Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

During the holiday season, what do you most look forward to? For many of us it is big family meals, sharing family stories, visiting those we love, and creating lasting memories. During the holiday season, I find that it reminds of what I am grateful for. The holiday season is the time of year when we give, share, reflect, and express appreciation for the life that we have been given.

The holidays are filled with the warmth of family, friends, decorations, food, and traditions. It can be a stressful time of year when planning seasonal foods, desserts and gathering events. When you think of the holiday season, what do you envision? It could be a house full of family and friends, a dining room table filled with a holiday feast, and the sounds of holiday music in the background. The holiday season offers a time to celebrate cultural food traditions. It gives us an opportunity to get into the kitchen and prepare old family recipes, try new recipes, and celebrate through the rooted culture and tradition of food. One of our favorite things to do during the holidays is to share our traditions and favorite foods with those that we visit throughout the season. There is no better gift than to share one of your favorite recipes by bringing a baked good to a family member or friend when visiting. Bringing a favorite baked good is always a welcomed gift. 

Bundt cakes are a very delicious gift to give when going to see family or a friend.  The bundt pan has become America’s bestselling cake pan (according to Nordic Ware) to create a no-fuss cake. It is a perfect cake to serve a crowd and easy to slice.  

Bundt cake pans are cake pans that are usually 10”–12” in diameter and are 5” deep with a hole in the center.  This ensures that deep cakes can bake evenly.  They usually have fluted or ridged designs to make your cake look impressive. A bundt pan has decorative sides and tops.  It is can be used for pound cake and other dense moist cakes such a coffee cakes. The bundt pan allows more of the cake to be in contact with the edges of the pan, and therefore the heat is transferred more evenly. The hole in the middle of a fluted pan allows air and heat to rise through the center of the cake, and to cook evenly. 

Embrace your love of food this holiday season. Show your love and thanks for what others do. Show gratitude during family meals and help clean the dishes; give lots of hugs; cook a surprise meal for a significant other; and eat food that makes you feel good from the inside out.  Celebrate the holiday season through your family, friends, and drawing upon the traditions that have been handed down for generations, or build new ones for future generations. Give a gift from the heart with sharing a favorite baked good. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. Pick up the culinary gifts, and tools that can help you celebrate with food. Consider the gift of new cookware, knives, or a much-needed gadget that someone needs.  Maybe offer the gift of having their knives sharpened. Let us assist you with your culinary needs.  Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. Happy Holidays!

Take Care, John & Paula

Enjoying a festive meal with family and friends is at the heart of every holiday celebration. But before serving up a crowd-pleasing feast, planning is required, and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market can help.

Local farms and businesses have delicious, flavorful products to consider when brainstorming dinner ideas. We recommend finding fresh ingredients at the farmers’ market before gathering recipes so that your meal comes together quickly and effortlessly. Let’s begin with the main course.

The main course should be a show-stopping dish, and local farms have various options. Grass-fed and finished beef roasts, brisket, and classic cuts like NY strip steak and ribeye are available, as well as veal cutlets, steaks, and roasts. Beefitswhatsfordinner.com has many recipes, like a maple-glazed rib roast, round roast with chocolate-port sauce, and classic braised beef brisket.

Goat roasts, rib roasts, riblets, chops, and shanks are available at the farmers’ market, making goat another delicious main course option. 

For poultry, whole turkeys are available, half turkeys, and parts for smaller gatherings. Farms bring whole chickens for roasting, and seasoned chickens are available from King Creek Farms. Squash Villa Farm brings fresh ducks, and they recommend preordering. Ask the farmer for the best cooking methods and cooking time per pound.

Pork makes an excellent holiday main course, and pasture-raised pork tenderloin, roasts, and chops are available from Pork and Greens and Jireh Farm. 

For mouth-watering side dishes, we look to healthful, locally-grown produce packed with flavor. Farms are bringing everything from fresh salad greens and herbs to root vegetables, and options are boundless if you create a menu from what’s available at the farmers’ market.

You can make latkes with russet potatoes or sweet potatoes and onions. Roasted carrots are easy to prepare and pair well with any main course. Parsnips and rutabagas make creamy purees that can be enhanced with garlic and fresh herbs. A tray of crispy, savory smashed potatoes is easy to make and a holiday favorite. Even local apples and honey can make a sweet rice kugel side dish.

Shaved carrots or Brussels sprouts sing with simple vinaigrettes for light side dishes. Salads with bitter greens balance rich meats and starches. And microgreens and shoots offer a refreshing burst of flavor to holiday foods.

Other must-haves for the holiday table are kimchi and pak dong from Puckers Pickles, artisan sourdough bread from Night Work Bread, and applesauce from Saratoga Apple, just to name a few.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

When I was a young boy the holiday season was my family’s favorite time of year. Of course, my parents used it to its full potential to keep three boys and two girls in line. Our biggest thrill was the chance to go downtown and peek into the store front windows seeing the latest toys and letting Santa, Mom, and Dad know what we wanted under the tree. For myself and my brothers, it was especially hard to refrain from becoming the Three Stooges avoiding our usual antics and teasing of each other. If we didn’t get along then we risked getting nothing and my Dad was a man of his word. We also loved this time of year because Mom and Dad became a dynamic team and focused on our happiness instead of the day-to-day problems they faced with finance issues that were typical of the middle class back then. It seemed like Mom and Dad knew every shop owner by their first name and all the shop personnel always fussed over their children. 

Shopping downtown was a magical event for us. The snow-covered trees, merchants’ store fronts decorated with animated figures, holiday lights, decorations, and music. Each of us would run free to pursue the treasures that we wanted from Santa. We loved every store. For us a clothing store was a place that kept us from the toys. However, the clothing store Mom loved was located on the top floor of one of the downtown buildings and you needed an elevator to get to it. An ELEVATOR!!! Do any of you remember what the older style elevators were like? It was like a carnival ride. It even had an elevator operator (what I wanted to be when I grew up). At the end of our shopping day, we would have a wonderful meal as a family, sitting exhausted filled with memories that would last a lifetime. 

Consider shopping local this season. Shopping locally helps you connect with the people in your community and learn more about what is going on around you. When people come in my store during the holidays, they call out to me and exclaim; “Hello Mr. Reardon! We are some of your Foodie Friends!” Economically, spending money locally, gives back to the community. Why not make holiday shopping a family event? Shopping should be an enjoyable experience with interactions that leave us feeling good versus feeling like we have to do a chore. I find that’s far more likely to happen when I’m patronizing local independent businesses. Learn and experience product quality and durability, getting expert advice without having to waste time doing your own research. Aside from the experience, physical contact with an item makes people feel more certain about a purchase decision. When you go to a store, you know what you’re getting. The price is there. There’s no shipping fee. You can see the item, hold the item, and get the instant gratification you desire from buying the item. Savor the sights, sounds and smells of the season while shopping. During the holidays the shops are filled with festive decorations, sounds and smells. When you step through the doors and hear “Jingle Bells” or “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” playing throughout the store, you can’t help singing along as you walk around. 

Another great experience of shopping in your local shops is to spend time out shopping with the family. Your holiday tradition may involve shopping with your children, your spouse, or your friends or an event to shop for gifts then go to your favorite restaurant for lunch or dinner. This holiday season; visit our beautiful city of Saratoga Springs and all of the unique shops within the city for those special treasures. Make it an event where you actually spend time with people (and not the computer) to select those special gifts to give. 

Cherish your moments together and stop by and fulfill your holiday culinary needs at Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located of 33 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs. This holiday season, shop local and nab those ideal gifts for the ones you love. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula   

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked desserts to make you feel at home during winter. From ready-to-bake cookie dough to specialty cheesecakes, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has something  for everyone.

Introduce your friends and family to the beloved Icelandic “Loftkokur” cookie from Parchment Bakery. These delicious dark chocolate and rosemary “air cookies” are traditionally made during Christmas, perfect for teatime or a light dessert. Parchment regularly launches new items and offers samples you won’t want to miss. 

This time of year, Kokinda Farm’s stand is the perfect destination for jams and jellies with seasonal favorites such as cranberry or raspberry-peach jam. Add them to thumbprint cookies, ice cream, or a warm baked brie for a delicious treat. 

Pop by Saratoga Chocolate Co. for their coveted chocolate bars. Their peppermint chocolate bark is a holiday classic, the perfect gift for friends and neighbors. This year, they’re offering three hot chocolate flavors, Mayan spice, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. We’re looking forward to their chocolate Santas in the upcoming weeks.

For those days when all you need are freshly baked cookies, Pork and Greens has you covered. Stock your freezer with ready-to-bake lard chocolate cookie dough logs. Pair the cookies with A2 milk from the Argyle Cheese Farmer. Their milk comes in four flavors: chocolate, java, strawberry, and plain. You can find both vendors next to each other at the Trusco Bank entrance. 

Bring something special to the party with a box of cookies or rich fudge brownies from Cookie Lab Confections. These adorably wrapped treats are available in seasonal flavors: “Holiday Funfetti” or “Molasses.” Val’s other signature flavors, like her Puerto Rican Mantecaditos, are a must-try. 

Trouvaille surprises us every week with new specialty cheesecake slices – they’re the perfect treat to share with a loved one or enjoy on your own. Looking to share with the whole family? Preorder a Christmas cheesecake on their website. Trouvaille will only be at the market through December, so make sure you don’t miss them!

A house full of guests calls for a house full of goodies! Come by for some last-minute shopping and holiday cheer. We’ll be open on Christmas Eve with our regular hours, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh.  

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

This time of year brings many family reunions, friendship gatherings, and special events that include great food and fun times. The holiday season is celebrated in myriad ways around the world. Every family has their own traditions that are rooted in cultural customs that go back for many generations. However, there is one similarity with these traditions that spans across the globe – food. Different cultures celebrate their holidays in different ways, but cooking and enjoying special foods and drinks is a tradition that transcends throughout the world and all religions. 

Paella is one of our family’s favorite dishes and is the iconic rice dish of Spain. Cooked with care, but not requiring the fussy attention of a risotto, it’s the perfect way to cap off a happy holiday celebration. The dish has the further advantage of customization and built-in appropriateness for a couple of different special diets — it naturally has no gluten and no dairy. Vegetarians may forgo the typical use of Spanish sausage and chicken, using a vegetable stock to cook the rice. Those that love seafood can find plenty to love going all seafood with a seafood stock to complement the required rice, saffron, tomatoes and olive oil.

Paella is a perfect party dish because it’s a one-pot meal, and because it feeds any size group. Paella is a rice dish from Spain that has become very popular and is known around the world. It originated in the fields of a region called Valencia in eastern Spain. Paella is meant to show off the rice itself and to highlight a few special ingredients. These can be vegetables, fish, shellfish or meat including sausage in seafood paella and you may also find chicken in it. Do not forget the saffron — it is the essential spice of the dish.

Whatever paella you make, it should use short- or medium-grain rice, which should be cooked uncovered in a flavorful stock. Spanish Bomba rice is the best to use. It’s fun to make paella over a grill or on the stove. However, it is important that you have the right pan for this dish; the Paella Pan! The Paella pan should be shallow and have sloping sides, which helps the rice cook evenly and develops more intense flavor. As the pans get larger, they grow in diameter rather than depth, which allows for more delicious socarrat. And like all authentic paella pans, they do not have matching lids (since paella is traditionally cooked in an open pan). We sell the traditional carbon steel pans. A good pan has dimples on the bottom to serve several functions. They trap small amounts of liquid and thus promote even cooking, they make the pan rigid, and they prevent warping.

Now what the heck is socarrat?  When you make paella, socarrat is the caramelized bottom layer of rice that sometimes forms on the pan. Many people consider the socarrat the prized part of the paella. Also, there is speculation that socarrat has aphrodisiac powers, and that it is what fuels the passion of those renowned Spanish lovers. I myself am Irish, French and Italian so the passion is taken care of by the French and Italian parts. But I might like a little Antonio Banderas side of me to crop up from time to time! How about: tu es muy bonita Paula? If you are not sure what dish to serve for your holiday meal; consider Paella. 

At Compliments to the Chef, your neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store is located at 33 Railroad Place. We sell Paella pans and other cooking tools to help you with your holiday creations. Create your holiday traditions. It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas! Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Parents know that every stitch matters when it comes to clothing for children and babies. Trendy Empress Boutique, a new children’s clothing company based in Fort Edward, introduces a clothing line focusing on functional, wearable goods made with high-quality fabrics with fun prints.

Jessica Gerber, owner and creator of Trendy Empress Boutique, started the business one year ago when she received a sewing machine as a Christmas present. “I sewed so much that the machine broke in two months,” Gerber laughs. This happening did not deter Gerber from her love of creating clothes.

“Ever since I was little, I have always loved fashion,” explains Gerber. A busy mother of two young boys and an engineer by day, Gerber works at designing and creating clothes in her free time. 

“I wanted to make comfortable and sturdy clothes for my kids because there isn’t very much variety for boys in stores,” says Gerber. Even though she is new to sewing, she dedicates herself to the task. Gerber enjoys the process so much that she brings her handmade creations to the community as a new vendor at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

 Gerber primarily makes kid’s clothing, hats, scarves, and hair accessories for newborn to teen sizes. Her designs include dresses, rompers, shirt and pants sets, toddler underwear, boxers, and briefs. 

Her styles vary; some are simple, classic pieces, while others have fun character prints like Bluey. Gerber also makes gender-neutral clothes with charming patterns and prints for babies and toddlers.

Trendy Empress Boutique offers festive children’s holiday outfits emphasizing wearability, function, and comfort. The holiday line includes red velvet dresses with faux fur trim, Santa shirt and pants sets, and dresses and tops made with festive Santa and reindeer patterns paired with black pants.

For Gerber, the quality of the material she works with is crucial to the integrity of Trendy Empress clothing. “I try to source most of the material from small, women-owned businesses,” says Gerber. She works with cotton, bamboo cotton, and some cotton-poly blends – all breathable, soft materials that wash and wear well. “It’s important that my clothes are functional for parents, too,” Gerber says.

You can find Trendy Empress Boutique on Saturdays at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, and Gerber accepts custom and upcycle orders by email at trendyempress@gmail.com. Trendy Empress Boutique’s website is under construction, but you can find the company on Facebook and Instagram @TrendyEmpress. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

It is amazing to think that the holiday season is here. Planning for family gatherings and meals can be a stressful time during this time of year. We strive for the Norman Rockwell experience of perfect times, perfect food and respectful conversation. Reality is for many people, family gatherings during the holidays are rarely stress-free.  I tell my Thanksgiving story every year because it is one that we reflect on and smile. I also do it to pay homage to my 90-year-old mother-in-law for allowing me to tell this precious story each year. Thanksgiving would not be complete without my real-life story of Grandma and the Turkey.  It was 1993 when our children; Johnny age 2 and Aubrey 5 months old at the time, would make the annual trek with Paula and I to Grandma and Grandpa’s house to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and watch football. Let me begin the story by explaining that I am a Giants fan and so is my mother-in-law. Therefore, watching the Cowboys play is not one of our favorite things to do. However, her son is and so is my sister-in-laws husband.  Yep, two Cowboy fans in the same house and they do not like each other!  I love football so I watched but the room was silent because the two brother-in-laws do not speak to each other.  They were holding their feelings down to make my mother-in-law happy.  As the game was being watched, my mother-in-law was busy making a huge feast for all to enjoy.  She was very nervous because she wanted everyone to get along.  We always ate after the game and this particular game one was a tight one. Most Cowboy fans may want to stop reading now.  With just seconds left in the game, the Miami Dolphins lined up to make a game winning field goal and it was blocked by the Cowboys. The brothers-in-laws were silent. I wanted to groan with disappointment, but held back because of the tension.  All of a sudden one of the Cowboys (Leon Lett) chased the block field goal and touched it. Oh nooo! Well, the Dolphins got another chance to kick the field goal and won. Half of the house wanted to celebrate but my mother-in-law and I remained solemn. This game has been called the greatest Thanksgiving football game ever played. 

As the game ended, my mother-in-law continued working with Paula to complete the many dishes all cooking at once. There was a shout from the kitchen and Grandma announced that she had lost her glasses and could not see without them. Immediately, each of the brothers-in-laws was pressed into service to find the glasses. These were not just any glasses; they were big and black and hard to lose but there were no glasses to be found. We looked everywhere. Grandma was close to tears when she asked me to check on and baste the turkey.  This was a big turkey at 28lbs and it smelled great.  I grabbed my son Johnny and the baster, which he took charge of, and opened the oven to show him the turkey.  He said “look Daddy, the turkey can see better”. Yep, he found the glasses neatly melted in perfect harmony with the bird so it looked like he had eyes!  I started laughing and everyone joined in. Needless to say, we had ham and lasagna but no turkey.  It didn’t matter because the rest of the day was perfect. 

Through the fun and sometimes stressful events that can happen during the holidays – especially when we want it to be perfect; it can turn out to be a wonderful family gathering. Among our greatest and most treasured memories are the ones that are based in the kitchen or around a meal. As you get ready this season for your festivities and feasts, stop into Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. Pick up roasters, basters, thermometers, and more for your meals. You can have that Norman Rockwell family gathering. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving Day. Remember, my Foodie Friends that “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” 

Take Care, John & Paula

The holiday shopping season is here, and what’s better than finding unique, local gifts for your loved ones? Finding them in one convenient place at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. We offer a bright, spacious shopping environment featuring 40+ local businesses in the food court of the Wilton Mall.

Vendors offer plenty of locally made giftable items, stocking stuffers, and holiday home decor. Here’s a preview of gifts for everyone on your list.

Scotch Ridge Berry & Tree Farm has handmade wreaths, kissing balls, holiday swag, and tabletop Christmas trees. Gorgeous greenery makes a memorable and personal gift, even more so when it’s locally made.

Zoe Burghard Ceramics has a stunning variety of pottery, including vases, fruit bowls, colenders, spoon rests, rign holders, mugs, and other functional dishes – all created with Burghard’s unique style and brilliant glazes. 

For the spirits connoisseur on your list, Yankee Distillers proudly stands out as an NYS Farm Distillery, where they use 100% unmalted New York State Grain to produce outstanding bourbon, rye, and vodka. 

Feathered Antler is well known for unique giftable items with a creative flair – all custom-made by Gretchen Louise Tisch. Feathered Antler brings nature-inspired, hand-painted mugs, hats, flannels, baby onesies, jewelry, paintings, stationery, wood art, and home decor items. 

New this season; Trendy Empress Boutique brings high-quality children’s clothing and accessories that are hand-made in Granville, NY. Select from rompers, unique tops, bottoms, and lounge sets featuring soft fabric in fun and fresh prints.

Kim Dolan Designed makes handcrafted jewelry from gold, silver, and gemstones. Her wearable art includes earrings, necklaces, chains, and rings. Dolan also brings hand-dyed shirts, hoodies, and tunics.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is best known for its selection of local foods, so perhaps a gift basket of various goodies would be perfect. Find local cheeses by Argle Cheese Farmer and Nettle Meadow. Puckers Pickles’s award-winning products will be happily received. Muddy Trails Jerky Co. has a variety of jerky, spices, and olive oil gift sets. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market also offers gift certificates and merchandise for farmers’ market enthusiasts.

Many holiday season vendors offer pre-orders for easy pickup and online ordering. Find their website and ‘like’ them on social media to stay up-to-date on their products and specials. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas from Small Businesses at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Chocolate Santas & holiday truffles from Saratoga Chocolate Co.

Corn toasties, aprons, jams, and jellies from Kokinda Farm

Jerky & spices from Muddy Trail Jerky Co.

Peanut butter gift sets from Saratoga Peanut Butter Co.

Dog treats & PuPkin pies from Mugzy’s Barkery

Honey sticks, baby honey bears, and candles from
Ballston Lake Apiaries

Cookies, cinnamon rolls, hand pies, apple galettes, and shortbread bars by NightWork Bread Co. 

CBD salves and lotions from Earth to Mind

Dried flower wreaths from Lovin’ Mama Farm

Seed kits from Moon Cycle Seed Company

Cookies and cinnamon buns from parchment baking company

Holiday-themed soaps from Saratoga Suds ‘n’ Stuff

Apple chips from Saratoga Apple

Cookies from Cookie Lab Confections

The best way to stay healthy during cold and flu season is to take preventative steps before you feel that first sniffle. If you become sick, resting, staying hydrated, and getting proper nutrition are some of the most important things you can do to feel better and recover faster.

Many locally grown and sourced foods are packed with immune-boosting nutrients to keep your body strong, healthy, and ready to fight infections.

Vitamin C is primarily associated with a strengthened immune system and may help to reduce cold and flu symptoms. Brussels sprouts, potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme are high in vitamin C and currently available from local farms.

Pasture-raised chicken is available at the farmers’ market and can be boiled down to make nutrient-dense broth. Bone broth/stock is rich in minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids and has many health benefits. To get started, place 1 gallon of water, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2-4 pounds of bones and meat, and salt and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 12-24 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the broth will taste and the more nutritious it will be.

Freshly harvested leafy greens like spinach and kale can also help boost your immune system as they contain vitamins E and C. A green smoothie or a raw salad can offer a daily dose of these essential, health-building vitamins.

Whether you’re looking to alleviate a cough or boost your immune system, honey is an excellent food to consume on its own or in a cup of tea. Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bee products such as propolis and bee pollen are high in zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Garlic has been used in alternative medicine for centuries. Scientists have found that plant compounds in garlic are immune-supportive and anti-inflammatory even when consumed raw in small doses. 

Turmeric, a spice well known as an ingredient in curry, contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling. Tumeric is also regarded for its antioxidant and antiviral properties. It’s also grown locally!

While no food alone can cure sickness, eating the right foods may help support your immune system and relieve certain symptoms. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.