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Yankee Distillers

Farmers and producers share their favorite holiday foods

December 22, 2022 By marketeditor

by Julia Howard

 

The farmers’ market considers farmers and producers to be the ultimate foodies. They are on the pulse of what’s in season, follow food trends (and sometimes start them), and have a wealth of cooking knowledge for the foods they make and grow. At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, vendors and farmers share their favorite foods to eat during the holiday season.

“During the holidays, I love eating struffoli, also known as honey balls, topped with colorful sprinkles,” says Jessica Arceri, owner of Saratoga Peanut Butter. “My mom makes them every year, and I just love her recipe and the tradition,” Arceri adds. “I’m also partial to Saratoga Peanut Butters Mistletoe and Catch Me peanut butter.”

Saratoga Peanut Butter, photo by Pattie Garrett.

“During the holidays, I love eating desserts and sweets,” says Laurie Kokinda of Kokinda Farm. “My family made pierogies during the holidays, but I was always interested in the pies, chocolate, and cookies – I’m a sweetaholic!” Kokinda adds with a laugh.

Kokinda Farm, photo by Toni Nastasi

“During the holidays, I love eating mac and cheese,” says Max, the salesperson for Yankee Distillers. Comfort foods are often at the center of our cravings this time of year. Between the sentiments of the holiday season and the dip in temperatures, cream sauce and carbohydrates are just the things to warm our hearts and fill our stomachs.

Sean Dean of Nettle Meadow & Ballston Lake Apiaries, photo by Pattie Garrett

“During the holidays, I love a good beef roast,” says Sean Dean, the salesperson for Nettle Meadow and Ballston Lake Apiaries. “It’s the time of year to make something special that you wouldn’t typically make for a weeknight meal.” Beef roasts make for a memorable holiday feast that doesn’t have to be complicated. Just prepare it with garlic and herbs. 

“During the holidays, I love eating chickories,” says Himanee Gupta, co-owner of Squashvilla Farm. Chickories are bitter greens like frisée, escarole, and radicchio varieties that grow in the spring and fall. Pairing rich sides and hearty meats with a fresh, healthful salad offers balance to a heavy meal and aids digestion. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturday, December 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Stop by for fresh ingredients for your favorite holiday staples.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: Ballston Lake Apiaries, favorite foods, holiday staples, Kokinda Farm, Nettle Meadow, Saratoga Peanut Butter, Squashville Farm, Yankee Distillers

Shop Local at the Farmers’ Market this Season

November 22, 2021 By marketeditor

J. Adkins Cultivation, photo provided

By Julia Howard

Supporting small businesses is always a must in our eyes, and this year it’s as important as ever. Not only does it give our local economy a boost, but you’re more likely to find unique gifts for your loved ones.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market offers a spacious shopping environment featuring 50+ local businesses. The variety of vendors is sure to rekindle your excitement for shopping and finding the perfect gifts – all in one place.

J. Adkins Cultivation is a local, organic grower of classic and hard-to-find organic vegetables, herbs, fruits, perennials, and annuals. For the holidays, they have beautiful poinsettia arrangements as well as numerous giftable plants.

Saratoga Suds ‘n’ Stuff, photo by Pattie Garrett

Saratoga Suds ‘n’ Stuff makes soap the “old fashioned” way – “by hand, in small batches, using fat and lye and some essential oils to scent it.” For the holidays, find soaps in the shape of gingerbread men, Christmas trees, and other fun seasonal shapes alongside their traditional soaps.

Scotch Ridge Berry & Tree Farm has handmade wreaths, kissing balls, holiday swag, and tabletop Christmas trees all this month. Gorgeous greenery makes a memorable and personal gift, and even more so when it’s locally made.

For the spirits connoisseur on your list, Yankee Distillers proudly to stands out as an NYS Farm Distillery, where they use 100% unmalted New York State Grain to produce outstanding bourbon, rye, and vodka. For the beer enthusiast, Mean Max Brew Works makes distinctive craft-brewed ales and lagers fermented naturally without additives.

Saratoga Chocolate Co., photo by Pattie Garrett

Sweet treats are undeniably a part of the holiday season, and Saratoga Chocolate Co. specializes in gourmet craft chocolate bars, handmade truffles, unique chocolate confections, and chocolate tastings and pairings. Their gift sets, hot chocolate mix, and chocolate Santas make perfect stocking stuffers.

Kim Dolan Designed Jewelry and Feathered Antler have a giftable wearable art selection, from handmade jewelry to custom clothing. Kim Dolan makes unique tie-dyed shirts and jewelry made from gold, silver, and gemstones. Feathered Antler creates jewelry, knitwear, customized flannels, and more.

Many holiday season vendors offer pre-ordering for easy pickup as well as online ordering. Find their website and ‘like’ them on social media to stay up-to-date on their products and specials.

This week’s recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: Feathered Antler, gift items, gifting, gifts, holiday season, holidays, holidays 2021, J. Adkins Cultivation, Kim Dolan Designed Jewelry, Mean Max Brew Works, Saratoga Chocolate Co, Saratoga Suds 'n' Stuff, Scotch Ridge Berry & Tree Farm, Yankee Distillers

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

Getting into the Spirit

August 24, 2020 By marketeditor

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

Lake George Distilling, photo by Pattie Garrett

It’s been quite a summer, with COVID-19, nationwide protests and calls for police reforms, presidential politics, school reopenings, and the fate of the U.S. postal service dominating the news.

Still, we’re surviving, thanks to the best local foods and drinks that our vendors bring each week to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

In that spirit, we suggest a brief celebration. Visit the market and fill your basket with what you need for your upcoming meals. Top it off with a bottle of a handcrafted artisanal liquor and the ingredients for a cocktail or two.

The market’s three spirits vendors are Lake George Distilling Company, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, and Yankee Distillers. Collectively, they bring gin, vodka, and whiskey to the market each Saturday, not to mention fruit- and spice-infused spirits, such as Lake George’s Apple Pie Moonshine and its Lake George Lemonade. A simple quarter-cup pour from one of their bottles over two or three cubes of ice makes a hearty but not too boozy cocktail in and of itself.

If you want something a little more fancy, try these suggestions:

Lavender lemonade cocktail, AdobeStock

● Lavender lemonade cocktail. Yankee’s Steve Hamilton recommends either vodka or bourbon for this beverage made with Slate Valley Farm’s lavender lemonade and freshly chopped cucumber from one of the market’s produce vendors. Stripe off some of the outer cucumber skin with a vegetable peeler and chop the cucumber. Place it in a cup with ice cubes, and add one part spirit and three parts lavender lemonade. The lemonade lightens the intensity of the liquor, while the lavender and cucumber impart a floral freshness. I tried this concoction with bourbon and found it delicious.

Gin & Tonic, photo by Pattie Garrett

● Gin-and-tonic with celery. Springbrook Hollow’s Tara Solomon suggests muddling a bit of chopped celery in the classic gin and tonic beverage consisting approximately of one part gin, two parts tonic, and ice. She also suggests allowing the celery to remain in the glass until the beverage has been consumed for snacking. Cucumber makes an excellent alternative.

Iced Mocha, AdobeStock

● Mocha and mint whiskey. Hamilton suggests a malt whiskey for this cocktail, which is made with coffee and chocolate milk from the market’s new Bunker Hill Dairy vendor. It can be made with a take-home version of the mocha drink that Something’s Brewing offers. A little bit of crushed mint adds a flavorful boost.

Just remember, no drinking at the market.

This week’s recipe: Bourbon Peach Smash

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: alcohol, alcoholic beverages, bourbon, cocktails, drinks, gin, Lake George Distilling Company, liquor, moonshine, Slate Valley Farm, spirits, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Summer, vodka, whiskey, Yankee Distillers

Need hand sanitizer? Find it at the market

May 4, 2020 By marketeditor

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, photo by Pattie Garrett

Makers of locally crafted whiskey, gin, and vodka have been a part of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for several years. Local distilleries such as Springbrook Hollow Farm and Yankee Distillers have shared with their customers spirits made from New York grown grains that have been slowly cooked down, fermented, distilled, and aged. The process was all about care.

Care took on a different meaning when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted two months ago. Hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies essential to protecting one’s self suddenly became hard to find. Many worried about coming into contact with the virus and not being able to get clean. The distilleries had a solution. Now, bottles of hand sanitizer share space on their farmers’ market tables with the spirits for which they are known.

Yankee Distillers, photo by Pattie Garrett

“We realized that as cleaning supplies started to come into short supply some of the raw alcohol we had on-site could be used to clean things around the distillery,” says Steve Hamilton of Yankee Distillers. “And then when the New York Liquor Authority and the World Health Organization started to publish guidelines for distilleries to transition their production over to hand sanitizer, we realized that we were positioned to provide a product that our community needs right now.”

“We had all the equipment, everything we needed,” adds Tara Amazon of Springbrook Hollow. “We knew we needed to help keep our community safe in whatever way that we could.”

Yankee Distillers makes its sanitizer with alcohol, a bittering agent that denatures it, glycerin to soften it, peroxide, and water. They follow a World Health Organization formula. It is being sold in half-gallon containers for $32 and 4-ounce spray-top bottles for $5. The company also is offering face masks imprinted with its logo.

Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, photo provided

Springbrook’s product is made from grain alcohol, glycerin, and peroxide. It is being sold for $45 a gallon, or $35 a gallon for four or more gallons. Two-ounce spray-top bottles cost $3. Springbrook just donated 5,000 bottles to health care workers in Saratoga, Glens Falls, and Queensbury north to the Canadian border.

Market staff and some vendors also are keeping bottles of their sanitizer on their tables and at cleaning points throughout the market as part of their effort to keep the environment safe.

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: alcohol, cleaning, coronavirus, COVID-19, Donations, hand sanitizer, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Yankee Distillers

Saratoga Farmers Market Gift Guide, Part 2: Gifts for Foodies

December 9, 2019 By marketeditor

By Emily Meagher

Last week we showed you farmers’ market items that make great gifts for the holidays. This week, our guide to help you find great local gifts continues with what the farmers’ market does best: food!

 

Saratoga Chocolate Co, photo by Pattie Garrett

The time leading up to Christmas can be stressful, with gifting opportunities left and right. First, there are stocking stuffers. These items are usually small, not too expensive, and should be shelf-stable. For a sweet item, try Slate Valley Farms’ miniature maple syrup containers, available in seasonal shapes like gingerbread men and log cabins. Or consider Saratoga Chocolate Co.’s chocolate Santas, peppermint bark, or truffles, for some indulgence. What about treating your pet a little too? Mugzy’s Barkery has seasonally decorated, bone-shaped peanut butter biscuits for your dog to enjoy.

 

Argyle Cheese Farmer, photo by Pattie Garrett

Then comes Christmas morning, which always seems to arrive in the blink of an eye. Prepare by stocking up on local gifts from the farmers’ market any Saturday before Christmas. Several of our farms offer gift packages, such as Argyle Cheese Farmer’s cheese variety baskets, yogurt combos, and a set dubbed “The Argyle Mile” which is full of goodies made within one mile of their cheese house. Or give a gift that will last through the year with Argyle’s “Cheese of the Month Club” where the recipient will receive a locally made cheese every month.

 

 

High Peaks Distilling, photo by Pattie Garrett

Then comes Christmas dinner, and if someone else is hosting you it might be nice to contribute a local food item to the feast. The farmers’ market has many great farms that sell meats such as fresh lamb, poultry, beef, and even more specialty meats like goat. Christmas time also brings even more selection to the market – how good does a local beef rib roast sound?! For after dinner, a bottle of local liquor will be welcomed by all. High Peaks Distilling, Yankee Distillers, and Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery all offer a unique set of products ranging from whiskeys to gins to cordials.

 

A local product always feels that much more special as a holiday gift. Our 50+ vendors offer an abundance of fantastic items, sure to please no matter what your loved one’s taste. In addition, several of our vendors (as well as the farmers’ market as a whole) offer gift certificates.

 

This week’s recipe: Mulled Apple Cider

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: Argyle Cheese Farmer, Christmas, food gifts, gift guide, High Peaks Distilling, holiday gifts, holidays, market gifts, Mugzy's Barkery, Saratoga Chocolate Co, Slate Valley Farms, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Yankee Distillers

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Today at our International Flavor Fest! Thank you Today at our International Flavor Fest! Thank you to everyone who came by today. We hope you had fun! 😋🌎🌾
Exciting news! The Saratoga Farmers’ Market Flav Exciting news! The Saratoga Farmers’ Market Flavor Fest is happening tomorrow! 🎉🍴 Our vendors have amazing samples for you to taste, including mouth-watering chorizo and bratwurst from Hebron Valley Meats and delectable Chicken Briyani from Perfect Plant Farm. 😍 Don't forget to grab your passport for a chance to win a prize by collecting stamps from market vendors! 🛍️ @worldkidsmuseum will also be joining us with a fun kid's craft to make your own fortune cookie 🥠, and CCE food is back with a fermentation activity. 🌱 See you there! ✈️🌎😋

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #thingstodoinupstateny #internationalfood #flavorfest #farmersmarket #kidsactivities #smallbuisness #shoplocal
Get ready to mushroom into a world of flavor at th Get ready to mushroom into a world of flavor at the Saratoga Farmers' Market! 🍄🌱 This week, we're thrilled to highlight the Mushroom Shop and their incredible selection of locally grown and harvested mushrooms. We spoke with owner's Jacob and Elysee to learn more.

Q: What are some of the health benefits associated with consuming mushrooms?

A: Mushrooms contain a multitude of medicinal compounds. The mushroom species Cordyceps militaris contains cordycepin, which increases your blood's ability to absorb and transport oxygen, improving exercise performance. Mukitake or Panellus serotinus possesses compounds that have shown in recent studies to improve liver function in people suffering from fatty liver disease. Reishi mushrooms improve immune health, warding off sickness and reducing inflammation. Other medicinal mushrooms include Turkey Tail, Chaga, Agarikon, Maitake, and Lions Mane.

Q: What inspired you to start selling mushrooms at the farmers' market?

A: We initially got our inspiration from a mushroom farm based in Tennessee called Mossy Creek Mushrooms. They have many videos on Youtube covering every aspect of operating a mushroom farm from building and maintaining equipment to harvesting and marketing mushrooms. Jacob has had an interest in growing mushrooms as a hobby for about eight years when he discovered a patch of oyster mushrooms growing in the wild. We got the opportunity to lease land in the beginning of 2021 and shortly after started selling at farmers’ markets.

Q: How do you recommend customers prepare and cook the mushrooms they purchase from you?

A: At our farmers markets we always provide printed recipes that utilize the mushrooms available during the current season. Like meat, mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as sautéing, roasting, and grilling to create a flavorful dish. One of our recent favorites is a Spicy Crispy Lion's Mane Sandwich- a thick slab of Lion's Mane mushroom battered and fried on a toasted bun with spicy mayo and pickles. This is a delicious take on a chicken sandwich made entirely of whole, natural produce. 

*Find the Mushroom shop year round at our Saturday markets!*

#saratogafarmersmarket
Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure! 🍴🌍 Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure! 🍴🌍 Join us on Saturday, March 25th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Saratoga Farmers' Market's International Flavor Fest in the Wilton Mall food court! 🎉 Indulge in frgál cakes, julekaker, burek, curries, samosas, and more, representing cuisines from all around the world! 🌎 There will be live music, family-friendly activities, and food tastings that will take your taste buds on a journey around the globe! 🎶👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Plus, our friends at the World Awareness Children's Museum will be hosting a paper fortune cookie making session for the kiddos! Don't forget to pick up your passport for a chance to win a prize by filling it with stamps from market vendors! Let's celebrate our traditions, history, and community through the language of flavorful food! 😍🍴

 #InternationalFlavorFest #SaratogaFarmersMarket #FoodieAdventure #CommunityConnection

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