Kids, Cukes and Carrots!


August 28, 2009

Kids, Cukes and Carrots

Kids, bring your parents to the Bellingham Farmers Market Saturday August 29th to enjoy a day full of fresh local food and little people! There will be children's "cooking" demos, storytelling about the history of food and farming in Whatcom Co., and lots of fun activities to help you and get to know your food a little better and have fun. It's okay, play with your food! Brought to you by the Bellingham Farmers Market in partnership with Sustainable Connections as the August Event for "Eat Local EVERY Week." And special thanks to Claire Nilund of Cuisine by Claire, Laura Plaut of Common Threads Farm and David Westerlund, author of Simone Goes to Market for their participation in this event.

10am
Storytime with David Westerlund, author of Simone Goes to Market

11am
Kids Cooking with Claire Niland, Chef/Owner of Cuisine By Claire

All Day
Farm-focused activities provided by Common Threads Farm

OTHER EVENTS

Our Chef in the Market series continues in September with two great demos! Both demos begin promptly at 11am in front of the pavillion.

September 5th - Temple Bar

September 19th - Nimbus Restaurant

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR MARKET!

Meet Our Vendors

Dorie and John Belisle of BelleWood Acres

What's the best thing about being a farmer? The best thing about being a farmer is being part of the miracle of growth. It is a true honor to coach fruit from the soil. It is also an honor to educate others about food production including care of the soil, health of the trees, pest control and harvest practices.

Learn more about BelleWood Acres....

What's Fresh
Fresh Corn!

Corn should be used soon after picking or purchasing. It can lose half of it's natural sugar within the first 24 hours. The kernels should be medium in size, not small and immature or large and starchy. The husk should be fresh and green looking, not dried. As soon as you return home refrigerate the corn in the husk, if you aren't going to cook it immediately. Place in unsealed or in perforated plastic bags and husk right before cooking.

Of course, you can freeze your fresh corn to enjoy later in the season. Simply follow these steps:

Hust the corn
Blanch ears in a large pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes
Remove ears and place in an ice bath for 5 minutes
Cut corn from the cob
Place cut corn into freezer bags, squeeze out the excess air and seal.
Pop in the freezer!

Saying Farewell to Bills Bees

Bill Blanchard has sold his business and will be moving on starting in September! Please be sure to stop by and wish Bill well this Saturday, August 29th, his last day. We will miss his easy-going manner and groovy glasses!

Luckily, we can still enjoy his honey by way of his apprentice who will taking over the business under the name Backyard Bees!

Featured Recipe

Zucchini is coming on strong! One of my favorite blogs is Chocolate and Zucchini and you can't beat it for a wide variety of zucchini recipes. Here's a spin on one of her simplest recipes:

Zucchini Carpaccio

Ingredients:

zucchinis

juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

fresh thyme

goat cheese

salt and pepper

Preparation:
Thinly slice zucchini into long strips using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler. Whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Pour over slices zucchini and let set for 15 minutes. Layer zucchini on a platter and top with fresh thyme and crumbed goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Smart Trips Leaders

Congratulations to all the Smart Trips Leaders who were rewarded on August 8th. If you received a $15 coupon for the Market, please be aware that you can use these just like cash with any vendor in the Market. Some vendors may have minimum purchase requirements due to lack of change, just ask. You DO NOT need to come to the Information Booth before using the coupon.

Great job and we look forward to seeing you at the Market!

"Love Your Farmers Market" Contest

Care2.com and LovalHarvest.org are sponsoring a "Love Your Farmers Market" contest. The winning market can win $5,000 or other prizes. This money would help us continue to develop and improve programs like our Chef in the Market series, Kids Vending Day, live entertainment and our informational website and electronic newsletter.

Every vote helps promote local food, family farms and sustainable agriculture. Please help my farmers market win by voting today. Thanks!

CLICK HERE to vote and spread the word!

Suggestions and Comments Are Welcome!
Email your ideas or concerns to market@bellinghamfarmers.org. There will also be a 'Suggestion Box' available at the Information Booth each Saturday for your comments.