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Join Us Sunday November 18th for the HARVEST MARKET! NEW -> HAND CRAFTED, LOCALLY PRODUCED, SELECTED ARTS & CRAFTS

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Join us Sunday, 10-3, for the last Mercer Island Farmers Market of the year.  Warm up with cocoa and cider in the hospitality tent.  Many of your favorite vendors are coming this Sunday to help you with your Thanksgiving Dinner and autumn meals.

  • Collins Family Orchard: apples, pears & plums
  • Crown S Ranch: Beef, Lamb, Pork & Poultry (sorry no turkeys left)
  • Little Brown Farm : Assorted artisan goat cheeses
  • Olsen Farms: 15+ variety of potatoes, featuring smoked  ham and rack of lamb for those special holiday meals in addition to their other meats
  • Middlefork Coffee Roasters will be offering: Free coffee samples, All 7 of the regular blends, decaf, and a  NEW HOLIDAY BLEND and Travel Mugs. Pre-order 5# bulk bags of coffee  for the holiday season, $50 each. To order call  206.375.1368,Orders will need to be in by Thursday for pick up on Sunday.
  • Pinckney Cookies & Jonboy Caramels bringing their amazing sweet treats.
  •  Theo Dorres Teas offering a special HOLIDAY BLEND in addition to her unusual hand mixed teas and tisanes.
  • Tonnemaker Family Orchard CIDER!, apples, pears and squash and FROZEN: sweet cherries, peaches, nectarines  dried peppers & tomatoes
  • Not a complete list, more vendors coming

GIFT CERTIFICATES – Stop by the Information Booth to purchase gift certificates for next year’s Mercer Island Farmers Market.  Sold in $10 denominations & good for purchases from any vendor.

ARTS & CRAFTS  - We can’t have berries now… so how about some holiday fun?

  • Artists from MIVAL will be bringing an assortment of beautiful items for gift giving (or keeping!).
  • Artist Leslie West with a love for recycled wares and great style brings containers, bags and other surprises.
  • Artist Joni Johnson is bringing an assortment of her wonderful glass art.
  • There will be more beautifully made objects to discover such such as outdoor garden art & wooden bowls.

LUNCH OF COURSE!

  • Veraci Pizza is shaking it up with a NEW CREATION IN HONOR OF VERACI FANS ON MI! The “Mercer Islander”: Grilled Yukon Gold Potatoes, Panchetta, Parmesan-Chive Ricotta on a Roasted Garlic Base with Three Cheese Blend
  • Other favorites returning are Buns On Wheels, Got Soup & Patty Pan Grill

NEW -> A Gluten Free Prepared Food Vendor - I Love My GFF – with mouthwatering quinoa bowls. Check out the Fiesta Bowl! Quinoa layered pepitas, cilantro, fresh squeezed lime, cumin, black beans, spice rubbed free-range chicken, fresh cut red bell peppers and green onions, topped with avocado, topped with sharp cheddar cheese and toasted pepita.

November 20th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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Winter squash from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Winter squash from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Our annual pre-Thanksgiving Harvest Market is this Sunday, November 20th at our usual time—10 am to 3 pm—at our usual location—SE 32nd Street between 77th Avenue SE and 78th Avenue SE at the northern end of Mercerdale Park.

Most of our regular-season vendors will be be returning for this final market day of 2011.  In addition to these familiar faces, the MI Farmers Market is thrilled that our Harvest Market will also have  several new vendors including:

  • Sign announcing that the vendor will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market's pre-Thanksgiving Harvest Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Sign announcing that the vendor will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market's pre-Thanksgiving Harvest Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Farmboy Baking Company, Medina, WA, who are bringing homemade pies, caramel apples, cookies, and cake pops

  • Middlefork Coffee Roasters, Seattle, WA, who will be offering hot cups of brewed coffee free as well as nine different varieties of fair trade, organic arabica coffee
  • Rainer Mountain Cranberry Farm, Eatonville, WA, who are coming with their local fresh cranberries
  • Theo Dorres Aromatics, Renton, WA, who will have available hot cups of tea plus several varieties of fresh lose-leaf tea

Our market manager, Edee Philips, has been working overtime putting together the detailed list below of all of the expected vendors and the products that they are bringing to this Sunday’s Harvest Market.

  • Honey Crisp apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Honey Crisp apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Collins Family Orchard, Selah, WA are planning to bring pink lady, fuji, honey crisp, gala, jazz apples, asian, bosc, packham pears, and angelo plums

  • Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA, will not only be featuring fifty organic-pasture-raised heritage turkeys—perfect for everyone’s Thanksgiving feast, but will also be offering 20% off holiday roasts, stew meat, and soup bones.  In addition, Jennifer Argraves and her family will have available their sustainably raised tenderloin roast, standing rib roast and ham roast as well as chickens and heritage stewing roosters and limited cuts of beef and pork.
  • Farmboy Baking Company, Medina, WA will have fresh pumpkin pies, both ready-to-eat and “take and bake,” apple pies, berry pies, snowflake gingerbread cookies, caramel apples, caramel pretzels, and cake pops
  • Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, speaking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011.

    Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, speaking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA, will be featuring several Thanksgiving-themed jams and jellies, including cranberry-jalapeño jam, crabapple jelly, spiced crabapple jelly, crabapple with mint and black pepper jelly, and crabapple with star anise jelly. Rome Doherty will also have on had several fruit butters, including apple, apple with ancho-chili, pear, peach and plum. He will be have free gift boxes available for those wanting to give his delicious, locally sourced products to those unable to get them themselves. As always, Rome will be offering a dollar off of your first jar of jam if you use the secret phrase. This week’s phrase—in honor of the Harvard-Yale game—is ”Bulldog, bulldog, bow, wow, wow”

  • Fishing Vessel St. Jude, Seattle, WA, will have their justly famous locally caught tuna, including several flavors of canned tuna, sashimi-grade albacore steaks, and five flavors of albacore jerky
  • Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA, will be offering potatoes, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery and celery root, kales, chards, greens, and winter squash
  • Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

    Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Got Soup, Seattle, WA, will have several cold-weather soups, including caramelized onion & apple braised cabbage, potato & leek with chantarellas, thai pumpkin with coconut, crab bisque, and asparagus with truffled marscapone

  • Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA, will have on hand many of the vegetables needed for your Thanksgiving meal, including brussel sprouts, sunchokes, potatoes, greens, kales, carrots, parsnips, squashes, pumpkins, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and celery root
  • Farmer Kai Ottoson of Hedlin Family Farm, Mount Vernon, WA hard at work setting up tables of produce at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in 2009.

    Farmer Kai Ottoson of Hedlin Family Farm, LaConner, WA hard at work setting up tables of produce at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in 2009. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Hedlin Farm, LaConner, WA, tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, basil, beets, cabbage, carrots, swiss chard, fennel, kale, leeks, lettuce, onions, shallots, potatoes, spinach, winter squash. In addition to these vegetables, Hedlin will also be bringing their own certified-organic, whole wheat flour

  • Island Apiaries, Freeland, WA, will be offering honey from Whidbey Island in many flavors such as blackberry, raspberry, buckwheat, and fireweed plus  cinnamon-infused.  Be sure to stock up for the winter
  • Jacobs Creamery, Doty, WA, will be returning to the MIFM will their wonderful eggs, European-style cultured butter, crème fraîche, cheddar, gouda, italian-grating cheese, eggnog pudding (chocolate and vanilla too), cranberry pizazz (cranberry-with-orange-zest-flavored fromage blanc), herbed and original fromage blanc, and fresh natural Greek, honey Greek, and european-style yogurts
  • Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA, will be coming to the MI Farmers Market with their greenhouse-grown, heirloom tomatoes
  • Fresh, hand-made pasta from La Pasta, Seattle, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Fresh, hand-made pasta from La Pasta, Seattle, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    La Pasta, Seattle, WA, will have their hand-made pastas including egg, spinach, lemon pepper, spinach, beet, tricolore, black squid ink, four-cheese ravioli, three-mushroom ravioli, pumpkin ravioli, spinach-and-roasted-garlic ravioli, and potato gnocchi

  • Martin Family Orchard, Orondo, WA, will be coming to the Harvest Market with Fuji and Gala apples, Bartlett, D’Anjou, and Hosui Asian pears
  • Middlefork Coffee Roasters, Seattle, WA, will be at the MI Farmers market with free, freshed-brewed cups of coffee to keep everyone warm and lively. They will also be selling nine varieties of fair-trade, organic, Arabica coffee beans –fair trade and organic
  • Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA, will be back with their wonderful ice cream featuring such Thanksgiving-themed flavors as pumpkin clove, spiced cider sorbet, pear sorbet, & cranberry-ginger sorbet. Molly Moon will also have several of their usual popular flavors, including Theo chocolate, Vivace coffee, and salted caramel
  • Parfait Organic Artisan Ice Cream, Seattle, WA, will also be back with several seasonal flavors, including pumpkin spice, cinnamon stick, and toasted hazelnut, plus many of their usual favorite flavors. They will have a special sale for their pints: buy four or more pints and get for free a jar of organic dark chocolate sauce
  • The folks at Patty Pan Grill cooking up veggies at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

    The folks at Patty Pan Grill cooking up veggies at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

    Patty Pan Grill, Seattle, WA, will be cooking up their popular grilled veggie quesadillas, veggie and beef tamales (sourced from the MIFM’s Crown S Ranch)

  • Rainier Mountain Cranberry Farm, Eatonville, WA, will have the one of the key ingredients for your Thanksgiving meal: cranberries. Be sure to stop by their booth to find out about their farm and their fresh, locally grown cranberries
  • Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA, will be coming to the market with their amazing artisan breads and pastries. For the holiday season they will also be bringing stollen, the traditional German Christmas cake
  • Theo Dorres Aromatics, Renton, WA, cups of hot tea, packaged loose-leaf teas blended from local certified organic ingredients, including a limited edition holiday tea & tisane gift tin, gluten-free & kosher
  • Trevani Truffles, Seattle, WA, will be at the Harvest Market with several holiday-themed treats, including egg nog and cranberry orange dark chocolate plus several other flavors of truffle including scotch & honey with turmeric, white chocolate marzipan with pistachios, classic dark chocolate, raspberry, caramel with sea salt, rosemary olive oil,  and white chocolate lemon with anise
  • Shannon's dad, Ernie, talking with a customer at the Two If By Seafoods booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

    Shannon's dad, Ernie, talking with a customer at the Two If By Seafoods booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Two if by Seafoods, Seattle, WA, have have on hand their Alaska-caught sockeye and coho salmon, available in fillets and steaks, as well as the most amazing smoked salmon around

  • Veraci Pizza, Seattle, WA, will be at the MI Farmers Market baking pizzas including luna rossa italian dry salami, cascioppo bros italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers on savory red sauce with our three cheese blend wild chanterelle fresh wild chanterelles, beecher’s flagship cheese on garlic olive oil with our three cheese blend
  • Willapa Hills Cheese, Doty, WA, will be offering market favorites, including Big Boy Blue, Two-Faced Blue, Pluvius, and You-Moon (pure sheep’s milk blue cheese)
  • Pizza dough being tossed at the Zaw Pizza booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Pizza dough being tossed at the Zaw Pizza booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Zaw Pizza, Seattle, WA, will be making from scratch, made-to-order handcrafted bake-at-home pizzas

Cute Video of Icel of Crown S Ranch Getting Turkeys to Gobble

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Organic-pastured turkeys from Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA. (Photo courtesy of Crown S Ranch)

Organic-pastured turkeys from Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA. (Photo courtesy of Crown S Ranch)

Many of the members of the Mercer Island Farmers Market community know Crown S Ranch‘s Jennifer Argraves and her daughter Icel as they sell their beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and vegetables at our market each week. In preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Crown S Ranch posted a cute and very short video of Icel getting their turkeys to gobble. From the video, it appears that Icel is bilingual—speaking both English and Turkey.

Remember that Crown S Ranch will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market’s pre-Thanksgiving Harvest Market on Sunday, November 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will have their organic-pastured turkeys available for your Thanksgiving feasts.

September 11th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor Highlights: Twice-Baked Nutella Croissants, Maximus-Minimus, and Sweet Corn

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This past Sunday, the Mercer Island Farmers Market had a surprise new product from one long-time vendor, the first visit from a popular food truck, and boxes of organic sweet corn from another long-time vendor.

Snohomish Bakery’s Twice Baked Nutella Croissants

A selection of the artisanal breads available from the Snohomish Bakery at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

A selection of the artisanal breads available from the Snohomish Bakery at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

The MIFM community has grown to love the artisanal baked goods made fresh each morning by the Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA. Throughout the day, folks line up for SnoBake’s crusty breads (baguettes, pumpernickel, cinnamon raisin, pain au levain, multigrain…). In the morning, folks buy Snohomish’s cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, and croissants (plain, chocolate, blueberry, pear, and strawberry) to enjoy with their coffee. In the afternoon, folks buy their cookies (Russian tea, macaroons, biscotti, peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chip…) and gruyere cheese bread for an afternoon snack.

Twice-baked, Nutella croissant from the Snohomish Bakery at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Twice-baked, Nutella croissant from the Snohomish Bakery at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Occasionally, Snohomish introduces an exciting new product. This past Sunday they surprised us with a twice-baked Nutella croissant—chocolaty, nutty, sweet, and flaky. But, unfortunately, there were only a few of them and they sold out during the first hour.

We hope that Snohomish will make many more this Sunday morning for the MIFM so that more of us can enjoy this great new addition to their product mix.

Maximus-Minimus’s Famous Pool-Pork Sandwich and Pig Mobile

The famous Maximus-Minimus pig mobile at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

The famous Maximus-Minimus pig mobile at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Kurt Daimmeier, owner-chef of Bennett’s Pure Food Bistro here on Mercer Island as well as Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and Pasta & Co., came to the MIFM on Sunday the 11th to do a very well-received chef demo.

In addition to Bennett’s, Beecher’s, and Pasta & Co., Kurt also owns the Maximus-Minimus food truck, which is famous for being a giant metal pig with sunglasses and “SOMEPIG” as a license plate (we love the Charlotte’s Web reference). They have developed a dedicated following though because of their delicious pulled-pork sandwiches. As they say, “The truck gets their attention, the sandwich brings ‘em back.”

So in honor of Kurt’s chef demo, the Maximus-Minimus pig mobile came to the MI Farmers Market and wowed us all with their food. We hope that they enjoyed the MIFM and our community as much as we enjoyed their truck and their food and that they will be back for a return visit soon.

Organic Sweet Corn

Customers buying sweet corn at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Customers buying sweet corn at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

This past Sunday, Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA brought freshly harvested organic sweet corn for the second Sunday in a row.

Customers eagerly gathered around the boxes of corn, carefully selecting ears and anticipating the delicious dishes that they were going to be making.

One such recipe we know that many folks tried that evening was Aztec Trinity salad. This was because Chef Kurt Daimmeier showed us how to make it during his chef demo on Sunday afternoon. The recipe calls for roasted yams, roasted peppers, black beans, and…fresh sweet corn kernels.

September 11th Mercer Island Farmers Market Event Highlights: Chef Demo by Kurt Daimmeier

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Kurt Daimmeier demonstrating the proper technique for cutting corn kernels from the cob at a chef demo at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Kurt Daimmeier demonstrating the proper technique for cutting corn kernels from the cob at a chef demo at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

This past Sunday, Kurt Daimmeier, chef, owner of Bennett’s Pure Food Bistro, and Mercer Islander, came to the Mercer Island Farmers Market to do a chef demo. Last year, his chef demo was one of our most popular. This year was no different with such a large crowd gathering that there was standing room only.

Kurt chose a recipe that features sweet corn and peppers, which are both now showing up in abundance at the MI Farmers Market.

On Sunday, Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA featured boxes and boxes of freshly harvested organic sweet corn.

And Billy’s Organic Garden, Tonasket, WA, Hedlin Family Farms, La Conner, WA, and Tonnemaker Family Orchards, Royal City, WA all featured an enormous variety of fresh peppers ranging from mild bell peppers to hot jalapeño peppers.

In addition to sweet corn and peppers, the dish, Aztec Trinity Salad (the recipe is below at the end of the post), features two other key ingredients: yams and black beans. Another ingredient in the salad’s dressing, honey, can be purchased at the Mercer Island Farmers Market from Island Apiaries, Freeland, WA.

Kurt Daimmeier discussing how to roast peppers and remove their skins at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Kurt Daimmeier discussing how to roast peppers and remove their skins at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Kurt is a natural teacher and so the crowd learned a wide range of things from him, from basic cooking techniques—the importance of chopping vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and how to roast a pepper and remove the skin easily—to more complicated cooking questions—the substituting of ingredients and what kinds of oils to use in different dishes—to basic botany—the differences between the varieties of peppers: bell, poblano, jalapeño, Fresno…

The chef demo was a big success with our community excited to try a new recipe armed with new knowledge and cooking techniques.

An appreciative audience gathers to try samples of Kurt Daimmeier's Aztec Trinity Salad at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

An appreciative audience gathers to try samples of Kurt Daimmeier's Aztec Trinity Salad at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

We want to give Kurt our thanks for coming out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon (perhaps the last one this year) to do the chef demo. We hope that Kurt enjoyed himself as much as we all did and will come back to the MI Farmers Market next season for another one.

Kurt Daimmeier displaying the finished Aztec Trinity salad at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Kurt Daimmeier displaying the finished Aztec Trinity salad at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Aztec Trinity

  • 1 ½ lbs. approx. of yams, peeled, cut in 3/4″ dice
  • 1 T of lime juice
  • 1 T of neutral-flavored cooking oil
  • 1 T of chili powder
  • 1 t of cumin
  • 2 t of Kosher salt

Combine the lime juice, canola oil, chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Mix well to coat the yams. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and roast at 400°F with the fan on high. Check after 12 minutes. Rotate the pans and continue to cook for a couple more minutes, until the yams are easily pierced with a knife. Do not overcook. Cool in the refrigerator.

  • 1 green bell pepper (2 poblano if you desire more heat), roasted, skinned, seeded, cut in ¾” dice
  • 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 ears of fresh corn, cut kernels from cob

Dressing

  • ¼ cup of lime juice
  • 1/3 cup of canola oil
  • 1 t of Kosher salt
  • 1 T of honey
  • 1 Fresno peppers (red jalapeño, can be omitted), sliced 1/8″ strips
  • 1 T of chopped cilantro

Add salt and black pepper to taste after mixing salad

Salad assembly: combine roasted yams, dressing, peppers, black beans, corn, cilantro, and salt. Mix well. Taste for seasoning.

Source: Kurt Dammeier

September 11th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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We have some news from our vendors for this Sunday’s Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Jennifer Argraves and her daughter, Icel, laughing at a customers joke at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 14, 2011.

Jennifer Argraves and her daughter, Icel, laughing at a customers joke at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 14, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Most of the MI Farmers Market customers are familiar Jennifer Argraves, her wonderful family, and their pastured eggs and sustainably raised beef, chicken, and pork.

During the past few weeks, Jennifer has started to bring vegetables that they have been grown on the ranch. Some of our customers might have briefly caught sight of the ears of sweet corn before they disappeared before noon after selling out in an hour. The lucky few who got to purchase a few ears tried not to rub it into to neighbors and friends who missed out.

Well, this week, Jennifer tells us that she will be bringing corn in larger quantities so more of us will get to purchase this always-looked-for late summer favorite.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, speaking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, speaking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, writes, “School is in, fresh corn is in the markets, and it’s the last couple of weeks for fresh berries of any sort. I have a new Blueberry Jam with Maple Syrup this weekend, also a limited quantity of Fig with vanilla.

“Also I’ve finally got the ‘gals of the farmers market‘ gallery up on my blog. So check it out.”

For those customers interested in a dollar off of their first jar of jam, this week’s “magic” word is “jukebox,” which Rome explains is in honor of last weekend’s word, “Domino,” which Rome thought a surprisingly large number of customer got the reference for.  (Hint: it has something to do with blueberries.)

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Jerry Baxter, owner of Got Soup?, writes, “Well summer is here this week, looks like 80 to 85 till Monday. So it will be cold soups this week. If anyone does want a hot soup we can bring them to the market for you. Just call or e-mail me.”

This week’s soups are:

  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (cold, vegan, raw): tomato, cucumber, onion, fennel, yellow pepper, zucchini, tarragon, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, cayenne, paprika, olive oil
  • Watermelon Gazpacho (cold and vegan): watermelon, tomato, cucumber, onion, yellow pepper, green pepper, celery, cilantro, basil, jalapeno, white balsamic vinegar, orange juice
  • Cool Cucumber & Melon (cold and vegan): honeydew melon, cucumber, coconut milk, yogurt, mint, salt, white pepper. Garnish-chili oil
  • Potato Vichyssoise (vegetarian): vegetable stock (onion, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), yukon potatoes, onions, leeks, celery, fennel, milk, butter, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme
  • Peach & Apricot Gazpacho (vegan and raw): white peaches, peaches, apricots, grapes, onions, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, almond milk, white grape juice chervil, parsley, champagne vinegar, white pepper

As he always does, Jerry has sourced much of the produce for his soups from farmers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. This week’s ingredients come from, among many other local farms:

Patty Pan Grill, Seattle, WA

The folks at Patty Pan Grill cooking up veggies at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

The folks at Patty Pan Grill cooking up veggies at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Many of the customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market will have heard the news that a few weeks ago Patty Pan Grill added a completely different product to their menu: beef tamales.

After over a decade of being vegetarian, this was a big change. Patty Pan is already in the process of refining their new product and beginning this week will be using Crown S Ranch beef in their beef tamales.

This is great chance for those of you who haven’t yet tried either Patty Pan Grill’s or Crown S Ranch’s products to do so in just one bite. As the marketers say, “it only takes one bite…”

September 4th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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We heard from several of the Mercer Island Farmers Market farmers, who have specials or first-of-the-season produce for this holiday weekend’s market day on Sunday.

Collins Family Orchard, Selah, WA

Nick helping out customers with his usual good humor and smile at the Collins Family Orchard booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 28, 2011.

Nick helping out customers with his usual good humor and smile at the Collins Family Orchard booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 28, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Nick let us know that Collins will have the first honey crisp apples of the season this Sunday. He told us that “the honey crisps are [Collins'] most popular apple with both a satisfying crunch and not-too-tart flavor for eating fresh and a solid, not-too-sweet flavor for cooking.”

In addition, Collins will also have a second round of strawberries.

Those Mercer Island Farmers Market customers now almost addicted to Collins’ sweet and succulent peaches and nectarines need have no fear as both will be back on Sunday with new varieties. Nick’s personal favorite peach, the Diamond Princess— “especially for cooking and canning with a very strong flavor”—should be available along with Suncrest peaches. The Grand Sweet nectarines should also be ready on Sunday.

Nick left us with one last tantalizing thought… “You should have your fingers crossed for pluots to ripe by Sunday. Right now, I’d give them an 80% chance of being ripe enough.” Well, let’s all keep our fingers crossed so the pluots will ripen and be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Jennifer Argraves and her daughter, Icel, laughing at a customers joke at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 14, 2011.

Jennifer Argraves and her daughter, Icel, laughing at a customer's joke at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 14, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

In honor of the Labor Day holiday weekend—and all of the barbecuing that many us will be doing, Crown S Ranch is having a 25%-off special on their top sirloin steaks.

They also sent along two recipes for their top sirloin steaks: Pepper-Grilled Steak with Chopped Summer Salad (Bon Appétit, August 2009); and Sirloin Steak with Tomato and Cilantro Sauce (Bon Appétit, June 2001).

In addition to their steaks and other cuts of beef, Crown S Ranch will have their sausages, chicken, pork, and eggs.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Rome writes, “I’ve been experimenting again, and the result is Blueberry Jam with Ginger. These are the best canning blueberries I’ve found (they’re from Whitehorse Meadows Farm) and the ginger fits really well. Also this week more Peach Butter, and, by popular demand, Strawberry, Basil and Balsamic [Jam].”

For the past several weeks, the “magic” word to get a dollar off of our your first jar of jam from Farmers Market Preserves has been scientific or somewhat-obscure cultural references (“drupe,” “theobromine,” “Chekhov,”…). Well, this week Rome went in a completely different direction—popular culture—and picked “Domino,” no doubt due to Fats Domino‘s famous song and the blueberries that have been occupying his thoughts and time this past week.

So, all those customers out there interested in a discount on delicious jam made from fresh, local ingredients should try to work “Domino” into their conversation with Rome on Sunday. It might also be that singing a few lines from “Blueberry Hill” will get the discount as well.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Jerry Baxter, owner Got Soup?, filling up a quart container with fresh soup for a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Jerry Baxter, owner Got Soup?, filling up a quart container with fresh soup for a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Jerry writes, “As we are into another three-season weather week, this might change what we sell this weekend, meaning more cold soups.”

So, subject to a change in the weather, this week’s soups at the Mercer Island Farmers Market will be:

  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (cold, vegan, and raw): tomato, cucumber, onion, fennel, yellow pepper, zucchini, tarragon, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, cayenne, paprika, olive oil
  • Watermelon Gazpacho (cold and vegan): watermelon, tomato, cucumber, onion, yellow pepper, green pepper, celery, cilantro, basil, jalapeno, white balsamic vinegar, orange juice.
  • Jerk Chicken with Black-Eyed Peas & Greens: chicken stock (water, chicken, onions, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), black-eyed peas, onion, celery, peppers, chicken, collard greens, garlic, ginger, citrus juice, cilantro, thyme, tamari, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg
  • Crab Bisque: water, Dungeness crab, onion, carrots, celery, tomato, bay leaf, tarragon, butter, flour, sherry, heavy cream, milk
  • Cauliflower and Brie with Roasted Red Pepper (vegetarian): vegetable stock (onion, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), cauliflower, onions, celery, garlic, brie, thyme, parsley, rice milk, red peppers, olive oil, chives

As he always does, Jerry sources much of the produce for his soups from the vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. This week’s ingredients come from (among other local farms):

Two If By Seafood, Bristol Bay, Alaska and Seattle, WA

Shannon's dad, Ernie, talking with a customer at the Two If By Seafoods booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

Shannon's dad, Ernie—"holding down the fort" while his daughter was in Alaska fishing—talking with a customer at the Two If By Seafoods booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

After a long absence, Shannon Ford, captain of the Fishing Vessel Paul Revere and owner of Two If By Seafood, will be back at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday. Shannon has spent the past several months in Alaska catching all of the salmon that she sells at our farmers market, so she not only has lots of great fishing stories to tell, but also is eager to reconnect with her long-time customers. As aside, she jokingly related that she can’t wait to begin eating her fill of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are not easily available or reasonably priced in Bristol Bay. Well, at the Mercer Island Farmers Market we are sure that her fellow vendors will be able to satisfy her fresh veggie and fruit cravings.

In addition, Shannon dropped some hints that in the coming weeks she is planning to introduce a new product: smoked, candied salmon bellies, which are a delicacy in Alaska and not easily available here in the Lower 48.

(NOTE: Updated at 3:25 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2011 with information about Shannon Ford and Two If By Seafood.)

August 28th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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We have received updates from some of the vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthop, WA talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Opening Day 2011

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthop, WA talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Opening Day 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Earlier this week, the folks at Crown S Ranch sent out an email to their customers saying, “We unfortunately are not able to attend the MIFM this Sunday the 28th due to an unseasonal cold floating around here.  We will be at the market the following Labor Day weekend, Sunday the 4th.  Sorry for the inconvenience.  Let us know if we can bring anything special for you.”

We wish them all a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing them next weekend.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, wrote: “This must be close to the height of the jam making season and I’ve got the stuff—plum, blueberry, cherry, blackberry, raspberry and variations of all them.” Rome also has a new Apricot Chutney as well as a new batch of Blackberry with Chili jam that he describes as “‘mas pequeno’ than the last batch.”

The “magic” word this Sunday is “drupe.” We’re guessing that that Rome has plums and apricots and peaches and nectarines and cherries on his mind. So anyone interested in getting a dollar off of their first jar of jam should use the word-of-the-week in conversation with Rome.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Jerry Baxter writes, “So with the weather dictating what soups we are making these weeks, we are trying a new strategy. You will probably see 6 soups, 3 hot and 3 cold. I think this may work; it is about choices isn’t it? So with our summer winding down and school starting, there’s a lot going on in the Family world. Here is something you do not have to worry about, dinner. Just take home one of our frozen soups, maybe pick up some salad stuff or some bread, easy dinner, go help the kids with their homework, or relax.”

This week’s soups are:

  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (cold, vegan, and raw): tomato, cucumber, onion, fennel, yellow pepper, zucchini, tarragon, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, cayenne, paprika, olive oil
  • Cool Cucumber & Melon (cold and vegan): honeydew melon, cucumber, coconut milk, yogurt, mint, salt, white pepper. Garnish—chili oil
  • Sweet Corn and Cashew Chowder (cold and vegan): corn, onion, coconut milk, cashew, red pepper, basil, cilantro, parsley
  • Shrimp Etouffée: onion, shrimp, shrimp and fish stock (water, shrimp, fish, onion, celery, carrot, parsley) green pepper, tomato, celery, mushroom, garlic, milk butter, flour, cayenne, parsley, oregano, thyme
  • Coconut Curry with Chicken and Brown Rice: chicken stock (chicken, onion, celery, carrot, parsley) onion, carrots, mushroom, red pepper, brown rice, coconut milk, chicken, garlic, ginger, cilantro, lemon grass, gagangal, curry powder, red curry, paprika, turmeric

As always, Jerry has sourced many of his ingredients from farmers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market:

MI Reporter Publishes Article on Crown S Ranch

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The Mercer Island Reporter has published an article on Mercer Island Farmers Market vendor Crown S Ranch and its owners, Jennifer Argraves and Louis Sukovaty.

Jennifer Argraves and her daughter, Icel, laughing at a customers joke at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 14, 2011.

Jennifer Argraves and her daughter, Icel, laughing at a customers joke at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 14, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

We are extremely flattered by Jennifer’s praise for the MI Farmers Market staff and volunteers: “‘It’s just delightful working with your group…’ she said of the Mercer Island market.” Jennifer, the feeling is mutual; we think working with you and your family is delightful too.

One of the best aspects of working with Crown S Ranch is that it involves the entire family. Not only does Jennifer brings her children to almost every MIFM, but they have a great rapport with the customers and, since they work on the farm, are knowledgeable about Crown S Ranch’s meat and eggs.

There’s a great deal more about Jennifer, her family, their products, the ranch, their farming practices, and their “Haycation” program for folks interested in learning more about farming and how their ranch operates, including quotes from a Mercer Islander who went on one. So be sure to check out the article.

July 24th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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Update: July 23, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.:

This afternoon we heard some good news and some bad from two of our vendors.  First the good news.

Firefly Kitchens, Seattle, WA

Jars of all of the different products from Firefly Kitchens stacked in a pyramid at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Jars of all of the different products from Firefly Kitchens stacked in a pyramid at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Julie O’Brien from Firefly Kitchens will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market tomorrow.  Julie makes all of Firefly’s products, so this is a great opportunity to meet the producer and talk with her. You’ll discover what inspires her, how she sources her ingredients from local farms, and why she feels so strongly about the health benefits of fermented food.

In case you have tried their delicious products yet, Firefly Kitchens produces a variety of fermented vegetable products such as sauerkraut (three kinds: Classic; Ruby Red made with beets; and Cordido with onions and jalapenos), kimchi, salsa, and Yin Yang Carrots (sweet carrots with spicy ginger).

They have samples of all of these available at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. So Sunday will be a great chance to try all of their fermented products and to talk with the person beyond their deliciousness.

And now for the bad news…

Whidbey Island Ice Cream, Langley, WA

The Whidbey Island Ice Cream cart at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

The Whidbey Island Ice Cream cart at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Ron Hecker, owner of Whidbey Island Ice Cream, contacted us with the unfortunate news that they are having trouble with their carts. So they will not be able to be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday.

Ron is working hard to get the cart fixed and plans to return next weekend. So no fear fans of their rich, chocolate-dipped, 18%-butterfat ice cream bars in a huge variety of flavors—banana, blackberry, blackberry-lavender, black cherry, butterscotch, cardamom, cherry chocolate chip, chocolate, chocolate chardonnay, chocolate-fudge, chocolate-mint, coconut, mint, mocha mousse, orange chocolate, peanut butter, pistachio, raspberry, vanilla, vanilla lavender…, you will be able to buy your favorites and try new ones next Sunday, July 31st.

This means that…

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

With Molly Moon and Whidbey Island Ice Cream unable to attend the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday, Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream will be our market’s the only ice cream vendor at our July 24th market.

This will be a great opportunity for our customers who haven’t yet tried their wonderful products yet to try what the editors of Sunset Magazine featured in their July food issue as one of their favorite ice cream vendors on the West Coast.

Update: July 23, 2011 at 12:55 p.m.:

This morning we received updates with market specials from two more of our vendors, Island Apiaries and Zaw Pizza.

Island Apiaries, Freeland, WA

Bear-shaped jars of honey at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Bear-shaped jars of honey at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Many of you are aware that David Neel, the owner of Island Apiaries has a “secret” question each week. He offers a free eight-ounce jar of honey to the first customer to answer this question in person at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. He posts the question on Saturday mornings on Island Apiaries’ Facebook page. (Please remember not to post the answers on Facebook, which will only invalidate the question and force David to come up with a new question. The answer must be given in person at the MI Farmer Market.)

This week’s secret question is: “What famous inventor also set a water speed record at age 72?”

If you want to win the free eight-ounce jar of honey, plan to get to the MIFM early, i.e. before 11 a.m. In previous weeks, David has received the correct answers during the first hour of the market.

Zaw Pizza, Seattle, WA

Two freshly made pizzas from Zaw Pizza at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011.

Two freshly made pizzas from Zaw Pizza at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Anthony Styll, Zaw’s pizza chef at the MI Farmers Market, sent us an enthusiastic email early this morning. “This week showed quite a bit of new produce at the farmers markets, and we’ll be making the most of it!”

We were particularly excited to read about three of the specials:

  • The B.L.T.  “A summer favorite, with shaved Leeks (from One Leaf Farm), Market Tomatoes (beautiful ones from Billy’s Organic Garden [one of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers]), and Zoe’s Applewood Smoked Dry Cured Nitrate Free Bacon, on a red-sauced pizza with mozzarella and parmesan.”
  • Roasted Beet Pizza. “Roasted golden beets from Full Circle Farm [another of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers], with fresh basil (we get this from a variety of local farms), roasted red peppers, and fresh goat chevre.”
  • The Cowardly Apricot. “We’ve got this seasons fresh shipment of Pipitone Farm’s Apricot Yum spread, and will be saucing pizzas with that, to top with roasted Washington free-range chicken, maple caramelized onions, basil, gorgonzola, and fresh slices of apricots from Collins Family Orchard [yet another of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers].”

Remember to order your fresh, take-and-bake pizza pie from Zaw when you arrive at the market and then return to pick it up after you have finished your shopping. It will be waiting for you.

Original Post:

Our farmers and vendors are getting set for another exciting market day at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. Below are some updates and specials from a few of them.

Fishing Vessel St. Jude, Seattle, WA

Stacks of canned tuna from Fishing Vessel St. Jude at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011.

Stacks of canned tuna from Fishing Vessel St. Jude at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Fishing Vessel St Jude is making their monthly visit to the MI Farmers Market on Sunday. So this weekend is an especially great time to come to the market so you can stock up on locally caught tuna.

We can’t decide which is our favorite flavor of their canned tuna. Original? Dill? Garlic? Jalapeño? Mediterranean? Natural? Smoked? We suggest that you try them all and decide for yourself.

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, Molly Moon’s ice cream truck will not be at the MI Farmers Market this Sunday. There is no need to fear. They will be back at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday, July 31st and will return for the rest of the market season.

For those Islanders needing an ice-cream fix, Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA will be at the MIFM with their ice cream truck and Whidbey Island Ice Cream, Langley, WA will be at the market with their ice cream cart.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Geza's Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011.

Geza's Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

A great reason to get to the MI Farmers Market early are Geza’s Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch. The eggs are beautiful on the outside featuring different colors and shades. They are also beautiful on the inside with deep almost-orange yolks that change the color of batters and egg dishes from what cooks are used to from store-bought eggs from pale yellows to deep, rich golds. The eggs also improve the flavor of these dishes tremendously, which is why they sell out in the first hour or so of the market.

Crown S Ranch will also be coming with their full line of pasture-raised beef, chicken, and pork. This week’s special is for their freshly harvested, pastured chickens which are on sale for $4.94 per pound.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rome Doherty emailed us that he will be bringing several new jams this week, including loganberry, apricot, raspberry with Theo Chocolate, and raspberry habanero. Rome continues to produce delicious tradition flavors of jams, jellies, and preserves, but he also never ceases to amaze us with the unique flavor combinations that he develops. We can’t wait to thy the raspberry with Theo Chocolate and raspberry habanero.

This week’s magic word is “Mendelian” because, as Rome writes, he is “…grateful to Fr Mendel, as he is at least partially responsible for those fine loganberries.” Rome is in great company celebrating Mendel; Google also did so by creating a special logo for his 189th birthday this past week.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

During the past week, we received several enthusiastic comments on one particular soup the Jerry Baxter of Got Soup? made last Sunday: his watermelon gazpacho. There might not be any of this cool and refreshing summer soup this week, but Jerry will be bringing four great new soups for the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday:

  • Corn & Chorizo
  • Orange & Cumin Sweet Potato (vegan)
  • Artichoke Paella (vegan)
  • White Gazpacho (vegan)

As always, Jerry has several vegetarian and vegan options.  Furthermore, Jerry loves using the fresh, local produce from our farmers.  This week’s soups feature produce from Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA (onions, leeks, and fennel), Tonnemaker Family Orchards, Royal City, WA (peppers and dried chilies), and Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes) among many others.

Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA

Romanesco cauliflower from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 17, 2011.

Romanesco cauliflower from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 17, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Last week, Hand-Farmed Organics had tables overflowing with beautiful, local produce. Not only did they have a large variety of different greens (kale, cabbage, red-leaf lettuce…), carrots, turnips (purple top), summer squash, fennel bulbs, romanesco cauliflower, but they also brought kholrabi and potatoes, which they decided to dig up that morning for the market and for a special order from a restaurant. They will be featuring these fingerling potatoes at this week’s market.

So be sure to stop by their booth to check out all of their produce; you might find that they decide to bring something unexpected to the Mercer Island Farmers Market just because it strikes their fancy or they get a special order.

Sunny Valley Wheat-Free, Kent, WA

The Sunny Valley Wheat-Free booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

The Sunny Valley Wheat-Free booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

In addition to their wonderful wheat-free, gluten-free cookies, bar, and scones, Sunny Valley Wheat-Free plans to bring banana bread (nut free), banana-walnut bread, pumpkin bread (nut free), and pumpkin-walnut bread.