Sweet Potatoes Are Everywhere!

If you want to consider sweet potatoes for your holiday meal, consider something beyond marshmallow-topped dishes this year.  EatingWell has some great suggestions for special day and any day sweet potatoes without a marshmallow in sight!  Take a look at some of the side dish and main dish uses they suggest at http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_sweet_potato_recipes.  Here's a suggestion to go with your Friday night supper:

Oven Sweet Potato Fries
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/oven_sweet_potato_fries.html
From EatingWell:  EatingWell Serves Two
Making oven fries out of sweet potatoes brings out their inherent sweetness.
2 servings | Active Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into wedges
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Preparation
Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss sweet potato wedges with oil, salt and pepper. Spread the wedges out on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until browned and tender, turning once, about 20 minutes total.

Who's coming to Montevallo's Fall Market on Saturday, October 15?

BB's Bread, Dixon Family Farm, Honey Hill Farm, Dixie Homecrafters, Cheeky Maiden Soap, Karen Ross, Wanda Anderson, Inviting You Designs, Knight's Farm, Erin Rawson, and more will be there Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m.-noon.  Shop that day on the parking lot behind 1st Baptist Church and enjoy the music of the Dulcimer Band 9-10 a.m. and then Pea Ridge Senior Singers 10-11 a.m.  Honey, fresh eggs, produce, arts, and crafts for shopping and a cool morning to remember our summer at Montevallo's award winning farmer's market will be a great chance to see your friends downtown!

Montevallo Farmers’ Market Named as one of Top 20 Favorite Farmers Markets

Montevallo Farmers’ Market was recently voted as the 8th leading farmers market in America’s Favorite Farmers Market in the boutique category.  In this year’s contest more than 90,000 farmers market shoppers voted for more than 1,700 participating farmers markets in American Farmland Trust’s third annual contest.

The Montevallo Farmers’ Market is located behind Montevallo First Baptist Church at the corner of Main and Middle Streets downtown.  Follow the market on facebook and on the market’s blog: montevallofarmersmarket.blogspot.com.

Here is what one voter for the Montevallo Farmers’ Market had to say about why it should be named one of America’s Favorite Farmers Markets:

The Montevallo Farmer's Market is centrally located in a tree-shaded area in the center of Montevallo's historic Main Street. It has ample parking, handicap access, friendly coordinators, and wonderful farmers who bring us fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade breads and jellies, and cut flowers and herbs each Monday during the summer. Montevallo wouldn't be the same with them!The signage in downtown Montevallo reminds everyone that Monday afternoon is the time to enjoy the Farmer's Market.

Yes

According to the recent release of the updated U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s farmers market directory, the number of farmers markets across the nation increased by 17 percent between 2010 and 2011. Support for farmers markets helps to provide income opportunities for farmers. The rising interest for local food from nearby farms highlights the value of protecting farmland to meet demand.

The America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest is a part of American Farmland Trust’s No Farms No Food® campaign, which raises awareness of the dangers of farmland loss by making

Warm soup for a cool day!

This week's Lexington Farmers Market Newsletter included a recipe for roasted tomato soup and I thought it was a great reminder that local farmers still have tomatoes for sale.  Joyce Darby continues to sell to the public on Mondays 3-6 p.m. and her CSA includes tomatoes too.  These cool days we've had since tropical storm Lee came through Shelby County are making all of us think soups.  Let's make Roasted Tomato Soup and don't even consider leaving out the heavy cream or half and half!

Roasted Tomato Soup

• 1 1/4 lb. Ripe Tomatoes (about 4 Large Tomatoes)
• 1/2 Medium Yellow Onion
• 3 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• Fresh Ground Pepper
• 1 Tbsp. Chopped Parsley
• 1 1/2 Cups Low Sodium Vegetable or Chicken Broth
• 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
• 1/4 Cup Heavy Cream or Half and Half, optional
• Fresh Oregano + Basil for garnish
• Fresh Grainy Bread
• Mozzarella Cheese 

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Cut the tomatoes and the half of an onion into wedges. Use your finger to push out some of the seedy parts of the tomatoes, but this is not a huge deal, just get out the big seedy parts, a bit intact is fine. Spread them on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle the salt, a generous amount of pepper, the chopped parsley and gently toss it with your hands. Tuck the garlic cloves somewhere in a tomato, so they don't burn. Roast on the middle rack for 30-40 minutes until the tomatoes have broken down and reduced to about half their size. Remove and cool slightly.

2. Warm the broth and stir in the tomato paste to dissolve. Add the all of the ingredients from the roasting pan into the broth and let it gently simmer for 5-10 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the bowl, or with a food processor or blender. The soup should be smooth, with some texture. If you don't like any texture at all, you could run it through a fine mesh sieve. Return it back to the pot, and add the cream to taste, if using. Taste for salt and pepper.

3. Serve with some toasted bread, or broil a few slices with a piece of mozzarella on top. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and oregano.

See Montevallo Farmers' Market on the LocalHarvest Website!

Montevallo Farmers' Market is now added to LocalHarvest's website at http://www.localharvest.org/montevallo-farmers-market-M47039?ul.  It's a great spot to read about other markets and to see the full list of produce and other items available during our market's season.  Even though our 2011 season is complete, we're planning for the market's reprise during our Fall Market on Saturday, October 15.  You'll see several of our summer season growers with fall produce and added to the line up will be some arts and crafts vendors.  With a beautiful fall Saturday, you'll get the day started by seeing your farmer friends and doing some shopping!  Be sure to save the date! 

Vote for Montevallo Farmers Market Today!

Montevallo's Monday Market has had a great second season.  We're a family of customers and vendors that have enjoyed our new site behind 1st Baptist Church.  Music, fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, and baked goods that make you smile have made this a happy summer at the market.  Vote today to make Montevallo's Market one of the nation's best!

News for End of Season Events

Cheeky Maiden is coming to the Montevallo Farmers' Market 7/25 and 8/8.  The products will spoil you and your family.  Shop Cheeky Maiden and see what you've been missing! 

Dallas Perry Band is playing at the 7/25 market.  This band is making a name for themselves!  Come shop and enjoy their music at the market on the lot behind 1st Baptist Church.

Ninna Morris Gamble grew up in Pea Ridge and plays for and sings with a quartet from her church, Reno Baptist, in west Jefferson County.  The quartet enjoys performing at community events and retirement communities.  Because they got their start singing at nursing homes, they call themselves The Nursing Home Quartet.  They sing Southern Gospel music and promise that you'll hear your favorites on 8/8 when they sing for the Montevallo Farmers' Market.

Joyce Darby and her Farm in the Shelby County Reporter

See this story in the Shelby County Reporter to learn more about Montevallo area farmer, Joyce Darby.  http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2011/07/18/working-farm-a-dream-realized-for-montevallo-woman/
It's a fun field trip to visit Joyce and the animals on her farm! Joyce's fresh eggs, herbs, and vegetables are each week at the Montevallo Farmers' Market. 

Blueberries, blueberries, and more blueberries!

The blueberry grower called today to say that the berries are coming in fast!  He has over 40 gallons picked and ready!  Usual price is $6 a quart.  He's selling them for $20 a gallon, but needs to know that you want him to bring them to Montevallo Market on Monday 7/11.  Call David Nichols 334-683-4029 to order your blueberries for Monday.  Add them to your morning cereal, a salad, or pancake batter.  Freeze them to enjoy this winter.  These berries are beautiful and the season will be gone before you know it!

Music at the Market July 18 and July 25

July 18 the Montevallo Farmers' Market will welcome The Final Fight, a band featuring Oliver Stansell on vocals with Ryan Brown and Austin Jones.  This will be their first performance, so come see these guys get their start!

July 25 Dallas Perry Band will play for market goers.  This is the band that will open for Dakota Jennings at Brierfield Park on August 27th at the "Bikers Rebuilding Alabama" event to raise money for the Salvation Army for disaster relief. 

Lula B's Frozen Yogurt for an After Market Treat!

Our market operates on Mondays 3-6 pm. and the summer heat takes a toll on shoppers!  Many have found the perfect way to cool off is to stop at Lula B's for frozen yogurt or sorbet when they leave the market.  Market will be closed on Monday, July 4, but Lula B's will be open.  When you need a break from barbecue, chill with yogurt for the holiday!  The holiday sorbet flavor will be watermelon.  Who can resist that flavor on the 4th?

Montevallo's Monday Market will resume on July 11 and continue on Mondays each week thru August 8. 

Recipe to Make Your Meal

Wondering what to do with the vegetables from Monday's Farmers' Market?  Here's an easy favorite to try.  Make the amounts work for the size group you're expecting and enjoy!

Layer peeled sliced potatoes, peeled sliced sweet potatoes, sliced purple onion, sliced summer squash, sliced zuchinni, and sliced tomatoes.  After each layer add salt, pepper, and olive oil.  Top the casserole with grated parmesan cheese, cover, and bake at 350 degrees until potatoes are done. 

Serve with grilled chicken or pork tenderloin and enjoy the happy faces at your table!

Dulcimer Music is a Great Market Soundtrack!

Thanks to Bob and Sallie Sutton of Montevallo, we had another tuneful Montevallo Monday Market.  The Dulcimer Band is a hit with our shoppers.  Music even makes the weather seem a little cooler!  This was the band's second appearance this season and their fan base is growing!

Here's some information about two of our growers:

Chris Knight posts this sign about the nutrition program to remind shoppers that they can redeem their vouchers at his booth.  Senior adults can qualify if they meet income requirements.  It's a perfect way to stretch your food budget and enjoy fresh locally grown produce.

Joyce Darby's products are grown organically on her farm near Montevallo on Highway 17.  She invites visitors to come see her farm on the first Saturday of every month.  In addition to gardening, Joyce has llamas, goats, and horses.  It's a fun field trip for all ages to see the work she does!  This Saturday is July 2, so you might want to consider adding the JDarby Farm to your holiday weekend plan.

Visit to the Lexington KY Farmers Market

Here are two photos from the Lexington KY Farmers Market on a rainy day!  This market has been in business since 1975.  The shed where they operate in downtown Lexington is just a couple of years old.  It offered great protection to vendors and shoppers on June 18!  In addition to fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, this market had an activity space for children and a vendor selling made-on-the spot crepes.  Homemade dog treats, books by "locally grown" authors, and fresh pasta were also available.

Montevallo Monday Market's purpose is to connect farmers and their customers in Montevallo.  We'll offer other goods from time to time and BB's Bread every week, but it's really about the farmers.  Maybe when Montevallo has a little more history, it will have vendors with specialy goods like treats for your puppy!  In the meantime, if you go to Lexington take a break from touring horse farms and check out the Farmers Market.

Know the People Who Grow Your Food

When you shop at the Montevallo Farmers' Market, you get to know the growers.  You know that next week another variety of peaches will be available and you hear the story about the orange colored tomatoes that are in the current week's line up.  If you get an insect sting, Joan Pickett will have the remedy.  If you want to talk about fresh eggs or grandchildren, ask Annie Caver.  Rodney Dixon's young children are likely to be at the Dixon Family Farm booth.  They might be napping, but they are just as likely to be smiling at you while their aunt bags up your okra.  Bring your family to the market and meet the farmers and their families! 

Knight Farms and Knight's Farm are the Peach Sellers at this Market

Chris Knight is one of two peach farmers at our market.  He is back for a second season at Monday Market and it's fun to have him on board.  If you're wondering if the peaches are ripe, or a tomato is tasty, just ask.  Chris will slice and serve a sample on the spot!

Sunflowers

Joan and Mike Pickett's Honey Hill Farm is well known for delicious honey and their garden produce, but their sunflowers are also a hit at the Montevallo Monday Market!  At 3 for a $1 they are definitely a bargain.  These blooms make your Monday night supper table look like it's a party!

Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines

This farm is new to our market in 2011.  They brought us clear seed peaches this week and they have these same smiles for every customer!  The farmers say that Montevallo folks come to the market to shop!  Seeing friends and family is also an activity.  The dulcimer players will be back on 6/27, so the shopping and the visiting will have a soundtrack!

First Baptist Vacation Bible School will overlap with the last hour of the market on 7/11!  We'll make the parking for Bible School and the arrival of children happen safely.  Hope that some of the families will take a minute to shop when they bring children for VBS!  Bible School at First Baptist is 7/11-15 from 5-8 p.m.

Thanks to Montevallo Drug for the Green Bags!

Montevallo Drug got the season off to a great start with green reuseable shopping bags for everyone.  As shoppers visit with vendors, they can add their purchases to one bag and make the rounds more easily.  This photo from the Shelby County Reporter catches the spirit of the market.  BB's Bread has been a hit.  It's sourdough and is available plain or cinnamon/sugar.  Use it for making French Toast and add some honey from Mike and Joan Pickett's Honey Hill Farm for a breakfast treat!

Line-up of Vendors for 2011

Montevallo First Baptist Church has welcomed the 2011 Farmers' Market to their parking lot on Middle St.  This shady location has been a hit with vendors and shoppers!  The summer season is giving a full range of choices now with tomatoes, peaches, honey, watermelons, berries, and more!

Back from our 2010 season are the Dixons, the Cavers, Chris Knight, David Nichols, and the Picketts from Honey Hill Farm.  New to our group are Joyce Darby organically grown plants and produce, Knight's Farm from the Clanton area, and Brenda Scott with BB's Bread. 

Kona Ice helps keep shoppers cool with frozen treats and live music on selected Mondays creates a great atmosphere.  City of Montevallo workers set up the tents each week.  When it's time for the tents to come down after the market closes, there's a crew of volunteers to lend a hand.  Herschel Hale, Eddye Lawley, Stone Pritchett, David Pritchett, Mike Pickett, and market managers Leanne Reed and Mary Lou Williams have all helped with this chore.