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Family and Friendship Inspires Love of the Market

February 8, 2016 By marketeditor

Puckers Pickles

Puckers Pickles

Puckers Family

Puckers Family

Puckers Family

Puckers Family

By: Jeremy Riccardi

Valentine’s Day often connotes chocolates and wine, both of which can be found at the Saratoga Farmers Market. But love at the market also means healthy eating and looking out for the ones you love.

The market will celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend with several sweet treats as well as items like the award-winning fermented cherries made by Puckers Gourmet pickle company. The cherries can top such desserts as the yogurt parfait shown below.

“It’s a lovely versatile product,” said Kelley Hillis, owner of Puckers Gourmet. “It pairs great with chocolate and I personally love it when used with Springbrook Hollow’s moonshine as a Manhattan,”

Hillis, calls the market a great place to spend quality time with the people you love. “You have some of the finest local foods, freshest produce, and amazing wines,” she said. “A part of love is looking out for someone’s well-being and the best way to do that is by shopping at the market because it’s fresh, high-quality and locally produced.”

Hillis began making hand-made pickled products as a hobby. Seven years ago, the hobby became a family business. “The love of being a Mom led me into this business,” said Hillis. “I always knew if I found the right motivation I’d get what I needed to provide for my kids and spend quality time with them. Opening our own business has allowed us to be hands-on parents.”

Hillis says friendships with her customers and the vendors have given her a source of personal strength. Over time, these friendships have empowered her and given her the strength to run her business, she says.

“The market has been phenomenal,” Hillis said. “The friendships I’ve made have been the deepest relationships I’ve ever had.”

One of Puckers Gourmet’s popular products is pakdong, a Thai fermented cabbage dish. “It’s a little spicy and a little sweet which is exactly what love is,” Hillis said.

Chef Caitlin Parwana of Ruthless Confections has used Hillis’ pakdong to create a flavorful spring roll. Using a slotted spoon, she scooped out portions of the cabbage mix and placed it on lightly moistened rice roll wraps. Some fresh sunflower and pea sprouts add an extra touch.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open at the Lincoln Baths in the Saratoga Spa State Park every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

On Valentine’s Day, say ‘I love you’ with a parfait.

Puckers Gourmet pickle company Yogurt Parfait

Place layers of yogurt, homemade chocolate sauce, granola and your favorite in-season fruit in a glass or bowl. Yogurt, granola, and fruit are available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. For a special touch, try Puckers fermented cherries as a garnish.

Chocolate Sauce Sweetened with Honey
Adapted from David Lebovitz
Makes: 2 ½ cups

Ingredients:
*ingredients available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
1 cup water
½ cup raw sugar (or granulated sugar)
½ cup honey*
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped.

Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, sugar, honey, and cocoa powder.
2. Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking frequently. Once it just begins to boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted.
4. Let stand until cooled.  Refrigerate. It will thicken overnight.

Filed Under: News, Seasonal Recipes

Reader Interactions

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We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best Farmers’ Markets in the Capital Region for the Times Union’s Best of 2021! Thank you to all of our amazing customers and community for your continued support! You can vote for us daily under the category “Goods & Services” using this link: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2021/ 
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#timesunionbestof2021 #timesunionbestof #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket 
#supportlocal #shoplocal #saratogany #saratogasprings
Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Cru Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Crush Monday!) This week we talked to Kim from Mugzy’s Barkery who brings healthy, locally made dog treats to the market. 
 
1. How did Mugzy’s Barkery get started? 
My sister Jaime started the business just over 5 years ago to have a healthier treat option to give her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Mugzy. Our treats are all natural and organic, providing a healthy alternative to mass-produced treats for caring dog parents. 
 
 2. What’s your favorite part about vending at the market?
Definitely getting to see all the dogs! The funny thing is I know all our regular customer’s dogs by name, not the owners. 
 
3. What are your most popular treat flavors?
Pumpkin paws (grain-free biscuits) and the pupcakes (a bite-sized treat) are really popular with the dogs but we also have flavors like PB cookie cups, apple cheddar training treats, banana buddies and more, so something to fit any pup’s tastes!
 
The PB cookie cups have been tried and approved by our market assistant’s dog, Lacey! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #upstateny #shoplocal #saratogadog #farmersmarketfresh #mugzysbarkery #dogtreats #healthydogtreats
No need for an international flight when you can j No need for an international flight when you can journey around the world at the market! 🌍 Between Italian, Mediterranean, and Ukrainian, our vendors bring some of their best home cuisines to the market.
 
Have you tried My Dacha's Ukrainian food yet? Choose from lots of delicious options like pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, or opt for sweet crepes. 🥟🤤 (If you've tried their food, what's your favorite?!)

We're open this Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #food #ukrainian #pierogies
When the food court sun hits the product just righ When the food court sun hits the product just right... 👌 Don't forget our online preorder deadline is TONIGHT at 9pm for pickup this Saturday! Give some love to your gut and grab a bottle of @junbucha365 online or at the market.
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#saratogafarmersmarket #junbucha #kombucha #probiotics #loveyourgut #farmersmarket #onlinepreordering #curbsidepickup #saratoga #saratogasprings

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