Friday, July 3, 2009
July 4 Market
We'll be open from 9 to Noon on July 4th. Broken Wire sent word that they will have stuffing size jalapenos! Breakfast will be biscuits, gravy & sausage with orange juice or coffee. All profits benefit Crosslines. See you there!
Wow - What a Day at the Market
Traditionally the day before the 4th of July is one of our biggest market days, but this year it blew our records out of the water. We figure about 1,800 folks came to the market today. Troyer Farm went through 600 pounds of tomatoes in less than 2 hours. From the farmers stand point, it was a terrific day. We hope it was a good day for our customers, too.It was definitely a good day for learning. We had good participation in our first English as a Second Language Class. At right, our NALA volunteer, Jared Zamouski, teaches about the phrases "What is this?" and "What is that?". Each student had the chance to ask and answer these questions which come up at the market all the time. Next week Jared plans to work on how to greet customers.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Webb City Sentinel - 7-3-09
First, yes, we will be open today and tomorrow. On today, that means 11 to 3 and on Saturday, from 9 to noon. We’re hoping that folks will start out their holiday with a visit to the market. Most of our growers will be at the market because harvest is approaching full swing. Taking time off now means a lot produce (and hard work) goes to waste.
Second, yes, the sweet corn is in and the field tomatoes are also coming in. Be sure and check your corn. This hot weather has given the corn worms a boost. Usually the first planting, which is what is being harvested now, is worm-free even if it isn’t sprayed with pesticide. It’s in the August corn that worms become a problem, especially for our pesticide-free growers. Thanks to last week’s super hot weather, the worms have decided it’s August. Farmers who have detected a problem are throwing in extra ears, but I would recommend peeling back the tops of your corn to make sure you don’t end up short on corn for your holiday.
I find that chopping the tips off leaves me with most of the ear and none of the wildlife. However, if you want to avoid any risk of worms, stop by Fairhaven. They are shucking their corn and putting it in clear bags so you can easily see just what you’re getting.
We should have a good supply of tomatoes this weekend and a bumper crop of other produce like zucchini, squash, onions, potatoes, cucumbers, and green beans. I even saw some of the first eggplant on Tuesday.
The market’s cooking class was a big success on the last two Mondays of June. We had many more sign up than could be accommodated, so Extension has agreed to repeat the course in July. The classes will be held at Central United Methodist Church, Broadway and Pennsylvania, in Webb City. The cost is $10 per class or $15 for both.
On Tuesday, July 21, the class will cover the basics of home food preservation. Students will participate in the process of pressure canning green beans or another garden vegetable from fresh-picked to sealed in the jars and will learn the difference between boiling water canning and pressure canning and which foods are appropriate for each. Freezing foods will also be discussed.
On Tuesday, July 28, the class will cover the art of jelly and pickle making and processing in a boiling water canner. Dehydrating foods will also be discussed. Both classes run from 6 to 8:30 pm.
To register, contact the Extension office at 417-358-2158. And if you’re planning to do a lot of home preservation this summer, be sure and stop by the information table at the market. We’re maintaining a contact list of folks interested in buying in bulk. When one of our farmers has surplus produce and can sell in quantity, you’ll get a call.
This is our week of All-American markets, when we celebrate the generosity of America. Cooking for a Cause benefited Crosslines, our regional food and clothing pantry. On Saturday, the breakfast of biscuits, gravy, sausage, orange juice or coffee (for $3) will also benefit Crosslines. Our thanks go to the meals volunteers from Central United Methodist. CUMC is one of more than 60 churches that work through Crosslines to help our neighbors in need.
Our market gleaning program is another example of generosity. Just last week our vendors donated $200 worth of produce and baked goods to local agencies feeding the homeless.
And, of course, we don’t want you going hungry either, so come join us for lunch today. The meal is BBQ beef sandwiches, potato salad, oriental cole slaw, dessert and drink for $6. The Loose Notes perform from 11 - 1.
On Saturday, breakfast is served from 9 to 11. Gary Kyger is performing throughout the morning.
Next Tuesday, Cooking for a Cause supports the Joplin Humane Society.
Finally, we begin our English as a Second Language class at the market today. NALA volunteer, Jared Zamouski, will lead an informal class each Friday from about 1:15 to 2:15 in the south end of the pavilion. The class is for our immigrant growers to practice and improve their English – now how All-American is that? – but it is also be open to any non or limited-English speaker, regardless of native language or relationship to the market. There are no fees and no tests. All are welcome.
Second, yes, the sweet corn is in and the field tomatoes are also coming in. Be sure and check your corn. This hot weather has given the corn worms a boost. Usually the first planting, which is what is being harvested now, is worm-free even if it isn’t sprayed with pesticide. It’s in the August corn that worms become a problem, especially for our pesticide-free growers. Thanks to last week’s super hot weather, the worms have decided it’s August. Farmers who have detected a problem are throwing in extra ears, but I would recommend peeling back the tops of your corn to make sure you don’t end up short on corn for your holiday.
I find that chopping the tips off leaves me with most of the ear and none of the wildlife. However, if you want to avoid any risk of worms, stop by Fairhaven. They are shucking their corn and putting it in clear bags so you can easily see just what you’re getting.
We should have a good supply of tomatoes this weekend and a bumper crop of other produce like zucchini, squash, onions, potatoes, cucumbers, and green beans. I even saw some of the first eggplant on Tuesday.
The market’s cooking class was a big success on the last two Mondays of June. We had many more sign up than could be accommodated, so Extension has agreed to repeat the course in July. The classes will be held at Central United Methodist Church, Broadway and Pennsylvania, in Webb City. The cost is $10 per class or $15 for both.
On Tuesday, July 21, the class will cover the basics of home food preservation. Students will participate in the process of pressure canning green beans or another garden vegetable from fresh-picked to sealed in the jars and will learn the difference between boiling water canning and pressure canning and which foods are appropriate for each. Freezing foods will also be discussed.
On Tuesday, July 28, the class will cover the art of jelly and pickle making and processing in a boiling water canner. Dehydrating foods will also be discussed. Both classes run from 6 to 8:30 pm.
To register, contact the Extension office at 417-358-2158. And if you’re planning to do a lot of home preservation this summer, be sure and stop by the information table at the market. We’re maintaining a contact list of folks interested in buying in bulk. When one of our farmers has surplus produce and can sell in quantity, you’ll get a call.
This is our week of All-American markets, when we celebrate the generosity of America. Cooking for a Cause benefited Crosslines, our regional food and clothing pantry. On Saturday, the breakfast of biscuits, gravy, sausage, orange juice or coffee (for $3) will also benefit Crosslines. Our thanks go to the meals volunteers from Central United Methodist. CUMC is one of more than 60 churches that work through Crosslines to help our neighbors in need.
Our market gleaning program is another example of generosity. Just last week our vendors donated $200 worth of produce and baked goods to local agencies feeding the homeless.
And, of course, we don’t want you going hungry either, so come join us for lunch today. The meal is BBQ beef sandwiches, potato salad, oriental cole slaw, dessert and drink for $6. The Loose Notes perform from 11 - 1.
On Saturday, breakfast is served from 9 to 11. Gary Kyger is performing throughout the morning.
Next Tuesday, Cooking for a Cause supports the Joplin Humane Society.
Finally, we begin our English as a Second Language class at the market today. NALA volunteer, Jared Zamouski, will lead an informal class each Friday from about 1:15 to 2:15 in the south end of the pavilion. The class is for our immigrant growers to practice and improve their English – now how All-American is that? – but it is also be open to any non or limited-English speaker, regardless of native language or relationship to the market. There are no fees and no tests. All are welcome.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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BTW - we're expecting corn every day this week.
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Paste in
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and your email address
and you will receive a notice whenever a new post is made.
That way you'll be the first to know when a new product is coming in (think strawberries, peaches, field tomatoes & corn!) or something special is happening at the market.
BTW - we're expecting corn every day this week.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Pros & Cons at the market 6-26
Pro - when College View Manor brought a van of their residents to the market today, I noticed one lady with a strong German accent. "Come with me, I'd like you to meet Bert Ott" (of Bavarian pastry fame). "Bert, I have someone here who speaks German." He greeted her in his native tongue, she greeted him and the conversation began. Later, the lady looked me up to say how special their visit was. "We grew up in villages 20 miles apart."
Pro - Speaking of language, Jared Zamouski, was by today. He is the NALA volunteer who will begin our English as a Second Language classes at the market next Friday. It is designed to help our immigrant farmers better communicate with their customers, but will be open to anyone. The class will run from about 1:15 to 2:15 in the south end of the pavilion.
Con - The line for tomatoes at Shoal Creek Gardens. We should be loaded with tomatoes in about 10 days, in the meantime we'll try to figure out a way for the line to go more smoothly.
Pro - a kind lady stopped by with hundreds of canning jars that had belonged to her recently deceased mother. Customers and vendors took many and the rest will go to the market canning class on Monday.
A con that turned into a pro - Just after market closed a little boy (who I will call John) sat down at one of the pavilion picnic tables. With a name tag and backpack, he obviously had come from school and looked like he might be a first or second grader. As we put things away, I asked if he was waiting for someone. Yes, one of his parents was picking him up. But another 15 minutes passed, so I asked if he'd like to make a phone call. He called his father who was mystified as to why he was at the market but would come to pick him up. Shortly thereafter a mother and two boys joined John at his table. John had apparently gotten on the wrong bus at the request of a friend who then went his own way leaving John on his own. The mother who came to the market became concerned when her son told her about the situation. We left him in the care of these family friends and about 10 minutes later got a call from his father, thanking us for watching out for him. We were happy we could help. On Saturday, John's mother and father were both at the market at opening to convey their thanks in person. Sweet little boy, loving parents.
Pro - Speaking of language, Jared Zamouski, was by today. He is the NALA volunteer who will begin our English as a Second Language classes at the market next Friday. It is designed to help our immigrant farmers better communicate with their customers, but will be open to anyone. The class will run from about 1:15 to 2:15 in the south end of the pavilion.
Con - The line for tomatoes at Shoal Creek Gardens. We should be loaded with tomatoes in about 10 days, in the meantime we'll try to figure out a way for the line to go more smoothly.
Pro - a kind lady stopped by with hundreds of canning jars that had belonged to her recently deceased mother. Customers and vendors took many and the rest will go to the market canning class on Monday.
A con that turned into a pro - Just after market closed a little boy (who I will call John) sat down at one of the pavilion picnic tables. With a name tag and backpack, he obviously had come from school and looked like he might be a first or second grader. As we put things away, I asked if he was waiting for someone. Yes, one of his parents was picking him up. But another 15 minutes passed, so I asked if he'd like to make a phone call. He called his father who was mystified as to why he was at the market but would come to pick him up. Shortly thereafter a mother and two boys joined John at his table. John had apparently gotten on the wrong bus at the request of a friend who then went his own way leaving John on his own. The mother who came to the market became concerned when her son told her about the situation. We left him in the care of these family friends and about 10 minutes later got a call from his father, thanking us for watching out for him. We were happy we could help. On Saturday, John's mother and father were both at the market at opening to convey their thanks in person. Sweet little boy, loving parents.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Concrete floor: Big improvement
A concrete floor wouldn't seem like a big deal most of the time. But to everyone at the market this year; it's an extremely big deal. In previous years, if you used any type of wheels to get around, the gravel surface under the market was a bit challenging. The addition of the new concrete floor has made things much easier for patrons and vendors alike.
On my trip to the market recently, I observed many different kinds of wheels in use and those I spoke to were delighted with the easier-to-navigate surface. Strollers, wheelchairs and wagons in use amongst the crowd were getting from one end of the pavilions to the other better than ever. Vendors had nice flat surfaces to set up their tables, and everything was dry, even after all the rain we'd had lately. The additional coverage of the newly added roof area was also appreciated when the rain started to come down again.
If you haven't been out to the market yet this year, roll on in to check out the improvements under the pavilions at the Main Street entrance to King Jack Park.
Sweet Corn
Corn on the cob is here! The annual favorite that is enjoyed by people all over the world is now available at the market. Even though corn is available year round either in cans or frozen, the arrival of fresh sweet corn on the cob signals that summer is truly here. (as if the HOT weather wasn’t proof enough)
We all know one of the easiest ways to cook the corn is simply to clean off the husks and silks and boil them. But an internet search provided a few options that might be fun to try at your next cookout or family get- together.
We all know one of the easiest ways to cook the corn is simply to clean off the husks and silks and boil them. But an internet search provided a few options that might be fun to try at your next cookout or family get- together.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Peel away excess leaves and silk, leaving inside husks in place. Completely submerge and soak in water for at least 15 minutes. Heat grill to medium/hot, or get charcoal to proper ashy gray briquettes. Remove corn from water, let excess water drip off.
Lay corn in center of grill, turning every 5 minutes for gas grill, a little less often for charcoal. Outside of husks will start to burn and turn black, that’s ok, inside the moisture will be steaming the corn.
Cook for approximately 20 minutes, until husks are blackened extremely hot. Remove from heat, peel back husks and silks. Run under warm water to remove any ash. Corn can also be wrapped in aluminum foil before grilling if desired. Season as desired.
Microwaved Corn on the Cob
Peel away excess leaves and silk, leaving inside husks in place. Completely submerge and soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Let excess water drip off, and place ears on microwave safe plate.
Cook on high power for 7-10 minutes. (2 ears, depending on microwave) Remove from microwave, carefully. Peel away husks and rinse in warm water to remove silks. Season as desired.
Steamed Corn on the Cob
For crisper corn on the cob, don't boil the corn, steam it! Place the ears on end in a tall pasta pot with an insert, put in about an inch or two of water (and about a tablespoon of sugar--a secret ingredient) and steam for about 10 minutes. Once you try this you'll never eat boiled corn again!
Traditional seasonings include butter, salt & pepper, parmesan cheese, or cayenne. Unusual seasoning possibilities include minced garlic, basil, cilantro, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, lemon pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or any of your other favorite seasonings. Each will give the corn a very distinctive taste.
Friday's Lunch is stuffed green peppers, side salad, scalloped potatoes, brownie & drink for $6. Bailed Green & Wired Tight will perform from 11 - 1.
Saturday’s Market will be from 9 to noon. Stonebrook performs.
On Tuesday June 30, Cooking for a Cause benefits Crosslines and Rob Pommert plays from 11:00am – 1:00pm.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Contra Dance in Webb City
This Saturday, June 27, from 7 to 10 pm, at the Clubhouse, 115 North Madison (between Broadway and Daugherty across from the skating rink). $5 donation per person is requested to cover the costs of the caller, band and room rental. Refreshments are provided. The popular market group Bailed Green & Wired Tight will provide the music.
Lots of fun guaranteed. Come alone, come with a partner (gender need not be an issue in contra dancing) or bring a crowd.
From Wikipedia: Contra dance (also contradance, contra-dance and other variant spellings) refers to several partnered folk dance styles, sometimes described as New England folk dance, in which couples dance in two facing lines of indefinite length.
The roots - At the end of the 17th century, English country dances were taken up by French dancers; hybrid choreographies exist from this period using the steps from French court dance in English dances. The French called these dances contra-dance or contredanse. As time progressed, English country dances were spread and reinterpreted throughout the Western world, and eventually the French form of the name came to be associated with the American folk dances, especially in New England (this Frenchified name change may have followed a contemporary misbelief that the form was originally French).
Contra dances were fashionable in the United States until the early to mid-19th century, when they were supplanted in popularity by square dances (such as the quadrille and lancers) and couple dances (such as the waltz and polka).
Lots of fun guaranteed. Come alone, come with a partner (gender need not be an issue in contra dancing) or bring a crowd.
From Wikipedia: Contra dance (also contradance, contra-dance and other variant spellings) refers to several partnered folk dance styles, sometimes described as New England folk dance, in which couples dance in two facing lines of indefinite length.
The roots - At the end of the 17th century, English country dances were taken up by French dancers; hybrid choreographies exist from this period using the steps from French court dance in English dances. The French called these dances contra-dance or contredanse. As time progressed, English country dances were spread and reinterpreted throughout the Western world, and eventually the French form of the name came to be associated with the American folk dances, especially in New England (this Frenchified name change may have followed a contemporary misbelief that the form was originally French).
Contra dances were fashionable in the United States until the early to mid-19th century, when they were supplanted in popularity by square dances (such as the quadrille and lancers) and couple dances (such as the waltz and polka).
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Fruit abounds too!
Heard a rumor that there might be a small amount of peaches at the market this week. Lots of variables to deal with, but, if you want them, better get there early. No guarantees.
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