News and blog

Update for Saturday, July 6th

I have an abbreviated Market update this week due to the holiday.

I expect a great variety of locally grown meat, vegetables and fruit this week.  The summer growing season is in full swing.

But the big news for this week is the Miriam Rubin visit to the market.  She is coming to visit us all the way from Greene County, PA.  As many of you know, I often feature Miriam's articles and recipes as part of my weekly update.  We are so happy to have her come in person- with her new cook book and also demonstrating some recipes.

In the spring Miriam published a cook book called Tomatoes.  She will have books for sale (and signing) and will also do a cooking demonstration of some recipes from the book using ingredients from the market.  So please help spread word and come out to visit Miriam at the market.  We will have several varieties of locally grown tomatoes at the market this week.

Miriam plans to demonstrate 2 dishes using recipes from the book:

• Grilled Ginger Tomatoes-  using local cherry tomatoes and scallions, California olive oil
• Grilled Halloumi Salad- using Halloumi made by Sam Byler from Riverview Dairy, Amish grown tomatoes and mint

Miriam will be cooking by 10:00 am and will be there until about 11:30.

See you at the market- David Lagnese
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Visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

Also,  check out the video about the market produced by Ths folks at East Liberty Development (ELDI).  It was directed and produced by local film maker Michael Pisano. So a great big thanks Michael and ELDI's Margaret Graham  for producing the video. So please check out the video and share it with others.

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The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday, June 29th

Market last week was even better than the week before with tons of locally grown stuff.  It's sad to see that asparagus and rhubarb are pretty much done, but so goes the growing cycle. 

The 4th of July holiday is upon us- mid week, so please stock up on supplies this Saturday.  The Kennedy's will have lots of meat selections and local vegetables will be plentiful.  Several new arrivals this week including peas, cabbage, fresh garlic and others.

Beet top alert

Last week was the first week for local beets and Rick Zang had some beauties.  I was buying a few bunches from him and asked if he had any extra tops.  Several people overheard and asked what I did with the tops.  Eat them of course was my answer.  They confessed that they simply cut them off and discarded them. 

I was kind of surprised that so many people are not aware that not only are they edible, they are delicious and very nutritious.  My Italian grandmother would have been mortified to hear of this talk of throwing away the greens.

Here is how I prepare them....

Cut off the tops and clean them as you would any other greens such as swiss chard or spinach.  I like to do the greens from 2 bunches of beets at a time.  I usually cut off most of the stem, and I discard any rotting or yellowing leaves.  My method of cleaning is to put them in a large bowl and cover with cold water.  Let them sit a few minutes and then lift them out of the water so the sand settles to the bottom.  Then clean out the bowl and put the greens back in.  Cover with water again and then lift them out of the water.  Two washes like this should remove all the dirt and sand.

Step 2 is to blanch them in salted boiling water.  Put a pot of water on the stove.  when it comes to a boil, add a few pinches of salt and then put the beet greens into the boiling water.  They only need to cook for about 2 minutes.  Drain the water.  When cool, lightly squeeze out most of the water.

I usually do the cleaning and blanching on the weekend, and then do the final preparation during the week. 

Then for the final preparation.  This is the fun part because it involves garlic and olive oil. I get a skillet (cast Iron preferable) and heat it up, then coat the bottom with about 1/4 cup of olive oil.  Add some garlic cloves and lightly brown.  I chop up the greens with a french knife, and put the blanched greens into the hot olive and garlic.  I saute the greens for about 8 minutes, turning them from time to time.  The only seasonings I add is salt and pepper, and maybe a little red pepper flakes.

A variation on this is to mince a piece of bacon and brown it with the garlic prior to adding the blanched greens.  Even one piece of bacon adds a lot of flavor.  Bacon from Kennedy's works great.

For those of you who have not tried eating beet tops, please give this a try.  My grandmother would be very happy.

Other updates

I visited Sam and Susie Byler this week at Riverview Dairy.  It was a great visit and got to see all the improvements that the Bylers have made to the farm, the dairy, and the milking parlor.  I also got to visit with the sheep herd, which is being managed by his neighbor Aaron Schwartz.  The sheep are looking fabulous and are producing great milk.  Best of all, I got to taste 2 delicious sheep milk cheeses- an aged Pecorino, and Halloumi.  I will have the Pecorino at the market this Saturday.  Please stop by PA Made Cheese for a taste.

Next Week- Miriam Rubin visit

Next Saturday, Miriam Rubin- Chef, Master Gardener, Author, and Food Writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette- will be visiting the market.  In the spring she published a book called Tomatoes.  She will have books for sale (and signing) and will also do a cooking demonstration of a recipe from the book.  So please help spread word and come out to visit Miriam at the market.  I will have more details in next week's update message.  In the meantime, check out her timely article in today's PG on peas.  We should have lots of the fresh local peas at the market on Saturday, so check out Miriam's recipes.

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/food/miriams-garden-sweet-pea-dreams-693237/

David Lagnese

Locally grown items available this week at the market

Cherries, blueberries and strawberries
Garlic and garlic scapes (tops)
Green and purple onions
Kale and collards
Zucchini
Salad Greens (several varieties)
Snow Peas, snap peas and shelling peas
Garlic
Spinach
Swiss chard

Cabbage

Mushrooms

Tomatoes

New potatoes

Beets

Also,  lots of hanging baskets, potted flowers, vegetable and flower transplants for the garden.

Check out the details below for Kistaco, Zang and Greenawalt stands for these items.
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The Update....

J.L Kennedy Meat Stand- Special items for this week

Whether you are celebrating July 4th this weekend, next weekend, or on the day itself...we have all popular picnic items.. so please call in order A.S.A.P. and we can make your planning easy!!!!

- BUTCHER-MADE HOT DOGS in regular and cheese varieties, sold by the piece or pound

- KOLBASSI GRILLERS links in regular and mildly hot pepper cheese varieties

- PORK SPARE RIBS

- BEEF BRISKET

- ALL CUTS OF STEAK are possible if  called in early enough

***The J.L.KENNEDY MEAT STAND will of course have holiday sampling of meats and cheeses

***The J.L.KENNEDY FAMILY invite everyone to attend any of their beef, lamb, & hog 4-H exhibit shows at the upcoming BIG BUTLER FAIR...shows are 9 am-12 noon sat...mon...tues...wed...& thurs...and @6;00 sun eve. what a great opportunity for everyone to see and be educated on the way local meat is raised !!!!

More info on fair website or talk to VAL KENNEDY this Saturday...

Please keep phone call orders and any messages to ring in during our business hours of 9-9 mon-thurs and 9-6 on friday...

The number at the farm is 724-898-2316.

PA Made Cheese-   As mentioned above, we will have some aged sheep milk Pecorino cheese from Riverview Dairy.  I am really pleased with the results and hope you like it as well.

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies at the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.  Stop by and talk to Jack at the booth.

BANDY Woodworks will have children's toys and games, and great items for the home and office using local reclaimed and salvaged wood and non-toxic finishes.  Cutting boards and wine racks make a great Valentine's gift for the foodie on your list!  Their booth is on the right when you walk in the front door from N. Sheridan, directly across from Greenawalt's.  Preview some of the items carried at the market by visiting  www.bandywoodworks.etsy.com.

*****************************************************
Visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

Also,  check out the video about the market produced by Ths folks at East Liberty Development (ELDI).  It was directed and produced by local film maker Michael Pisano. So a great big thanks Michael and ELDI's Margaret Graham  for producing the video. So please check out the video and share it with others.

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday, June 22nd

I was really impressed with the variety and quality of local fruit and produce that was available last week.  Items like tomatoes, cabbage and cauliflower were a surprise.  The variety of lettuce and cooking greens was impressive. Based on my discussions with the farmers, this week will be even better.  For example, local zucchini and beets will be available.  I bought a whole cabbage and made some Asian slaw.  The cabbage was so fresh and tender and had a very mild flavor.

Please see below for an update.

At the cheese stand, we shared samples of the cheese that I brought back from France.  It was really excellent. We have a few pieces left to share this week.  We will have lots of locally made cheese available for sale.  I am hoping we will have a fresh delivery from Riverview Dairy including some sheep milk cheese. 

David

Locally grown items available this week at the market

Sweet Cherries
Garlic scapes (tops)
Strawberries
Green and purple onions
Kale and collards
Zucchini
Salad Greens (several varieties)
Snow Peas
Asparagus
Garlic
Spinach
Swiss chard

Mushrooms

Tomatoes

New potatoes

Beets

Also,  lots of hanging baskets, potted flowers, vegetable and flower transplants for the garden.

Check out the details below for Kistaco, Zang and Greenawalt stands for these items.
******************************************************************************************
The Update....

J.L Kennedy Meat Stand- Special items for this week

- PASTURE-RAISED ROASTING CHICKENS...last offering until fall
- SIRLOIN TIP KABOBS...minimal marinade or seasoned rub for easy prep
- PORK TENDERLOINS-

Please keep phone call orders and any messages to ring in during our business hours of 9-9 mon-thurs and 9-6 on friday...

The number at the farm is 724-898-2316.

PA Made Cheese-   As mentioned we will have several cheese samples from France to taste.  And of course a wide variety of cheese local Pennsylvania made cheese for sale.  We are hoping for some sheep milk cheese from Riverview Dairy. 

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies at the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.  Stop by and talk to Jack at the booth.

BANDY Woodworks will have children's toys and games, and great items for the home and office using local reclaimed and salvaged wood and non-toxic finishes.  Cutting boards and wine racks make a great Valentine's gift for the foodie on your list!  Their booth is on the right when you walk in the front door from N. Sheridan, directly across from Greenawalt's.  Preview some of the items carried at the market by visiting  www.bandywoodworks.etsy.com.

*****************************************************
Visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

Also,  check out the video about the market produced by Ths folks at East Liberty Development (ELDI).  It was directed and produced by local film maker Michael Pisano. So a great big thanks Michael and ELDI's Margaret Graham  for producing the video. So please check out the video and share it with others.

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday, June 15th- Father's Day Weekend

More locally grown items are coming in each week.  A number of new items are available this week.   Please see below for an update.

Sorry that I was not able to send out an update last week.  I was traveling in Italy and France with the family.  We had a great trip.  Although, the weather in Europe has been very cold and rainy all spring and into June, so their growing season is really behind schedule.  I brought back some cheese from France that I will be sharing at the PA Made Cheese stand on Saturday.  Stop by and try some.

David

Locally grown items available this week at the market

Sweet Cherries
Garlic scapes (tops)
Strawberries
Green Onions
Kale and collards
Zucchini
Salad Greens (several varieties)
Snow Peas
Asparagus
Garlic
Spinach
Mushrooms

Also,  lots of hanging baskets, potted flowers, vegetable and flower transplants for the garden.

Check out the details below for Kistaco, Zang and Greenawalt stands for these items.
******************************************************************************************
The Update....

J.L Kennedy Meat Stand- Special items for this week

 LAMB = BONE IN OR BONELESS LEG OF LAMB-WHOLE SHANKS-LOIN

 CHOPS-STEW MEAT-GROUND LAMB-   please call to order if you have been interested in local lamb...

 STEAKS OF ALL KINDS cut to order if we know what you need

 STEAKBURGER PATTIES

 **complimentary sampling of garlic bologna and smoked cheddar cheese to celebrate Father s Day

Please keep phone call orders and any messages to ring in during our business hours of 9-9 mon-thurs and 9-6 on friday...

The number at the farm is 724-898-2316.

PA Made Cheese-   As mentioned we will have several cheese samples from Franc to taste.  And of course a wide variiety of cheese local Pennsylvania made cheese for sale.  We just got in a new wheel of Pirate Blue from Clover Creek.

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies at the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.  Stop by and talk to Jack at the booth.

BANDY Woodworks will have children's toys and games, and great items for the home and office using local reclaimed and salvaged wood and non-toxic finishes.  Cutting boards and wine racks make a great Valentine's gift for the foodie on your list!  Their booth is on the right when you walk in the front door from N. Sheridan, directly across from Greenawalt's.  Preview some of the items carried at the market by visiting  www.bandywoodworks.etsy.com.

*****************************************************
Visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

Also,  check out the video about the market produced by Ths folks at East Liberty Development (ELDI).  It was directed and produced by local film maker Michael Pisano. So a great big thanks Michael and ELDI's Margaret Graham  for producing the video. So please check out the video and share it with others.

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.

Update for Saturday, June 1st

Well its finally June and warm weather seems to be here, finally.  Let's hope the warm weather accelerates the growing season so that we get more locally grown items.   Please see below for an update.

Update on locally grown items

The locally grown items are starting to roll in.  Based on my conversations with the farmers today, I expect to see several locally grown items including:

• Green onions
• Specialty mushrooms
  
• Asparagus
• Rhubarb
• Swiss Chard
• Spring lettuce
• Spinach
• Micro arugula
• Strawberries
  

I also expect to see lots of hanging baskets, potted flowers, vegetable and flower transplants for the garden.

Check out Kistaco, Zang and Greenawalt stands for these items.

See you at the market- David Lagnese

******************************************************************************************
The Update....

J.L Kennedy Meat Stand

Special items for this week

- STEAK BURGER PATTIES sold in frozen stack of 8

- SIRLOIN TIP KABOBS

- ALL STEAKS CUT TO ORDER if called in by thurs eve

Please keep phone call orders and any messages to ring in during our business hours of 9-9 mon-thurs and 9-6 on friday...

The number at the farm is 724-898-2316.

PA Made Cheese-  

We also have a fresh shipment of cheese from Riverview Dairy- feta and Chevre.  We have been out of Chevre for a while as Sam and Susie Byler shut down the creamery for a few months while they were doing renovations.

We still have some of the inspiration cheese from cheese maker Laura Chenel in Sonoma County, California.  We have 4 wheels of a goat milk cheese called "Melodie."  It's an ash-rind semi-soft cheese.  It is mild but very tasty.  This cheese won first place in 2012 from the American Cheese Society.  That is quite an honor.  Stop by and taste it and lets see if we can get one of our local cheese makers to try making it here in Pennsylvania.

The Greek Gourmet- will have homemade spinach and meat pies at the market each week- in addition to 20+ flavors of hummus.  Stop by and talk to Jack at the booth.

BANDY Woodworks will have children's toys and games, and great items for the home and office using local reclaimed and salvaged wood and non-toxic finishes.  Cutting boards and wine racks make a great Valentine's gift for the foodie on your list!  Their booth is on the right when you walk in the front door from N. Sheridan, directly across from Greenawalt's.  Preview some of the items carried at the market by visiting  www.bandywoodworks.etsy.com.

*****************************************************
Visit the market's website for information on the market and all the vendors.  You can sign up for a weekly email update.

http://www.farmersmarketcooperativeofeastliberty.com/

Also,  check out the video about the market produced by Ths folks at East Liberty Development (ELDI).  It was directed and produced by local film maker Michael Pisano. So a great big thanks Michael and ELDI's Margaret Graham  for producing the video. So please check out the video and share it with others.

*********************************************************

The Farmers' Market Cooperative of East Liberty is located at 344 North Sheridan Ave., adjacent to the Home Depot parking lot.  The market operates year round- and is open from 5 AM until 12 noon every Saturday of the year.