Market News - September 7, 2010
From the Market Manager
Last week someone came to me and said that she was told that Trinity Farm puts rice flour into their yogurt. Not so. The ingredients are on the label; no rice flour. I have been down to Trinity Farm many times and have seen Dale and Mike making yogurt and butter. They are scrupulously clean and extremely careful with what they do. In fact, when I asked Mike why they don’t sell raw milk (something Dale said they did many years ago) he said, “Because any farm can have a bad day.” If you ever have any questions of any of our vendors, just ask them directly.If you want to make applesauce, or can tomatoes etc., ask for utility grade produce. It’s much cheaper, and perfect for those purposes. You can always special order what you need from one of our farmers.
If you cut corn off the cob to freeze, put the cobs in some water and boil for about 10 minutes. Save that water in the freezer and use it in vegetable soup.
Impoco Poultry re-opened on Walnut Street in Springfield several months ago. They were in Feeding Hills for many years. They are open Tuesday-Friday 9-6, and Saturday and Sunday 9-3, closed on Monday. Very fresh chicken and other poultry as well as goat and oxtails.
We all know about the recent salmonella outbreak in the Midwest. That did not happen here in the East. None of the eggs were distributed in our region. I understand how it happened (infected chickens, extremely overcrowded conditions,) but I don’t understand how our government agencies that are supposed to be watching over that type of operation could have been so lax. Was everyone bribed? I don’t know, but how could such an operation continue for so long? Especially since the owner has had many infractions previously.
We have become very used to cheap food here in the U.S. and I admit that I like buying eggs on sale particularly because I bake so much. I don’t think about where they come from because I foolishly assume that the government agencies that are supposed to protect me are doing their jobs. I wonder how much better off we are here than they are in China with their lax supervision.
EBT-Debit-Credit-WIC-Elder Coupons
Someone emailed me recently asking why our market doesn’t take the food stamp card (EBT). I’m not sure if this woman has been to our market, but if she has, she isn’t paying attention. This is our third year accepting these cards as well as debit and credit cards. It’s in all of our advertising, we have a sign near the market table, and I write about it regularly in this newsletter. You must come to the market table where we will swipe your card and then give you wooden tokens which you use like cash. EBT tokens are used only for food while the other tokens can be used for anything. The WIC and Elder coupons are only for produce and the elder coupons can also be used to buy honey. The latter coupons must be redeemed by the end of October even though our market will go until November 16th. Organic, IPM, Conventional
IPM is NOT organic. It stands for integrated pest management. I am told that it is very difficult to grow fruit organically, particularly since we Americans like our food to be perfect. Produce using ipm farming practices could have pesticides and herbicides used in their production although their goal is to use as few conventional products as possible. Conventional farming practices will use pesticides and herbicides that aren’t organic. I know that many conventional growers are trying to use as few of those as possible, but if you need to know what they use ask them. Also, any farm can use organic farming practices, but they may not say that they are certified organic. In order to be certified the farm must follow very specific rules. Some Great Household Hints
Check your washer hoses. They become brittle over time. Also, turn off the faucet between washes to extend the life of the hose. Install deadbolt locks if you don’t have them already. Check your locks to make sure that they all work properly.
De-clutter the basement and garage and attic. It’s not an easy chore, but it is something that should be done. If you can’t do it all yourself, hire someone and supervise. Believe me when I tell you that it is a dreadful task for your children after you die.
Welcome Back Don Mayou
Our honey man is back after having had surgery this summer. Our ice cream vendor, Michael Rheault, is done for the season, and he has sold his truck, so I’ll be looking for someone to sell ice cream next year.Chicken Breasts in Wild Mushroom Sauce
8 boneless chicken breast halves¾# fresh wild mushrooms
¾ C. sherry or port
4 T. unsalted butter
¼ C. flour
2 C. half and half
1 T. fresh, or ¾ tsp. dried thyme
1 C. sour cream
Salt and white pepper
Chop mushrooms, soak in wine for 30 minutes. Drain and save liquid. Heat butter over medium heat, add flour, cook ‘til bubbly about 3-5 minutes. Add cream & reserved wine & cook stirring until thick about 10 minutes. Then add sour cream, reserved mushrooms & salt & pepper to taste. Arrange breasts in ovenproof dish and bake 35-45 minutes. Serve with noodles or rice.
