Come on Down!

A couple of years ago I happened upon an adorable ice cream bicycle with an equally adorable guy in vintage type garb selling popsicles at my credit union on a hot day. Thus began an ongoing friendship with Brett Smith who is a true food artisan. So when the Market stumbled on the fact that one of our pickup days is a national POPSICLE day . . . . how could you pass up an opportunity like that?

This Friday Brett will be at Dothan Nurseries from 10am to 11:30 am with Cherry Popsicles and some of his other wonderful flavors. And the treat’s on us. If you place an order with the Market this week your cherry popsicle is free provided you can pick your order up before he has to leave.*

It’s silly. We know. But hey, it’s August in Alabama and who says we can’t have fun? So bring the kiddos or the parents or the spouse or the friend. Enjoy the beauty of the nursery. Stop by and see us at the Market tent, then meet Brett and discover why Dothan Ice Cream Company is one of Dothan’s best up and coming businesses. If you want to learn more check out dothanicecream.com.

*Orders must be picked up no later than 11:30 to get free popsicle. Limited to one popsicle per customer.

Market Info

UPCOMING ORDER SCHEDULE Order August 20 – August 23 for Pickup August 26 August 27 – Sept. 2 – Market Closed

Order Sept. 3 – Sept. 6 for Pickup Sept. 9 September 10- September 16 Market Closed

Order Sept. 17-Sept .20 for Pickup Sept. 23 September 24 – September 30 Market Closed

WEEKLY ORDERS WILL RESUME FROM OCTOBER 1- NOVEMBER 18 AUGHTMON – Artisan bath and body products made locally.

ANGIE’S PASTA – aH-MaZ-iNg gourmet Pasta made with fresh ingredients.

SWEET ACRES FARM: Unique canned products, decadent baked goods, fresh gnocci and more! SPRING HILL FARM – Did you know we have 4 types of homemade granola to make your breakfasts healthy, quick and easy?  Honey Crunch, Peanut Butter, Coconutty and Ginger Snap.  All made with fresh and wholesome ingredients!

We have fresh nut butters! We make natural peanut butter, maple peanut butter and cashew butter.  Our new product this week is “Simply Nuts” Peanut Butter. Only freshly ground dry roasted peanuts and sea salt.  It is this mom’s favorite peanut butter!  Thank you for shopping local.

SMITH FARMS – Ground Lamb and Dexter Beef

SANDSPUR FARMS – Locally-produced vegetables, beef, pork and handmade goods. CSA’s available

RICHTER FARMS – Heritage breed Red Wattle Pork raised in pasture and hardwood forests of Henry County

SIMPLE LIFE ESSENTIAL OILS – Highest Quality Oils for a Healthier Lifestyle at an Affordable Price MARY’S PEEPS – Hand made cakes and muffins. Mary’s Peeps provides good bakery items from a Mom and Grandmother who has been cooking for 40 plus years.

KATHY’S CHURPERS fresh eggs from happy chickens HORTON’S FARM – Local HONEY, Lettuce greens, Bee Bath and Body Products. TUPELO restocked, NEW PRODUCT – Gourmet Rice Blend

D’S JELLIES – D’s Blackberry Jelly is the perfect companion for PBJ’s for school lunches.

Grass Fed Beef – from CASABLANCA RANCH. Read more about them: http://casablancaranch.com/. We will be listing quarter and half cow specials on September3.

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

Spotlight on Lunches

It’s that time of year again. Dothan City Schools started back last week. Other area school will be starting soon, and ever diligent homeschool moms are looking ahead to more structured daily routines that accompany study.

Preparing lunches that are both nutritious an delicious is not just for growing children! Busy parents, active middle age people and empty nesters all equally need to be diligent that we are fueling these amazing bodies well.

To that end we dedicate this issue of the Market Newsletter to Lunches. Our growers have shared some ideas to help you in their listings and there’s more good ideas following that.

Market Info

UPCOMING ORDER SCHEDULE Order August 6 – August 9 for Pickup August 12 Order August 13 – August 16 for Pickup August 19 Order August 20 – August 23 for Pickup August 26 Special Surprise to be announced concerning August 26!

Grass Fed Beef – from CASABLANCA RANCH. Read more about them: http://casablancaranch.com/

AUGHTMON – SALE….
Aughtmon 1918:  2 ounce lotions are $1.50 each with 12 scents to choose from. Perfect size for backpacks and a great gift for the teachers.   $2 off insect repellent and massage oils.

ANGIE’S PASTA – aH-MaZ-iNg gourmet Pasta (Market Note – accept our apologies for last week’s mishap with orders from Angie. Please re-order this week! We figured out what happened and have it fixed. Angie’s pasta is TOO GOOD to miss!)

SWEET ACRES FARM: Unique canned products, decadent baked goods, fresh gnocci and more! SPRING HILL FARM – School time is here and so are the busy mornings! :)  Need a quick lunch box addition?  Make some Herb Veggie Dip with our mix the night before and add some seasonal veggies on the side. This dip is a hit with my kids and makes the veggies disappear!  Or add a  small baggie of one of our granolas along with a container of Greek yogurt.  You can know that you are feeding your kids something healthy and good!

SMITH FARMS – Ground Lamb and Dexter Beef

SANDSPUR FARMS – Start the school year off with a healthy start. What about a gift certificate for the new homeroom teacher? We’ll even add a quick note introducing the Market, what we all stand for and what they can find available.

RICHTER FARMS – Heritage breed Red Wattle Pork raised in pasture and hardwood forests of Henry County

SIMPLE LIFE ESSENTIAL OILS Highest Quality Oils for a Healthier Lifestyle at an Affordable Price MARY’S PEEPS – Blueberry muffins, and  oatmeal banana muffins for school treats,  also for lunches for adults as well as children, and maybe an after school, or work snack.  Remember the blueberries are grown by me and makes this treat a good one. Remember Mary’s Peeps for good bakery items from a Mom and Grandmother who has been cooking for 40 plus years.

KATHY’S CHURPERS fresh eggs from happy chickens HORTON’S FARM – Local HONEY, Lettuce greens, Bee Bath and Body Products. TUPELO restocked, NEW PRODUCT – Gourmet Rice Blend

D’S JELLIES – D’s Blackberry Jelly is the perfect companion for PBJ’s for school lunches.

Healthy Lunch Ideas

When it comes to lunches, boredom is a precursor to kids swapping food items when teacher isn’t looking. Help keep your student on the nutritional straight and narrow by breaking up the monotony with fun food variety. Help keep yourself on track to not succumb to a double cheeseburger the same way!

1. Food on Sticks
Think chicken satays, beef skewers, or sausage kebabs, packed on lunchbox-sized sticks for kids. Because everything is more fun on a stick. (For young kids, use flat, blunt-edged bamboo sticks, not the stabby toothpick-like kind.)
2. Quesadillas
They’re kid favorites for a reason — and contrary to our adult biases, they don’t need to be piping hot to be delicious.
3. Spring Rolls
Rice paper wrappers or large lettuce leaves make great rolled-up meals that are fun to eat. Fill them with tofu, pork, or shrimp; or let your kids branch out using their own ideas.

4. Deli Meat Roll-Ups
Think outside the bun! Rolling sliced deli turkey, ham, or roast beef around cheese sticks, cream cheese, and even greens can change the way your kiddos think about lunch meat.
5. Hummus and Pita Plate
Nine out of 10 kids love a good smear of hummus. Why not make it the star of the show? Send with veggies and crackers for a fun nutritious lunch.
6. Quinoa Salad
Mix meats, cheeses, and veggies your kids like into plain quinoa and dress lightly with a basic vinaigrette.
7. Breakfast for Lunch
Make extra food when you have time for a nice breakfast on the weekend, and save the leftovers for lunches —think hard-boiled eggs, leftover pancakes, and leftover sausages.
8. Leftovers
Last night’s lasagna might just taste better the next day. And if you’d eat it for lunch on the weekend, why not pack it in a lunch box? Nothing beats a cold chicken leg on a Monday.
9. Stuff a Pita Pocket
Pita Pockets can be stuffed with meat, veggies, cheese, fruit, dried fruit, chickpeas, any type salad fixing and any combination thereof! Dressings or condiments are a nice touch but best sent separately to be added right before eating.
10. Layer a Wasa Cracker
Wasa’s are a great way to break the boredom of sliced bread. Anything that will spread on bread will spread on a Wasa, and toppings are limited only by your imagination.
11. Bagel Pizzas
Make a large batch of these ahead by layering sauce, pepperoni and mozarella on sliced bagels and baking till cheese is melted. Once cooled they can be wrapped and refrigerated or frozen.

Creative Sides

Rice, sliced cucumbers, sliced mango, yogurt-covered pretzels
Avocado slices or guacamole, jicama sticks, pineapple chunks, pumpkin seeds, or tortilla chips
Cubed meat or cheese, sliced red bell peppers, blueberries, chocolate square.
Whole-wheat pretzels, celery, cinnamon-sprinkled apple slices, coconut macaroon
Salami cubes, olives, carrots, baby tomatoes, and grapes.
Tomato/mozzarella/basil on a toothpick, popcorn, pear slices, small brownie
Sliced strawberries, squeezable yogurt, broccoli flourets with ranch dressing

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

Spotlight on our Farmers

“Aunt” Wash Maybin- A local legend from Henry Co Al
from Richter Farms

After moving out to the farm in 2010, we heard fascinating stories about the history of our area from our new neighbors. One such account was about Wash Maybin, an African-American midwife who was well liked by the community, as was her family. She lived about ½ mile from our property down our farm’s dirt road, and was part of the farming community in the early 20th century. In spite of the obstacles to success our African American Community faced in the early 1900s, she did what she could, focused on opportunities instead of obstacles, and succeeded. She owned a small farm just down the road from our property, and assisted delivering newborn babies for both black and white families. As a midwife, she would come to the home of an expectant mother, stay with their family to assist with the birth, take care of the mother and baby for two weeks, and charge $25. If the baby developed ailments, Aunt Wash would prepare her own home remedies and treat the baby or mother with positive results.

The locals called the 1 ½ mile dirt road we live on the “Wash Mabin Road” up until Henry County renamed the roads for the E911 system. It was a shame that Henry County didn’t do what Houston and other counties did and name the road according to the historical name “Wash Mabin Road”. However, a previously unnamed spring fed branch creek flowed through our property as well as the property that Wash Mabin farmed, and helped feed the Abbey Creek, and we decided it needed an official name. The creek needed to carry on the legacy of our most notable past resident, so we applied to assign the name to our creek. After 13 months of fact checking with the US Board on Geographic Names, filling out paperwork and waiting, our branch was officially named the Wash Maybin Branch! It seemed fitting that our farm branch was named for someone who saw opportunities, overcame the obstacles, and succeeded.

We couldn’t think of a more fitting example for us sustainable farmers who have obstacles such as large scale confinement operations selling cheap but low quality meat, large farms producing chemical containing and GMO grains and vegetables, and the challenge of economic transport of food to the consumer. Modern sustainable farmers are carrying on the tradition of past generations who want what’s best for ourselves and our neighbors, and we’re willing to swim against the current of our present society and trends. Richter Farms chose to produce the finest quality sustainable pork for ourselves and our customers. Many people have tasted and agree that we’ve succeeded.

Market Info

Farm to Table Recipes

Slow Cooker Pork This is one of those easy make ahead recipes. Perfect for a picnic, company or packing lunch!

Ingredients
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast, trimmed
1 package McCormick® Slow Cookers BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar

Instructions
Place pork in slow cooker.
Mix Seasoning Mix, ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar until blended. Pour over pork. Cover.
Cook 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH. Remove pork from slow cooker.
Shred pork, using 2 forks. Return pork to slow cooker. Mix and heat with sauce before serving. Serve on sandwich rolls, if desired.

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

This and That

I’ve had several people ask me about the marvelous lettuces Horton’s Farm sells through the Market. In particular HOW do we grow such wonderful greens in such HOT weather.

The truth is, we don’t.

But, the lettuces are local, sustainable, and maybe the most organically produced product sold through me market. Let me introduce you to someone:

This is my neighbor, Mr. Danny. He lives in an immaculate 100 year old house with Henry, his little dog. He is retired from a manufacturing position and enjoys his family, friends, his church, and gardening.

Mr. Danny uses organic seed from Johnny’s and has a four week rotation system that allows him to harvest peak quality greens every week. In between plantings his hand tilled beds are treated to a high nutrient cover crop that he hand tills back into the soil (green manure they call it) before planting again. All his beds are hand built, and he built every frame that provides shade in the summer (as seen above) and protects it during winter. The rich soil in each bed has never born the weight of farm equipment or even a footstep. This allows the roots of his greens to go crazy taking up the nutrients that make them so delicious and healthful.

And now you know!

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.

Santa came to Memphis last week for young Colby

Fun Facts

History of Christmas in July

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

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

Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe by Spring Hill Farm We serve this chilled with whipped cream and fresh or frozen berries. It is perfect for summer!
We usually double this because it is so delicious! It freezes well. Serves: 6-8

Photo by Emily Stuart

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

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?

ZOODLES AND EGGS

from Sweet Acres Farm
If you’ve not figured it out from the photo, a zoodle is a zuchinni noodle. They are THE low carb alternative for traditional pastas. This breakfast is one of Anna’s favorites!

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