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Thanksgiving

Shepherd’s Pie

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Shepherd’s pie, photo by Pattie Garrett

“One of my favorite post-holiday meals is Shepherd’s pie. It’s still a comfort food and one that reminds me of being home for the holidays to this day. The recipe is simple, delicious, and helps use up some holiday leftovers” – Ariel Garland of Hebron Valley Veal

Recipe shared by Hebron Valley Veal
Serves 6-8
Prep & cook time: 40 mins

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 2 pounds ground veal*
● 1 large sweet onion*
● 1/4 cup ketchup
● 3 cups frozen sweet corn
● Leftover mashed potatoes*

Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Brown the ground veal with the diced onion. Once cooked through and the onions are translucent, add the ketchup. Put the mixture in the bottom of your desired baking dish.

Top that with the frozen corn (you can add more or use less depending on your preference). Spread that out evenly over the meat. Next, layer the mashed potatoes over the corn at least an inch thick. Put a few dabs of butter over the top. Bake until warmed through, about 30 minutes.

A Farm-to-Table Thanksgiving Guide, Part 2: Sides, Desserts, and More

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By Emily Meagher

Last week, we looked at the different meats (and meat alternatives) that will be available at the farmers’ market this holiday season, with something for any size gathering. This week, we are looking at all the other items our vendors will offer this Saturday to make your favorite sides, desserts, and more.

Gomez Veggie Ville, photo by Pattie Garrett

Since traditional Thanksgiving meals use seasonal ingredients, you will find many vegetables needed to create your favorite dinner sides at the farmers’ market. A mash will please most holiday guests, and local farms have potatoes aplenty right now. Mix it up by grabbing beer from Mean Max Brew Works to make beer mashed potatoes (recipe below!). Sweet potatoes or celeriac also work great for a mash.

Nettle Meadow, photo by Emily Meagher

Many types of squash are available to make into soup or pie. For flavorful roasted vegetables, try carrots, brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi. If a side salad is on your menu, we have fresh greens and kale. Grab maple syrup or honey, too, for a delicious glaze or dressing. You will find plenty of fresh herbs at Shushan Valley Hydro Farm. Add these herbs to stuffing along with freshly baked bread, which you can get on Saturday to turn perfectly stale for baking by Thursday. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower stuffing instead. Add cranberry jam from Kokinda Farm for an easy and delicious condiment.

Then, for the sweetest part of dinner: dessert. You can find baked goods at several vendors, including frozen, unbaked pies at The Food Florist for an easy dessert that still feels homemade. One of the market’s newest vendors Boozy Moo!, offers alcohol-infused ice cream (5% ABV) to add a joyful spirit to the event (a great way to reduce any potential family friction!).

Muddy Trail Jerky Co., photo by Emily Meagher

And, for those who prefer savory over sweet, charcuterie boards and cheese plates are always a holiday hit. Add items like Nettle Meadow’s cranberry fromage frais for a seasonal touch.

Whiskey, beer, spirits, and ciders are available to be enjoyed with your meal. Add Muddy Trail Jerky’s mulling spices to the latter for a heartwarming way to cap a day spent enjoying good food with your loved ones.

This week’s recipe: Beer Mashed Potatoes

Beer Mashed Potatoes

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Beer Mashed Potatoes, iStock

Recipe by Craft Beering
Yield: 6 servings
Prep & cook time: 30 min

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 3 lbs starchy potatoes* (such as Russet or Yukon Gold)
● 2/3 cup beer* (such as pilsner or lager)
● 1/2 cup butter*
● 1/2 heavy cream
● 2 cloves garlic*, minced (optional)
● salt & pepper (to taste)
● 1 tsp fresh parsley*, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
1. Peel the potatoes, rinse and cut them into uniform pieces, as needed for even cooking.
2. Place the potatoes in a large stockpot, add 1 tbsp salt and enough cold water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring to boil over medium-high heat and boil until the potatoes are very tender.
3. While to potatoes are boiling, in a small saucepan over medium heat bring the beer to simmer. Temporarily remove from the stove and add the butter. As soon as it begins to melt add the cream. If using minced garlic, add it now. Stir to combine, place back on the stove and keep warm using the lowest setting available.
4. Drain the boiled potatoes and break them down using a masher. Add the beer mixture as you continue to mash. Optional – once the liquids are fully incorporated you can whip the mash for about a minute to make it extra creamy.
5. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, stir well. Serve on a warm plate and garnish with parsley.

Notes:
*Be sure to use heavy cream – its higher fat content will ensure that it does not curdle in contact with the heated beer. Always add it after you’ve added the butter for the same reason.
*Adding the garlic to the warm mixture will significantly mellow its sharp taste and bring out its sweetness.

A Farm-to-Table Thanksgiving Guide: The Meats (and Meat Alternatives)

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By Emily Meagher

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and at the farmers’ market, there will be holiday offerings aplenty the next two Saturdays. Whatever the size of your gathering or the dietary preferences of your diners this year, market vendors are bringing plenty of options for every course. This week, we are looking at the various local meats in stock.

Ramble Creek Farm, photo by Pattie Garrett

If you plan to host a traditional Thanksgiving meal, a turkey is likely to be on your shopping list. Preorder a pasture-raised, non-GMO-fed turkey at Ramble Creek Farm, with various bird sizes available from 10 to 18+ pounds. Order at the market or online, and pick up at the market on November 20.

Other meat vendors offer a full range of meats for those looking to try a different main course this year. Chicken may fill that turkey craving but better serve a smaller group of diners. This year, Squash Villa Farm offers Delaware breed heritage birds, a critically endangered species that is rare to find but offers great meat. Longlesson Farm offers whole chickens as well, and Ramble Creek Farm has various parts available.

Elihu Farm, photo by Emily Meagher

For non-poultry meats, find many different cuts of lamb, such as shanks, loin chops, and riblets, at Elihu Farm. Hebron Valley Veal will have roasts, chops and cutlets of veal available. Squash Villa Farm offers goat leg roasts.

Longlesson Farm, photo by Pattie Garrett

Pork, including roasts, hocks, and sausages, will be available at three vendors: Pork & Greens (a new vendor at the farmers’ market offering various breeds of sustainably raised pork), Ramble Creek Farm, and Longlesson Farm, where pork returns in stock on November 20th. The latter farm has plenty of beef available, as well.

Looking for a vegetarian or vegan centerpiece instead? You can use various in-season produce items to create a flavorful and visually stunning meal without meat. Try dishes like whole roasted cauliflower, lentil shepherd’s pie with a parsnip and potato mash, or a “squashducken” (a squash, stuffed in a squash, stuffed in another squash!).

For the other courses, the farmers’ market is sure to fill your needs as well. More on the vegetable sides, desserts, and dressings you can source at the market in next week’s edition.

This week’s recipe: Accidental Turkey

Accidental Turkey

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Photo by Pattie Garrett

Adapted from the recipe by Ina Garten
Prep time: 1 hr 50 min
Cook: 45 min and based on weight

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
● Kosher salt
● 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves*, minced
● Grated zest of one lemon
● 1 fresh turkey* (12-14 pounds)
● 1 large yellow onion*, unpeeled and cut into eighths
● 1 lemon, quartered
● 10 sprigs thyme*
● ½ stick unsalted butter, melted
● Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
1. Two or three days before you plan to roast the turkey, combine salt, rosemary, and lemon zest.
2. Wash turkey inside and out. Drain well and pat dry.
3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the salt mixture into the turkey’s cavity and rub the rest on the skin, including under the wings and legs.
4. Place turkey in a shallow dish to catch drips and wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate.
5. The day before you plan to roast the turkey, remove plastic wrap and leave the turkey in the fridge uncovered so the skin can dry out.
6. On the day of roasting, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
7. Place onions, lemon, and thyme in the cavity. Using kitchen string, tie together legs and tie wings close to the body. Brush the turkey with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8. Roast turkey for 45 minutes after placing in the oven, legs first.
9. Brush turkey with fat. After doing so, return the turkey to pan.
10. Then, lower temperature to 325 degrees F. Roast for another hour or so, until it is 160 degrees F in the breast area and 180 degrees F in the thigh area.
11. Remove from oven, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 20-30 minutes.
12. Carve and serve with pan juices.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is on the move: Winter season starts November 6 at the Wilton Mall

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By Emily Meagher

When there is no daylight left at 6pm when Wednesday market vendors pack up their stands, and it’s too cold for Saturday market vendors to feel their hands when setting up in the early morning, we at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market gratefully know the indoor winter season is coming soon.

Photo by Pattie Garrett

The first winter market returns to the Wilton Mall food court on Saturday, November 6th, from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, where it will take place weekly until the end of April. Over 50 local vendors will sell a full range of locally produced items, including fresh farm items, ready-to-eat foods, and artisanal products. Several holiday boutique vendors will be present as well, so you can get your holiday shopping started early this year.

Photo by Pattie Garrett

Alongside many returning vendors, the winter market will also feature some new vendors and products, including alcohol-infused ice cream at Boozy Moo!, (house)plants at J. Adkins Cultivation, Scandinavian baked goods at parchment, and several fan favorite vendors that were new at the markets this summer. This season, the market is also grateful to bring back several seasonal events and holiday celebrations like Maple March, family activities, and more.

The first holiday that will get the local treatment is Thanksgiving, which is just three markets away. Customers can preorder holiday meats, stock up on fresh produce for sides, and find plenty of dessert options at the next few weeks of markets.

Photo by Pattie Garrett

While it’s hard to beat the excitement of outdoor markets at High Rock Park, there is something about the winter market season that brings out something even better: a closer sense of togetherness with our local community. When we spend more time indoors together during the holiday season, we queue our stove tops and ovens to heat our homes and hearts when we prepare homemade dishes stuffed with local market ingredients. There’s nothing quite like a warm plate prepared with quality ingredients over which to connect.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. from November through April. The market will be in the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the TrustCo mall entrance, across from BJs, or the mall interior. The CDTA’s routes 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Wilton Mall at least once an hour on Saturday mornings. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the latest vendor and event news.

Find a listing of our winter 2021/22 vendors here.