Mary Lou Shaw, guest Fayette County Farm Market columnist, contributed the following this week:
The difference between the supermarket and the Farmers’ Market is never more evident than with the change of seasons. Because produce from our Farmers’ Market is freshly picked and in season, what we bring home and have for dinner also varies with the season. Tomatoes are more reluctant to ripen as daylight get shorter and lettuce doesn’t like this heat, but vegetables still abound. And the new stars of the show are freshly dug potatoes.
The recipe I turn to as autumn begins is “Shepherd’s Pie.” I cherish local potatoes for their freshness and for being raised without the many pesticides found in commercial potatoes. This recipe also allows me to use a variety of vegetables found at the Farmers’ Market as well as left-over cooked beef or chicken from the refrigerator. The ingredients vary every time I make it, but the results are always good.
To make a Shepherd’s Pie, cut about two pounds of potatoes into one-inch cubes; then cook in boiling, salted water. When tender to fork, whip potatoes with milk, butter, salt and grated cheese. These mashed potatoes will be topping for the “pie.” While potatoes are cooking, clean and cut other vegetables into bite-size pieces. At this time of year, we might use onions, carrots, green beans, turnips, celery, peppers, corn and garlic. Interestingly, chopped apples also add variety and flavor. This dish can be vegetarian or made with cubes of left-over meat, with some of its juice. Salt and pepper provide all the seasoning these delicious foods require. Oil your casserole dish, put in vegetable/meat mixture, and then swirl the mashed potatoes on top and cook uncovered. A nine-inch dish will require about an hour of oven baking at 350 degrees F. Enjoy!
The Market is open every Saturday morning from 8:30 to noon and is located in the municipal parking lot on the corner of South Main and East East streets in Washington C.H. SNAP EBT food benefit cards, Senior Farm Market coupons and credit/debit cards are accepted—stop by the FM “Info and Children’s Booth” (beside the Sunshine Cleaners) for assistance. Those using the SNAP EBT card for produce receive matching dollar VeggieSNAP tokens ($1 for $1) for additional fruits and vegetables. So,”buy one, get one” for fruit and vegetables, up to $10 EVERY market day.
The following list contains the names and products of the vendors that expect to set up for the Saturday Market. Other vendors may participate as well.
B.Y.E Gardens (Brian and Elaine Yoder): Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, winter squashes(Delicata, Acorn, Butternut, Spaghetti, Baby Red Hubbarb), Candy Onions, Bell Peppers, homegrown popcorn, cinnamon rolls, peanut butter cookies
By Thy Hand (Mark and Lori Chrisman): Angel food cakes, pies, assorted breads, snickerdoodles, seasoning and dip mixes, recycled pallet crates and boxes.
Chilcote Farms (Bruce and Marlene Chilcote): Honey, caramels, cookies , apples, and apple crumb pie.
Engedi (Beth Day, Alana Walters, Janet Bick): Assorted home baked goods (cinnamon rolls, bread, yeast rolls, cookies, pies, brownies, cobblers, whoopie pies,small specialty bread), Icees, and a children’s activity.
Gerhardts (Kevin Gerhardt): Fayette county grown pumpkins — all sizes from table top pumpkins up to very large carving pumpkins. Many varieties to choose from. This will be the only weekend for Gerhardt pumpkins at the market.
Jones Farm Fresh Produce (Jon & Taylor Jones): Tomatoes, peppers, red potatoes, watermelon, pumpkins, zucchini, butter beans, pork chops, ground pork, sausage patties, maple breakfast links, sweet Italian and jalapeño links, 1/4# and 1/3# hamburger patties, ground hamburger, chicken breast, whole chickens, wings, chorizo and sweet Italian links and chicken patties.
This and That (Mary Ford): Garden and home crafts (summer goose dresses, coasters, mug rugs, aprons, OSU items, jewelry), baked goods (apple butter bread, PB fudge).
Wood by DW (Debbie Welch): Wood primitives and sewn kitchen crafts.
Your Other Mother’s Kitchen (Don and Sara Creamer): Artisan Breads, Whole Wheat Brownie Tarts, and Bran Muffin Tops.
Katrina Bush is a vendor at the Fayette County Farm Market.
