Applications are now being accepted through January 31st. Visit managemymarket.com to apply.

New to the market? Simply create a free account at managemymarket.com and select the market(s) you’re interested in vending with the Saratoga Farmers’ Market Association.

2026 Outdoor Market Schedule:

Mondays – Clifton Park

Mid-June through mid-October | 2:00–5:00 PM

Wednesdays – High Rock Park, Saratoga

May through October | 3:00–6:00 PM

Saturdays – High Rock Park, Saratoga

May through October | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Local food doesn’t disappear in January, and neither does the sense of community that the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is known for!

The winter market plays a vital role in keeping local food systems strong, supporting our farmers year-round, and creating welcoming spaces for connection, even in the coldest months.

January is full of variety and shoppers can find:

• Storage crops like potatoes, onions, squash, carrots, beets, and apples

• Greens and micro-greens grown indoors or in hoop houses

• Eggs, meats, poultry, cheeses, and dairy products

• Fresh bread, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams, and pantry staples

• Ready to eat foods 

• Local brewers (both coffee and spirits) 

Beyond food, the market continues to be a community hub offering;

• A variety of talented and creative makers and artists that are an integral part of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market every season

• A warm, welcoming place to gather 

• Live music, wellness activities, and kids’ programming

• Opportunities to meet our local farmers, makers and brewers

SNAP Benefits

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market plays an important role in food access that supports healthy eating habits year-round and they participate in the SNAP/EBT program throughout the winter along with the Fresh Connect coupon program.  These programs allow the market to

• Help families stay connected to their local food system

• Keep nutritious food accessible during colder months

• Strengthen local economies by directing dollars back to farmers

Local food still exists in January. Community still thrives. And the Saratoga Farmers’ Market continues to be a place where nourishment matters.

So, bundle up, bring a friend, and make the winter market part of your routine. The season may be colder, but the impact is just as meaningful.

What’s Happening at the Market in January

Live Music:

* January 24 Far Eye Reggae

* January 31 Selah Eiler

FREE Yoga Classes in the NEW pop-up studio at the market;

* January 24

* January 31

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Wilton Mall food court. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @saratogafarmersmarket, and sign up for our free weekly newsletter.

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

What new culinary creations are you craving during these colder months? One approach that many of our foodies are using is to stir-fry. Stir-frying is the quintessential weeknight supper! If you have a fridge full of ingredients, and half an hour to put dinner on the table, cooking with a wok is definitely the go-to method. Vegetables retain their bright color and crunch and you can watch meat and aromatics go from raw to crisp in seconds, making stir-frying in a wok a fun way to cook. 

A wok is a wide bowl-shaped cooking vessel with handles used commonly in Chinese and Asian cooking. The types of foods generally cooked in woks are stir frying, stewing, boiling, braising and steaming. At Compliments to the Chef, we carry a large assortment of high quality woks and Stir Fry’s that suit the needs of the Asian cooking enthusiast. Both the carbon steel and non-stick woks spread heat evenly and are easy to clean up. The handles are designed to stay cool on the stovetop, so you can easily remove the pan from the burner without using potholders. The curved sides of a wok diffuse heat and extend the cooking surface, which helps with tossing and stirring. The great depth allows ample room to cook a whole fish, if so desired. Simmering, deep frying, or steaming, are just a few of its multiple uses. Season them with vegetable oil before use and after cleaning.  With the carbon wok, the more you use a wok, the more flavor it will take on, and the better your food will taste. As you cook with the wok, the metal pores open, and the fat you’re cooking with seeps in. 

There are other ways to use a wok that we may not typically think of. 

With its wide top and plenty of room, a wok is great for tossing a salad. Woks are great for making taco filling or any of the rice-and-pea type of dishes like arroz con pollo or paella. Consider a wok for scrambling eggs especially in large quantities. The eggs cook almost instantaneously, with no sticking, even if you’ve pre-cooked some vegetables before adding the eggs to the wok. When cooking a Mexican-style meal, cook on very low heat and use it to keep tortillas warm. Another use can be as a steamer by placing a steamer rack on the bottom with water. A wok is great for steaming lobster.

Whereever your tastes take you, this pan can deliver while you “wok this way”. 

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place for those cool tools to help you with your special dinner. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. 

Take Care, 

John & Paula

What is the difference between a soup and a stew? A simple explanation is that if you can drink the broth, it’s a soup. If you need a fork and a spoon, it’s a stew. Both are easy to customize to your liking using local ingredients from the farmers’ market.

Photos by Pattie Garrett.

For soups, let’s focus on stock or broth, preferably homemade, by simmering chicken or beef leftovers in water, or utilizing root vegetables, onions, and herbs. A quality stock can make soup flavorful and nourishing, and stock makers like chicken parts are available at Grazin’ Acres Farm and Jireh Farm, which also sells beef and pork bones.

Soups can range from simple broths with vegetables to creamy, pureed soups featuring ingredients like potatoes and cheese. The first step is typically sautéing aromatics such as onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs. Then, add broth and seasonal vegetables. Pasta, beans, beef, and poultry may also be added for protein and density.

When making stew, the ingredients are the stars, typically cooked slow and low for concentrated flavors. Stews have a reputation for being thicker and heartier with much less liquid.

For vegetables, Gomez Veggie Ville and Lovin’ Mama Farm have stored root vegetables, as well as greens and herbs. You’ll find Brussels sprouts, potatoes, winter squash, beets, cabbage, onions, kohlrabi, garlic, and kale, and many herbs and spices like rosemary and thyme, and dried chili peppers. The Mushroom Shop has a wide variety of mushrooms. And, Muddy Trails Jerky Co. has spices for seasoning.

Beef, chicken, and lamb are abundant at the farmers’ market and are delicious additions to whatever soup or stew you’re making. Consider chuck roast for beef stew, smoked ham hocks for split pea, Polish kielbasa soup, beef chili, and a slow-simmered lamb stew. Longlesson Farm, Holly & Vine, Thymeless Homestead, May-K-Mark, Hepatica Farm, Jireh Farm, and Grazin’ Acres have excellent options.

If you’re looking for a shortcut, Muddy Trails Jerky Co. offers various soup mixes, including alphabet soup, broccoli cheddar soup, and southern bean soup.

What’s Happening at the Market in January

Live Music:

• January 17 TuneFolk

• January 24 Far Eye Reggae

• January 31 Selah Eiler

Children’s Activity:

• January 17 Silly Snowflake Craft with the Saratoga Springs Mobile Library

FREE Yoga Classes:

• January 17, 24, and 31 at 10:30 in the new market pop-up studio with Yoga Mandali

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Wilton Mall food court. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @saratogafarmersmarket, and sign up for our free weekly newsletter.

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

During the holiday season shopping, many of our foodie friends talked about the tools they use or need for food prep when they are cooking. So why prep ingredients ahead of time?

1. It’s easier than full-scale meal prepping. If the thought of completely preparing multiple meals in one day exhausts you, then just prep the ingredients.

2. It makes dinnertime prep quicker and easier. Batch chopping vegetables is much more efficient than the cumulative time it takes to chop things before every meal.

3. You’ll make healthier meal choices. Pulling out your cutting board and chopping a bunch of stuff can be a big a hurdle when trying to eat more healthy. If everything is prepped ahead of time, that hurdle disappears.

4. Reduces food waste. Most of the time ingredient prepping reduces food waste because if it’s prepped, it’s more likely to get used. 

Setting up to chop and peel food as you cook involves organizing your station with a sharp knife, sturdy board, and focusing on prepping ingredients in batches (wash, peel, chop) for efficiency, and using proper knife for safety and uniform cuts, ensuring even cooking and faster prep. Tools to consider when setting up your prep station: 

1. Sharp chef’s knife, a stable cutting board, and a peeler. Knife skills are very important. Use your knife safely. The most important point of knife ownership is having a sharp knife. Always wash your knife by hand. Do not place it in the dishwasher. This dulls the blade and can ruin the handle. Sharpen your knife after each use. Use a steel to help keep the edges of your blades aligned.

2. Wash all your produce first, then dry it before cutting for better grip and less mess.

3. Peel vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or garlic (sometimes after a quick smash with the knife).

4. Process ingredients in stages: first wash, then peel, then chop (dice, slice, mince) into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. 

Other tools to consider are tongs needed for flipping meat, removing items delicately and stabilizing food for cutting. The use of a whisk is also another tool to use for food prep. Whisking is a way to combine dry or wet ingredients while infusing air; whisks also emulsify sauces; and lastly whisks are your friend when you need to get lumps out. 

Don’t’ forget about wooden spoons and using spatulas. 

Every kitchen needs a Microplane grater, famous for its precise, fine blades that effortlessly zest citrus, grate hard cheeses (like Parmesan), mince garlic/ginger, shave nutmeg, and even create delicate curls from chocolate, making it an essential, versatile tool for adding intense flavor and texture in food prep. 

This year, 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 prepping.  Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. 

Take Care, 

John & Paula

Winter is a season that invites us to slow down, care for ourselves, and reconnect with what truly sustains us. At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, wellness is at the heart of the Winter Market—bringing together local food, movement, education, and community in one welcoming space at Wilton Mall.

Open every Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, the Winter Market features close to 50 local farms and vendors, offering a wide variety of locally produced foods and goods. Shoppers can find farm-fresh eggs, locally raised meats, and regional dairy products, alongside baked goods, specialty foods, honey, maple syrup, and locally crafted spirits. Buying these staples directly from local farmers supports a stronger regional food system.

The market also offers an impressive selection of seasonal produce made possible through cold storage and tunnel growing, including root vegetables, squash, apples, greens, and other winter-hardy crops. These growing and storage methods allow farmers to extend the harvest while preserving freshness, flavor, and nutritional value throughout the colder months.

Wellness at the market includes natural alternatives to refined sugar, with locally produced honey and maple syrup available. These traditional sweeteners offer depth of flavor and versatility for cooking, baking, and beverages, while supporting local producers and time-honored food traditions.

Wellness extends beyond food at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. Beginning in January, free weekly yoga classes with Yoga Mandali take place at 10:30 am in the market’s pop-up studio, offering a welcoming space for movement and mindfulness during winter. These classes are open to all levels and are part of the market’s commitment to accessible wellness programming.

The market is also proud to participate in the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Wellness Week, featuring hands-on experiences that highlight practical ways to support well-being. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations such as digestive-support mocktails with Awakened Tonics (10:30 AM) and gluten-free cooking with Katie Bakes GF (11:30 AM), both presented through the FRESH EATS partnership with CDPHP.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market Winter Market is more than a place to shop; it’s a place to gather, move, learn, and nourish both body and community. Even in winter, wellness thrives here; supported by local farmers, seasonal produce, farm-fresh eggs, meats and dairy, natural sweeteners, and a shared commitment to caring for one another.

Wellness Week at the Market – Saturday, January 10th

• Receive a FREE shopping bag when you visit

• 10:30 AM – Learn how to make a specialty mocktail that aids digestion with Awakened Tonics, part of the FRESH EATS partnership with CDPHP

• 10:30 AM – FREE yoga kicks off for 2026 with Yoga Mandali in the market’s pop-up studio (a closed space behind the Market Information Table)

• 11:30 AM – Enjoy a live gluten-free cooking demonstration with Katie Bakes GF, also presented through the FRESH EATS partnership with CDPHP

Live Music in January

• January 10 – Brandon Newell

• January 24 – Far Eye Reggae

• January 31 – Selah Eiler

Kids’ Activities

• January 17 – The Saratoga Springs Mobile Library returns – kids can make Silly Snowflakes

Saturdays | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Wilton Mall, Food Court, at 3065 NY-50, Saratoga Springs

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket. And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

The hangover of the holidays is over and it’s time to get back to eating right and using great tools to make that happen. It’s a new year and a fresh start so let’s make some delicious food together. My older sister CarolAnn, is a master with mandoline slicers while using them frequently in her food prep.  Since she is eight years older than I am, when I was very young, I thought she was the smartest person in the world. When she taught me something it always stuck with me. I was a terrible listener with everyone except for her. I remember when I was young and allowed to visit her at her new house after she had gotten married, I would sit in her kitchen and watch her make the best salads.  She would include many ingredients in her salads so that you were as full as if you had eaten a plate of Italian food. CarolAnn’s secret weapon in her prep was the mandoline slicer. She would peel and make cuts to cucumbers and many other vegetables, then would run them through the mandoline slicer to make the perfect bite sized pieces. As she was doing all of this, she would explain every step and how to be safe. She would also add in words of wisdom about life and work.  

As I reminisce on these times, I learned that food creates a home, connections, celebrations, and embraces family and friends. In creating meals, we are creating homes and a nurturing environment. The meals do not have to be fancy or gourmet. It isn’t about how special the recipe is. It is about being conscious of an important part of life and honoring that importance. By elevating the importance of food in our family’s lives, you pass that importance on to them. Families connect around the dinner table, all sharing the meal they know is just for them. Whether I’m making a salad or a meal, CarolAnn’s teachings are always on my mind. As she is now very ill, and she is fighting for her life, I feel and appreciate those learning’s even more.  

Do you have a mandoline slicer hiding in the back of your pantry, just begging to be used? Essentially, you can accomplish much of a mandoline’s work with a steady hand and a sharp knife. However, when slicing up zucchini ribbons, slicing eggplant or shredding brussel sprouts, mandolines cut prep time down significantly and promise consistent, even results. And they’re fun to use; especially when you need to create consistently thick or thin slices for your favorite recipe. At Compliments to the Chef we carry several different brands of mandolines. The OXO Good Grips mandoline is a perfect tool for home chefs. It is a trusty tool through thick and thin (produce). Slice or julienne cucumbers, potatoes and more with a turn of the comfortable dial on the Chef’s Mandoline Slicer.  Each mandoline includes a food holder that protects hands and the stainless steel blade quickly makes even slices. All blades store safely on board and are removable for easy cleaning. With this easy-to-use mandoline hands and fingers stay away from sharp blades at all times. Most mandoline’s come with three or four slicing blades beyond the basic blade. These allow you to slice paper thin, a little thicker (think potato chips), thick julienne (think french fries), and thin julienne. If you’re not sure how your blades will slice, invest in a few potatoes and try each setting out. It’s usually a good idea to have a few extra veggies on hand when you’re learning to use your mandoline slicer as well so you can get the hang of the whole process. 

At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, we have items that can assist with making your meals. Show your love through the foods you cook and if you have a big sister give her a hug. Stop by Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad Place and let us know how we can help you with your culinary needs. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. Happy New Year! May 2026 bring you health, happiness, and hope. 

Take Care, 

John & Paula

Zucchini Salad with Burrata

Ingredients

 · 2 tablespoons lemon juice

 · 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

 · 2 teaspoons honey

 · 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

 · 1/4 teaspoon grated garlic

 · 1/4 teaspoon salt

 · 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pink or black peppercorns, plus more for garnish

 · 3 large zucchinis (about 9 ounces each), stem ends trimmed

 · 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil

 · 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

 · 1 (4.4-ounce) ball burrata cheese, torn into 1/2-inch pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

To make the broth:

1. Whisk lemon juice, oil, honey, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper together in a small bowl until emulsified.

2. Using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline, shave zucchini lengthwise into thin ribbons; discard seedy centers. Transfer to a large serving dish. Add 2 tablespoons of the dressing, basil and dill; toss until fully coated. Top with burrata and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Garnish with additional dill and pepper, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of eatingwell.com

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market continues to be open throughout January at Wilton Mall, located in the Food Court, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Each week, shoppers can enjoy offerings from 44 local farms and vendors representing a wide range of products, including agricultural goods such as meats, eggs, and produce, along with honey, maple syrup, dairy products, baked goods, ready-to-eat foods, specialty items, arts and gifts, and locally produced spirits.

Photos by Pattie Garrett.

Composting Continues All Winter

Our commitment to sustainability continues through the winter market season. The market composting program remains in place thanks to Halfmoon Harvest, one of our valued local vendors, helping keep food waste out of landfills year-round.

Wellness Week at the Market – Saturday, January 10th

The market is excited to partner with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce as part of their Wellness Week activities. Visitors can look forward to a variety of engaging and educational experiences.  The market will join the festivities on Saturday, January 10th providing the following; 

• Receive a FREE shopping bag when you visit

• 10:30 AM – Learn how to make a specialty mocktail that aids digestion with Awakened Tonics, part of the FRESH EATS partnership with CDPHP

• 10:30 AM – FREE yoga kicks off for 2026 with Yoga Mandali in the market’s pop-up studio (a closed space behind the Market Information Table)

• 11:30 AM – Enjoy a live gluten-free cooking demonstration with Katie Bakes GF, also presented through the FRESH EATS partnership with CDPHP

Weekly Activities (starting January 10th)

Free Yoga

• Every Saturday at 10:30 AM

• Hosted by Yoga Mandali

• Held in the market pop-up studio behind the Information Table

Live Music in January

• January 3 – Simon Elijah

• January 10 – Brandon Newell

• January 24 – Far Eye Reggae

• January 31 – Selah Eiler

Kids’ Activities

• January 3 – Visit the Saratoga Springs Mobile Library table for a fun, hands-on activity and make Snowman pompom poppers

• January 17 – The Saratoga Springs Mobile Library returns

(Activity details to be announced)

January is a great time to shop local, stay active, and connect with your community at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. We look forward to welcoming you all month long!

To learn more about Wellness Week visit https://chamber.saratoga.org/events/details/wellness-week-2026-42242

Saturdays | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Wilton Mall, Food Court, at 3065 NY-50, Saratoga Springs

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram

@SaratogaFarmersMarket. And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

Yields: 4 servings | Prep & cook time: 3 hours and 20 min

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients  currently available at the farmers’ market

· 3/4 pound of potatoes, diced*

· 6 oz carrots, peeled and sliced*

· 1 teaspoon canola oil

· 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts*

· Salt and pepper (to taste)

· 2 Tablespoons tomato paste

· 3 Tablespoons cider vinegar*

· 2/3 cup honey*

· 5 teaspoons garlic, minced*

· 5 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

· 1 cup chicken broth

· 4 Tablespoons corn starch

· 3/4 cup broccoli florets*

· 3/4 cup stringless snap peas, chopped*

Instructions:

· In a medium microwave-safe bowl, toss together potatoes, carrots and canola oil (or oil of choice).

· Microwave on high for 7 to 9 minutes, until somewhat tender (about half-cooked).

· Add chicken breasts to a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker and top with potatoes and carrots.  Season with salt and pepper.

· In a medium bowl, stir together tomato paste, vinegar, honey, garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth and corn starch.

· Pour half of the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.  Keep the other half in the fridge.  

· Cover slow cooker and cook for three hours on high (or about six hours on low).

· Add broccoli and snap peas to the slow cooker (don’t stir, they will steam), cover and cook for another 30-40 minutes until tender-crisp and chicken is cooked through.

· Meanwhile, pour remaining sauce into a small pot and cook over medium heat, whisking often, until thickened.  Serve chicken and vegetables with extra sauce.

 When it comes to holiday meals, the main course sets the tone. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, hosting something cozy, or looking for a shortcut that still feels special, there are plenty of delicious ways to build a memorable holiday table at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

For many families, traditional mains are at the heart of holiday gatherings.

• Roast chicken or turkey-style chicken offers a versatile, crowd-pleasing option that pairs beautifully with seasonal sides.

• Ham is easy to prepare, great for leftovers, and perfect for feeding a group.

• Roasts (beef or pork) bring warmth and tradition to the table and are ideal for slower, celebratory meals.

Looking to change things up or add a little flair?

• Steak or veal can be a wonderful alternative for smaller gatherings or special occasions, offering rich flavor without hours of prep.

• Pork chops, dressed up with herbs, apples, or a simple glaze, feel both festive and familiar.

Holiday tables often reflect family heritage and cherished traditions.

• Pierogies are a beloved staple in many homes; they are hearty and can hold a variety of fillings.

More families are incorporating meatless mains into their celebrations.

• Vegetarian-based dishes using seasonal vegetables, beans, lentils, grains, and cheeses can be just as satisfying and festive.  Consider stuffed squash, hearty casseroles.

The holidays are busy and it’s okay to simplify.

• Ready-made mains from trusted local producers can save time while still delivering flavor and quality.  Pair them with homemade sides or market-fresh ingredients for a balanced, stress-free meal.

There’s no single “right” main course.  Whether you’re cooking from scratch, mixing homemade with prepared options, or trying something new this year, the goal is the same: gathering around the table and enjoying good food together.

Market News:

• Ugly Sweater December 20th – wear your ugly sweater & get entered into a drawing for a prize at the market

• Market Holiday Event December 20th: FREE stories with Santa, free hot cocoa, free movie showing, craft table with Saratoga Springs Mobile Library

• Yoga Saturdays at the Market with Himanee & Yoga Mandali located in the movie theater foyer at 10 am

• Comfort Food Community is on site with CDPHP Market coupons

• Holiday Guest Vendors on site 12/20

• Sponsor a snowflake to benefit the market $5

• Merch (SALE) & gift certificates – support local for your holiday gifts

Upcoming Music:

• December 20: Kate Blain

• December 27:  BurnsMoore Bridge

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:

Saturdays | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Wilton Mall, Food Court, at 3065 NY-50, Saratoga Springs. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket. And don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

---

Best Christmas Chicken Recipe

Prep & cook time: 2 hour 10 min

INGREDIENTS:
*Ingredients  currently available at the farmers’ market

· 1/2 cup kosher salt

· 1 whole chicken (4 pounds)*

Cranberry Mixture:

· 2 cups fresh cranberries

· 1/3 cup light brown sugar

· 1 teaspoon orange zest

· 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Herb Butter Spread:

· 6 Tablespoons butter, room temperature

· 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves*

· 1 teaspoon dried parsley*

· 1 teaspoon dried rosemary*

· 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage*

· 1 teaspoon orange zest

Vegetables:

· 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes*

· 2 medium yellow onions, cut into wedges*

· 2 large carrots, cut in half sticks*

· 1 garlic bulb, cloves separated and skins removed*

· 1 orange, cut into 8 pieces

· 1/2 lemon, quartered

· 1/2 cup chicken broth

INSTRUCTIONS:

Truss the chicken using kitchen twine.

In a large bowl, dissolve 1/2 cup of kosher salt in 8 cups of lukewarm water. Cover the bowl and transfer the brine to the refrigerator. Let it rest in the refrigerator until it has fully cooled.

Once the brine is completely cooled, add the chicken to the bowl of brine, cover the bowl, and place it back in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes – brining the chicken will make for a juicy chicken!

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the cranberry mixture. Set aside to allow the cranberries to macerate.

In a medium mixing bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the butter spread. Set aside.

To the center of a roasting pan, add the baby potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic cloves, 6 pieces of orange, and 3 pieces of lemon to make a bed for the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the bed of vegetables.

Preheat the oven to 425 F.

After the chicken is finished brining, lift the chicken from the brine and drain off any excess liquid. Dry it thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Once the chicken is dry, gently lift the skin from the chicken using your fingers to loosen the skin, creating a space for some of the butter and herb mixture to go.

Flip the chicken over so that it’s back side up, and rub it with some of the butter mixture. Flip the chicken back over and place it onto the vegetable bed, breast side up. Rub some of the butter spread under the chicken skin (doing your best to evenly distribute it and get it into as many nooks and crannies under the skin as possible). Use the remaining herb butter spread to cover the skin on the top and sides of the chicken. Stuff the chicken cavity with the reserved orange and lemon pieces.

Spoon the cranberry mixture, including the juice, around the vegetable bed, then bake uncovered for 15 minutes at 425 F. After 15 minutes, turn the heat down to 350 F and bake for 20 minutes per pound, or until an instant read thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165 F when inserted into the inner thigh area near the breast (but without touching the bone).

Recipe and recipe photo by Key to my Lime

Hello my Foodie Friends! We are entering into those final days of looking for that special gift to give that “foodie” this holiday season. Tis the season of giving, and there is no better time to spread happiness and kindness than during the holiday season. The holiday season is my favorite time of the year, and gift giving is one of my favorite things to do with having the opportunity to shower those I care for with gifts. Everybody knows that giving gifts is a great way to express your appreciation for others. Not only does it make the gift receivers happy, but it makes the gift giver happy as well. Giving gifts during the holidays also promotes greater connections with your loved ones. Many believe that it is important to know what they want to receive, but that is not always the case. Gift-giving is something that comes from one’s heart. It does feel great to be on the receiving end, but there is a feeling of satisfaction when you are the one giving the gifts. 

During my childhood, Christmas at my house was always a big event for our family. My mother’s family was very big, and we all traveled to each other’s houses for the holidays. Christmas day would always begin at our house opening gifts, and afterwards traveling to each cousin’s house. We all lived within five miles of each other, so it was not a long drive to get to each one. As I remember, there would be six stops that ultimately ended at my Uncle Woofy’s house. My mother’s family started in Sicily with the birth of my Aunt Ma’am Ma, who was ten years older than my mom (who was born in the USA). My Aunt was the self-appointed head of the family, and my mom wasn’t happy about it. To me she was a wonderful Aunt because I was her favorite. To my mom she was a bit bossy. Every Christmas, my mother nervously awaited the arrival of her sister. There was a bit of a cooking competition between the two sisters. If you have been reading my articles, then you’ll know that my mom’s meatballs were legendary. All the cousins and other Aunts and Uncles’ families would stop over on days she made meatballs. However, this would not go over well with my Aunt Ma’am Ma. She would arrive with a lot of fanfare and people helping her carry in the gifts for the kids and a 30qt stock pot full of her meatballs. On the stove was my mom’s 30qt stock pot of her meatballs. When my Aunt Ma’am Ma would arrive, she would proclaim to everyone, “here, get these heated up”.  She would take my mom’s pot off the stove and put her stock pot in its place. As you can imagine my mom, by now was gritting her teeth and rolling her eyes. What was my Irish truck driver Dad doing at this point during the meatball competition? He would have a huge grin on his face every year and divert the focus to opening the gifts for the children. I was always first and I can still remember the first year of my Aunt Ma’am Ma’s special gift for me. It was an Avon aftershave cologne glass car! Remember the company Avon? As I opened the gift, I would excitedly say “wow, it looks so cool”. I was six years old at that time, and my aunt said I can shave. I immediately found a mirror and began my shaving gestures splashing the Avon cologne all over myself. Every Christmas for six years in a row, my aunt would give me a new Avon Cologne car. She would say, “hold on to them Johnny, they’ll be worth something someday”. 

Are you still looking for that unique gift idea? The best gifts for foodies often involve a gift that they would not oftentimes splurge on for themselves. If you need help on what to wrap up for the holidays, we’ve got some ideas that will please even the most discerning gourmands on your list.

Ideas: 

Knives: Give the gift of high-quality knives during this holiday season to someone special. Choose the best sharp knives that make a memorable attachment to each other. Gifting knives isn’t just about cutting; it’s about creating lasting memories in the kitchen. Whenever they use it, they will remember you with a smile. Surprise your loved one by gifting some amazing knives. A knife set is truly the ultimate gift for a friend or loved one. Barbecue and home-cooking aficionados alike can make use of a lovely, hand-forged knife set as a treasured kitchen tool for many years. From smaller chef’s knives to massive meat cleavers, we have a variety of beautiful options for the loved one who you want to honor with something special this year. 

Cookware: Cookware might not seem like a glamorous gift but to anyone who loves cooking a well-made, artfully designed piece of cookware is a dream gift. Cooking with exceptionally well-made tools is a transformative experience in every way; they speed up cooking time, cook things evenly and are endlessly durable. Treat the chef in your life to one of our cookware gems; you’ll reap the tasty rewards later.

Just a love for gadgets: Can’t decide on a gift for your favorite foodie? Perhaps a needed gadget such as a Microplane zester, a peeler, a whisk, mixing bowls, electric tea kettle, pepper and salt mills, mortar and pestle, cutting boards, BBQ tools, thermometers, and the list goes on.

Not sure what to give this holiday season? Let us help you find that unique, unexpected gift for the person who already has everything at Compliments to the Chef; your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. We have a great assortment of kitchen accessories to get your young Foodies started. It is a gift worth giving. Stop in and ask me any questions you may have.

Oh, and I checked online what my aunt’s gifts are going for these days, and they are selling for $29.99 but to me they are priceless. Also, I finally got the courage to ask my dad why he didn’t stick up for my mom’s meatballs when my aunt brought her meatballs knowing that my mom already had them. He said, “Son, who was number one and who was number two didn’t concern me because you never come between two Sicilian sisters when there is food involved. Besides, I was looking at 60 quarts of meatballs!”.  Each year when we froze the leftover meatballs, I ate like a king all winter. 

Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. Take care and Happy Holidays: John and Paula. Treasure the memories.