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BTW - we're expecting corn every day this week.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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.
Inside News
Nancy Rasmussen, our beef and chicken lady, will not be at the market on Tuesday.
Cooking for a Cause benefits Joplin NALA.
Rob Pommert plays from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
Urban Gardeners are taking Friday off.
Lunch will be Crispy Ranch Chicken Breast, stuffing with gravy, mixed vegetables, pudding & drink - $6. The Granny Chicks perform from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
On Saturday, the Joplin Area Welcome Club will hold a bake sale at the market. They promise to have some pies as well as some sugar-free items.
Also, the Art Market is this Saturday from 9:00am to noon.
Ninth Hour Quartet performs.
Cooking for a Cause benefits Joplin NALA.
Rob Pommert plays from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
Urban Gardeners are taking Friday off.
Lunch will be Crispy Ranch Chicken Breast, stuffing with gravy, mixed vegetables, pudding & drink - $6. The Granny Chicks perform from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
On Saturday, the Joplin Area Welcome Club will hold a bake sale at the market. They promise to have some pies as well as some sugar-free items.
Also, the Art Market is this Saturday from 9:00am to noon.
Ninth Hour Quartet performs.
Kids Community Garden
Stop by the garden, just west of Madge T. James kindergarten, some Thursday after school and you'll see a garden-full of kids and mentors. At right, master gardener Lee Watson and garden supervisor Rochelle DeLucia work with the students to plant green beans. Those large leaves are not weeds. They're volunteer sunflowers from last year. They should make a stunning display next month.
Growers have growing families as well as fields
You may have noticed an abundance of wee vendors at the market lately. And, if you saw Lois Troyer last week, you probably guessed that another little Troyer is on the way.
What sensible parents. The due date is this winter after the market closes when they have some extra time to welcome a new farm hand.
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