Spring Returns!

Greens!
Baby Collard Greens!

Sweetwater Local Foods Market

Saturday, April 6th, 2013, 9:00am to 1:00pm
 Mercy Health Partners/Hackley Health at the Lakes
On 6401 Harvey St. at US31/Pontaluna Rd. Exit. 1st Bldg North of Pontaluna Rd.

We accept Bridge Cards Year Round!

Beneath the crisp and wintry carpet hid

 A million buds but stay their blossoming;

 And trustful birds have built their nests amid

 The shuddering boughs, and only wait to sing

 Till one soft shower from the south shall bid,

 And hither tempt the pilgrim steps of spring.

~Robert Seymour Bridges

 

 

Attending this week’s market:

Shady Side Farm of Holland

Lona of Shady Side Farm will be at market again this week with wool products and certified organic beans. This week the Yellow Indian Woman Bean  is our Special of the Week. The 2-lb. bags will be available for $10, regularly $11.50. Yellow Indian Woman is another of our beans that is on the Slow Foods Ark of Taste list. Holds its shape well; great for long cooking. This bean with a mild, creamy flavor is great for soups, salads and even dips. Beans on toast, anyone?

Here’s a great recipe for them:

 

Yellow Indian Woman Beans with Lemon and Dill

Serves 6

10 minutes preparation time, plus time for soaking the beans

40 minutes cooking time

1 pound dried Yellow Indian Woman Beans or cannellini beans

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil1 large onion

zest of 1 lemon, plus wedges for serving

1/2 cup (or more) chopped dill, divided

2 teaspoons salt (or more to taste)

2 small tomatoes, diced

Soak the beans overnight or quick soak them.  Although the Yellow Indian Woman Beans are dried, they are fresher than those on the grocery store shelf and so will take less time to cook, so if you have not soaked them, you can just bring them to a boil and let them simmer about an hour before you begin the recipe.  This would also work for cannellini beans, but they will take more time, I’d say about an extra hour.

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large saute pan.  Add the onion and saute until the onion is soft, 7 to 8 minutes.  Add the beans with their water, the lemon zest, half of the dill, and the salt.  Let the bean mixture simmer until the beans are quite soft, approximately 30 minutes.  Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.  Just before serving, add the rest of the dill and the tomatoes and stir just until the tomatoes are warm.  Taste the beans and adjust the flavors to your liking, adding more dill, salt, or a few squirts of lemon juice.  Serve over toast with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of chopped dill for those who want a little extra.

 

Funny Farm of Grant

Spinach & Spring Mix!

 

Maple Moon Farm of Shelby

We are so thankful for the sunshine, and hope you are enjoying it too!

We have fresh tasty SPINACH from the hoop this week.

We have fresh dug winter carrots.  They are as sweet as they get this time of year.

Our delicious and versatile Red LaSoda potatoes are still storing well.  Come and get the last of potatoes.

We have our normal spread of herbals; teas, creams, lip balms, and few remaining salves.  Do you want something herbal that we don’t make?  Let us know!

Our bacon is sold out, but we have some delicious ground breakfast sausage available.  It’s very versatile, let us know if you want ideas on how to use it.  Our pigs are raised on pasture and have access to non-GMO grain.  Please email orders to maplemoonfarm@gmail.com by Friday evening.

Check out our FB page for photos and updates on what is growing on our farm.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maple-Moon-Farm/266858233357042

 

Crow Feather Farm of Hesperia

Greens! If you were on the Dec 2nd Farm Tour you will remember the first stop at the farm of Nick Partee and Carolyn Harper. They are excited to be bringing their greens to market for the first time, and you can find them at the Earthscape Farm vendor booth! This week; we will have our beautiful eggs, baby kale with miners’ lettuce salad mix, cilantro and BEET GREENS!

 

Earthscape Farm of Hesperia

Potatoes ~ Red Norland, White (Kennebec, Russet, Bintje, Augusta).  We have really nice ones and some seconds.

Eggs from our small flock.

The BOBIER BEEF Story ~  Our steers and cows were born on our Farm, as were their great-great-great Grandmothers.  We’ve been doing rotational pastures since the 70’s.  We only buy bulls for breeding, and they come from reputable farmers in Michigan.  Our cows raise their own calves until they are weaned at about 9 months.  We raise our own hay, plus what we buy comes from our own neighborhood so we know how it was grown. Our cattle have access to 3-5 acre yards through the winter, with some barn access, fresh water, bedding straw, and all the hay they can eat.  The steers get minimal amounts of homegrown and ground grain during the colder months (like Dessert!).  We think this makes our beef tasty and tender, with all the benefits of grass-fed beef, too!

At the market this week:

Specialty cuts:  Whole Beef Briskets (only have 2 - preorder if you want one!), Flank Steak and Skirt Steak.

Ground beef  1 lb pkgs

Ground Sirloin

Ground Beef Patties  1/4 # each, usually 4 to a package

Bone-In:  Rib, T-Bone and Porterhouse Steaks

Boneless:  Tenderloin – Do a stir-fry with a small package or grill some larger steaks!

Boneless:  NY Strip, Sirloin and RibEye Steaks.

Roasts:  English, Arm and Chuck

Stew Meat

Swiss Steak & Round Steak

Short Ribs, also good for meaty soups

Tongue,  Liver and Heart

Soup Bones!

ORGANIC OLIVE OIL ~ Fair Trade, too!  Imported by Higher Grounds in Traverse City

HIGHER GROUNDS COFFEE in 1# bags.  Certified organic, Fair Trade. Various types, beans or ground, dark or light roast, full caf, half caf or decaf. Try a cup at the Sweetwater Market table!

 

Maple Creek Sugars of Fremont

NEW!! We are busy at the farm boiling for 1400 taps! Tate Luchies will be bringing the first of the 2013 Maple Syrup this Saturday, and he will also have order forms on hand if you want to place an order for Grade B Maple Syrup -first come first served.  Grade B is wonderful for health drinks (most of us agree that it contains more minerals), excellent for cooking/baking (richer in flavor, see recipe above), and some people like it better in that it can “go a little further” as most people use less of it due to the slightly richer flavor. We are anticipating a great year!

 

Chickadee Creek Farm of Nunica

We will be at market Saturday with our delicious picnic hams, pork chops and steaks, smoked ham slices, smoked hocks and more! Our Mulefoot pork was selected as a Heritage Breed by the Slow Ark of Food.

 

Laughing Tree Brick Oven Bakery of Hart

Spring comes slowly here in West Michigan, but we feel it! We feel it!  And we know it must be here because the Sandhill Cranes are flapping about and the Sweetwater Local Foods Market is now happening every weekend from here till the end of December! Our thanks to you for supporting our little business all winter long and we look forward to being back outside again here very soon.  We feel it!

This week’s goodies:

Mountain Crunch Granola (pure vanilla, toasted almonds, and organic coconut oil) and Laughing Tree Peanut Butter Granola (all-natural PB, pure vanilla, and Michigan honey).

Both of these granolas are baked in our wood-fired brick oven after the intense bread-baking heat has dissipated (after several days).  They are baked at a low temperature to ensure that the nutrients in the grains and seeds remain intact!  Please note, these granolas are SWEETENED ONLY WITH MICHIGAN HONEY!  There is absolutely no refined sugar in them.

OUR EIGHT WEEKLY BREAD VARIETIES:     

Homesteader’s Wheat (An extraordinary light wheat bread with a wonderfully chewy crust) $5.00

Oceana Round  ( Rustic Italian country bread) $5.00

Third Coast Three Seed  (Sunnies, Sesames, and Flax in a light wheat) $5.50

The Michigander (made with Michigan-grown whole wheat—dark and soulful) $5.50

Annie’s Raisin Spice (sweet organic raisins, organic cinnamon, and freshly ground cardamon) $6.00

Griff’s 8-Grain (Hearty, hearty! Eight organic grains and a bit of Michigan honey) $6.50

Finn’s Pecan Raisin Pecan (Jam packed with pecans and organic raisins) $8.25

100% whole grain Kamut: Light and moist with a fruity flavor, a great loaf for folks with wheat sensitivities. $6.00

SPECIALTY BREAD BAKE SCHEDULE 

Irish Cheddar Peppercorn (Smooth Irish Cheddar accompanied by tongue tingling black pepper).  Price $8.00

PASTRIES AVAILABLE THIS SATURDAY:

Cranberry Orange Scones

Truly Ginger Scones

Michigan Cherry Scones

Pecan Date Scones

(All our scones are $2.25 each* and are handmade with our own fresh eggs, organic cream, and organic butter)

Deep Mud Brownies $2.75 each* Our brownies are made with extraordinary Callebaut dark chocolate, our own fresh eggs, and Michigan grown organic barley flour—they are amazing!!

Ginger Mud Brownies $2.75 each* Deep Mud brownies infused with dried, candied ginger.

 

Hickory Ridge Family Farm of Ferry

Will is getting married! Stop by his usual location at the mkt and sign a Best Wishes card!

 

Liberty Family Farm of Hart

We’re attending Will Hendrians wedding this Saturday, we’ll be back next week!

 

Creswick Farms of Ravenna

Pasture Raised, Antibiotic & Hormone Free, Artisanal Meats

Need Eggs? Come early before they are sold out!

Brown and beautiful! Fresh Squeezed Daily!!! The girls are working hard but it’s that short time of year. Please only order what you need so that everyone can get some!

Grassfed Beef Steaks, Roasts, Stew Meat and Ground Beef – we got em!

Sweet Swine O’mine Pastured Pork Chops, Tenderloins, Steaks, Roast – So many choices! Handcrafted Sausages – Bratwurst, Kielbasa, Breakfast links, etc. Carolina Style Pulled Pork

Tired of cooking? Try our pulled pork, just add your favorite BBQ sauce, warm it up and go! We are offering it without sauce so you can tailor to your own taste, also store bought pulled pork has sauce added to lower the price. 1 pound packages. $8.00/lb.

Need Bacon to go with the eggs?   We’ve got that too – Apple & Hickory Smoked, Apple/Cinnamon, Black Pepper & Garlic and Cajun!

For a current price list of our products, please follow this link: http://www.creswickfarms.com/pricelist.html

 

Saving Face Organics of Fruitport

About SFO: Less than two years ago Susie Meyers became concerned about all the unknown chemicals in her body care products. She started to make her own, and then give samples away. Reaction was immediate and so overwhelmingly positive she started making cleansers, make-ups, masks, scrubs and lotions. Now she has also added products for men, and children!

This week’s SPECIAL! Toner is an important part of your daily skin-care regimen. It removes left over dirt and make-up, helps to shrink pore size and firms the skin. Most commercial toners contain alcohol which is very drying to the skin, but SFO’s toner is gentle and all natural. Our regular price is $8, this Saturday only at Sweetwater you can have it for $6.00!

 

Bees & Botanicals of Spring Lake 

  Pretty, Practical, Eco-friendly and Organic!

Our soaps are made with organic ingredients, no foaming agents added, only rosemary extract for preservative and only essentials oils used for a nice variety of scents (unscented also available) –  Lavender, Lavender Citrus, Honey, Shea & Oats, Simply Rosemary,Lemongrass Tea, Oats & Spice,Orange,  Vanilla & Oats (Dreamsicle)

By request – Soap Dishs now available in both pine and cedar
Pretty draw Cord embroidered bag with 2 oz. bar available in the Orange, Vanilla & Oats and Lavender (make nice gifts)

Fragrant and versatile Organic Lavender – Organza, embroidered, and hand colored organic Lavender Sachets.  Add natural fragrance to drawers, closets, clothing in storage, travel bags, desk drawers… it smells sweet, clean & fresh but also known to be a natural relaxant and also a moth deterrent.

100% Michigan beeswax candles; natural, bright, clean and long burning.

Tea lights back in stock!

 

Pet Chef Lakeshore of Twin Lake

Barb Pitcher, vendor of all natural dog and cat food, treats and dog chews.

Pet Chef Express quality dry kibble pet food. Made with high quality, human grade proteins, no meat byproducts, seven different vegetables, kelp, flax, oatmeal for healthy immune systems, pre- and probiotics for digestive health, omega 6 & 3 oils for a shiny healthy coat, glucosamine/chondroitin for joint health, low temperature cooking process to .prevent heat damage. Contains NO artificial preservatives, NO wheat, corn, soy, cereal fillers, artificial coloring.

Six specialty formulas for dogs with sensitive digestion and food allergies to cater to your pet’s need from weaning through all life stages, and three formulas for cats.

Pet Chef Express food is manufactured FRESH each month, available at the market or I deliver direct to the consumer with FREE HOME DELIVERY. Not available in retail stores, never sits in warehouses. Orders can be placed no later than FRIDAY evening by calling Barb at 231-288-9805, or email petcheflakeshore@gmail.com

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What is a CSA?

The vendors listed below are all accepting applications for CSA Shares for 2013.

Community Supported Agriculture connects farmers with people who want the freshest, most local produce in-season. It works like a cooperative – you buy a share of the season’s produce and get a variety of vegetables every week of the summer (with extended options for those who want to include fall and spring veggies from hoophouse farmers).  Joining a CSA lets you support a family farm and help them get started early in the spring when capital is most needed. It is by far the most economical way a family can “buy local” and support the movement while getting the freshest, most nutritious produce possible.

 

Five Oaks Farm of Montague

We still have shares available in several different CSA options including a Main Season, Peak Season, Extended Season and a Bridge Card Share. Contact us at fiveoakscsa@gmail.com

 

Funny Farm of Grant

Long time Muskegon area organic farmers Jim and Barb Loe are offering a CSA again this year. Contact them at Jim & Barb Loe <funyfarm@riverview.net>

 

CJ Veggies of Zeeland

Contact them at: Charles Johnson <charles.johnson.1123@gmail.com>

 

Friends of the Market

Sweetwater Hugs & Thanks! To Sam Kline for renewing his FOM membership!

If you would like to become a Friend of the Market for a suggested donation of $20.00, which entitles you to a free cup of coffee at every market you attend for a full year, please see me at the market this Saturday! We will also have  Higher Grounds Coffee by the Cup for a suggested donation of $1.00.

 

See you at the market!

Diana Jancek
Market Manager

Contact info: (231)292-1152, dijaan1@charter.net

 

We are a BRIDGE CARD market!