 3-8pm on June 23rd,  see you there!

May 11, 2010 | No Comments »
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