The Saratoga Farmers’ Market continues to serve the community on Saturdays at the Wilton Mall through April. Beginning Wednesday, May 1, it transitions to the outdoor season and expands to provide access to fresh produce and locally produced goods on Wednesdays and Saturdays at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. 

It’s also time to start thinking about spring gardening! If you like to garden or simply tend a tomato plant or two, we recently chatted with vendor Mark Bascom, co-owner of Owl Wood Farm, about growing from seed. 

Is now a good time to plant from seed?

Yes, now is the perfect time to start seeding lettuce, bok choy, kale, chards, tomatoes, and peppers. Try to plan planting from seed one month before transplanting outside; the small trays, which are only 1 1/2 inches, are designed to host your seedlings for that length of time. Johnny’s Seed Catalog is a good resource for germinating various plant varieties.

What kind of soil is best?

We purchase composted soil in bulk for the farm, but you should talk to your local nursery. The right soil depends on the nutrients and drainage. Remember that sometimes you may need to add nutrients, like Neptune’s Harvest, to your watering process as needed.

What are your suggestions for watering?

Before germination, spritzing the seeds gently with a spray bottle is important. Don’t let the soil dry out; keeping it moist is important. Once the seeds have sprouted, they typically like a light rain. It depends on your watering can/system, but you can use a plastic water bottle with pin holes to keep your plants watered gently. It’s a delicate balance, and airflow is important because you don’t want them to develop any fungus or mold. 

What about heat and light?

Heating mats and artificial lighting can be helpful. You can use other warm places like a windowsill or the top of a refrigerator. The trick is that you don’t want the seedlings too hot or too cold. It’s a process and a balance. Remember that you need to lower the temperature once the germination process has been completed while increasing airflow.

Growing takes experience, and knowledgeable growers at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market are always happy to encourage farm-to-table conversations.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs or the mall interior. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Hellomy Foodie Friends!

Here is another story I love to tell each start of the fishing season. I have so many great memories of my father and his love of fishing. It did not matter if it was the ocean or a little creek in Vermont where he grew up. 

He loved fishing and my brothers and I loved going with him. My brothers were more successful than I was at this sport. I think I talked too much back then as a child when I was kindly told to be quiet during our fishing adventures.

As I reminisce on the experience of fishing with my father, I realize that fishing was a way for him to relax and reconnect with his love for the outdoors. At that time, he worked 12 hours a day Monday through Saturday, which did not allow a lot of time to spend with his family. However, when he began getting one afternoon off during the week in the summer, I was excited when he chose to make that afternoon our special time to go fishing together. 

My father’s prep assignment for his three boys was to dig for worms and have the poles ready to go when he got home. I think that the digging for worms was my favorite part. 

As I got a little older, my favorite part about fishing with my father was the many hours talking about his childhood and my dreams for the future. We didn’t catch many fish, but my memories are a much greater treasure than any mess of fish.

The memories and experience of fishing was something I tried to transfer and share with my son and daughter. When my son John was younger, I would take him fishing as often as I could. It turned out that by age five, he was better at fishing than I was. He would say to me “Daddy, you talk too much and scare the fish away!” To this day, I still give fishing my best, and consider it a successful day if I can get my son to spend six hours with me. We do share our love of eating fresh fish. 

One important tool that is handy when flipping and lifting fish from a pan is a fish spatula. The fish spatula is an elongated and thinner version of the common metal spatula, designed to easily slip under delicate fillets of fish. It also has long slots that allow any liquid (for example, when poaching) to drain away. A fish spatula can be used for more than just flipping fish; it’s a versatile tool that can slide as easily under pancakes as it can hefty burgers. The slats in the blade allow any drippings, liquid, or grease to slip through, while the offset helps slide the blade over the edge of the pan and under whatever you want to turn. 

Take time with your family to try out the time-honored sport of fishing. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. Pick up the gadgets that help you cook up your catches. Try fishing for compliments this spring.  Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

This weekend will draw upon many of our family traditions in what we make for the Easter Holiday. It could include decorating Easter eggs, baking, gathering around a table with family and friends, fun events like egg rolling or the classic Easter Egg hunt! For many families, Easter would not be complete without attending a worship service at their church. 

Growing up in an Italian, Catholic household my mother was very strict on making sure church and family were part of our Easter celebration. I can remember as a child, dressing in my best suit attire to attend Easter morning church services. Getting five children ready each Sunday to attend church was very much a challenge for my parents. However, we were always up and ready on Easter morning. My sisters were usually dressed in pastels with pretty sashes around their waist with a bow. I was required to wear my best attire with my hair purposefully slicked (I have very curly hair so that was interesting to do). After church, we would head to our cousins’ house for the traditional Easter egg hunt and dinner. 

Having the right knife for your holiday preparations will be important to creating your meal. Often times our customers ask what each knife is used for, which knife is best, is it price that determines it or is it the name? I have to admit, discussing knives is a passion for me. I tell them the best knife is the one that best fits and feels good in your hand. A knife is probably the only kitchen tool you must use every single time you prepare food. There is no such thing as the best chef’s knife—finding the knife that works best for you will involve considering many variables, like the size of your hands, the style of your cooking, and what feels natural and comfortable to you. The right knife is extremely personal. You will be less likely to pick it up each day if you do not find one that is right for you. I always tell customers “It should fit like a glove,” “Is it too heavy, too light, how is the balance for you?” You want a knife that is comfortable and fun for you to use. There are a myriad of options in the knife world that can become overwhelming when you are trying to buy the perfect knife. Before making any purchases, stop and consider what you actually need in the kitchen. Here are four knives that I recommend you start with.

Chef’s knife (also called cooks’ knives) (6 “to 10”). The 8” is my choice. It is called the all-rounder for professional and hobby chefs, suitable for chopping herbs, cutting vegetables, slicing and dicing fish and meat. The curved blade allows for a nice rocking motion. A work horse of a knife! Practice with this knife and you will get better and better. Also remember to use your steel to keep it sharp!

Paring knife (3” to 4”) The 3.5” is my choice. It is used for cleaning, paring, peeling and slicing small fruit and vegetables. It is also used to prepare intricate garnishes. The paring knife is a very efficient extension of thumb and finger. This helps to give good leverage.

Bread Knife (8” to 10”) The 9” is my choice. It is used for cutting bread or any other food of soft substance with a tough skin or crust. The aggressive scalloped edge cuts hard crusts effortlessly and evenly. Do not cut meat or fish with this scalloped or serrated edge knife as it will not produce an even slice with those foods. Do not use steel with this knife; it is not necessary and may damage the edges. It should stay sharp for at least five years if not abused.

Santoku with hollow edge (5” to 7”) (In Japanese Santoku loosely means: “Three Virtues” -slicing; dicing; and mincing) The 7” is my choice.

The Santoku knife, fitted with the RAZOR EDGE, is the all-rounder for the Asian cuisine for preparing fish, meat or vegetables. This is my favorite knife! It slices tomatoes paper thin and it cuts boneless meat and fish into small pieces. The specially contoured edge is perfect for chopping vegetables and the wide blade doubles as a spatula. Use your steel regularly as it can dull easily. 

Just as essential as narrowing down the right type of knives for you in the sea of gadgets and accessories is how you care for them. The most important thing about knives, no matter the kind, is to keep them sharp. Whatever knife you choose, make sure you practice with it. Learn how to hold it so you feel the weight and balance, and it becomes an extension of your hand. 

Stop into Compliments to the Chef, Your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, to see me anytime and I will show you personally. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Such a complex question for such a small but mighty protein. At the Saratoga Farmer’s Market, you can purchase a variety of eggs. With Easter just around the corner, I became curious about the various colors of eggs and the outcome of dying them.

As I chatted with my friend, farmer, and chicken expert from Stoney Meadow Farms, I was surprised to learn that there are really only four colors of eggs; brown, white, green, and blue, although it often appears there are more than four colors. She explained that there are various shades within each color category. For example, a pink-ish color egg is actually a shade within the brown family. This is why there are dark greens, light greens, speckled eggs, etc. The breed of a chicken dictates the color of the eggs laid, which becomes a more complex discussion for another time.

Can you color some of these already beautiful eggs for Easter? The answer is yes! After speaking with one of our vendors, Laurie, of Kokinda Farm, I discovered it’s very popular. And why not? This can be an educational experiment and a fun way to introduce young children to the discovery of eggs, chicken varieties, dying, and more.

Where can you find eggs to hard boil and dye this weekend at the market? 

• Hepatica Farms
• Jireh Organics & Livestock
• Kokinda Farm
• Squash Villa Farm (sells both chicken and duck eggs)

What’s the best way to dye some of these already colorful eggs? You can use any typical dying technique, from store-bought packages to the old-fashioned food coloring and vinegar combination. You can even make your own natural dyes from farmers’ market produce! The coloring process will vary based on the color of the eggs you have selected. For example, the brown eggs will be a deeper version of the color you are using.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through April at the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs or the mall interior. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

This week, we continue to create Easter menus and focus on brunch. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market has everything you need to plan a beautiful and delicious brunch for your guests. Here is a master shopping list to consider as you shop at the market.

Bacon & Sausage: These savory delicacies can be purchased at Grazin’ Acres Farm, Jireh Organics & Livestock of NY, and Long Lesson Farm.

Baked Goods: The farmers’ market is abundant with baked goods, including bread for toast and French toast recipes, bagels, scones, sweetbreads, croissants, muffins, babka, Danishes, and cinnamon buns, among other delicacies. You can explore items at Katie Bakes GF, Kokinda Farm, Night Work Bread, Parchment, Sweet Treats by Jennifer, Argyle Cheese Farmer, and The Bread Butler. Don’t forget jams from Kokinda Farm and assorted peanut butter at Saratoga Peanut Butter to slather on toast!

Beverages: Coffee is always a must; you can find it at Nally Coffee. Saratoga Apple has deliciously sweet apple cider. If you enjoy serving mimosas or breakfast cocktails, visit Slyboro Cider House and Yankee Distillery for local spirits.

Eggs: Eggs can be purchased at Jireh Organics & Livestock of NY, Kokinda Farm, Hepatica Farm, or Squash Villa Farm.

Fruit: Saratoga Apple has fabulous fresh choices direct from cold storage, including fresh apples, dried apples, and applesauce.

Hash browns: Hash browns always make a delicious side dish, and you can purchase locally grown items like onions and greens to bake or fry at Gomez Veggie Ville, Grazin’ Acres Farm, and Lovin’ Mama Farm. At Lovin’ Mama Farm and Muddy Trail Jerky Co, you can find herbs and spices to add to many dishes, like hash browns.

Honey: Honey is perfect for teas, topping baked goods, or as an alternative sweetener in recipes. You can find these sweet spoonfuls at Ballston Lake Apiaries and Slate Valley Farms.

Pancakes and Waffles: If you’re adding pancakes or waffles to your menu, you can purchase maple syrup at Slate Valley Farms, buttermilk at Argyle Cheese Farmer, and vanilla extract at Muddy Trail Jerky Co.

Parfaits: Parfaits are an excellent addition to a breakfast buffet. Argyle Cheese Farmer has assorted yogurts.  Sweet Treats by Jennifer often has freshly made granola.

Festive Decor: Decorate your holiday table with flowers from Halfmoon Harvest and Lovin’ Mama Farm. Ballston Lake Apriaries has decorative egg candles made from pure beeswax. 

If you missed our Easter dinner inspirations, visit the news section of our website.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through April at the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs or the mall interior. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

This weekend is St. Patrick’s Day. Many of us have traditional St. Patrick Day practices that we have carried over either from family or have created over the years. The holiday is honored in myriad of ways around the world, ranging from the preparation of classic Irish food like Irish Potato Pie, or the classic Corned Beef and Cabbage, to adorning homes with clever green-and-gold decorations, and even making leprechaun traps. Though the festivities have changed over the centuries, St. Patrick’s Day’s traditions still showcase much of what makes Irish culture so unique. What will bring you luck?  We can hope a little luck of the Irish rubs off on us when we partake in them. We think of leprechauns’ pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, pints of Guinness, bagpipers marching, and symbols like four-leaf clovers. Originally a religious feast honoring the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has turned into a day to celebrate all things Irish. Surprisingly, the way the holiday is celebrated in Ireland looks a little different, as some of the customs we associate with it are actually Irish American traditions. But either way, we can hope a little luck of the Irish rubs off on us when we partake in them.

Making a green cheesecake may be a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year. To help make a cheesecake, you do need very important tools – the Spring form Pan.

Spring form pans are a kitchen essential for producing flawlessly smooth cheesecakes, perfectly crusted tarts, or intricate ice cream cakes without damage to their tops, bottoms, or sides. Meant to eliminate the risks associated with removing cakes from traditional pans, removing your product from the pan is the final step before placing your delicate treats on display, serving to your family or guests, or packaging them to go.

Many people ask me how I won Paula’s heart and I tell them on our first date I brought a dozen Red Roses and a cheesecake to meet her Mom and Dad.  When I entered their home carrying both of them Paula said, “Wow, how did you know my mom loves cheesecake?” Thinking quick on my feet, I looked at Paula’s mom and said “here I got these for you!”   Paula’s mom quickly responded: “no one ever gets me flowers and cheesecake!” Her dad (retired Army Master Sergeant) just smiled at me and said in his southern drawl: “nice job young man”.  I was on a roll with my improvising and I told them that, in my family, it is a custom to give gifts to the mom.  So, my sage advice to all young suitors out there is take care of the Mom and good things will follow.  

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. We have an assortment of spring form pans and accessories to assist with adding that special dessert to your menu this St. Patrick’s Day. Remember my Food Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

It’s a busy month of holidays, and Easter is approaching. While creating your holiday menu, consider shopping and supporting local growers and producers at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market to prepare fabulous dishes to share with your guests.

The Main Course

Various meats can be purchased at Bowterra Farm, Grazin’ Acres Farm, Hebron Valley Meats, Hepatica Farm, Jireh Organics & Livestock, Long Lesson Farm, and Squash Villa Farm.

If you don’t feel like cooking or need a break from cooking the day before the big event, visit Euro Delicacies, Daily Fresh, Perogi-Pierogi-Pyroogi, or Vashti’s Kitchen Delights for delicious prepared foods. 

Sides, Meatless Options, and Appetizers

Veggies can be found at Gomez Veggie Ville and Lovin’ Mama Farm and occasionally at Squash Villa Farm.

Mushrooms can be used in various ways, so consider visiting The Mushroom Shop.

Breads can be purchased at Katie Bakes GF, Night Work Bread, and The Bread Butler.

Cheeses are available at the Argyle Cheese Farm and Nettle Meadow.

Puckers Gourmet has many fermented products to choose from.

The Muddy Trail Jerky Co. is stocked with various seasonings for cooking and other items to explore.

Desserts

Pre-made desserts make life a little easier and can be ordered at Goodway Gourmet, Katie Bakes GF, Parchment, Perogi-Pierogi-Pyroogi, Night Work Bread, Sweet Treats by Jennifer, and The Bread Butler.

If you are preparing a special recipe, shop for baking supplies at the farmers’ market: 

Apples can be purchased at Saratoga Apple.

Argyle Cheese Farm has yogurt and buttermilk.

Eggs are sold at Hepatica Farm, Jireh Organics & Livestock, Kokinda Farm, and Squash Villa Farm.

Honey can be found at Ballston Lake Apiaries, and Slate Valley Farms has honey and maple syrup.

Saratoga Peanut Butter has various peanut butter blends that are excellent for baking.

Muddy Trail Jerky Co. has homemade vanilla extract.

Beverages

Hard cider and spirits can be found at Saratoga Apple, Slyboro Cider House, and Yankee Distillery.

Non-alcoholic beverages like apple cider can be purchased at Saratoga Apple, and coffee is always available at Nally Coffee.

Don’t forget festive decor! Halfmoon Harvest and Lovin’ Mama Farm have flowers for your holiday table.

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!   

Making someone special their favorite meal can be one of the nicest gifts to give someone. Gifting a meal takes the experience – both for you and the recipient – to the next level. What better way to acknowledge exciting news than with a gourmet dinner experience? Gifting a meal is a unique way to show your appreciation, whether it’s for a special occasion, new baby, birthday, sympathy, or just because you want to show someone you care – making a special meal can be an invaluable gift that the recipient will surely love. Food is wonderful because it is involved in nearly every part of our lives. We celebrate by eating; we welcome people into our lives by eating and inviting them to share a meal with us. We begin new relationships often over meals and drinks. People display their love and care for others by giving them the best they have of their food and inviting you to participate. 

In preparing that special meal, there may be some cool culinary tools you need to help.

One tool that has become a “must have” in the kitchen drawer is the bench scraper. A bench scraper, which is also called a pastry scraper or dough scraper, is also used in working with pastry, bread, and other doughs. But even if you don’t bake regularly, it can still be a worthy investment for general cooking prep. It’s also space-efficient and easy to stow away in a prep drawer and is a crazy-easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe tool that can last you for decades. A bench scraper is one of those inexpensive utensils that lasts a lifetime and has a million uses. 

When chopping vegetables, a bench scraper makes short work of transferring the veggies from the cutting board to the skillet or soup pot without losing half the veggies onto the floor during the transfer. Think of that flat piece of metal as a wide extension of your hand. Imagine the joy you would feel by only making ONE journey from your cutting board to your soup pot instead of your usual six trips as you balance those diced veggies on your knife or in your hand. You can also use your trusty scraper to smash whole cloves of garlic or to smash boiled potatoes before frying them.

I have to admit, I love a home cooked meal. Bonding and showing love during a delicious meal is a great example of food bringing people together. We cook with our hearts as much as with our hands, because usually when we cook, it is for other people, to make them happy and content.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place to find those cool tools that can help you as you plan out your menus and get chopping. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Every week at the market, there’s a line at Katie Bakes Gluten Free. I recently chatted with Katie Moore to learn more about her business and what brought her to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

What led you to start Katie Bakes Gluten Free?

“My partner has celiac disease, so it was extremely important to maintain a dedicated gluten-free kitchen for the sake of his health. I had over 12 years of professional baking experience, and I was determined to create recipes that we could both enjoy. After years of experimenting, I developed a handful of great recipes and knew I needed to share my baked goods with the rest of the gluten-free community.”

When did you start your business?

“Katie Bakes Gluten Free will be officially one year old next week on Pi Day (3/14), but it wasn’t a full-time endeavor until September 2023.”

What brought you to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market?

“Last fall, I wanted to expand my reach beyond the small following I had developed in the previous few months. I saw that the Saratoga Farmers’ Market was accepting applications, and once I was approved, it was the final push that I needed to dive in head first and make this a full-time business! My experience has been overwhelmingly positive! Other vendors have been supportive and welcoming, and I’ve developed an amazing group of regular customers who have made me realize that I definitely made the right decision in pursuing this path. I’m so grateful to be a part of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market community and am looking forward to joining this summer on Saturdays in High Rock Park starting in May.”

What advice do you have for the gluten-free home baker?

“Don’t get discouraged. Gluten-free baking is challenging, and it takes a lot of trial and error; emphasis on error!”

What is your number one hot seller?

“It has been bagels, but it’s recently becoming cinnamon buns.”

What is your favorite product to make?

“Decorated sugar cookies. I love being creative, and sugar cookies allow me to sit down, slow down, and focus on making something beautiful.”

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from November through April at the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs or the mall interior. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.