The Market Beet
News You Can Really Sink your Teeth Into ...

Collegeville Farmers' Market, 
460 E.  Main Street
Every Saturday, 9a.m.  - 1p.m. 
September 15, 2012
Logo

We're going to be busy, busy, busy in Collegeville Saturday. 

There is so much going on. 

 

For starters, our vendors are busy this week, picking, baking and making the best of the Harvest Season just in time for the first day of fall. Plus:

  • Little Lost Creek Alpaca is bringing a special guest to the market for a demonstration on how soft fur becomes luxurious fiber clothing and blankets.
  • Jenny and Frank's Artisan Gelato is bringing a surprise unnamed flavor to the market in the hope that tasting it will inspire you to come up with a suitable name. Jacob and Sophia are the two most popular names of the year this year. But we think you can do better than that!
  • Anita's Guacamole is back this week after a staffing shortage kept them away. My Oh My, how we've missed that delicious guacamole! Hopefully, they've found a Guacamole hero to satisfy our need for the fresh, green stuff throughout the fall. But just in case, you better get some now!
  • Pie waits for no one, so get yourself signed up for our Pie-Palooza pie-baking contest on Sept. 29. Entry forms are available at the Main Street table or at farmersmarket@collegevilledevelopment.org.
  • And finally, when you are done shopping for fresh goodies at our market this Saturday, mosey on down to Collegeville's Colossal Town Yard Sale at the Collegeville Shopping Center at Rt. 29 and Ridge Pike. Someone else's trash could be your treasure.
farm
Good News:
Fresh from our Farms  
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North Star Orchard:
News from Farmer Lisa Kerschner 

 

North Star Orchards
 

 

"We'll have Hosui Asian pears, cider (both apple and Asian pear), and several varieties of apples. Veggie selections are a wee bit more limited this week as we transition between summer and fall crops." 

 

Plus, don't miss: Farmer Ike's Pick of the Week Sugar Snap Apples.

 

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News from Down Home Acres

Greens are back. and Down Home Acres has 'em - arugula, their signature salad mix, swiss chard. Plus Paul and Hana will be here on Saturday with lots of delicious, organically-grown and heirloom veggies, including:  leeks, potatoes, onions, basil, chili peppers, Caribbean seasoning peppers, okra, cherry tomatoes, and roma tomatoes. Bell peppers on still on sale for a dollar while supplies last. 
 
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Yellow Springs Farm Goat Cheese

It's apple season, and Yellow Springs Farm will be at the market the perfect  accompaniments: cheese and caramel. Catherine Renzi will have lots of cheeses, plus the farm's  classic caramel sauce, based on a traditional recipe using goat's milk and organic sugar, plus cinnamon. It's perfect for dipping, or try this recipe for a healthy fun and festive variation on caramel apples.
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News from Frecon Farms 

 

 

Frecon, in Boyertown, has been growing some of Pennsylvania's finest tree fruits since 1944.  They bring us: 

 

  • Apples...including Gala, Ginger Gold, Ozark Gold, Paula Red Apples!
  • Pears...including Red Bartlett, Bartlett and Seckle 
  • Red Gold Nectarines
  • And more to come!

  

PV Produce

  

They are back to school, but they'll be back at our market soon. The kids from the "Take Action!" environmental group are brightening up our world and our market with produce, grown in their organic garden at Perkiomen Valley High School. 

  

applename

What's in a Name?

Some trivia from North Star Orchard

 

Farmer Lisa Kerschner tells us that it was easy to name Sugar Snap Apples. "It was love at first bite," she says, and the name says it all.

 

These fresh eating apples are They are sweet-tart and crunchy and quite juicy, too.  

 

 

"We think they have the quintessential apple flavor and texture. Most everyone just loves these striped beauties!" she said.

 

But would they love them as much if they were know by any other name?

 

Lisa says that in the "orcharding" world, these apples are known (sadly) as NY-74840-1.

 

They were discarded from the NY apple breeding program as not being a suitable 'commercial' variety. The color is too variable. They develop some russeting. Sometimes, they even crack. None of which suits the wholesale market. 

 

But at North Star, they have no problem with any of those issues. 

 

"Bring on the flavor!" Lisa says.

 

So, it's too bad for the rest of the world. They won't get the opportunity to meet this beauty. But if you but stop by North Star's stand at our market on Saturday, you are guaranteed to fall in love - no matter what you call her!

 

recipe
Simply Delicious Apple Recipes

Apple with caramel sauce

 

This simple variation on Caramel Apples was adapted from one by Krissy Winnick at

celebrations.com. It is great for a healthy dessert, and thanks to a quick soak in lemon-lime soda, the apples stay fresh-looking longer.

 

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 apples, sliced thick
  • 1 cup lemon-lime soda, to prevent browning
  • 1/4 cup Yellow Springs Farm caramel sauce, (plus more for dipping)
  • 4 Skewers
  • Sprinkles, cinnamon sugar or crushed peanuts (optional)

 

Directions:

Slice apple and place in a shallow bowl. Pour soda over apples. Gently turn apples until they are coated with soda. (The citric acid in the soda prevents browning.)

 

Skewer the sliced apples -about half of an apple per stick.  Place the kabobs on a serving dish and drizzle with the caramel sauce.  Sprinkle with nuts, cinnamon-sugar or colored sprinkles if desired. Serve with more caramel sauce for extra dipping. 

 

Makes 4 Kabobs

 

North Star Orchard Apple Sauce

 

If you feel overwhelmed with apples, or if the notion of making sauce seems overwhelming, think again! Making applesauce is easier than you think...and so yummy to eat warm from the stovetop! (from Lisa Kerschner)

 

  1. Just select the apples you want then peel, core and quarter them.
  2. Put them in a saucepan with just a bit of water or cider so that they don't scorch.
  3. Simmer until the apples are soft, about 20 to 30 minutes for 6 to 10 apples.
  4. You can process them in a blender or food processor, or just mash them with a fork or potato masher! Easy!
  5. Now, the fun part...you can add to the sauce any way you like (if you want to!)...cinnamon perhaps...or honey, or maybe brown sugar or even a bit of ginger.
  6. If you make too much, you can freeze the extra. 
One of Lisa's favorite memories of her Mom's apple sauce was eating it when it was only half-thawed...and  crunching on the icy sauce chunks!
  

pie

Don't let the pie pass you by! 

 

 Will it be a fantastic fruit pie with market fresh ingredients or a wild and wonderful cream or dessert pie? Our market customers will be the ones to decide!

 

 

 

This week is the last week to sign up for Pie Palooza, a pie-baking contest and pie-tasting extravaganza.  A few lucky winners will go home with a booty of up to $100 in market goodies but everyone can be a winner by volunteering to be a judge. For $5, judges will taste the best flavors of the fall season baked into delicious pies. Then they will cast for their vote for a winner. 

 

Here's how it will work:

 

Contestants can register for FREE at the market Main Street table this week or email  farmersmarket@collegevilledevelopment.org for an entry form. Then on Pie-Palooza Day, they will bring 2 pies to the market between 9 and 9:30 a.m. for market customers to taste and judge. They will also bring their recipes to share.

 

Tasters (judges) will pay a $5.00 fee to sample all of the pies between the hours of 9:30 and Noon. Winners will be announced at the end of the market.

 

$50 in market bucks will be awarded to Best in Show and $25 prizes will be awarded in each category, in addition to trophies and ribbons. Plus, we'll all go home full, but inspired to get baking. Time is running out so register soon!

 

Don't miss:
vendorroll Vendor Roll Call  

 Here This Week:

 

A'dello Vineyard - Fine and fun, local wines, including a new Riesling. 

 

 

 

Anita's Guacamole - Guacamole made on the spot with the freshest ingredients.

 

All Hands in the Cookie Jar  - Allergen-free, gluten-free baker.

 

 Behmerwald Nursery - Perennials and shrubs, arrangements of garden flowers as well as some fresh cut flowers for making your own arrangements.  


Bendy Brook Farm - Chemical and hormone-free, pastured beef, pork, poultry and eggs.

 

 

 

John and Kira Chocolates- Artisan Chocolate.   

 

 Down Home Acres - small-scale, sustainable and organically-based farm. 

 

Fat Head Peppers- Peppers stuffed with quality Italian ingredients like sharp provolone and prosciutto, made in North Wales, PA. 

 

Frecon Farms- Seasonal fruit, fresh from the fields.

 

Fresh-A-Peel Hummus- Stop by to taste their fresh approach to hummus - savory, spicy or sweet!

 

ICED by Betsy - Gourmet cupcakes for every occasion. 

 

Jenny & Frank's Artisan Gelato- authentic Italian gelato - the finest gelati, made in micro-batches, based on fresh, locally-produced dairy, fruit, and other ingredients. 

 

Joe Paws Dog Bakery - handmade dog treats with no added preservatives, salts or sugars.  

barkley
 

Kay Bryant- One-of-a-kind, handmade and hand-sewn clothing, bags and jewelry.

 

Marcy's Granola- Natural and delicious.

  

 Little Lost Creek Alpaca Farm- Fine yarns and woven products.  

 

 

 

North Star Orchard  - specializes in growing unique and heritage varieties of tree fruits and a wide variety of vegetables.   

 

Philly Bills Dills - Everyone's favorite pickles.

 

Philading - Fantastic chocolate chip and berry scones, plus international food like Lebanese hummus, falafel and baba ganoush.

 

Saint Peter's- Artisan Bakery offering Fresh Breads and Pastries baked daily in our French, Steam Injection Ovens. 

 

 

 

Soaps Garden- 100 % natural soaps and bath products.

 

 Yellow Springs Farm - Al and Catherine Renzi make Yellow Springs Farm cheeses using age-old processes borrowed from both French and Italian traditions.  

 

See Ya Real Soon...

 

Annie Pod Press - original etchings and linocuts 

 

Bigg Dutt - Go Bigg at the grill! 

 

Earth Energy Herbs - Home-grown, and locally-produced, chemical-free apothecary creates herbal products traditionally used for healing both mind and body. Back on Sept. 29

 

Neil's Sharpening Service - Sharpen knives, scissors, garden tools, and shop for hand-crafted gifts like pens and bottle stoppers. Neil is unable to attend the market this week.

 

Old Mill Gourmet - gourmet jellies, jams and other products made from farm-fresh ingredients.

  

Royce Yoder - Hand-thrown pottery pieces, made in Royce Yoder's Lederach studio. His work can be found in galleries and shops all over the United States. 

 

Pure Scents Candles- clean burning, beautifully-scented soy candles.

 

PV Produce- Produce, grown organically in a Perkiomen Valley High School by the Take Action student group.

  

Ridge Valley Farm - maple syrup and maple products including: maple sugar, maple cream, maple coated nuts and maple walnut ice cream topping. 

 

Stacie Dale Designs  - Hand made keepsake boxes and gifts  

 

 Tonya Lovhand-sculpted, porcelain and beaded jewelry is inspired by nature and created in Collegeville. Each piece is original and hand-made. Contact Tonya for information about custom-made designs .   

spin

See How She Spins

 

Little Lost Creek Alpaca will have a special guest this week. 14-year-old, Katy - a skilled spinner from Lansdale, who has lots of experience working with fiber - will be visiting our market  from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

 

She'll demonstrate how fiber is spun into yarn and share what she's learned about raising Angora bunnies. The bunny next to Katy  in the picture (taken at the 4H Fair last month)  is Jon, and he or another one of Katy's bunnies might be making an appearance at the market this weekend, as well.

 

Stop by Little Lost Creek's Alpacas' stand for a visit and to learn more about Angora bunnies, their soft fur, and how it is spun into luxurious yarn.

 

chocolate

Enchanted Garden of Chocolates

 

This fall, take a bite out of a Magic Apple or a Chocolate Pumpkin from John and Kira's Enchanted Garden Line of hand-crafted chocolates. You will  be spellbound.

 

 

Magic Apples are made from cream and chocolate with a touch of cinnamon, a dash of cardamom and a splash of apple brandy.  The creamy ganache is then delicately folded into a Valrhona 62% dark chocolate shell. All are hand finished

with their own unique stem.

 

Chocolate Pumpkins will entice you with dark chocolate, silky caramel and spices all magically transformed into a decadent bite of  autumn. 

 

These candies make the perfect fall gift and will be the highlight of any Halloween party

or Thanksgiving dinner.

stage
This Week on Stage: 
 The Barn Swallows
 
The Barn Swallows call their particular sound "Country-Folk Bluegrass-Pop". Their music is soothing and spacious, drawing the listener in with bright and intriguing dobro and guitar work, and lyrics that are deceptively simple, yet profoundly poetic.

cookie
 
Grab a cup of coffee from across from the Main Street table and a sweet Gluten-Free Treat and enjoy your morning.
 
 
Beth Reed will be bringing along the start of an exciting fall line-up, including:  
  • GF Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
  • GF/ Dairy-free Carrot Snack Cakes
  • GF Lemon White Chocolate Biscotti
  • GF Maple Sugar Cookies, 
  • GF Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.
 
marcy
Granola Goodness - 
More of a good thing


Marcy's Granola  "2-For " sale is still going strong!  The more you buy the more you save.  And if anyone has any two pound containers to recycle they can save even more! Stop by for details.

betsy

"Fall" -ing for Cupcakes!

Iced by Betsy welcomes the season of Fall with loving arms & yummy cupcakes! Make sure to stop by the market this week to check out two new seasonal cupcakes. 

 

 cupcakes 1st day

  

Jeannie's Crispy Apple is a  moist, fresh, apple spice cake filled with tasty homemade apple butter and topped with cinnamon, toasted oats, and brown sugar.

  

Choktoberfest is moist, fresh pumpkin cupcake filled with chocolate filling and frosted with cream cheese frosting studded with mini chocolate chips

  

Also at the market this week:

Twisted Lime, PB & C, 

Dark Side and C3. 

 

You can pre-order any quantity of cupcakes from the flavors of the week! Place your order via email cupcakes@ICEDbyBetsy.com or phone (610)755-7062.

 

Find out more about Betsy's cupcakes this week in her newsletter.

 

 


rumpel

Rumpelstiltskin?

Only you can save Jenny and Frank's new gelato flavor from getting a terrible name like Rumplestiltskin. 

 

 

 

They are introducing a brand new secret flavor this week, but they need help naming it. Stop by for a taste and suggest a name. 

 

Then bring home a delicious taste of summer on the first day of fall. 

 

Other flavors available this week include: Classic Vanilla, Seas Salt Caramel, Rustic Lemon, and Chocolate Supreme Gelati, as well as fall Pear Sorbet with Midori.  

 


Little Lost Creek Alpacas
fire 
Over the Fence: 
News from the Neighbors

 

  

  

   

 

 

Treasures and Bargains Abound at

Collegeville's Colossal Town Yard Sale This Saturday

 

After you stop by the Farmers' Market this Saturday, continue your enjoyment of the beautiful fall morning by making a second stop at Collegeville's largest-ever community yard sale, with close to 100 families participating, at the Collegeville Shopping Center at Rt. 29 and Ridge Pike!

 

The Yard Sale runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with plenty of parking available at the Shopping Center. 

 

The Yard Sale is sponsored by the non-profit Collegeville Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), which runs the Main Street program and the Farmers' Market.  They will be selling ICED by Betsy cupcakes and cold drinks as a fundraiser.  While at the Yard Sale, hungry customers and vendors can also take advantage of the Collegeville Shopping Center's many eateries:  Dunkin' Donuts, Rita's water Ice, The Pizza Stop, Subway, Great Wall Chinese Restaurant and McDonald's, as well as take care of errands at the local businesses.

  

The Collegeville Farmers' Market and the Collegeville Main Street program are sponsored by the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation (CEDC).  

 

Support the Farmers' Market by becoming a member of the CEDC, a 501 (c)3 non-profit group which is working to revitalize our local business district and further improve the quality-of-life of residents.  For more information:  http://www.collegevilledevelopment.org

 

Contact:

Maureen Cawley
Collegeville Farmers' Market Manager