Because local food culture is so big here, and because I truly believe in it, I wanted to share news of a fun food demo I'll be helping with this weekend at the Union Square Greenmarket.
Teaming up with friend and cookbook author, Tracey Medeiros, I'll be at the Greenmarket this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m to help Tracey promote her new Vermont Farm to Table Cookbook. You may remember me mentioning the book before, which uses recipes sourced with delicious, locally grown ingredients - also featuring the hard working farmers, foragers and artisans who help put those ingredients on your table.
At the demo, Tracey and I will be working on some beautiful fresh salad dressed with Amee Lemon Lavender dressing. It's a light, refreshing dish for summer, and I hope you have a chance to stop by and say hello. I'll be doing a little video segment with Tracey and as always, look forward to chatting with my readers and friends. There will be some fun Fooditka swag for you to grab as well. Hope to see you there.
Saturday, July 13th from 11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Union Square Greenmarket - 17th Street between Union Square West and Park Avenue South
One of the most memorable parts of last week's Sweet Escape retreat, was the experience of visiting a local dairy farm called Jersey Girls Dairy. I've been to several farms in my life, but most of them were during a time that I was young and not as eager to learn about their wonders. This trip was totally different, as I was in a state of mind to learn and absorb everything - and I couldn't wait to try some delicious raw milk, eggs and other goodies.
About Jersey Girls Dairy:
When we arrived at Jersey Girls Dairy farm last week, we were welcomed by head farmer and proprietor, Lisa Kaiman. She was punchy, charismatic and obviously really passionate about her farm and her lovely Jersey cows. Listening to Lisa's stories, some of which were eccentric, no doubt, it was clear that she runs her farm in an honorable and sustainable way--producing happy cows and high quality dairy and meat products.
Lisa showed us around the entire dairy, except for the actual pasture, which we did see as we came in, but it was too wet out there as a result of a rainstorm just the night before. This was OK though, as we still got to meet plenty of lovely cows that looked happy, healthy and pleasantly plump. We got to see the milk room, as well as all the equipment that Lisa uses to get that delicious sweet milk out of her Jersey girls. A special highlight for me was to see a day old calf and her proud mom, enjoying the company of her new "human" friends. Overall, I loved seeing and understanding the whole dairy process from start to finish.
Farm Fresh Goodies:
And speaking of finish, I got my hands on some farm fresh milk, eggs and veal before we left the farm. Lisa sells these openly (and on the honor system too) where you grab what you like and leave some money in a little wooden box, the trust and transparency of her business seeping into each aspect of her farm.
As for the raw milk, I've been drinking it each day this week with my cereal and it's been life changing. Its beautiful eggshell color and silky taste makes me only too happy to wake up each day--and this is coming from someone who's not a morning person. Another pleasantly surprising aspect is that the milk is really easy to digest, unlike the ultra pasteurized milk we get from the supermarket. As a result, I experienced none of the issues that I do with the latter, when I get painful stomach cramps on occasion. In terms of the veal, Dan and I are making meatballs out of it tonight, so stay tuned for more yummy details.
If you ever have the chance to visit Jersey Girls Dairy in person, I highly suggest you do - it may just change your whole perspective on the dairy process.
Jersey Girls Dairy - 157 Thompson Road, Chester VT 05143
802.875.6576
www.jerseygirlsdairy.com
For those of you who've been following my Instagram feed have probably noticed I was out of town this weekend - and for a very good reason. It was my pleasure to attend my fellow food blogger, chef and expert, Alejandra Ramos' Sweet Escape retreat in Plymouth Vermont.
The weekend was catered (pun intended) to a food lovin audience, a large majority who also had blogs of their own. It was a really interesting and diverse crowd, ranging from local New Yawkers and New Jerseyans, to folks from Texas and even Australia if you can believe it. A beautiful, historic house called Good Commons was the home to this weekend's festivities and it's where the proverbial magic happened (all weekend long).
Not only did we get to take advantage of Vermont's local food culture by eating its local, delicious food, but we also got to see the town through the eyes of its many food artisans, including farmers, wine makers, fellow food bloggers and more. I'd love to get into more detail about the whole weekend, which I'll do throughout this week, revealing some exciting recipes and kitchen tricks, but first, I thought I'd whet your appetite with this rich photo post. Hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more Vermontian goodies.
Alejandra talks about cooking with maple syrup. Yum!
Wes, a Sweet Escape attendee and I massage some kale salad (and like it too!)
Our first day brunch spread is impressive!
A visit to Jersey Girls Dairy Farm
Farmer Lisa at Jersey Girls Dairy Farm
Nancy Warner's Potlicker Oatmeal Stout Jelly
It's cheese time, courtesy of Vermont Creamery
Insanely good s'mores bar - marshmallows courtesy of 240 Sweet
My bodacious marshmallow creation - roasted coconut marshmallow with dark toffee chocolate and blueberries.
Homemade nutella. Yep!
Having fun at the Plymouth Cheese Shop
Beautiful old fashioned Howe Scales at the Vermont General Store
Vermont really is picturesque
Delicious cocktail from Vermont Spirits
Hunky bartender was an added bonus!
Moscow Mule from Vermont Spirits
A delicious Latin-style dinner
Our entire Sweet Escape group
My new friend Yolanda and me
Alejandra and me
Hudson - the weekend's mascot (aka adorable troublemaker)
Last night, I got inspired to make something healthy for dinner, while browsing through Tracey Medeiros' new cookbook, The Vermont Farm Table. Also the author of Dishing Up Vermont, I respect Tracey's taste and choice of great quality ingredients. Although I don't always follow the recipe to a T, just like here, looking through the pages of this cookbook was inspirational.
What I also like is that Tracey does her due diligence to shine a spotlight on the local Vermont farms and the people who run them. I like learning and seeing the people who make these magical ingredients, that soon after become key components to hearty, healthy and comforting meals. The tomato recipe I used as inspiration was created in honor of the fabulous heirloom tomatoes grown at Your Farm in Fairlee, VT. And from the looks of those ripe babies, Kevin and Laura Channell, who own this farm should be very proud. Here's my own rendition.
Fooditka's Deliciously Healthy Stuffed Tomatoes - Inspired by Summer Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes from The Vermont Farm Table cookbook
Ingredients (serves 2)
2 large tomatoes, cut in half and scooped out
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup of baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 tbs grated parmesan cheese
1/2 lb of chicken sausage, casings removed
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Sautee the onions and garlic in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add mushrooms and chicken sausage and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the meat is done. Add salt and pepper.
Add above mixture into the scooped out tomatoes and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Place on an aluminum lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Enjoy with a side salad, quinoa, cous-cous or just on their own.
