ENW
 
May 2010
Best in Western WashingtonWinners Announced
2010 Best of Northwest Escapes

Woo Hoo! The people of the Northwest have spoken and the Bellingham Farmers Market was voted #1 Farmers Market in Western Washington! Thanks for all the love and support. We hope to continue living up to this honor!

Mother's Day Extravaganza

Weasel GlassThis year, bring your mom to the Market for breakfast, lunch or a snack, enjoy the live music, and let her pick out her own gift! There are gifts in all price ranges and for all kinds of mothers!

Many of the Market crafters will offer specials and live demonstrations.  We'll also have drawings for two well-appointed gift baskets - each valued at between $250-300! Moms, be sure to stop by the Bellingham Farmers Market Information Booth to register for free. If you're not a Mom and would like a chance to win the basket for the special matriarch in your life, you may purchase a ticket for the drawing for only $1!

Also available at the information booth are market aprons, dishtowels, shirts, shopping bags, and much more - wrap your gift in a Market dishtowel or put it in a Market shopping bag for bonus points! And don't forget Market Bucks - the easiest way for your mom to pick out her own present, now or in the future.

Here's a sampling of the great gifts available at the Bellingham Farmers Market:

Gardener Mom - Potted plants and small trees, veggie starts, planters, gardener's hand soap, hand lotion, bat houses, garden art, grow-your-own mushroom kits.

Foodie Mom - Aprons, recipe notecards, mugs, the freshest veggies anywhere, spice mixes, fresh herbs, fresh pasta, local meats and dairy (both cow and goat) products, smoked salmon, jams, relishes, honey, breads and baked goods (including gluten-free items), teas and coffees.

Stressed Mom - Soaps, lotions, bath salts, herbal teas, mugs, lavender sleep mask, herbal flax pillows, massage oil, balms - and massage on-site!

Creative Special Mom - Original art, jewelry, decorative pillows, handmade purses and bags, luxurious yarn, fresh and dried flowers, table linens and scarves, eclectic clothing.

See you at the Market!
Market Bucks Make Great Gifts!

Weasel GlassMarket Bucks can be used at any Market booth just like cash.  They are available in $5 increments at our Information Booth.  They make great gifts! 
MARK YOUR CALENDERS!
Wednesday Market Opening June 2nd!

The perfect mid-week pick-me-up is just around the corner. Remember to stop by Fairhaven Village Green on Wednesdays through September, from 12noon-5pm. Along with over a dozen farms offering fresh produce, we have vendors offering baked goods, lunch and beverages. It's also a great place to pick up a unique hand-crafted gift!

See you at the Market!
 

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.
Chef in the Market

Weasel GlassThe popular "Chef in the Market" free cooking demonstrations at the Bellingham Farmers Market return on Saturday, May 15, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
 
Wondering what to do with all the fresh spinach now at the Market? Not sure how to use garlic greens? Come see - and taste - what local chefs Mataio Gillis (Ciao Thyme) at 11 a.m. and Josh Silverman (Nimbus Restaurant) at 1p.m., make of these ubiquitous spring vegetables.
 
Our focus this year is on affordable recipes of five ingredients or less, using the most plentiful vegetables at the Market. We want to help folks stretch their food-buying dollars and get some new ideas for delicious, easy, healthful meals.
 
Offering the Chef in the Market twice each time, with two different chefs, doubles the value of coming to the Market on that day.
 
We are honored to have COUNTRY® Financial sponsor this valuable community program.

COUNTRY® Financial representative Jamie Imus will emcee the Chef in the Market presentations, with fellow financial representatives Lesa Boxx and Ryan Grams.

2010 CHEF IN THE MARKET DAYS
11a.m. & 1 p.m.
June 19
July 17
August 21
September 18

Thank you to our Program Sponsor:
 
Country Financial
WHAT'S FRESH?
Photo by Cynthia St. ClairRADISHES

These beautiful little gems are more versatile than most of us give them credit for. They are fat free and low in sodium. A serving of radishes has only 20 calories and they provide a healthy dose of Vitamin C.

While they are lovely in a fresh salad, cooking them mellows out their peppery bite, giving us a plethora of new uses for this common Spring veggie. Radishes can be roasted, sauteed and fried.

One of my favorite ways to cook radishes involve braising them with butter, sugar, salt and pepper. The technique is simple and results in a lovely side dish. I love them to serve them with crusty, buttered bread.

Braised Radishes

Halve a pound of radishes (any type) and place in a large skillet with just enough cold water to cover. Add 3 TBS. butter, 2 TBS. sugar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Reduce temperature and simmer until the radishes are tender and the liquid has reduced to a glaze, about 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy!