Did you know …That those wagons that you see trolling up and down the sidewalks and walkways of the Saturday market are there for you?
The wagons are part of the Veggie Valet service that the volunteer organization Friends of the Saratoga Market operates. Customers are invited to leave bags at the Friends tent, located on the south end of the market next to Owl Wood Farm, so that they can shop, eat, and enjoy the market’s live music and other activities. Volunteers will watch the items, and then transport them to customer cars via the wagons.
Customers also may ask a volunteer to bring a wagon to a vendor’s stall if purchasing especially large or bulky items such as flowering plants, bottles of milk, and later in the summer and fall, boxes of tomatoes for canning, ears of corn for freezing, or large pumpkins and winter squashes.
The service is free of charge, though the Friends of the Market is grateful to accept tips. The tips are used to maintain the Friends tent and to cover other expenses such as signage, brochures, and other materials.
If you would like to borrow a wagon, you may do so if one is available. Simply leave a driver’s license or credit card with a Friends of the Market volunteer. The Friends will return these materials when you return your wagon.
One of the best parts about shopping at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is visualizing what to do with all of the items you buy at the market. Our recipe for this week features a “wagonload” of fresh produce and meats. Enjoy experimenting with its many variations, and drop by and make friends with the Friends while visiting our market.
Market Paella
(adapted from Mark Bittman’s Paella Master Recipe)
Ingredients
• ½ pound meat (chicken or sausage, or a meat chop cut into 1-2 inch pieces)
• 1 onion, chopped (or garlic, green garlic or garlic scapes)
• 2 cups rice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-1/2 cups liquid of choice (chicken or fish stock, water, wine, or vegetable broth)
• ½ pound seafood (your choice)
• ½ pound vegetables (your choice)
Directions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan.
2. Add meat and brown. Remove.
3. Add onion and sauté.
4. Add rice and stir until coated with oil.
5. Add liquid and meat.
6. Lower heat to a simmer, and allow to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add seafood and vegetables, and continue to cook until rice is done, about 10-15 minutes.
