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Puckers Gourmet

Thoughtful Gift-Giving During a Pandemic

December 10, 2020 By marketeditor

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.

    • Chocolate Santas & holiday truffles from Saratoga Chocolate Co.
    • Face masks & knit hats from Feathered Antler
    • Small bag of coffee beans from Something’s Brewing
    • Corn toasties from Kokinda Farm
    • Jerky & spices from Muddy Trail Jerky Co.
    • Rolatini* (mozzarella rolled with prosciutto) from R&G Cheesemakers
    • Sweet Greek yogurts* from Argyle Cheese Farmer
    • Cookie bags from The Chocolate Spoon
    • Maple sugar candies from Slate Valley Farms
    • Calendula Salve from Sweetbrier Farms
    • Adirondack Jack peanut butter from Saratoga Peanut Butter Co.
    • Gluten-free Spatzle* from The Vermont Spatzle Company
    • Dog treats from Mugzy’s Barkery
    • Honey sticks from Ballston Lake Apiaries
    • Kunik* from Nettle Meadow
    • Half Sour pickles* from Puckers Gourmet
Saratoga Chocolate Co. photo provided
Cookie boxes from The Chocolate Spoon, photo by Laura Kenny

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: Argyle Cheese Farmer, Big Breath Wellness, earth to mind, Elihu Farm, Feathered Antler, Fossil Stone Vineyards, gifts, giving, holidays, Kim Dolan Designed Jewelry, Kokinda Farm, Moon Cycle Seed Company, muddy trail jerky co, Mugzy's Barkery, Puckers Gourmet, R&G Cheesemakers, Saratoga Apple, Saratoga Chocolate Co, Saratoga Peanut Butter Company, Slate Valley Farms, Slyboro Cider House, Something's Brewing, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Sweetbrier Farms, The Chocolate Spoon, The Vermont Spatzle Company, Yankee Distillers

Farmers’ market still essential to community

March 24, 2020 By marketeditor

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

Customers respecting social distance while shopping at Elihu Farm’s stand, photo by Pattie Garrett

Community life in and around Saratoga has shut down in the effort to slow the Coronavirus spread. One space that remains open is the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings at the Wilton Mall.

The market, deemed an essential service, set up outdoors last Saturday in the parking lot outside the shuttered mall. Market staff created “stalls” out of parking spaces and placed vendors in spots that were spaced to maintain a safe distance.

Vendors set up tables and in some cases tents. They donned rubber gloves and had disinfectant wipes and sanitizer on hand.

What makes farms and farmers’ markets essential?

Most crucially perhaps is the fact that they offer food that is locally grown. You can find fresh vegetables, eggs, and chicken at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, along with such storable vegetables like carrots and potatoes; beef, pork, lamb, and goat; and even shelf-stable sauces, pickles, and dried beans.

Hannah Odasz of Pleasant Valley Farm, photo by Pattie Garrett

“We need to be able to get our food to the community,” said Jason Heitman, of Green Jeans Market Farm, a vegetable grower.

“Farms are the heart of community,” added Julie Noble, of Ramble Creek Farm, which offers mushrooms and meats. “It’s important to keep food local, especially at this time.”

Farmers’ markets rarely operate outdoors before May. Last Saturday was sunny but windy, with temperatures that were below freezing.

As a vendor myself, I shivered through three layers of jackets, wool socks, and gloves. I filled my table with eggs and set out coolers of meat. I was unsure what to expect, but as market regulars and new customers arrived, it quickly became apparent that many hungered not only for food but a sense of community, too.

The Food Florist, photo by Pattie Garrett

Amid sales, vendors and customers exchanged news. There were no handshakes or hugs, but plenty of laughs and well wishes.

“We’ll be continuing the market every week,” said Beth Trattel, market board president and owner of Something’s Brewing. “We’re working with the mall to ensure that the space that we’re in remains safe.”

Kelley Hillis of Puckers Gourmet Pickles could not offer samples of her pickles but did display their award-winning ribbons on her coat.

“Farmers markets are vital,” she said. “The money spent here supports a local producer. It helps keep my family, and other farm families fed.”

 

This week’s recipe: Roast Chicken

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: coronavirus, farmers markets, green jeans market farm, health and safety, Pleasant Valley Farm, Puckers Gourmet, Ramble Creek Farm, Something's Brewing, Wilton Mall

Love Found at the Farmers’ Market

February 4, 2020 By marketeditor

By Emily Meagher

Photo courtesy of Something’s Brewing

This time of year, the farmers’ market is inspired by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Health and Wellness Week. Meanwhile, our vendors are also preparing for Valentine’s Day. The result is a special market focused on gifts from the heart as well as food that is good for the heart and overall health.

Tomorrow, prepare for Valentine’s Day by finding gifts that are meaningful and tasty. The Chocolate Spoon will have memorable homemade strawberry marshmallows that are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Pucker’s Pickles will have a limited supply of their very special fermented cherries. And, of course, there will also be chocolate in various forms – like velvety chocolate cheesecake at Grandma Apple’s and a Valentine’s Day trio special (including passion, violet, and cacao nib bars) at Saratoga Chocolate Co. Or, say ‘I love you’ with a gift bag of chocolate coffee and toffee from Something’s Brewing.

Mangiamo, photo by Pattie Garrett

Is a romantic dinner more your style? The farmers’ market has the region’s freshest ingredients. Mangiamo will have pasta rolled and cut to order. The Vermont Spätzle Company will have gluten-free spätzle. You will find the finest cuts of meat from local farms along with the best cooking instructions. Take your pick of beef, chicken, pork, lamb, goat or even fish and seafood. Local farms will have leafy greens like bok choy, swiss chard, microgreens, and kale. And, tables will also be stocked with apples, beets, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, winter squash, and much more. After dinner, share some local cheese or maybe sip some locally distilled spirits.

While shopping for the person on your heart, consider heart health too. Eating fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables is crucial for a healthy lifestyle.

Pleasant Valley Farm, photo by Pattie Garrett

We invite you to share the love and to experience the love at tomorrow’s farmers’ market. Eat Smart NY will have healthy snack samples and recipe ideas. There will also be free Valentine cards to write and take and toe-tapping music by Craic Agus Ceol.

Our close-knit community of vendors and customers, weekly musicians and guests make for a joyous place full of friends. So bring your date, family, or friends with you to enjoy a shared outing at the farmers’ market.

 

This week’s recipe: Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: #healthysaratoga, Craic Agus Ceol, Eat Smart NY, Grandma Apple's Cheesecakes, healthy, heart health, Mangiamo, Pleasant Valley Farm, Puckers Gourmet, Saratoga Chocolate Co, Saratoga County Health & Wellness Week, Something's Brewing, The Vermont Spatzle Company, Valentine's Day

Red Carpet Winners at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

January 9, 2019 By marketeditor

By Kristin Cleveland

Roll out the red carpet! Oscars season is approaching, but you don’t have to wait for the announcement of nominees to bring the stars into your home. Move over Lady Gaga, make room for prize-winning pickles, cheesecakes, yogurts, whisky, milk, mushrooms and more, all available every Saturday at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

Award winning pickles, photo by Pattie Garrett

Just over a month ago, at the 21st Annual Rosendale International Pickle Festival, longtime Saratoga Farmers’ Market vendor Puckers Gourmet won two ribbons, placing first in the sweet pickles category and second for pickled vegetables. This past summer, Grandma Apple’s Cheesecakes won the President’s Choice award at Saratoga’s All-America Dessert Festival, and at the 2018 Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest last February, her cheesecakes tied for first place in the Judge’s Choice category and won the Fan Favorite Award.

Gold medal yogurts, photo by Pattie Garrett

Several of the Greek yogurts made by the Argyle Cheese Farmer have taken the gold medal at the New York State Fair in recent years, and their Amazing Grace aged cheese won a silver. Another local dairy, Nettle Meadow Farm, has won multiple awards for its soft cheeses made from combinations of goat, sheep and cow milks. These include a gold medal at the 2016 World Cheese Championship for Nettle Meadow’s Kunik, and a first place award at the 2017 U.S. Cheese Championships for its Briar Summit cheese.

At the Great American International Spirits Competition held in May of 2018, Saratoga County’s own Yankee Distillers took medals for its malt, rye, wheat, and bourbon whiskeys. Battenkill Valley Creamery is a recipient of the Highest Quality Milk in New York State award, and Saratoga Apple was lauded by I Love NY for the cider it makes from a blend of apple varieties. 

In addition to individual vendors’ awards, the Saratoga Farmers Market itself is a winner! In 2016 the market was named the “number one must-visit farmers’ market in New York State” by I Love NY. It has also earned the American Farmland Trust’s award for number one market in New York State and second in the entire country, and it regularly tops polls of regional customers.

Best of all, these winners can be enjoyed close-up! Come to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 am – 1 pm year-round to sample these award winning pickles, cheeses, cheesecakes, whiskeys and many other tasty local treats.

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: Argyle Cheese Farmer, Award winning foods, Battenkill Valley Creamery, Grandma Apple's Cheesecakes, Nettle Meadow Farm, Puckers Gourmet, Saratoga Apple, Saratoga Farmers' Market, Yankee Distillery

Pack a Spring Picnic at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

April 19, 2018 By marketeditor

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

 

Spring takes its time coming to the Saratoga area. Still, as we near the end of April, we can feel the change: balmier breezes, spots of sunshine, receding snowlines and daffodils and crocuses starting to bloom.

With the beckoning of better days, we invite you to visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for the final two Saturdays of our indoor market with picnicking in mind. Fill your basket with our vendors’ newest items and head into the Saratoga Spa State Park for a feast.

 

Here are a few of our newest treats to consider:

  • Apple Cider Elixir. This beverage prepared by Beth Trattel of Something’s Brewing features all natural ingredients and no added sugar. It blends sweetness with a twist of tart for a thirst-quenching sensation. Try it with a lemon garnish.
  • The Everything Croissant. For a starter snack, try this newest offering from Mrs. Londons. It takes the concept of the “everything bagel” and applies it to the croissant, creating a light yet savory pastry that features a cream cheese swirl and an “everything” topping.
  • Fermented veggies. Puckers Gourmet Pickles’ Kelley Hillis has been delighting market goers with her lacto-fermented pickles, kim chi, and sauerkraut for years. This year, she has unrolled something new: crunchy crisp vegetables preserved the natural way. Stop by the Puckers table for a jar of asparagus, dilly beans, and even beets.
  • Buck Mountain Cheese. Nettle Meadow Farm is introducing this goat cheese with an Adirondack touch for spring. Buck Mountain is fresh and unaged, symbolizing the newness spring, and encrusted with juniper, sumac, rosemary, and thyme. The herbs embody the fresh smell of the thawing ground.
  • Vanilla Ricotta Tea Biscuit. No spring picnic is complete without a sweet touch at the end. For that, try Marcie Place’s latest creation at The Chocolate Spoon. The biscuit is light and fluffy as a biscuit should be but decadently delicious like a dessert should be as well. If you’ve finished your elixir, try pairing it with a cup of Upper Hudson Coffee from Something’s Brewing or a glass of milk from Battenkill Valley Creamery.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 21 and 28. at the Lincoln Baths Building in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The outdoor season at High Rock Park begins 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 5.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News Tagged With: local ingredients, Mrs. London's, Nettle Meadow, Puckers Gourmet, Saratoga Farmers' Market, spring picnic, The Chocolate Spoon

Before Footer

Instagram

Another week, another Market Crush Monday! This we Another week, another Market Crush Monday! This week we talked to Argyle Cheese Farmer’s Dave, who brings a variety of aged cheeses, curds, yogurt, smoothies, frozen pizzas, and more to the market each week!

1. How did you get started with Argyle Cheese Farmer?
My wife, Marge, and I started back in 2007 with producing yogurt, buttermilk and cheese on my family farmstead which had been in operation since 1860. Over the years, Marge - who is quite the visionary! - has expanded our business and product line immensely but we have always stayed committed to using only high quality milk from local farms without artificial hormones.

2. Can you tell me a little bit about your recent expansion?
We recently opened a retail store and production facility in Hudson Falls where you can buy all of our products as well as a collection of local artisan’s eggs, honey, maple syrup, and much more. The cool thing about this location is that we built it with windows into our production area so you can watch some of your favorites being made!

3. What is your favorite part about vending at the market? 
That would definitely be meeting the people who love our products. I’ve made some really great friends over the years and it's nice to be able to see familiar faces each week. 

Be sure to visit the Argyle Cheese Farmer every Saturday from 9:30 to 1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court! 

Are you interested in becoming a vendor at the market? Our summer vendor applications are open now from January 15th-31st! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to grow your business and join the farmers’ market community!
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #knowyourfarmer #farmermarketfinds #farmfresh #shoplocal #farmersmarketfresh #argylecheesefarmer #argyle #cheese #dairy
Give your gut a little love during these cold, dar Give your gut a little love during these cold, dark winter months! Grab @puckersgourmet probiotics, like pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut, at the market this Saturday. We'll be open with 40+ local vendors from 9:30am til 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court. Healthy has never tasted so delicious!

🤸 What's your favorite gut-boosting food? 🤸
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#farmersmarket #saratoga #saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #upstateny #pickles #probiotics #puckersgourmet #puckerspickles #tasty #healthy
Market Crush Monday is back! This week we talked t Market Crush Monday is back! This week we talked to Laurie from Kokinda Farm who brings her homemade jams & jellies, vegetables, eggs, bread and a variety of hand-sewn items to the market.

1. How did you get started with your farm?
My parents were dairy farmers and I always had a garden and did a lot of canning. Then I just happened to meet someone who got me into the market and have slowly learned things by trial and error to get to where I am today.

2. Do you have a favorite jam?
Definitely my peach jam that I make with my own peaches! Around 60% of my jams are made with all my own fruit that I grow and the rest I supplement with fresh fruit from local pick yourself farms.

3. Why do you like vending at the farmers market?
I love working for myself and being able to interact directly with customers, it’s very rewarding. It’s also great getting to know other local farmers and be able to share stories, information and goals with each other. I've been a school bus driver for the past 23 years but this May I’ll be retiring and am very excited to go full time for farming!

Are you also a local farmer or producer and are you looking to expand your business in 2021? Our summer season vendor applications are open January 15th-31st! Keep an eye out on our page for how to apply. And make sure to stop by Kokinda Farms every Saturday from 9:30-1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court!
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #knowyourfarmer #farmermarketfinds #farmfresh #shoplocal #farmersmarketfresh #smallbusiness #growyourbusiness #smallbusinesssaratoga
Shop safely at the market! Please don't touch any Shop safely at the market! Please don't touch any products before purchasing, just point at what you want and our vendors will bag your order for you! This Saturday, lots of vendors will be back after a holiday break - pick up goodies like freshly caught fish from Pura Vida Fisheries. We'll be open 9:30am - 1:30pm in the @wilton_mall_leasing food court.

What's your order from Pura Vida? 🐟

📸: @mysaratogakitchentable
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#farmersmarket #saratogasprings #upstateny #shoplocal #knowyourfarmer #fish #freshfish

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