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Farmers Market Challenge: Best Laid Plans

September 5, 2016 By newwestfarmers

Pierogies, pierogies, where for art thou my pierogies?

This week we had a definite plan. This week we wanted pierogies. But, this week the pierogies didn’t want us. After weeks and weeks of walking by the Old Country Pierogy table, hemming and hawing about whether to buy or not, we definitively decided to dive in to Pierogyville this week.

But this week, they weren’t there!!!

Sad face: no pierogies this week
Sad face: no pierogies this week

We did NOT have a plan B. Dear market goers, take it from me, always have a plan b. Because if you don’t, your will of health may falter to your husband’s bedazzled Rocky Point Ice Cream eyes.

Happy face: Rocky Point Ice Cream handcrafted “with love.”
Happy face: Rocky Point Ice Cream handcrafted “with love.”

Then again, it was 31 degrees out. It was Rocky Point ice cream. It was a market vendor. It was nearly perfect with our remaining budget. Surely the clouds were aligning. And really, how could I possibly say no to blackberry sage ice cream?

Couldn’t do it.

This week’s loot:

Zaklan Heritage Farm:

• 1 head red-leaf lettuce: $3
• Mustard greens: 2 for $5
• radishes: $2.50
• purslane: $2
• leaks: $1.20
• 4 roma tomatoes: $2
• basil: $0.80

Outwest Ranch:

• 6 pears: $4

Rai Produce:

• 5 gala apples: $5

Fresh Quality Produce:

• 4 husked corn: $2
• 1 zucchini: $1

Ossome Acres:

• Rainbow chard: $3

Ripple Creek Organics:

• 1 cucumber: $1.25

Rocky Point Ice Cream:

• 1 pint blackberry sage ice cream: $8

Total spent was $40.75. Before the ice cream we had $7.25 remaining. With last week being under budget by 75 cents, we are now back to even. Like I said, the clouds were totally aligning.

FMapples
Apple season is here my friends and the galas keep calling my name!

With pierogies off the menu, we needed to adjust our meal plan somewhat to incorporate a proper good market meal. We opted for one of our recently discovered go-to market meals of Shrimp and Chard stir fry, which used up the rainbow chard, roma tomatoes, and onion from two weeks ago.

We also picked up leeks, which neither my husband or I have ever cooked with. As soon as I saw them, I remembered the leek-filled quiche my cousin made for us when we were visiting her in Belgium, and thought, maybe I could do the same.

I separated the stem from the dark green leaves at the top (which I froze for a later soup date) and cut them lengthwise, then chopped just as you would an onion. Exactly like an onion, tears and all.

The leeks gave me leaky, or should I say, leaky eyes!
The leeks gave me leaky, or should I say, leaky eyes!
Art of leek… kind of looks like a pineapple.
Art of leek… kind of looks like a pineapple.

I sautéed the chopped leaks and then threw them into a cheesy, tomato and basil filled quiche.

For the quiche I used my base Cook’s Country recipe (link: https://princessofpavement.com/cooking-challenge-2/impossible-ham-and-cheese-pie/), but altered it slightly due to missing ingredients and ingredient mishaps. I used spelt flour instead of all-purpose flour, and omitted the ham due to it going bad, and instead added a half cup of basil and several slices of tomatoes, along with the entire leek stalk.

Quiche: Market ingredients: leeks and basil
Quiche: Market ingredients: leeks and basil

Pretty sure it was the best quiche I’ve made to date!

What new market-fresh ingredient did you discover this week?

Filed Under: Blog, Buying local, Community, Featured, Uncategorized Tagged With: buy local, farmers market challenge, Katie Bartel

September 1st Market Day

August 30, 2016 By newwestfarmers

back-to-school

It’s that time of year when kids, teenagers and adults are heading back to school!  Need some great snacks to pack in those lunches? We’ve got your covered. Stock up on these delicious snack ideas from our fantastic vendors:

  • Parents like to tuck a Simply Scone or two into their children’s lunch.  So easy and so good!
  • Visit with James Lewis to get healthy granola bars to keep tummies full til dinnertime.
  • Apples are good for teachers as well as kids. Harvest Direct can assist you with all your apple needs.
  • Looking for gluten free or nut free treats? Both Delish Gluten Free and Marie’s Guilt Free Baking can help you out.
  • Wine from Pacific Breeze Winery to celebrate the return of the school year 😉
  • Stock up on farm fresh goodness from all your local farmers!

What’s happening at the market this week?

Entertainment

  • Roland Kaulfuss Music Stage presents Jeff Neufeld.

Aunt Leah’s

The Friendly Landlord Network is a grass-roots solution to youth homelessness connecting youth from care with safe, affordable rental housing. Rent your suite to a youth leaving foster care and make a difference. Friendly Landlords receive market rent, ongoing tenancy support and monthly on-site check ins.
Friendlylandlordnetwork.com

Yoga

  • Free yoga class from 5:15 to 6:15 sponsored by Diane Haynes Yoga

For the Kids

  • Have fun in our Mini Farmers Market play area (free)
  • Fun crafty craft with our volunteers (free)

For information on where our market is located, how to find parking and transit directions visit our Summer FAQ page.

Download the Ultimate Farmers Market Shopping List to help with your meal planning and purchases for the week.

Farm Fresh Produce

  • Ripple Creek Organics – chard, kale, beets, nugget potatoes, zucchini, brocoli, green onions, green beans, fresh garlic, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, onions, eggplants, carrots (Certified Organic)
  • Ossome Acres – pea shoots, eggs, raw walnuts, parsley, kale, swiss chard, rainbow chard, purple cabbage, broccoli, scallopini, scallions, sunflower shoots, wheat grass, kohlrabi, potatoes, cucumber, artichoke, plum, bartlett pears, zucchini, celery, beets, castile soap (Certified Organic)
  • Bose & Sons Family Farm – lettuce greens, carrots, potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, turnips, corn
  • Harvest Direct Farms – Peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears
  • Fresh Quality Produce Ltd – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries zucchinis, nugget potatoes, green beans, wax beans, corn
  • Zaklan Heritage Farms – Head lettuce, mini gem head lettuce, radishes (all sorts), salad mix, mustard greens, arugula, swiss chard, kale, baby cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, beans, leeks, potatoes, peppers (hot/sweet), eggplant, roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, beets, onions, garlic, flowers, plums.
  • Country Village Market – blueberries, strawberries, corn
  • Rancho Los Andes – tomatoes
  • Nutrigreens – microgreens, potatoes, zucchini, cucumber
  • RCFM Merchandise Stall – Dried morel and porcini mushrooms

Cut Flowers

  • Rancho Los Andes – expertly made bouquets for you to enjoy

Cheese & Dairy

  • Golden Ears Cheesecrafters – Cheddar-Aged Medium, Brie, Jersey Blue, Cultured Butter, Havarti-Aged (Flavoured), Gouda-Aged Medium (Flavoured), Feta (Plain, Cranberry, Garlic Scape), Curds, Neufchatel (Plain, Herb & Garlic), Quark (Plain, Cranberry), Emmental, Velvet Blue

Beef, Eggs, Poultry and Seafood

  • Rockweld Farm – BC SPCA Certified frozen chicken and chicken products including eggs, dog and cat food
  • Wild West Coast Seafoods –  flash frozen fillets of Rock Sole, Petrale Sole, Rockfish, Ling Cod, Pacific Cod, Sablefish, Chinook/Spring Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sidestripe Shrimp, Halibut, Albacore Tuna Loin.
  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – seafood pasta and crab cakes, frozen salmon and spot prawns
  • Local Beef & Eggs – wild blackberries, purslane, onions, chives, rhubarb, eggs, kale

Artisan Breads

  • A Bread Affair – breads, baguettes, ciabattas, rolls, scones (Certified Organic)

Gluten Free Breads & Baking

  • Delish Gluten Free – bread, scones, muffins, brownies and cookies
  • Marie’s Guilt Free Baking – bread, cookies, pizza dough and snacks

Bakery

  • Sweet Thea Cakes – tarts, pies, cookies and cakes
  • Feeding Change – decadent raw treats
  • Solodko Bakery – Ukrainian bakery with sweet buns
  • Simply Scones – traditional English style scones
  • Sable Shortbread – tasty yummy specialty shortbread

Coffee & Snacks

  • Handworks Coffee Studio – pour over iced coffee
  • Gary’s Kettlecorn – kettle corn (traditional and caramel)

Food Trucks & Eat On Site

  • Disco Cheetah – Korean fusion tacos and burritos
  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – salmon burgers

Prepared Food (Dry Goods & Seasonings)

  • The Salt Dispensary – salted caramels, smoked salts and pepper mixes
  • James Lewis Foods – granola bars packed full of good stuff

Prepared Foods (Pantry Staples)

  • BobAli – your favourite dips and spreads
  • Jam Shack Preservery – savoury spreads and jams
  • KICS Lemonade Syrup – syrups and salad dressings
  • Aji Gourmet – salsas and delicious condiments
  • Old Country Perogi – frozen perogies (gluten free and vegan options available)
  • Muy Rico – salsas, mayonaise, mole sauces, tortilla chips and corn tortillas

Health, Beauty & Services

  • Scentimental Creations – soaps and personal care products
  • Purely Clean – an all natural way to clean your home

Jewelry & Artisan Crafts

  • Quality Oak Accents – hand crafted cutting boards by Louie
  • Bits & Keys – funky jewelry and fun crosstiches
  • Lighten Up Jewels – timeless pieces made by Holly

Wine, Beer & Spirits

  • Pacific Breeze Winery – wine made here in New West!

Special Thanks to our Music Stage Sponsor Roland Kaulfuss:

rolandkaulfuss logo

Filed Under: Blog, Buying local, Featured, Next Market, Uncategorized Tagged With: buy local, farmers market, food trucks, New Westminster, outside the box

Farmers Market Challenge: Road Trip!

August 29, 2016 By newwestfarmers

My, oh my, how planning for road trips has changed over the years.

Back in the day – the, ahem, less healthier, less grown-up day – road trip snacks were all about the salts and the sweets: chips, chocolate, what more did I need, really… besides a bathroom, that is. Inevitably, a good portion of those trips were spent with a belly ache, not to mention blood sugar readings that had my diabetic specialist cringing.

But now, a prospective dietitian, and a mom of an impressionable youngin’, I am more conscientious of nutritional goodness. The salty, sugar-laden road trip snacks of years past are just that: a thing of the past.

This week’s $40 challenge was all about planning for the road trip.

I was off to Shuswap with my four-year-old son, and his five-year-old cousins the day after the market. Just the three of us in one car for six hours with one meal stop in between. Two of us in the car have type-1 diabetes.

I don’t know about you, but I am always extra hungry on road trips. Maybe eating is my way of passing the time, giving me something to do other than asking that age-old question: “Are we there yet?” Regardless, my mouth is in constant need of chewing when on the road.

The healthier, the better.

The market did not disappoint.

With my cooler in hand, I searched out all snacking possibilities the market had to offer.

Katie

This week’s “road-trip” loot:
• 5 mini cucumbers: $3 (Greendale Herb and Vine)
• Carrot bunch: $1.50 (Bose & Sons Family Farm)
• 5 Okanagan gala apples: $5 (Rai Produce)
• 5 pears: $4 (Outwest Ranch)
• 12 eggs: $6 (Outwest Ranch)
• Tatsoi and Pizzo mustard greens: 2 for $5 (Zaklan Heritage Farm)
• 2 salmon burgers: $8 (Wheelhouse Seafoods)
• 2 zucchini: $1.50 (Fresh Quality Produce Ltd.)
• 6 corn: $3 (Fresh Quality Produce Ltd.)
• 1 Russian garlic $2.25 (Rancho Los Andes)

Total spent was $39.25. We were 75 cents under budget, but last week we were $1.20 over budget.

FullSizeRender

The cucumbers and carrots were fantastic for the ride up. As were the apples and pears. The apples were so juicy good, my son, who normally takes a few bites of the apple before discarding it ate the entire thing right to the core, and asked for a second one right after exclaiming it was the best apple he’s ever eaten!

Sure it was a bit messier than other snacking options, but when you’ve got a toddler in the car, chances are you’ve also got wipes handy and a garbage for the waste.

And I felt a whole lot less guilty, and my belly felt a whole lot less turmoil eating subsequent mini cukes over subsequent chips and chocolate bars.

A five-day trip also required some foods at the cabin, which is where the eggs, corn, greens and zucchini came to play. The eggs were great for the mornings, and the corn and greens served us well for lunch and dinner sides.

The salmon burgers were for my husband who did not join us for the trip.

We weren’t perfectly healthy on this trip. My nephews introduced me to the world of smores, there were ice cream cones, and the grandma of the cabin did a whole lot of tasty fine baking. But, by balancing that all with the nutritional goodness of the market fruits and veggies had me feeling not only balanced, but happily satiated.

Filed Under: Blog, Buying local, Featured, Uncategorized

August 25th Market Day

August 23, 2016 By newwestfarmers

Eggplants

Recreate a dish with our eggplant/artichoke logo! We have not one… not two… but THREE vendors bringing eggplants to the market. Who are they? Pick up eggplants from Greendale Herb & Vine, Zaklan Heritage Farm or Ripple Creek Certified Organic Farm. You can even grab an artichoke from Ossome Acres Certified Organic farm and VOILA you can create an RCFM logo dish!

We are delighted to be bringing you two special guests this week!

Emergency Services

New Westminster Fire and New Westminster Police and are encouraging everyone to be prepared for an emergency and will be onsite at the August 23,2016 Royal City Farmers Market to provide public Safety Information and answer any questions people may have.

Zhoosh Fitness Garage

Local small business, ZHOOSH Fitness Garage, brings health, wellness, fitness and community to New Westminster residents and beyond; offering Boxing BAD, Youth Boxing, Foxy Kickboxing, Personal Training, FIGHT CLUB Bootcamp, specialized Parkinson’s Exercise Programs such as PWR!Moves & ROCK STEADY BOXING New West, Capoeira with Abada Capoeira Vancouver and Karate with Tashu Martial Arts Centre.
Prizes:
Visit the ZHOOSH Booth up on the grassy area and enter to win prizes such as one month of Youth Boxing (ages 7-15) and one month of Karate (any age)
Services

Let Tanner take your cares away! Tanner is providing chair massages at the market for $1 a minute.

Entertainment

  • Roland Kaulfuss Music Stage presents Timothy Lambert.

Yoga

  • Free yoga class from 5:15 to 6:15 sponsored by Diane Haynes Yoga

For the Kids

  • Have fun in our Mini Farmers Market play area (free)
  • Chill out in our Baby/Parent “lounge” on the grass (free)
  • Fun crafty craft with Music Box New West (free)
  • Join in for some Karate for all ages with Tashu Martial Arts Centre – 3:30 – 4:00 pm (free)
  • Try some Youth Boxing for all ages with ZHOOSH Fitness Garage 4:00 – 5:00pm (free)
  • Face painting with Allyson ($)

For information on where our market is located, how to find parking and transit directions visit our Summer FAQ page.

Download the Ultimate Farmers Market Shopping List to help with your meal planning and purchases for the week.

Farm Fresh Produce

  • Greendale Herb and Vine – herbs, mini cucumbers, eggplants, greens, sweet red peppers, garlic, apples, heirloom tomatoes, plums, squash, cherry tomatoes, two bite apples
  • Ripple Creek Organics – chard, kale, beets, nugget potatoes, zucchini, brocoli, green onions, green beans, fresh garlic, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, onions, eggplants, carrots (Certified Organic)
  • Ossome Acres – pea shoots, eggs, raw walnuts, parsley, kale, swiss chard, rainbow chard, purple cabbage, broccoli, scallopini, scallions, sunflower shoots, wheat grass, kohlrabi, potatoes, cucumber, artichoke, plum, bartlett pears, zucchini, celery, beets, castile soap (Certified Organic)
  • Bose & Sons Family Farm – lettuce greens, carrots, potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, turnips, corn
  • Harvest Direct Farms – Peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears
  • Fresh Quality Produce Ltd – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries zucchinis, nugget potatoes, green beans, wax beans, corn
  • Zaklan Heritage Farms – Head lettuce, mini gem head lettuce, radishes (all sorts), salad mix, mustard greens, arugula, swiss chard, kale, baby cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, beans, leeks, potatoes, peppers (hot/sweet), eggplant, roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, beets, onions, garlic, flowers, plums.
  • Country Village Market – blueberries, strawberries, corn
  • Rancho Los Andes – tomatoes
  • Nutrigreens – microgreens, potatoes, zucchini, cucumber
  • RCFM Merchandise Stall – Dried morel and porcini mushrooms

Cut Flowers

  • Rancho Los Andes – expertly made bouquets for you to enjoy

Cheese & Dairy

  • Golden Ears Cheesecrafters – Cheddar-Aged Medium, Brie, Jersey Blue, Cultured Butter, Havarti-Aged (Flavoured), Gouda-Aged Medium (Flavoured), Feta (Plain, Cranberry, Garlic Scape), Curds, Neufchatel (Plain, Herb & Garlic), Quark (Plain, Cranberry), Emmental, Velvet Blue
  • The Local Churn – hand churned gourmet butter
  • Greendale Herb & Vine – goats cheese

Beef, Eggs, Poultry and Seafood

  • Rockweld Farm – BC SPCA Certified frozen chicken and chicken products including eggs, dog and cat food
  • Wild West Coast Seafoods –  flash frozen fillets of Rock Sole, Petrale Sole, Rockfish, Ling Cod, Pacific Cod, Sablefish, Chinook/Spring Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sidestripe Shrimp, Halibut, Albacore Tuna Loin.
  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – seafood pasta and crab cakes, frozen salmon and spot prawns
  • Local Beef & Eggs – wild blackberries, purslane, onions, chives, rhubarb, eggs, kale

Artisan Breads

  • A Bread Affair – breads, baguettes, ciabattas, rolls, scones (Certified Organic)

Gluten Free Breads & Baking

  • Delish Gluten Free – bread, scones, muffins, brownies and cookies
  • Marie’s Guilt Free Baking – bread, cookies, pizza dough and snacks

Bakery

  • Sweet Thea Cakes – tarts, pies, cookies and cakes
  • Guilt Free Gluttony – guilt free allergen friendly desserts
  • Feeding Change – raw coconut cakes, ganaches and decadent desserts

Coffee & Snacks

  • Handworks Coffee – hot and cold pour over coffee
  • Gary’s Kettlecorn – kettle corn (traditional and caramel)

Food Trucks & Eat On Site

  • Gypsy Trunk Gourmet Fare – vegan burritos sausages and more!
  • The Pepper Pot – fusion Caribbean and Vancouver flavours
  • D-Original Sausage House – sausages, bratwurst, salamis, pretzel buns
  • Country Village Market – delicious pakoras
  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – salmon burgers
  • Rocky Point Ice Cream – locally made ice cream by the cone or pint

Prepared Food (Dry Goods & Seasonings)

  • Greendale Herb & Vine – Nuts (hazelnuts), Muesli, Infused Vinegars, Popcorn Kernels, Herbal Teas, Dried Lavender
  • Simply Delish Soups & Salads – delicious mixes for soups and more!
  • Sidney Smoke House – locally made jerky

Prepared Foods (Pantry Staples)

  • Anne’s Gallery – jams, chutneys and preserves
  • BobAli – hummus, olive tapenades and delicious spreads
  • Lilise Applesauce – gourmet applesauce
  • Chanthorn Orchids & Thai Sauces – tasty sauces for authentic Thai dishes

Jewelry & Artisan Crafts

  • Anne’s Gallery – hand knit Irish sweaters
  • Bits & Keys – funky jewelry and fun crosstiches
  • Lighten Up Jewels – timeless pieces made by Holly

Wine, Beer & Spirits

  • Blind Tiger Winery – Lake Country wines
  • Dragon Mist Distillery – locally made vodka and gin

Special Thanks to our Music Stage Sponsor Roland Kaulfuss:

rolandkaulfuss logo

Filed Under: Blog, Buying local, Community, Featured, Next Market, Uncategorized Tagged With: families, Farmers, farmers market, food trucks, local food, New Westminster

Farmers Market Challenge: It’s All About the List

August 22, 2016 By newwestfarmers

Seven weeks into the Farmer’s Market Challenge, we’d fallen into an easy and familiar routine; call up the list of vendors on the market’s website on Wednesday evening and craft a meal and shopping plan for the coming week.

It was time to shake things up a bit.

Katie had a meeting with one of her instructors at Douglas College and late Thursday afternoon was the best available time. But that’s Market Time! she exclaimed.

Not to worry, I replied. I’ll do it.

After all, I do the cooking, and the bulk of the grocery shopping.

Usually that means checking the fridge and pantry to get an idea of what’s running low, scanning the supermarket flyers for the week’s specials, then making a list. Meal planning is done on the fly, based on those specials, cravings, whims.

It’s not the best way to do things. It’s inefficient; sometimes we buy too much, or items we bought get left uneaten as those cravings subside.

The times we did take the time to formulate a plan meant fewer trips to the grocery store, less overripe fruit and vegetables in the crispers, more space in the freezer.

The Farmer’s Market Challenge brought discipline back to our food consumption, reduced my supermarket stress. It brought a little adventure as we explored new produce options. And we’ve been eating healthier, more flavourful meals.

So flying solo at Thursday’s market wasn’t intimidating at all.

Since taking on the Challenge we’ve devised some method to our madness. Each week’s list has a column for “Must Haves” and another for “Maybes” according to their availability and room in our $40 budget. We also set out to construct at least one “Market Meal,” with the bulk of its components from the market.

It’s efficient, predictable, with room for spontaneity.

mario

Since our first bite of albacore tuna loin from Wild West Coast Seafood, we knew wanted it again; so that was going to be our most expensive acquisition and the centrepiece for one of our TWO planned market meals.

The other would be a grilled pizza topped with fresh arugula, plum tomatoes, basil and roasted garlic.

cutting pizza

From there, we needed to replenish our salad spinner with greens and the vegetable crisper with onions and cucumbers. Anything left over would be up to my discretion.

With a couple of tokens still knocking together in my pocket, I eyed the microgreens, but settled for a bunch of purslane. Since discovering the tender succulent we’ve grown to appreciate the flavourful crunch its deep green stalks bring to salads and sandwiches. And it’s half the price of the microgreens.

That left just enough for a single artichoke, a new arrival to the season and a new challenge for my grill skills.

This week’s haul:

From Wild West Coast Seafoods:

  • Tuna loin $15

From Zaklan Heritage Farms:

  • Garlic $2
  • Mustard greens, purslane $5
  • Arugula $4
  • 4 plum tomatoes $1.70
  • Basil $1

From Bose & Sons Family Farm:

  • Red lettuce $2

From Ossome Acres:

  • Kale $3
  • Artichoke $2

From Ripple Creek:

  • 2 cucumbers $2.50
  • 3 spanish onions $3

Something we learned this week: The Spanish onions’ long green crunchy stalks that filled three plastic containers when we first bought them have been cut short. Not as a way for the farmers to get us to buy their onions more frequently; the summer’s heat just starts drying them up and making them tough.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Buying local, Featured, Uncategorized Tagged With: buy local, Farmers, farmers market, Mario Bartel, New Westminster, outside the box

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Land Acknowledgement

Our market is grateful to operate on the unceded land of the Qayqayt, Kwikwetlem, and other Halkomelem speaking Peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. We acknowledge the incredible gift this land is to our market and BC Agriculture. We commit to the ongoing work of decolonization and allyship.

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