Garden Fuss

Spicy Italian Polish From Tollefson Family Pork - MPLS Farmers Market It's officially spring when the  Farmers Markets  start opening one by one. Each market around the city has their own distinctive personality. The treats, treasures, and specialties vary so widely that you have to visit more than just one to find your staple vendor(s). Minnesotans by and large are a hardy bunch. We have our own brand of crazy and creative. If there is something new to experience we will come out en  masse  rain or shine, sleet or snow with shovel in hand to support the arts, good food, community, and a plethora of causes.  I've gotten so caught up in trying to do it all that I have not left enough time in the day to update you all on the going- ons  around town. That is until now....  For starters, today the Midtown Farmers Market opened up and I have to say that the food trucks are a very welcome sight to my near-sighted eyes. Two of the v...

A big part of why I do this blog is chronicle what works and doesn't work in and around my garden. Mostly because it ultimately will end up on our table or our neighbors and relatives tables. So I can't just fly blindly into the garden and just dig aimlessly at the crusty earth. I have to plan and prepare before I begin sometimes doing some testing of the area I plan to plant in. I have to research and decide what plants can successfully grow in my area... yada yada yada! I could go on and on about my process but for now I won't bore you. Gardening and it's larger counterpart Farming are usually learned skills. I have a knack and my husband would say insatiable desire to learn. This is why I'm posting information today about a great opportunity for those interested in expanding upon what they currently do or for those interested in dipping a foot into the field (so to speak) of farming. Years ago I participated as a jelly/jam vendor in a local farmers market here...

So this morning the DH ("dear husband" for those not in the know) and I are on a mission to be kid free for at least an hour or two. We hadn't had breakfast or even a morning cup of coffee, but we did have the midtown farmers market in mind so we headed in that direction. Eating local has been a huge topic in our home, around the city, and on the news for some time now. I am inspired to buy as much locally as possible by purchasing from vendors at the various farmers markets, the co-ops around town, as well as our small neighborhood grocery store Oxendale's Market.  At any of these locations you can find information regarding their efforts to either buy, sale, or grow local products you want to buy. Having sold my own jellies and jams at a local farmers market in the past I learned the importance of buying close to home and how it can improve the quality and appeal of my own products as well as support a neighboring vendor in their farming efforts. Having a child ...

Speaking of the market again, I think I need to mention again the many cheeses to be had. To nosh on a fresh curd made this past Wednesday, a fresh garlic cheese that is buttery smooth *my favorite btw*. A peppery jalapeno, and sharp sharp cheddar. That's all I had time to try today but I look forward to the smoked cheddar and ghouda which I hope to have with a piping hot smoked sausage from the sausage shop down the way. Follow the links to some of the closest markets in our area, and be sure to stop by and support locally farmed, raised, and produced products. Minneapolis Farmers Market   Midtown Farmers Market Kingfield Farmers Market Mill City Farmers Market St. Paul Farmers Market Who knows maybe we'll run into each other and fuss and discuss this whole food revolution.  :o)