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Market at Dothan is OPEN
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
MERRY CHRISTMAS
It is hot as blue blazes and those of us in the deep south are starting to tire of the temperatures and long for some relief from the heat. I personally deal with it by mentally counting down the weeks to mid September when the nights start cooling. Celebrating Christmas in July is one way people get their minds off the heat. There’s no changing the season, but we can make the best of it and maybe even reduce some of the work load we anticipate in December by thinking cool thoughts and starting gift preparations now.
While observing Christmas in July is typically hot for us in the northern hemisphere, it’s actually a way countries in the southern hemisphere can experience what is a stereotype cold/snowy/sled riding/ snowman building Christmas for those in the northern hemisphere. And every culture has its own spin about its origins. Concerning faith, that Christmas is the birthdate of Jesus Christ, why not July since we really don’t know when He was born? There are a lot of fun facts concerning it, so be sure to read up on it below. But don’t skip over the Vendor section as you will find some good stocking stuffers and good ideas for the Christmas List you’re going to start this week!
In the retail/merchandising spirit of Christmas in July, Isabelle Smith will be joining me this Friday during Market pickup. Isabelle has a wonderful website, netshophealth.ibuyrite.com, that offers health store items at very competitive prices with free shipping for purchases $30 or more. She’s also a representative for ibuyrite.com and can help others interested in creating or expanding their own internet business. Even if you don’t order, feel free to come by and meet her.
Fun Facts
The earliest known occasion to make the phrase Christmas in July literal was in July 1933 at Camp Keystone, a girl’s summer camp in North Carolina, which celebrated with a Christmas Tree, gifts, and a visit by Santa Claus.
In 1935, the National Recreation Association’s journal Recreation described what a Christmas in July was like at a girl’s camp, writing that “all mystery and wonder surround this annual event.”
The term, if not the exact concept, was given national attention with the release of the Hollywood movie comedy Christmas in July in 1940. In the story, a man is fooled into believing he has won $25,000 in an advertising slogan contest. He buys presents for family, friends, and neighbors, and proposes marriage to his girlfriend.
In 1942, the Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., celebrated Christmas in July with carols and the sermon “Christmas Presents in July”.They repeated it in 1943, with a Christmas tree covered with donations. The pastor explained that the special service was patterned after a program held each summer at his former church in Philadelphia, when the congregation would present Christmas gifts early to give ample time for their distribution to missions worldwide. It became an annual event, and in 1945, the service began to be broadcast over local radio.
The U.S. Post Office and U.S. Army and Navy officials, in conjunction with the American advertising and greeting card industries, threw a Christmas in July luncheon in New York in 1944 to promote an early Christmas mailing campaign for service men and women overseas during World War II. The luncheon was repeated in 1945.
American advertisers began using Christmas in July themes in print for summertime sales as early as 1950. In the United States, it is more often used as a marketing tool than an actual holiday. Television stations may choose to re-run Christmas specials, and many stores have Christmas in July sales. Some individuals choose to celebrate Christmas in July themselves, typically as an intentionally transparent excuse to have a party. This is in part because most bargainers tend to sell Christmas goods around July to make room for next year’s inventory.
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
July 9 Market Newsletter
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
This and That
As luck would have it our next Market pick up date falls on a national holiday. National Give Something Away Day is celebrated annually on July 15. This is a day to give something to someone. It can be something that is a basic necessity like shoes or clothing or something more frivolous like flowers or a balloon bouquet. Spend time with someone in a hospital or just call someone to let them know you are thinking about them. National Give Something Away Day is a day to pay it forward and do something nice for someone, whether it is someone you know or a stranger.
Our Market Vendors will be celebrating by giving something to you! Each one will be leaving “something” at the market for customers to receive if you need or want an item. One gift per customer and first come first served. We will try to make sure everyone receives a gift and hope you’ll join the fun by paying kindness forward as you go through your day and come in contact with more people.
Blueberry season is winding down but we still have a few fresh ones to enjoy while it lasts. Don’t forget to check the rest of the vendor section for new products and restocks.
Farm to Table Recipes
We usually double this because it is so delicious! It freezes well. Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
4 eggs, separated
1 Tbsp water
1/2 cup sugar
5 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Butter an 8 inch round cake pan. Separate eggs. Add egg whites to a bowl and 1 T water. Beat until stiff. In clean bowl, beat the egg yolks together with the sugar, water and vanilla until light. Beat in the melted butter and beat for 1 minute. Beat in the flour. Add the milk and beat until well incorporated. Gently fold in egg whites to combine. It will be very thin and watery. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 3 hours before putting on a serving plate. Chill and serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
July 2, 2016 Market at Dothan is OPEN
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
This and That from Your Growers
It might be the heat that’s making us a bit touched in the head, but we growers have been taking amongst ourselves and decided to come clean about some of the crazy things that make our farms unique. Jennifer from Sandspur Farms volunteered to go first. Enjoy and be on the lookout for more!
“Back during prohibition there were families that made moonshine. Everyone knows that. What some people might not know is that the land where I raise my pigs, cows and vegetables was site of such a place. We have a natural spring that is still wet this many years later. My great grandfather along with my great uncle and some neighbors were moonshine makers of that time. My Granny would stay at home and keep an eye out for the law, if they came she would fire a shotgun. My great uncle once told me of a time when she fired the shotgun as a warning to them. He took off running as fast as he could through the woods and kept running for about 5 miles. Later that evening, he made it back home. I guess as long as the police didn’t SEE you doing it they could not do anything about it. That same old man turned 91 this past January and still gets tickled about those days. I must admit that I find their stories highly amusing too.”
What’s a ZOODLE?
1 Tbs butter
1 large zucchini, spiralized into noodles
1-2 medium heirloom tomatoes ( such as Mini Orange Tomatoes)
2 fresh eggs
2 Tbs mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place zoodles in skillet, salt, pepper and cook, flipping every 2 minutes until slightly soft and beginning to brown. Cut tomatoes into small pieces and place in skillet with zoodles. Cook until tomatoes are blistered and warm through. While the tomatoes are cooking, ready a pan to poach the eggs. Turn heat on zoodles down to low so they don’t get too brown, then Poach eggs. Layer a bowl with zoodles and tomatoes, cheese, then finish with poached eggs on top. Add more salt and pepper as needed.
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
Market at Dothan is OPEN
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
This and That from Ros
With Summer Solstice just behind us and the hot months of July and August looming ahead it’s pretty safe to say we’re in the thick of summer now. Fresh vegetables are still being picked and there’s plenty of work to be done if you do any type canning or freezing for the other seasons.
Here at Horton’s Farm I’ve spent many hours sorting through strawberry culls to make my Mr.‘s beloved strawberry puree. At our house it goes on pancakes, waffles, and cereal. On a more personal level, six years after his heart surgery I am a true believer that a healthy diet and lifestyle can halt if not reverse many ailments. We saw evidence of that with his most recent testings showing IMPROVEMENT in his heart function. We can’t help but believe that all the color rich foods he eats daily have something to do with that.
THANK YOU those who picked up at Market yesterday! It’s taking just a bit longer to check out due to more produce being kept in coolers and I appreciate everyone’s patience with that. The more tender products hold up better not being exposed to the elements. It is also a plus to the vegetables to go home to your refrigerator as early as possible so its good to see everyone coming as early as they can. Thank you too to Richter Farms for treating us to samples of their wonderful pork products.
Be sure to check out this week’s new and featured products for your 4th of July Celebrations!
July 4 Inspiration
Sorry, no educational articles or recipes this week. Just good fun HEALTHY ideas for your 4th of July celebrations. We’re including recipe links where needed. Enjoy and have a blessed 4th!
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
June 18, 2016 - Market AT Dothan is Open!
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
This and That from Ros
If you’re wondering “Where have I seen that logo before?” there’s a good chance you saw it on me! My ASAN tee shirt was a gift for speaking at one of their conferences a few years ago. It was the last statewide conference they did as the following year it was replaced by smaller regional conferences. The 2015 Wiregrass meeting was held in Slocomb with several area sustainable farms attending. Aunt Katie’s Garden was there, as was Mt. Moriah Farms, Working Cows, Gaucho, and of course Hortons Farm. Please be sure to take a look at this week’s article to learn more about this organization that’s fighting for the kind of food and future we all want!
ANNOUNCING – - – SWEET ACRES FARM!
Sweet Acres is a new vendor . . . sort of. Sweet Cakes has provided the Market with exquisite baked goods for quite a few years. Anna will continue to do so, however as SWEET ACRES FARM now, she and her Dad are now offering unique vegetable selections as well! Congratulations Anna! We are beyond excited about all the things you’ve been up to!
AND ANNOUNCING – – – ANGIE’S PASTA!
Angie surprised me and listed her amazing FRESH pasta a little earlier than expected so some of you have already been delighted by her culinary skills. You owe it to yourself to try her products. Welcome Angie!
ONE LAST THING . . . If you met Viki Richter yesterday (and now know how very sweet she is!) you’re in for a treat – she’ll be grilling up some of her wonderful heritage pork at pickup on the 24th. Even if you don’t order, come by and taste the love!
More About ASAN
ASAN is a grassroots network of farmers, gardeners, local-food-loving brown thumbs, and everyone in between – who together are building a better food system for Alabamians, by Alabamians.
We hear about how mega-scale industrial agriculture is "efficient,” how it’s needed to “feed the world”… but it’s failing to live up to the hype. Sustainable agriculture holds that the way forward is to resist uniformity and commodification. Farmers foster that spirit in on-farm biological communities – ASAN seeks to foster it in our human communities as well.
Right now ASAN is having a membership drive. Of course we don’t expect everyone to join! But if you think you would like to learn, grow and help farmers, read on.
In joining, you’re helping to protect and remediate our vital soil and water, foster locally rooted community development, and promoting food that is as healthy for those eating it as for those growing it. By joining ASAN you deepen your support for the farmers we’ve already got, and you help make a more fertile bed in which to sprout future farmers as well. By joining ASAN, you’re giving life to a movement for a better way forward for Alabama. It is the next step in supporting farmers and sustainable agriculture.
Join today at https://asanonline.org/join-asan.
$25 annually – Individual Membership
$50 annually – Farm/Household Membership
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
June 11, 2016 Market at Dothan is OPEN
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
This and That from Ros
This coming week is special for my family as my dear Mother turns 80. My sisters and I have been planning a big birthday dinner for her many months now, which means I will not be here for next Friday’s pickup on the 17th. Never fear – Superfarmer Viki Richter of Richter farms will be handling order pickup that day. Many of you have met her already and no doubt will enjoy getting to know her a bit better.
It has been brought to my attention that we have a VERY under-utilized section of our Market website – the RECIPES! All total we have about 25 recipes from four people. Can I just put out a challenge for everyone who gets this to consider adding ONE favorite recipe? And if you add two or more, all the better!
Lastly, be sure to check the vendor list for this week. I’ve been practically trembling in anticipation of announcing SIMPLE LIFE Essential Oils. This is a fairly new company specializing in the highest grade therapeutic oils without the name brand prices. 2C Farms has new products listed so don’t miss that. Please note too that SPRING HILL FARMS is returning to their regular bi-weekly schedule starting this week.
Market Info
SANDSPUR FARMS – CSA boxes, Meat Grab Bags, FEED YOUR FAMILY BOX which is designed this box to help cut some of your time standing in line at the grocery store. This box will contain 5 types of vegetables, one for each night of the week, 1 dozen eggs, plus 5 cuts of meat for the week. Serving size is based on a family of four to five.
Farm to Table Recipes
Ingredients
2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
3 cups fresh or frozen peas
1 cup water
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup half-and-half cream
Optional: cooked, crumbled bacon
1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-12 minutes or until tender. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, place peas and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Drain.
3. In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended; gradually add milk and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in potatoes and peas; heat through. Yield: 12 servings.
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
Market at Dothan - June 5, 2016
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
This and That
Have you ever wished you had saved a recipe, a web link or information you saw in one of our weekly newsletters? Have no fear! They are recorded in the marketatdothan.locallygrown.net website. Simply click on “Weblog” and scroll down till you find what you are looking for.
Don’t miss this week’s recipe. We have three vendors offering fresh blueberries!
With summer upon us, high temperatures are also here to stay. This is the reason you may have noticed multiple coolers when you pick you your market order. While we would LOVE to be able to have every fresh picked item in a cooler, it is just not possible. So we’re asking that you come as early as as you can to pick up your orders for the remainder of summer. Heat is only a friend of fresh picked produce when you’re cooking it.
Lastly, an ANNOUNCEMENT – Meet your Farmer is back! Next week Jennifer from Sandspur Farms (and samples, and extra products for purchase!) will be with us during Market hours. Even if you don’t order come out – meet Jennifer, try some of her stuff and experience the genuine DIFFERENCE in sustainable food!
Market Info
SANDSPUR FARMS – CSA boxes, Meat Grab Bags, FEED YOUR FAMILY BOX which is designed this box to help cut some of your time standing in line at the grocery store. This box will contain 5 types of vegetables, one for each night of the week, 1 dozen eggs, plus 5 cuts of meat for the week. Serving size is based on a family of four to five.
Farm to Table Recipes
Ingredients
1-2 frozen pie shells
1 can evaporated condensed milk
¼ cup lemon juice
1 8 oz package cream cheese at room temperature
Dash of Salt
2-8 cups clean fresh blueberries
Whipped Topping for Garnish
1. Bake the pie shells according to package directions and cool.
2. Mix evaporated milk and cream cheese. Add lemon juice and salt
3. Fold blueberries into mixture. Spoon into pie shells, cover with plastic wrap and chill.
4. Add whipped topping to one pie before serving.
5. Hide the second pie for yourself because there won’t be any left.
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
A Little Early This Week . . .
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
This and That
Summer is upon us and I am so excited! School’s out now, wedding season has started and wholesome fresh vegetables ABOUND. Last night I made the Mr. one of our all time favorite dishes – new potatoes in buttery white sauce with English peas. He was a happy, HAPPY man. The next time I see 2C Farms offering their red potatoes I’ll be sure to share the recipe. And if you’re a seat of the pants cook like I am and have a few taters you’ve not used yet, it’s basically boiled potatoes, white sauce, and frozen green peas.
That being said, be sure to read the next section about what is and is not available on the market this week. Product selections are always expanding as does our vendor base.
Market Info
SANDSPUR FARMS – "I’m SO excited about our newest product!
Our CSA boxes are BACK! Plus, we’re also bringing back the meat grab bags. These bags are an assortment of cuts. Keep reading to see our newest product!
Our CSA BOX has a little of everything that is ready to harvest. Squash, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers and the list goes on and on. Hopefully, we will have blueberries ready this week! Some things aren’t posted for individual sale because of limited supply but it will be in these boxes. *Also, the box Includes 1 dozen farm fresh eggs, and your choice of 1 meat cut, can be beef or or pork. Just list in comment section which cut.(Except whole hams or ribeye steaks)
Our newest product is our FEED YOUR FAMILY BOX. We’ve designed this box to help cut some of your time standing in line at the grocery store. This box will contain 5 types of vegetables, one for each night of the week, 1 dozen eggs, plus 5 cuts of meat for the week. Serving size is based on a family of four to five. Because there’s a menu for each dinner using what’s in your box, it will also save you time when meal planning. All you will need is a few small items to make the meals complete. You will be able to tell all of your friends that your farmer sells you meat, veggies, eggs and even helps with meal planning for your family. Talk about knowing your farmer! ”
Farm to Table Recipes
Ingredients
3 Tablespoons/45ml olive oil
2 Tablespoons/30ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
2 pounds medium zucchini (about 5-6)
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped black olives
2 oz/57g Mixed greens like baby spinach, and baby kale
4 oz/113g of goat cheese
¼ cup/ 30g of lightly toasted pine nuts
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Trim the ends of the zucchini. With a vegetable peeler, shave lengthwise into long, wide strips about 1/16 inch thick. When you get to the center of the zucchini, turn it over and slice from the other side until you get to the center again.
3. Put the zucchini ribbons in the large bowl, add the chopped mint, olives and greens, toss gently with vinaigrette to lightly coat.
4. Top with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
Memorial Day Order Schedule
Market at Dothan Salutes our Heroes
What Memorial Day Means To Me
Your life is the greatest gift you can give your country, and on Memorial Day we honor men and women who have given their lives to defend us. On Memorial Day, I go to the cemetery with my family and listen to a special service. The old men from World War II come up to the podium and talk about their friends that died and tell how they respect them. I’m really glad that they were there to stop the Nazis, because they were so mean. Men from other wars like Korea and Vietnam also talk, and I think it is very heart-touching, because they talk about how their friends gave their lives to save us, and I respect that, too. If there are any soldiers home from Afghanistan or Iraq, they stand up and we all clap for them, and that makes me feel happy, sad, and proud all at the same time. I am happy for them, because they foughthard and did a good job. I am sad because they might have to go back and fight again. And I am proud, because they are representing our country. I am glad that America has a day to remember the soldiers who gave us their greatest gift.
Market Info
SANDSPUR FARMS – "We are totally restocked on bacon and linked sausage. Thank you for your continued support of our family farm. Be sure and like us on Facebook if you have not already.”
Farm to Table Recipes
Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!
Open for Orders!
Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market is now Open
This and That
Hi – this is Ros. I don’t know about you but today, Friday the 13th, with a full moon even, has been a FABULOUS day! One of the things that I am so pleased about is how smoothly the Market ran today . . . then I realized that many of you may not be aware of the process that goes into making sure your bag is as close to perfect as we can get it.
In simple terms your vendors do the job of bagging your groceries. You’ve probably noticed the labels – they are a critical part of seeing that the right products go to the right person. Each vendor (myself included – Hortons Farm has printed thousands of labels over the years) tag YOUR item with YOUR label before delivery, then place it in YOUR bag at the Market. And just to be safe we check it off your invoice.
And that’s how it’s done! All of us THANK YOU for allowing us to be a part of your healthy lifestyle and look forward to providing you with more of the BEST produce in the Wiregrass.
Market Info
SANDSPUR FARMS – "Bacon is back!! Along with some discounted prices on other cuts. Plus, veggies are starting to roll in too! Thank you for your continued support of our family farm. Be sure and like us on Facebook if you have not already.”
Farm to Table Recipes
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Footnotes
Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan
For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!