Blogs

Ah….  the final market of the "summer"! 
Kiss the summer squash goodbye (or like most of us - just kick it out the door!) and say hello to apples and squash.
Brussel sprouts, kale, squash, pumpkins, potatoes and beets are just a few of the fall specialties we think of in New England. 
At my house, we enjoyed roasted root vegetables and potato leek soup tonight.    I don’t know about you, but I find the most simple dishes are what my kids love best.  No frills - no spice.   
 
Speaking of recipes, if you have any to share, I'm collecting them for a recipe collection (for our website and potentially for a cook book).  Please send 'em my way or just write one down at Sally's table at the market.   
 
This week we've got a very special happening : we welcome back Pete and Karen Sutherland to play for us!  They'll be playing around 4:30pm, so come one, come all! 
 
Also, if you haven't noticed - we've got a new bread vendor:  Corinne Chatelan and Simha Will are bringing their brick oven baked breads to market.  Their business is titled, Rising Culture.  Look for them in the Northeast corner of the market.  Delicious crusty breads.  Sourdough I believe is their specialty. 
 
This week you can also find fresh apples, picked in Lincoln at the Vince homestead. 
 
The countdown begins…  only 4 more markets remain.  Let's finish the season with a bang!
 
See you at the market,
Olga

Hey there young market goers!  Tomorrow's market will include a special happening just for you.
 
FIND THE GNOMES is an activity for the kids of our community;
a special scavenger hunt around the town green, where gnomes and special fairy lore are hidden throughout our market. 
 
Times depend on how many little seekers show up, but we'll try to accommodate you whenever you arrive. Arrive any time and meet at Jen Kane's table (Kidzcolors) for info on how to get started.  Thank you to Jen Kane for organizing this fun market event! 
 
Also, have you noticed the NEW Bristol Farmers' Market t-shirts at the market managers' table (that's Sally's table, for those of you who know her - and if you don't, just introduce yourself!)
 
Our market t-shirt sports a beautiful wood-carving print from Vermont's own Mary Azarian.  Shirts come in a comfy cotton and are printed here in Bristol.  Can't find a shirt in the right size or color?  No problem!  Sally can take your order and have it ready for you next week.  They make great gifts, too!  $12 for kids, $16 for adults.  All proceeds go to the promotions of the market. 
 
OK, here's another quick menu idea for this week.  With school here and busy schedules back in gear, how about a…
 
Crustless Quiche and roasted vegetables (had this tonight as a matter of fact)
Yup, who needs the bother of a crust anyway?  This is quick, healthy and yup - LOCAL!
 
combination of fresh vegetables (zucchini / summer squash slices, tomatoes or whatever you've got)
leafy greens (kale, swiss chard, collards, spinach)
garlic - pressed or chopped
onion  - sliced thin
6 - 8 eggs
1/2 cup of cream (or milk)
 
Sauté up the onion and garlic.  Add vegetables until soft.  Throw in greens last until then wilt.  Beat eggs and dairy together in a buttered pie-plate.  Add sautéed ingredients and put in a 375 degree oven.  Bake for about 35 minutes.  Add some roasted root vegetables to the menu (potatoes, beets, carrots, turnip) and you've got an easy, quick meal. 
 
Happy eating! 
See you at the market,
Olga

Well, as my calendar reads, it looks like there is 26 more days of summer.  Up here in the hills of Lincoln though, it feels a bit like Fall when we hear forecasts for nighttime temperatures in the 30's.  I'd usually rush to cover up my tomatoes, but thank goodness all that rain took care of them weeks ago.  Good riddance - now I don't have to worry about covering them up.  (boo-hoo)  Well, at least theres the Bristol Farmers Market to help me out. 
 
Yes, there are only 7 markets left to the season - so lets stock up on the summer items while they last.  Tomatoes, Corn, green beans, will be a thing of the past sooner than we can say "succotash".  How about freezing some green beans this year?  A simple blanching is all it takes; then pop them in the freezer for your favorite stews, soups and sides.  Canning tomatoes definitely takes some work, but having those precious jars to fall back on in the dark winter brings such joy!  Ask our vendors about "canners".  And if you need some tips on food preservations, don't hestitate to email me or look for me at the market.  I love putting food up;  I'm a bit of a geek for preserving and freezing.  There are so many possibilities…
 
Band concerts are sure to end soon too.  Have you brought the kids and family down for a concert yet this year?  My favorite are the enthusiasts who listen from their cars and beep their horns in lieu of applause!  The kids love swinging to the John Philip Sousa tunes and you can sit and enjoy a picnic of locally produced menu items.  Cheese, wine, bread, or heck - samosas, lasagna and ice cream! 
 
Get it while it lasts…  the kids may be going back to school, but it doesn't mean that you can't still come down to Bristol to share in our Wednesday tradition. 
 
I'll see you at the market!
 
Olga
 
 

Ah, with July 4th right around the corner, it's feels as though summer is really upon us.  Have you enjoyed all the tastes of spring? - the spinach, peas and strawberries won't be here much longer.  I was actually picking strawberries yesterday and realized that we've only got a few days left (in Lincoln) to enjoy them.  Well, unless you've got those nifty, cute - everbearing varieties.  Well, you get my point - get 'em now, because before we know it we'll be shucking the sweet corn!
 
Get togethers are also here in full bloom - picnics, parties, potlucks, weddings and those good-ole family reunions.  There are wonderful gift ideas at our market - pottery, photography, perennials, cards, candles and more.  
 
Is there something that you wish we had at the market?  Let me know - my job is to bring in more customers to keep our vendors satisfied.  To do that, we need to meet your needs!  Feel free to email me with any of your comments or product suggests.  olga@madriver.com.  Also, bring a friend to the market!  We'd love to see some new faces on the Green. 
 
Music this week is provided by the lovely Harp Duo - Margie Bekoff and Susan Reit.  5 years ago, as moms, Margie and Susan began playing harp together for their children's theater performances.  Now, they've become a harp duo extraordinaire!  Featuring Celtic music with a few surprises thrown in.
 
Finally - two Pesto recipes.  Pesto is simple, quick to make, kid-friendly and so DELICIOUS!  Good on pasta, chicken and shrimp.
 
BASIL PESTO
4 garlic cloves (or garlic scapes)
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, towel dried
1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts work well)
1/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
s & p (salt and pepper)
 
Using your food processor or blender, begin processing first 5 ingredients.  After they've been processed, keep the motor running and add the olive oil.  Next add the cheese and season with s & p.  Yummy and you only dirtied ONE kitchen appliance!
 
SPINACH ARUGULA PESTO
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons toasted nuts (walnuts or pine)
1 1/2 cups packed arugula leaves, towel dried
1 1/2 cups packed fresh spinach leaves, towel dried
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil.
s & p
 
Follow same processing instructions as with the BASIC PESTO.
 
See you at the market!
 
Olga

 
Looks like today is the "pick of the week" according to WDEV weatherman, Roger Hill. 
And it's a good thing because we've got some great things happening today at the Bristol Farmers' Market!
 
From 3-4pm today we're hosting a first time ever - STORYTIME for kids, (thank you Rachel Edwards!) - held in the gazebo.  All ages welcome.
(Speaking of kids - kids LOVE farmers' markets!  I have three, so I can say this with certainty.  Why not plan play dates at the farmers' market?  And for the older kids, plan to participate in the Youth Market - August 13th.  Mark your calendars!)
 
Performing from 4 - 5pm is Womensing - the local a cappella group, bringing us songs from around the world.  We are so lucky to have these women in our community sharing their harmonies.
 
As always, we've got a great selection of vendors - and there are new ones still arriving.
 
See you at the market!
 
Olga

 
Hi Neighbors and Local Shoppers!
We were very pleased with last week's kick off to the Bristol Farmers Market.  The day was spectacular, vendors fresh and energized, produce looking crisp and springy, strawberries sweet, and did you see those new flags and banners?  We're off to a festive start!
 
This week, we're happy to welcome new vendors bringing:
Fresh Juice
Organic Breads, Cookies and treats
Herbal Tinctures
Photography, pottery, birdhouses, and more…
 
Of course, there will be loads of fresh produce (including STRAWBERRIES!), prepared foods, cheese, flowers, plants for your garden, eggs, herbs and gift ideas for your loved ones. 
 
Go and see Sally, our site manager, to enter your name in our raffle for a free gift certificate for Almost Home Market (drawing will be next week). 
 
Our music this week is also home-grown - by YOU!  We are hosting a drum circle for anyone to join.  We'll have extra instruments to share.  Kids are always welcome. 
 
Olga's recipe idea #2 (#1 was last week for those of you just joining us):
We hosted an impromptu birthday party for my 2 year old this past Saturday and with no planning, I made salads for my guests with what was in the garden - Strawberries and Spinach
 
"The S Salad" (Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad)
All you need are sliced strawberries, spinach (or any seasonal leafy green), and perhaps a local cheese (ah-hem - we've got that too!)
Toss with your favorite salad dressing and presto - you've got a tasty crowd pleasing first course.  Enough said.
 
Finally, I wanted to inform you of a talk going on next week.  Let's continue the discussion of how we're going to grow our local food movement and create a more healthy, strong and SECURE food system in Vermont!
 
"From Fast Food Nation to Sustainable Agriculture" Saturday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. Contois Auditorium at City Hall, Burlington Town Meeting with Senator Bernie Sanders and writer Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) to talk about vital issues related to farming and food.  Strawberry shortcake will be served.  Free and open to the public.  Call 1-800-339-9834 for more info or to RSVP.
See you at the market!