July 29th, 2010
Vol 4, Issue 15
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Market Updates                      
With the arrival of corn at the market, it seems that summer is here to stay. Happy Harvest Farm, Sweet Leaf Farm, and Thompson Farms all have delicious sweet corn available at the market. Deep Roots Farm's peppers are starting to turn red, a sure sign that hot peppers and eggplant will soon be showing up at the market! In fact last Saturday, THINK Unique Gardens had a very small but very sweet amount of eggplant available. Mark your calendars now for the Crazy Eggplant Festival at the Hollywood Farmers Market on September 4th! More information is on its way.

See you at the Market!
Pie Contest Reminder!!!              
minipieJust a quick reminder that the Pie Contest is quickly approaching.

As you've no doubt noticed, we're into the heart of berry season at the market, and for the next few weeks will be enjoying the rich harvest of local berries at the market. And one of the best things about berry season is berry pie, which is why we're happy to announce our 1st Annual Berry Pie Contest!

A number of folks have asked about submitting pie cherriespeach or cherry pies and while the contest is being promoted as the "Berry Pie Contest" no judge is going to frown at a slice of peach pie or ding someone points for their creative (and delicious) use of cherries. So bring on the pies, folks, bring on the pies.

two mini pies and one big blackberry pieHere's a great article about making the perfect fruit pie if you need a little inspiration.

The pie contest will be held at the market on Saturday, August 7th, so pick out some fruit or berries this week at the market for practice! Remember, the pie contest needs you to make it happen. Points will be awarded for deliciousness, creativity and visual appeal. Happy baking!

-- Contest Rules --
  • Pies entered for judging must be made with fruit or berries purchased fresh. Fruit and berries do not need to come from the Hollywood Farmers Market, but there will be extra points for buying local. Ask at the information booth for more details on mid-week farmers markets.
  • Pie crust and filling must be prepared and baked by the person submitting the pie for judging.
  • Entries must include entry form and original recipe listing all ingredients and method in order to be considered for judging.
  • Pie plates will not be returned to contestants, so we encourage contestants to submit pies in a recyclable pie plate.
  • All pies submitted for judging become the property of the Hollywood Farmers Market and may not be returned to you in time for dessert.
  • Entries will be accepted from 8am until 10am. Judging will begin promptly at 10:30am, with winners announced at 12:00 noon.
Making and Freezing Basil Pesto          
To me, summer just isn't summer without fresh basil pesto and everyone has their own favorite recipe. I will not try to sway you from yours, but here is one definitely worth trying.

3 cups loosely packed basil leaves
1 cup loosely packed flat leaf parsley
4-6 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
3/4 cup toasted walnuts
1/4 - 1/2 cup finely grated parmigiano reggiano (omit if freezing)
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
finely ground black pepper to taste (optional)

Lightly toast walnuts in a dry pan over low or medium-low heat. Stir and watch carefully to make sure they don't burn or get too brown. Remove walnuts from pan and set aside to cool.

Pulse garlic cloves in a blender or food processor and add handfuls of basil and parsley leaves until everything is coarsely chopped. Add toasted walnuts, olive oil, parmigiano reggiano, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend. Add more olive oil if the mixture gets too thick. Taste and adjust proportions as you see fit!

For freezing:

There are a couple ways to freeze pesto. I like the freezer tray method but some people prefer to fill ramekins or 4 oz jelly jars. Here are directions for both.

Using a spatula or spoon,fill an ice cube tray with pesto. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag. Try to get as much air out of the bag as you can and consider double bagging for protection. To freeze into ramekins or jelly jars, fill the containers, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top, wrap in saran wrap and freeze. If you have lids for the jelly jars, use them. Don't forget to label with the date and contents!

Remember to omit the cheese if you are going to freeze a batch, it tastes so much better with the cheese added just before serving.

Freezing pesto will remind you of why you love living in Oregon this winter as you thaw your pesto and enjoy a little Oregon summer in the rain.

--  Sarah Broderick, HFM Market Manager
This Week at the Market
Music:
Catch & Release

Community Booths:

American Iranian Friendship Council
Andeo International Homestays

Locally Grown Poetry:
John Morrison & Dave Jarecki - 10:30am
BT Shaw & Friend - 11:30am

Chef Educators:
Caprial + John

Upcoming Events:

Berry Pie Contest - 8/7
Fresh Funds
Check here each week for updates on our fund raising efforts for the Fresh Funds Program, the Hollywood Farmers Market's SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) match program.

Fresh Funds Goal: $7,000
Amount Raised to Date: $3,238
Total Dollars Matched to SNAP Customers to Date:
$2,883

Every Saturday, SNAP customers can use their EBT card to withdraw SNAP dollars to be used on market fresh produce and goods. The Hollywood Farmers Market will match up to $5 in tokens to increase SNAP customer spending power at the market and reward healthy eating.

A big thank you goes to New Seasons Market for their generous $3,000 grant that got this program started. Now it is up to us to keep it going.

This match only lasts as long as we have funds for it. Please consider donating today! Call 503-709-7403 for more information.

Market Pics
Corn is here!
corn

HFM Volunteer Laura loves summer squash (and vegetables that come in fun shapes).

laura holding summer squash
Sunny sunflowers from Sweet Leaf Farm.

sunflowers with beautiful sunlight
Edible flowers and cut herbs from Gales Meadow Farm are the perfect way to season a summer salad.

gorgeous basket of edible flowers and herbs
Golden Raspberry Pie anyone?
lots and lots of berries


hfm_mapThe Hollywood Farmers Market is open Saturdays, May through Thanksgiving from 8am - 1pm. (November Markets begin at 9am).

We are located on NE Hancock Street between 44th and 45th Avenues (one block South of Sandy Blvd).

For more information, check us out online at www.hollywoodfarmersmarket.org.

See you Saturday!

Hollywood Farmers Market
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