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Thoughtful Gift-Giving During a Pandemic

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By Julia Howard

As challenging as 2020 has been so far, the holiday gifting season feels like a bright way to end a dark year. Perhaps more than ever, gift-giving is a means of reconnecting with friends and family, some of whom we haven’t seen in person for nearly a year. We also get that gift-giving can be a source of stress even in the best of times, so we have some strategic ideas to make gifting during a pandemic a little more seamless, meaningful, and even enjoyable.

● If you prefer shopping from the comfort of home, find our vendor directory and shop locally online. Find links to local businesses’ websites, Instagram, and Facebook pages. Use the DM functions or pick up the phone to ask for suggestions and place orders.
● This year, some of the most thoughtful gifts are things that make time at home more enjoyable for your friends and family. Think practical and useful.
● Get creative with whatever budget you have. A great gift does not have to cost a lot of money.

Now let’s get gifting with local businesses at the farmers’ market!

Home Decor
These days we work, exercise, relax, and even attend school at home. We recommend Feathered Antler’s original paintings and framed prints of animals and landscapes to define and decorate living spaces. Feathered Antler also has hand-painted wooden fence posts adorned with positive sayings and nature scenes that can function as leash hangers, key hooks, and jewelry organizers.

Pendants & jewelry from Big Breath Wellness, photo by Laura Kenny

Local Libations
Wine, hard cider, and spirits always make great gifts – and local vintners and distillers make the very best. Slyboro Cider House and Saratoga Apple makes hard ciders from apples grown in their orchards. For wine-lovers, Fossil Stone Winery makes memorable wines from grapes grown on their farm. And, spirits enthusiasts will love everything from Yankee Distillers and Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery.

Gift Certificates & Subscriptions
Give the gift of something to look forward to, like Saratoga Farmers’ Market gift certificates. Elihu Farm offers a subscription for flavorful and nutritious eggs from their “hens on pasture.” Moon Cycle Seed Co. sells subscriptions for nutrient-dense seeds for hormonal balance. The 2021 CSA season will be here before we know it, so check with local farmers at the market to purchase a subscription for a friend or family member.

Jewelry
Is there a more classic holiday gift than a beautiful piece of jewelry? Kim Dolan Designed Jewelry makes unique, handcrafted silver and gemstone rings, necklaces, and earrings. If you’re looking to make someone feel special and promote wellness, Big Breath Wellness has various holistic healing jewelry. For nature lovers, Feathered Antler has
handmade jewelry with quartz, charms, and tassels.

Earth To Mind, photo by Laura Kenny

Self-care
Self-care means something different to everyone. Perhaps it’s cozying up to a cup of hot chocolate from Saratoga Chocolate Co. or making Earth to Mind’s CBD oil and rubs a part of the daily routine. There are many items at the farmers’ market to nourish and encourage self-care, like bee balm from Ballston Lake Apiaries and tinctures from Sweetbrier Farms.

 

Stocking Stuffer Ideas from Small Businesses
*Starred items are perishable and should be put into stockings just before gifting.

Saratoga Chocolate Co. photo provided
Cookie boxes from The Chocolate Spoon, photo by Laura Kenny

Sensible Snacking On-The-Go

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By Madison Jackson & Julia Howard

We know how busy life can get. Whether packing school lunches or struggling to find time to eat during the workday, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market makes it easy for you to eat healthy, locally produced food even when you’re in a rush. Here are some of our favorite snacks at the farmers’ market this month.

Saratoga Crackers, photo by Madison Jackson

Fruit smoothies & Sweet Greek Yogurts
Argyle Cheese Farmer has probiotic-packed smoothies and mini sweet Greek yogurts in flavors you will love. Smoothies include vanilla chai, mocha, ginger pear, and others. Mini sweet Greek yogurts include chocolate raspberry, maple, blueberry, and others.

Apple chips
Saratoga Apple has some of our favorite fall treats and we think their apple chips make a great healthy and mess-free snack option.

Crackers with toppings
Saratoga Cracker Co. has prepackaged crackers in flavors like garlic parmesan, everything, rosemary olive, and many more. Pair with some artisan cheese from Moxie Ridge, R&G Cheesemakers, Nettle Meadow, and Argyle Cheese Farmer. Freddy’s Rockin Hummus makes a variety of dippable hummus with organic chickpeas. Saratoga Peanut Butter Co. has many flavors to spread on those crispy crackers.

Vital Eats, photo provided

Jerky & snack sticks
Muddy Trail Jerky Co. makes hand-crafted beef jerky and meaty snack sticks in 13 flavors like teriyaki beef, jalapeno lime beef, and more. Vital Eats offers their plant-based, probiotic, vegan Zen Jerky in hot ranch buffalo and BBQ.

Honey sticks & maple sugar candies
Ballston Lake Apiaries offers wildflower honey sticks that satisfy any sweet tooth. Slate Valley Farms has a variety of honey sticks in flavors like tangerine, wildflower, cinnamon, and raspberry. Slate Valley Farms also has maple candies that are a delicious melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Moon Cycle Seed Company, photo provided

Granola & Seed Squares
The Chocolate Spoon offers freshly baked and individually wrapped granola and cookies that make sweet grab-and-go treats. Moon Cycle Seed Company has seed squares that contain your daily dose of seed blends in a tasty on-the-go bar made with natural and organic ingredients. These bars are specifically prepared to help women rebalance their hormones.

Fresh fruit & vegetables
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of the fresh snackable fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ market. Snap off a stalk of crisp celery or snack on sweet carrots. Cauliflower florets and cherry tomatoes also make healthy and satisfying snacks. Apples, pears, and plums are still in season and can be easily tossed into lunch boxes or briefcases.

 

This week’s recipe: Apple Cinnamon Fruit Roll-Ups

Mulled Apple Cider

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Adapted from the recipe by The Pioneer Woman, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table
Serves: 1¼ gallons

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Mulled cider, photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett

● 1 gallon apple cider*
● 3 granny smith apples*
● 1 orange
● 1 Tablespoon allspice berries
● 5-7 cinnamon sticks
● ½ cup fresh cranberries
● ½ cup sugar
● 1 cup apple brandy* or other preferred alcohol beverage* (optional)
OR USE
● 1 packet Mulling Spices mix from Healthy Gourmet Kitchen or Muddy Trail Jerky*

Instructions
1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Dice the apples and toss them into the cider.
3. Peel the rind off the orange in large pieces and toss them in the cider.
4. Add the allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, and the cranberries.
5. Add sugar and stir it around to dissolve.
6. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to
1 hour. Add the brandy if using, then simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Spicing Up Your Summer Meals

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By: Mariah Rankin

Summer is a time when we find ourselves enjoying the company of others while dining on the fresh and vibrant ingredients that the season brings. Nothing embodies this more than a barbeque, and here at the Saratoga Farmers Market, we have just what you need to “spice” yours up. Three of our vendors specialize in spices and marinades that will help you transform your summer meals.

Momma’s Secret Salad Dressings & Marinades, photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett

 

Salads are a seasonal favorite, and Momma’s Secret Salad Dressings offers amazing gluten-free dressings made from all-natural ingredients. “Momma’s House Dressing” is a market favorite that also doubles as a marinade. It will add a special touch to any salad or meat. With just a small amount of their dressings, your food will explode with flavor. A portion of their proceeds is also donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

 

Muddy Trail Jerky Co., photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett

 

Grilling is another summertime favorite, and Muddy Trail Jerky Co. offers 15 different spice mixes specifically for grilling that will leave your meat bursting with flavor. Their classic “Steak Seasoning” is a customer favorite that contains a delicious blend of onion, garlic, and a variety of herbs and peppers. Along with their other spice mixes, it will give any beef, lamb, pork, or poultry dish a flavorful kick.

 

Saratoga Spicery, photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett

 

Each week the owners of Saratoga Spicery look forward to hearing their customers share the unique ways they use their products. There are no set rules or guidelines on how to use their spice mixes, the options are limitless. These “spiceries” are unique because almost all of them can be turned into a delicious dip by combining two tablespoons to 4-parts sour cream and 1-part mayo or Greek yogurt. These tasty dips will be sure to please at any summer barbecue.

 

To learn more about these products and get some of your own for your next summer gathering, stop by our market on Saturdays.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open from 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m.on Saturdays at High Rock Park. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check us out on the FreshFoodNY app. E-mail friends@saratogafarmers.org for volunteer opportunities.