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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Drum and Bugle Corps Reunited at Spa City Parade to Commemorate 9/11 and Honor First Responders

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Avant Garde Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps reunited to perform at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161’s 53rd parade down Broadway, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy. 

The parade theme “Honoring Our First Responders,” honored locals who went to New York City to assist with search and rescue after the Twin Towers fell, as well as the community’s medical and healthcare professionals at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The corps of 130 horn players, drummers, and colorguard performed the recognizable tunes “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Land of Make Believe,” as well as an “America Medley,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” 

In addition to the pageantry on Broadway, the 9/11 Avant Garde reunion also featured a private parade through the grounds of The Wesley Community, and the collection for the food bank at the Elks Lodge. 

Longtime Post-Star Editor Publishes New Book

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ken Tingley, the longtime former editor of The Post-Star, has published a new book, titled “The Last American Editor.” Tingley’s collection of columns is available at Northshire Bookstore Saratoga, at 424 Broadway. 

Newly Renovated Saratoga Music Hall to Stage Theatrical Production Next Month

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Three Agatha Christie classics will be staged next month in the first theatrical production at the newly renovated Saratoga City Music Hall at City Hall.

iTheatre Saratoga presents Poirots Investigate, featuring a trio of thrilling one-act mysteries, each with a unique portrayal of Christie’s celebrated savant. 

Performances: Oct. 29, 30 & Nov. 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 31 & Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. 

Tickets for Poirots Investigate are $25 for adults and $15 for students and are available at: poirots.brownpapertickets.com.

Saratoga City Music Hall is located on Broadway on the upper floor of Saratoga Springs City Hall. 

Lake George Arts Project Presents

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

The Lake George Arts Project’s Courthouse Gallery presents Nature Songs, a solo exhibition of paintings by Yeachin Tsai. The exhibition runs from Sept. 29 – Oct. 30. The Courthouse Gallery is planning a gallery reception 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2. 

Yeachin Tsai’s art swings between the seen world of rhythmic colors and forms, and the unseen world of momentum and energies. While growing up in Taiwan, Tsai studied traditional Chinese brush painting and calligraphy, and she would later incorporate that training into her work after moving to New York. Rather than building up a painting surface, she creates a surface that soaks in paint – canvases prepared with grounds that behave like traditional rice paper, pulling the paint in. 

Learn more about her work at www.yeachintsaifineart.com. The Courthouse Gallery is located at the side entrance of the Old County Courthouse, corner of Canada and Lower Amherst Streets. For more information about the gallery and hours of operation, go to: www.lakegeorgearts.org 

Prime Performances Presentation: Silent Film with Live Music

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — The UAlbany Performing Arts Center, in partnership with the New York State Writers Institute, will present a free screening of The City Without Jews accompanied with live original music composed and performed by world-renowned klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals and celebrated silent film pianist Donald Sosin. The event takes place 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. 

A chilling premonition of the Holocaust released in 1924, The City Without Jews (Die Stadt ohne Juden) is 91 minutes in length with English intertitles.

Based on the controversial and bestselling dystopian novel by Hugo Bettauer, H.K. Breslauer’s silent masterpiece was produced two years after the book’s publication, shortly before the satirical events depicted in the fictional story transformed into an all-too-horrific reality. Restored by Filmarchiv Austria, all complete prints of the film were thought to have been destroyed, but thanks to the discovery of a nitrate print in a Parisian flea market in 2015, this film can once again be appreciated in its ever-relevant entirety. 

Though darkly comedic in tone and stylistically influenced by German Expressionism, the film nonetheless contains ominous and eerily realistic sequences, such as shots of freight trains transporting Jews out of the city. The film’s stinging critique of Nazism is part of the reason it was no longer screened in public after 1933. 

Music: Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin. Svigals is the world’s leading klezmer violinist and a founder of the Grammy-winning Klezmatics. She has performed with and written for violinist Itzhak Perlman, Kronos Quartet, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, poet Allen Ginsberg and many others. Sosin is one of the world’s top silent film musicians. He has performed his scores for silent films, often with his singer/percussionist wife Joanna Seaton, at Lincoln Center, MoMA, BAM and National Gallery as well as at major film festivals across the world. 

This performance is free and no tickets or reservations are required. For further information, contact the Box Office at 518-442-3997 or visit the Performing Arts Center website at www.albany.edu/pac. The web includes information on the most up-to-date Covid protocols.

September 17 – September 23, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, September 17 

Monthly Dinner
Principessa Elena Society, 11-13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs
5 – 7 p.m. | Curbside pickup. Cost is $10. Open to the public, take out only. Menu: Pasta with sauce, meatballs with sauce, sausage, peppers, onions with sauce, salad, Italian bread, butter. For more information call 518-584-4163.

Swing for Music 2021 Golf Outing
Airway Meadows Golf Club, 262 Brownville Rd., Gansevoort | Shotgun start at 3:30 p.m.
During the pandemic we suspended our school program where children learn the connection between story and sound and create their own music to play and sing. Please help us continue offering the school program and this wonderful live music by supporting our golf fundraiser. If you’re not a golfer, you may want to sponsor a hole for $75 or offer a prize for players. To register visit www.eventbrite.com/e/golf-outing-2021-tickets-156261693933 For questions, please contact us at: info.saratogachamberplayers@gmail.com. 

Italian Night Takeout Fundraiser
Knights of Columbus #246, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7:30 p.m. | Choice of Lasagna, Bracciole, or Chicken Cacciatore, $15 each. Meals include salad and bread. To order, call 518-584-8547 Wednesday, 9/15, Thursday, 9/16, or Friday, 9/17, noon – 3 p.m. Pickup begins Friday at 5 p.m. and every 15 minutes thereafter until orders are filled or we run out of food. You’re welcome to come into the building to pick up your meal or you can have it brought to your vehicle. Call from the parking lot, give your name and description of vehicle. Open to the public. 

Saturday, September 18

Fly In Breakfast
Empire State Aerosciences Museum
250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea, fruit. Open to the public. At 10 a.m., three retired pilots from the NYS Police Aviation unit; will recount their actions on, and reactions to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. State airplanes and helicopters were used for direct and indirect support of the rescue and recovery operations. Fly-In if you would like. Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you’re going to ESAM. 

Malta Cultural Arts Festival
Malta Community Center
One Bayberry Dr., Malta | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Performances and Workshops Indoors and Outdoors, celebrating the cultural diversity of Malta and surrounding communities! Go to www.maltaparksrec.com for schedule of performances and workshops.

Milton Democrats Host Family Picnic Day 
Burgess Kimball Memorial Park
358 Rowland St., Ballston Spa | 12 – 3 p.m.
The Town of Milton Democratic Committee invites you to an afternoon of good, ole fashioned family fun. All are welcome to gather in neighborly camaraderie for games, grilled food, ice pops, music, and good humor.  Local office holders, leaders, and Milton Town Supervisor Benny Zlotnick, will be there to meet voters, talk about what’s going on in local government, and have some fun.  The Park features an expansive playground for kids. The event is free.  Questions should be directed to Martha Iacolucci, Chairperson, Town of Milton Democrats: miltondemocratsny@gmail.com; 518-885-8196.

Repair Café
Saratoga Springs Recreation Center
15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs | 1 – 3 p.m. 
Saratoga Springs Public Library and Sustainable Saratoga are excited to host our 6th Repair Café. This event will be different than previous Cafes due to the ongoing pandemic. We have coaches available to help you fix your lamps, small appliances, computers, bikes or sew/hem your favorite item of clothes or beloved stuffed animal. Please visit our website: www.sustainablesaratoga.org/…/repair-cafe-saratoga…/  for additional details. To register: www.sspl.libcal.com/event/8022141 

Heritage Hunters Program Meeting 
Saratoga History Center at Brookside Museum
6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | 2 p.m.
Speaker Russ VanDervoort, Town of Waterford Historian, is a long-time businessman, firefighter, historical re-enactor and knowledgeable about the NYS Canal System. His topic will be “The Dangers of the Diary,” recounting pitfalls in using personal journals in genealogical research. Registration is necessary, masks required. Call Ginny at 518-885-9309 or email bhumphre@nycap.rr.com. Also viewable live at www.facebook.com/brooksidemuseum/live-videos. At 12:40 p.m., before the program, Heritage Hunters will be recognized for their contribution to the new Research Room. Isobel Connell and Pat Peck will act as guides.

Sunday, September 19

Fall Antiques Show
Clifton Park Elks, 695 MacElroy Rd, Ballston Lake 
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 60+ vendors featuring a full range of antiques including primitives, folk art, paper, post cards and photos, quilts and linens, textiles, clothing and apparel, toys and collectibles. Dealers inside and out. Seasonal favorites such as pumpkins, mums, vegetables, honey and other local produce provided by Losert’s Farm Stand. Kettle Korn provided by Adirondack Kettle Korn. Delicious Food Available. Admission $5 per car. 

Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft & Garage Sale
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, Elks Lane | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission is free with over 40 vendors; parking is great, bargains galore, and lunch. We offer household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, fabrics, jewelry, party vendors, pet supplies, food treats, and just about anything you can imagine may be found here. New vendors are signing up every month. All proceeds go to our local charities. An 8-food table and chairs are just $15. Call Linda at 518-289-5470 for information or to sign up for a table(s). Masks should be worn by everyone unvaccinated.

The Harmony Corners Famous Chicken Barbecue
Harmony Corners Firehouse, Route 67, Charlton | 3 – 7 p.m.
This will be Drive thru Takeout only, serving ticket holders. Tickets are available at Smith’s Pie Shop, Mail N More in Burnt Hills, and McConchie’ Heritage Acres Campground. Dinner includes 1/2 Chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob, coleslaw, roll, bottle of water, and a slice of pie. All for $14.

Moonlight Hike
Camp Saratoga North, Parking Lot #1 on Scout Rd., Wilton | 8 – 9 p.m. 
View nature in a new light, as we walk the trails in moonlight. The group will traverse approximately 1.5 to 2 miles of trail. Dress for the weather. Registration required at least one business day in advance. Space is limited.  Outdoor programs are weather-dependent and may be cancelled during bad weather. For more information or to register for the program, please contact the office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Provide name, phone number, email address and number of people within your party.

Autumn Stroll
Historic Congress Park, 1E Congress St., Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. 
Charlie Kuenzel will explore the historic landscape architecture of Congress Park, share about the history of Saratoga and its springs, and highlight the Canfield Casino. Meet at Congress Park in front of Canfield Casino.  All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to 30 people and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Members who have received complimentary Stroll passes should contact the Foundation directly to reserve their ticket.

Monday, September 20

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group
Ballston Area Community Center, 20 Malta Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 p.m.
Live meeting, new venue, new time. Dr. Jennifer Durphy from Albany Medical Center Movements Disorder will be speaking on Developments in Parkinson’s. For questions or information contact: Kevin McCullough, Saratoga.parkinsons@gmail.com, call 518-222-4247 or Marie Thorne, softballmom300@yahoo.com, call 518-810-8483.

Tuesday, September 21

Pierogi Sale Pick Up
Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | As usual we will have potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese pierogies. All pierogi orders are $10/doz. now. We will have a limited amount of stuffed clams for orders.  Please call 518-363-0001.  We follow all proper & current procedures for your safety.

Wednesday, September 22

Stuffed Shells Dinner 
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday Between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: Stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2 is $25.00 cash only. 

Thursday, September 23

Luncheon – Korean War Veterans Association
Ambrosia Diner, 518 Aviation Rd, Queensbury | Noon
Hosts will be Bob Garland and Paul O’Keefe.  All veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War, in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, friends and relatives are all invited to attend.  Reservations need to be received by Tuesday, September 21 by calling Bob Garland at 518-280-0075 or Lois Miner at 518-695-3905.  For further information or an application to join the organization, please phone Comm. Paul O’Keefe at 518-603-4186.  Annual dues for veterans are $10, and $5 for all others.

48th Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival
Thursday to Sunday, September 23 – 26 | Multiple locations, various times. This year, the festival cannot allow vendors, children’s activities, or Open Door breakfast, pilots can’t take passengers. At the airport, you can attend a drive-through moonglow to observe 40 tethered balloons, lit up from within. A live band, 8-10 balloons, and possibly fireworks display at the East Field. Festival merchandise will be for sale. Balloon launches subject to weather conditions. To sponsor this free event for the community and make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.adirondackballoonfest.org or follow @adirondackballoonfest

September 17 – September 23, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

The 24th Annual Autumn Jewels Show 
Held during October at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd.  Sponsored by the Southern Saratoga Art Society and open to all area artists.  Entries will be judged, and prizes awarded in both fine arts and photography.  Entries must be received by September 20 and mailed to Southern Saratoga Art Society, Attn: Rita Helie, Autumn Jewels Chairperson, 10 Forestbrook Drive., Ballston Lake, NY 12019. A reception for all artists, family and friends will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 25 at the Senior Center.  For rules, entry fees and forms, visit: www.southernsaratogaartist.com 

Fundraiser Fish Fry
Hosted by Knights of Columbus #246 on Friday, Sept. 24, from 5 – 7:30 p.m.  Meal choices: fried or baked haddock $14, or fried clam strips $12, French fries, cole slaw, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce. Macaroni and cheese $5, New England clam chowder (pint $7; quart $13) side of fries $3, dessert, $2.  To order call 518-584-8547 on Wednesday, 9/22 – Friday, 9/24 from 12 – 3 p.m.  Pickup Friday at 5 p.m. and every 15 minutes thereafter until orders are filled or out of food. Pick up your meal inside or have it brought to your vehicle. Call, give your name and description of vehicle. 

Trap/Clay Shoot
Fish Creek Rod & Gun Club will host a Trap/Clay shoot on Saturday, Sept. 25 running from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open to the public – Great time to introduce the youth to trap shooting for Fun. Novice to Expert only $5.00 per round. Bring your own gun and ammo. We are located at 123 NY Rt 32, Schuylerville. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, and water will be available for purchase.

The Great Saratoga Museum Treasure Hunt
Grab your car keys, smart phones, and sense of adventure because Saratoga County is about to embark on a family-friendly treasure hunt from Lake Luzerne to Waterford! During the weekend of Sept. 25-26 from 1 – 5 p.m., the Saratoga County History Center is hosting a wide-ranging scavenger quest that includes a dozen of the county’s charming local museums and historical societies. Pick up a passport at Brookside Museum. Any inquiries should be directed to Field Horne: field.horne@gmail.com or 518-885-4000. For details visit www.brooksidemuseum.org 

Pack 4016 Scout Olympics Open House 
September 30 at the East Side Recreation fields (enter by Caroline St. School), 226 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, at 6 p.m. Saratoga-Wilton Elks welcomes prospective new families to join the “Scout Olympics” first meeting of the year. From exploring nature to racing Scout-built cars at the January Pinewood Derby, elementary grade Cub Scouts have year-round fun with friends while learning a range of skills. For information, contact Cubmaster Rob Donnarumma rob.donnarumma@gmail.com 518-588-5616 or visit www.beascout.org 

Champlain Canal Tour 
Come walk in the foot and hoof prints of the canallers and mules who worked the Canal in Waterford! The Canal, in operation from 1823 to 1918, made Waterford an important transportation hub for almost a century. The Saratoga County History Roundtable is sponsoring this one-mile walking tour on Friday, October 1 at 2 p.m. led by Waterford Town Historian Russ VanDervoort who will share the stories of the trials and tribulations of those who made their living on the canal. Tour begins at the Waterford Harbor Visitors Center on Tugboat Alley.  Preregistration required to Jim Richmond, saratogacohisotryroundtable@gmail.com.      

Cerebral Palsy Fundraiser
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Auxiliary is sponsoring “Octoberfest 21” for our Cerebral Palsy Fundraiser on Friday, October 1, at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge from 6 to 10 pm.  Put on your dancing shoes and casual attire while movin’ and groovin’ with Betsy and the Byegons. Cost is $20 per person in advance. Call Judy at 518-587-5568 for additional details and reservations. A delicious German meal and dessert included. Cash bar, and raffle baskets available. Help us raise donations for Cerebral Palsy and have a fun night out.  All NYS requirements for social gatherings will be followed, including unvaccinated persons to be masked.

Saratoga Recycles Day
Sustainable Saratoga is holding their fifth annual Saratoga Recycles Day on Saturday, October 2 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the SPAC overflow parking lot on the west side of Route 50. There are COVID-related safety protocols in place again this year – masks are required; please bring exact change to minimize the handling of money; and organize items by drop-off station to reduce physical contact; always remain in your vehicle. Please visit www.sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/zero-waste/recycles-day/ for full details.

Fall Festival
The Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd. Charlton NY, will hold its Fall Festival on October, 2, 2021. Crafters, vendors, and anyone interested in participating in this event can request an application per email at office@charltonfreehold.org or call 518-399-4831.  There will be both inside and outside spaces available. 

Blessing of the Animals
To take place at the Fall Festival on Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton.  The Fall Festival will feature crafters, vendors and bake sale.  Everyone’s invited!

3D Bow Shooting Course 
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club will host a 3D Bow shooting course, on our new course Saturday, October 2 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Open to the public, all are welcome novice to expert, bring your own bow and equipment (No Crossbows). This is a great time to introduce youth to the sport. Cost is $5 per course. There will be available for purchase hot dogs, burgers, soda, and water. We are located at 123 Route 32, Schuylerville, (look for our sign). 

4th Annual Dan Provost Memorial Walk for Awareness and Recovery 
Please join us at Gavin Park in Saratoga Springs, on Saturday, October 2.  Registration, fun and games begin at 10 a.m. with a 1.25-mile family-friendly walk at approximately 11 a.m.  Refreshments and numerous raffle items will be available. Suggested individual donation is $10, family $20. For additional details and to register in advance at https://zippyreg.com/register/danprovost; day-of registration available.  Proceeds will benefit recovery and education programs, Recovery Advocacy in Saratoga and the Healing Springs Recovery Community and Outreach Center.  For more information, contact Ken & Maureen Provost at 518-587-8422, danprovostmemorialwalk@gmail.com or facebook.

Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe Auditions
Malta Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe announces auditions for a December 2021 production of WILLY WONKA TYA, presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).    Auditions are by appointment only on Monday, October 4 or Wednesday, October 6. Looking for actors, singers, and dancers age 7+ through adult. Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director at theater@malta-town.org or 518-899-4411 x 305 to schedule your appointment or for additional questions. This production is produced through a grant from GLOBAL FOUNDRIES/Town of Malta Foundation, Inc. Additional sponsors to date include Adirondack Trust Company, Stewart’s Shops, Ballston Spa National Bank, Levine & Levine.

19th Annual The Way We Were Car Show
Come stroll our historic village, check out the hundreds of cars and trucks on display, and enjoy live music, vendors and downtown businesses on Sunday, October 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Front St. in Ballston Spa. Rain date October 17. A “Kids Zone,” will be located by the Old Iron Springs, with free children’s activities. Free to spectators.  Exhibitors can pre-register by September 30 for $15 per car or $20 the day of show. All proceeds benefit BSBPA community activities. To pre-register, sponsor or become a vendor, visit www.ballston.org.  For more information, contact bspacarshow@ballston.org or the BSBPA at 518-885-2772, info@ballston.org. 

Saratoga Book Festival
Russell Banks will provide the opening keynote address to kick off the festival on Friday, October 15, at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center.  On Saturday there will be upwards of a dozen author events around downtown Saratoga at various venues including the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Arts, and Caffe Lena, spotlighting emerging local and regional authors, poets, children’s book authors and illustrators, along with nationally known bestselling authors upstate New York readers love and appreciate.  A diverse range of authors, genres, and formats like panels, moderated discussions, interactive programs, accompanied by author readings, signings, and more.” For more information, visit: www.saratogabookfestival.org 

Oktoberfest-ivities to Celebrate Local Fall Food & Drink

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

As the air gets a slight chill, we look forward to incorporating fresh produce and locally crafted products into the many festivities that the fall season offers. Before we can think of Thanksgiving or Halloween, the Bavarian Oktoberfest gives us a joyful excuse to start connecting food and community in September.

Yes, September: Oktoberfest takes place in the two-plus weeks leading up to October. The world’s largest “Volksfest,” a beer festival and traveling funfair, originated in 1810 and is held annually in Munich. If you are looking to host your own Oktoberfest celebration, here are some ideas for items to grab from the farmers’ market to honor traditional Bavarian foods while supporting local food and drink producers.

The classic image of Oktoberfest is gleeful celebrants toasting (or “prost” ing) massive glasses of beer. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s newest vendor, Mean Max Brew Works, offers a special “Sixteen Days” Oktoberfest beer, referencing the traditional length of the fest. The brew is a traditional German-style lager and comes in four packs of pint-sized cans (two of which add up to the standard one-liter Oktoberfest serving). Mean Max offers other beers like sours, ales, and stouts, as well.

Then, for food. As expected, pork plays a part in traditional festivities in the form of sausages and shoulder and knuckle roasts. Stop by Ramble Creek Farm, Grazin’ Acres Farm, or Mariaville Mushroom Men to pick up a pork cut of your choice. But an even more common meat found at German celebrations is roasted chicken. Pick up a whole bird or parts at producers like Squash Villa Farm, Longlesson Farm, Ramble Creek Farm, or Grazin’ Acres Farm. Season thoroughly with poultry seasoning, found at Muddy Trail Jerky. And a lesser known but equally traditional protein is “Steckerlfisch,” literally meaning fish on a stick. Use whitefish, mackerel, or trout from Pura Vida fisheries and roast with oil, garlic, and spices.

Lastly, include dishes made from seasonal produce like salted beer radish, available at Green Jeans Market Farm, which serves as a light snack to wash down all that beer. Other traditional snacks include potato pancakes or dumplings, sauerkraut, and of course, freshly baked soft pretzels. Dip the latter in this “obatzda,” a Bavarian beer cheese spread.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Fridge Pickled Beets

Milling is Thrilling

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello my Foodie Friends! 

Early September begins the harvesting of summer plants. To harvest is considered a time to pick and gather what you sow. This season begins the time where farmers till their fields and ready the land for the next planting. Harvest time includes picking of foods such as cranberries, tomatoes, peppers, basil and Italian herbs, summer squash, corn, peaches, and apricots. Pureeing and canning many of these products has become a seasonal project for our foodies. Harvest making includes making apple/peach/pear butters, making tomato sauce and putting pureed pumpkin in the freezer. 

From turning cooked apples into wholesome applesauce, freshly stewed tomatoes into a classic marinara, or steamed potatoes into a mash, the food mill proves its standing by being masterful with ingredients that are notoriously fussy to prep. Think of a food mill as being the low-tech version of a food processor—there’s no plug or motor, just a hand-crank that moves with a little help from you and your biceps. What can a food mill do that a processor can’t? Just ask any homesteader or canning enthusiast what their favorite time-saving tools are, and you can bet the food mill is right up there at the top of the list. This is because a foodmill can simultaneously purée and strain foods so efficiently that it renders the once tedious task of peeling fruit and vegetables obsolete.

A standard food mill consists of three parts: a bowl, a perforated plate that sits at the bottom, and the aforementioned hand-crank that is responsible for moving the metal blade that pushes the food through the plate. The result of this old-timey churning is a smooth purée without a seed, peel, pit, or stem in sight. The Food Mill is a tool that allows for fine and coarse milling. The changeable bottoms give you the ability to seed your harvest by the bushel. The food mill is a cross between a food processor and a sieve. You turn the handle and an angled blade presses the contents of the mill through a perforated disk, keeping any remnants like seeds or skin safely out of your puree. Unlike a food processor or a blender, a food mill does not incorporate air into the puree altering its texture. The result is a denser puree that is ideal for foods like applesauce or tomato sauce. Many of today’s food mills are designed to fit snugly over a vessel that catches the puree allowing you to mill in place with one hand while simultaneously cranking with the other.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store this harvest season to pick up the essentials you need for your culinary delights. Have a thrilling time milling your harvest. Happy milling!! Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen!” 

Take Care,
John & Paula

REARDON StrawberryCreamSwissRoll 

Double H Ranch Hosting Virtual Gala

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

LAKE LUZERNE — The Double H Ranch will host the Annual Backyard Oasis Gala on Saturday, Sept. 18 to raise funds and awareness for year-round, in-person, virtual, and alternative programs for children living with a serious illness. Led by chairpersons Lisa and Robert Moser, and Lone Ranger Supporters Christine Mallozzi & David Buicko and Dee & Steve Haraden, “guests” will gather in their own “Backyard Oasis” wherever it may be while enjoying Gala To Go food delivered by Mazzone Hospitality with signature cocktails and beer provided by DeCresente Distributing. 

A highlight of the Double H Ranch Gala is always the incredible live and silent auctions. Over 150 items are available online with something for everyone and every home, starting at $50. Registered supporters will be able to view the items, place bids, and “buy it now” starting at 5 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The auction will remain open until 10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19. Bidders can register for free at doublehranch.cbo.io, and do not need to be attending the virtual event on Saturday to participate. 

Showcase Auction items include a one-week stay and farm tour at Live Oak Stables in Ocala, FL; Lake George getaway for up to 18 people at Villa Nirvana, next to The Sagamore; a one-week stay in Anguilla Villa Abbey, which sleeps up to 12; outdoor pizza oven; ultimate backyard party; new deck system from Curtis Lumber; and a Florida Fishing Charter. 

Virtual guests are also invited to sponsor a camper by visiting fundraise.doublehranch.org/oasisgala. For more information, please visit www.doublehranch.org/special-events/oasisgala