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Celebrating Christmas in July

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By Stephanie Duscher

It may be consistently reaching temperatures of eighty degrees and higher, but somehow it seems like the perfect time to celebrate Christmas (in July!). Recently, my family and I put together a small Christmas in July party with decorations, a movie marathon, and lots of yummy, festive food! If you’re interested in throwing a Christmas in July celebration, we have many ideas to get you started (including a recipe using fresh raspberries from the farmers’ market!).

Raspberries, photo by Stephanie Duscher

Decorations
 Decorations are one of the most important elements of a Christmas in July celebration. To make our living room temporarily feel like Christmas, we put up an artificial tree, which we decorated with pairs of sunglasses, shells, starfish lights, and topped with a sand bucket. We also strung some garland and lights around the room.

Activities
 A Christmas tree doesn’t look quite complete without gifts underneath. A gift exchange game (like the White Elephant Game) is perfect for a party. Christmas trivia is another fun activity; the addition of prizes can make the game even more fun (and add a competitive edge). However, no party is complete without Christmas movies. We set up a projector and played a few of our favorite festive films. To ensure maximum coziness, turn off all lights when playing the movie except for the lights on your Christmas tree!

Christmas in July, photo by Stephanie Duscher

Food
 Food is an essential part of any party. Christmas in July is extra special because it allows you to use all the fresh ingredients that summer offers without any of the restrictions of a traditional Christmas in December.
In making our Christmas cookies, I knew I wanted to use a fresh, in-season ingredient, and what better place to find that than at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market. I found some absolutely delicious raspberries from Scotch Ridge Berry Farm, so I decided to make raspberry tassies from Kate Dean’s recipe at I Heart Eating. However, I made Sugar and Soul’s fresh raspberry filling rather than using canned raspberry pie filling. It was a delicious, festive treat that also incorporated all the goodness of summer!

Scotch Ridge Berry Farm

Other ideas for holiday foods made with local in-season ingredients are festive tossed salads with local cheese, savory tarts with beef or mushrooms, roasted chicken, and baked or mashed potatoes.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Rosemary Cheddar Irish Soda Bread

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Recipe provided by Trouvaille Eats & Sweets

Prep time: 10 min

Bake time: 30 min

Makes 8-10 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¾ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp of fresh chopped rosemary*
  • 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese*
  • 1 cup of buttermilk*
  • 1 whole large egg*

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Grease and flour a round baking tray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, pepper) with rosemary & cheddar cheese. In a separate bowl, combine eggs and buttermilk.
  3. Using the paddle attachment on a stand mixer, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
  4. Flour your work surface and knead the dough into the shape of a ball. Cut an “x” on top of the dough ball and place it on the baking tray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

 

*Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

 

Trouvaille Eats & Sweets Brings New Flavors to the Farmers’ Market

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By Caroline Moran

 

“Trouvaille in French means a positive, unexpected find.” For Courtney and Andrew Howe, this word perfectly sums up both their professional endeavors and the entirety of their journey together. After leaving behind 16- and 12-year-long careers in the restaurant industry, respectively, Courtney and Andrew first explored the idea of starting a food truck.

“When the pandemic hit, our ideas began to shift,” Courtney explained when discussing how the pair instead chose cheesecakes as a vessel in which to channel their culinary creativity. From basil and sage whipped creams to graham cracker and cinnamon bun crusts, the couple has no shortage of dreamy flavor combinations–certainly enough to satisfy any palate.

Pulling inspiration anywhere they can, Courtney is constantly jotting down flavor ideas when ingredients and products catch her eye. “We want each layer of the dessert to bring out different flavors that pair together perfectly,” she explained. The separation of flavors between the toppings, fillings, and crusts created a “layered experience,” resulting in an ideal bite.

Each week, the pair selects their most seasonally appropriate flavors and carefully crafts each component of their cheesecakes. “We make our sauces, jams, [and] graham crackers,” said Courtney. They individually garnish and package up each slice, knowing that customers can “taste the love and effort” poured into the process. 

This coming July marks two years of Trouvaille’s decadent desserts, with Courtney and Andrew looking forward to reintroducing gluten-free and vegan cheesecakes and experimenting with other cheesecake-based desserts.

“We truly enjoy working from our commercial kitchen for the time being,” the couple said. “We will keep running new flavors weekly to ensure our customers continue to have unique desserts to brighten up their weeks.”

Customers looking to enjoy a mouthwatering slice of Trouvaille’s cheesecake outside of the SFM’s hours can find them at the Schenectady Greenmarket and the Colonie Farmers’ Market, along with several local restaurants (the Mohawk Taproom, 10 McGillis, and Pinhead Susan’s) for a treat any day of the week. Pre-ordering options are also available on trouvailleeats.com, with options for both pick-up and delivery.

One of Courtney and Andrew’s favorite aspects of the business? “…converting people from non-cheesecake lovers to cheesecake lovers!” If you’re not yet convinced, stop by the SFM to check out this week’s flavors—we’re certain you might just find a new favorite dessert.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

*Parking available in the City Center Parking Garage- free for the first hour then $1/hr after that*

Cream of Asparagus Soup

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Adapted from the recipe by Erin Clarke of wellplated.com

Makes 4 servings

Prep time: 15 min

Cook time: 20 min

Ingredients

  • 3 slices bacon*(optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion* or shallot
  • 2 medium yellow potatoes*, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 2 pounds asparagus*, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt*, plus additional for serving (do not use fat-free or it may curdle and the soup will not be as creamy)

Instructions

  1. If serving with bacon, prepare it by frying it in a skillet on the stovetop or baking it in the oven. Crumble or dice and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or similar medium/large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally until the onions begin to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broth, asparagus, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. With an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. (You can also carefully transfer it to a blender or food processor in batches and blend it that way. Be careful as hot soup tends to splatter!) Return the blended soup to the pot and let cool a few minutes. Stir in the Greek yogurt, then season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Remember that if you are adding the bacon on top, it will also be salty, so be careful not to add too much.
  4. Serve hot, topped with crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and an extra dollop of Greek yogurt as desired.

Notes

  • To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon. To make it vegan, omit the Greek yogurt or swap for non-dairy yogurt and omit the bacon.

 

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

Saratoga Farmers’ Market Returns to High Rock Park

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By Julia Howard

 

This Saturday, June 4, is the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s first weekend back at High Rock Park, their home for outdoor markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the end of October. The seasonal transition has roused excitement and jubilation from market-goers and vendors alike. Vendor stalls will again fill the pavilions and spread out over the lawns.

“I’m just excited to get back to the shady park setting, and we’ll have a little more festivity—the downtown market vibes,” says Corinne Hansch, owner of Lovin’ Mama Farm. 

To celebrate the farmers’ market’s return to downtown Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market will host a ribbon-cutting with city officials at 9 a.m. Then, vendors will offer fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, eggs, dairy products, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers, art, etc. 

High Rock Park Pavillon, Photo by Pattie Garrett.

Local jeweler Kim Dolan says, “High Rock Park is such a great place – I don’t think you’ll find anyone that’s not excited.”

As the Saratoga Farmers’ Market enters its forty-fourth year in operation, it continues to support local farms and businesses in the Saratoga region, serving as an outlet for locally grown and made products. This season, about 65 farms and businesses participate in the Saturday market, and about 30 participate in the market on Wednesdays.

  Pack your shopping bags and walk, bike, or drive to High Rock Park this Saturday. Grab a coffee made with locally roasted beans and perhaps a light breakfast or lunch from one of the many prepared food vendors. And enjoy shopping outdoors in the ambiance of the park.

While shopping, have fun with live music from Running the River and GeoBeat and check out the children’s activities hosted by Northern Rivers Family Services. 

High Rock Park Pavillon, Photo by Pattie Garrett.

The farmers’ market has an ATM on-site, and many vendors accept credit cards. SNAP benefits are accepted at the market information booth at the market’s center.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is pleased to continue programs like Bicycle Benefits: earn a $2 coin when you bike to the market. The Power of Produce Club: a free 10-week program with activities for children at the market on Wednesdays, will begin June 29. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market also continues its community composting program, accepting fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, used tea bags, and similar items. Stay tuned for information on summer events and food festivals. 

 

Check out our Seasonal Recipe: Cream of Asparagus Soup

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Bark Hill Farm brings a bounty of flowers and vegetables to the farmers’ market

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By Julia Howard

 

Amy Hoge cares deeply about living things, from the countless flowers and vegetables that she grows to the cats, chickens, and six dogs that live on her farm. “It gets noisy around here,” she laughs in response to the farm’s name. Bark Hill Farm, located in Hebron in Washington County, is one of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s newest vendors.

Seven years ago, Amy and her family purchased an 11-acre plot with an 1800s farmhouse that stands on the property. In 2020, Amy decided to shift from her career as a veterinary technician to pursue farming full-time.

“The decision to start Bark Hill Farm felt right for my family and me as we pivoted through 2020,” Amy says. “It was time to pursue my passion for growing flowers and vegetables and making them available to the community.”

Bark Hill Farm, Photo by Pattie Garrett

 

Amy grows approximately forty varieties of seasonal vegetables and several types of flowers on three-quarters of an acre. The rest of the property is pasture and woodland that she utilizes for grazing laying hens and hay production.

“I believe that locally-grown, nutritious food is something that our community deserves access to. The same can be said about our flowers; I love seeing the joy they bring to people, and I feel good knowing that our growing methods are good for the environment.” Amy explains.

Bark Hill Farm is Certified Naturally Grown, meaning there is no use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or GMOs.

Bark Hill Farm, Photo by Pattie Garrett

As a female business owner in agriculture, Amy takes each day with its blessings and challenges. “I love offering new products as the weeks change, and I love the community aspect of growing for local markets and getting to talk directly with customers,” Amy says. “It’s also challenging to grow as a business without outgrowing what I can handle.”

You can find Bark Hill Farm at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays from 3-6 pm at High Rock Park and the Spa City Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Seasonal varieties of produce and flowers are available at Bark Hill’s farmstand, open seven days a week at 2079 County Rt 47, Hebron, and through the farm’s CSA, available at www.barkhillfarm.com.

This week’s recipe: Roasted Root Vegetable

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. This Saturday is the final market at the Wilton Mall for the season. Markets will return to High Rock Park on Wednesday, June 1. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.