We are in the midst of so many reasons to celebrate. Among those reasons are individuals who are graduating from high school and college. I can recall the emotions of pride watching each of my children get their diploma from high school and college. For a parent, there are so many mixed emotions. During graduation day from high school, I knew my children would be fine – they would be great. Their high school graduation was just the beginning of some amazing times to come. For me, it was the start of a very different time in my life. As you watch your child cross the stage, you can feel your heart expand and surge. That moment was precious and overwhelming at the same time. During their college graduations, I cheered them and supported them as they navigated living away from home. They are out there living their own lives, and as a parent you can only sit back, hope and wish them the best. These feelings occur at all levels of watching individuals enter into new stages of their lives. That’s the thing about graduations, they bring out all the feels. (And so many tears.).

Over the many years here at our store, many customers come in and tell us stories of the love of cooking that so many younger individuals have. The stories and pictures of favorite meals, menus, and creations are shared and now this person is graduating from school.  Do you know someone who is graduating—what an excellent occasion. Or perhaps the person who is graduating is you, in which case, congratulations! Either way, graduation means presents are in order—and it also means it’s time to move out of that crappy college apartment. That’s why, if you’re wondering what to gift your grad, outfitting their new adult kitchen is the way to go. It’s a new stage of life for your proud graduate, so treat them to some useful culinary tools. 

At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place; let us help you select that special culinary gift to congratulate the graduate. To all of our graduates: “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln. Remember my Foodie Friend; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, 

John & Paula

 

As you get ready to sip the sweetness of summer, it’s always fun to peek at what’s on trend, whether you’re enjoying a nice quiet moment, entertaining guests, sipping around the fire pit, or enjoying the horse track. 

According to Advanced Mixology, 2024 is the year of artisanal spirits, craft cocktails, small distillery-batched products, and sustainability, which means the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is the place to visit to keep your ‘glass half full’—never half empty (wink). 

Around town, Saratoga is currently buzzing with details and news of the Belmont visiting Saratoga this June. I had no idea this race lent its name to its traditional cocktail, but why not? The Belmont Jewel mixes pomegranate juice, lemonade, and bourbon. In fact, Discover Saratoga recently hosted a contest inviting local restaurants and businesses to participate in putting a unique twist on this specific drink, which has led to interesting mixes and new concoctions complete with creative names featured throughout the area. Sixteen establishments joined the contest, and you can check out all the ingredients and drink-mixing fun at DiscoverSartoga.org. 

As you plan your mixology, incorporate a swing by the market to support the local, artisanal, hand-crafted, small-batch brands ready to make their way into your summer coolers.  Remember, mocktails are still on trend, and the market is full of endless ideas and ingredients to accompany your shake, mix, and stir menu sips.

Wednesday’s Market:

Saratoga Apple: Hard cider
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery: Moonshine, coffee-flavored liqueur, gin, vodkas, limoncello, orangecello, and more.

Saturday’s Market:

Albany Distilling Company: Assorted flavored vodkas, rum, whisky, canned cocktails, and more.New Scotland Spirits: Bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and more
Old Tavern Farm: Assorted wines, vodka, flavored drink syrups, and more
Saratoga Apple: Hard cider
Schenectady Distilling Company: Bourbon, gin, muleshine, whiskey, and more.
Slyboro Cider House: Assorted cider-based wines, hard cider, and more
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery: Moonshine, coffee-flavored liqueur, gin, vodkas, limoncello, orangecello, and more.
Yankee Distillers: Rum, whisky, and vodka
Coming Soon: GhostFish Brewing Company East featuring assorted craft beers

 

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

This is Memorial Day weekend. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate so we can have our outdoor picnics to celebrate the holiday. I am so happy to see the sun and the warmer temperatures. The season between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings the opportunity to host many outside events. 

Having a picnic with family and friends on a beautiful day can be a time that creates those unforgettable moments and memories that last a life time. 

Each week we write about the fun of creating and cooking fabulous dishes. However, with making these dishes comes the mess and dreaded task of cleaning up which becomes someone’s responsibility. Many conflicts occur within a household on whose turn it is to wash the dishes. I remember in my childhood, years fighting with my four other siblings on who would be assigned the chore of doing the dishes. Having grown up in a household with five children, my mother ran a tight ship and made sure all of us were assigned cleaning duties. Fighting over who was going to wash the dishes was a common occurrence even after my mother made it clear whose job it was that evening. Through the years we learned that washing the dishes did not take that long when each of us helped out. When we shared and helped each other in our household chores, we then had plenty of time to go and do what we wanted afterwards. While doing chores and playing together, we became good friends; a friendship that still holds today. 

“You know you’re an adult when you get excited when there is a new sponge in the sink”. Author Unknown. To this day, believe it or not, I enjoy washing dishes. I love bringing home new types of items to help me with this chore. One of our favorite items we carry is the Jetz-Scrubz cleaning sponge. This sponge will not scratch even the finest surfaces. They can last for several months and can be cleaned in the top tray of your dishwasher. The sponge has a foam side that holds suds longer and has a scratch-free scrubber side for pots and pans. Jetz-Scrubz is also made in the USA. 

This Memorial Day weekend, whose ever job it is to wash the dishes and clean up, try out this really cool sponge!  Come visit Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store located on 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga where we have Tools for Cooks! Have fun cooking and cleaning up.  Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, 

John & Paula

 

Whether you’re starting your grilling game this weekend or you’re a year-round grilling enthusiast, Saratoga Farmers’ Market vendors have many products to make an easy, delicious meal.

At Longlesson Farm, you can shop for beef and pork products. “Sirloin steak is an excellent option,” says Christophe, the farm owner. “It’s a versatile cut—grill whole or make kabobs to feed a crowd.” For kabobs, Christophe recommends bringing the steak to ambient temperature, cubing it, and marinating it in olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for one hour. Pair with your favorite grilled vegetables. 

May-K-Mark offers beef, pork, and veal products, and Ariel shares her grilling favorites. “Steaks are always great, but I love hot and sweet Italian sausage. We have veal chorizo and bratwurst that can feed a lot of people. And shaved sliced steak on the grill is clutch on busy dinner nights.”

Hepatica Farm brings pasture-raised chicken, and Melanie’s absolute favorite is grilled chicken breast bone-in. “Bone-in prevents the meat from drying out, and the breast is flavorful and juicy,” she explains. “Thighs are also delicious, and our packs of drumsticks are a great value.” Melanie’s go-to marinade is lemon, rosemary, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, and a little tamari. 

At Grazin’ Acres, Nate and Meghan have pork, chicken, and beef products. “Pork chops are always great and easy with salt, pepper, garlic, and oil,” says Nate. “Rib eye or NY strip steaks are other really good options. One of our family favorites is a whole chicken, halved and grilled slow and low at 200 degrees, and the chicken is juicy and just falls apart.”

Squash Villa Farm has simmering chicken and goat. Co-owner Himanee highly recommends rib chops and loin chops. “They are really easy to grill. Sear the meat and set the grill temperature to low to cook through. You can use a marinade or rub, but salt, pepper, and olive oil allow the flavor to shine.”

The Mushroom Shop LLC offers various mushrooms for vegetarian and plant-based grilling, and Elise recommends flavorful oyster mushrooms. “They are really easy to prepare. Just brush with your cooking oil of choice and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side.”

Regardless of what you choose to grill, vendors at the farmers’ market have incredible options. So get your spatula ready, plan your visit to the market, and get grilling tips from the experts. 

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!   

We are in that time of year of celebrating Weddings. Typically, the season begins in late Spring and goes into early Fall. It’s the most wonderful day for many – the day you get to say your vows with the one you love the most in the world. The one that you want to spend the rest of your life with. And all the people you love most in the world will be right there with you! 

I hold dear memories of my own wedding that include the magical part of being special and surrounded by love. It includes feeling the delight and sharing that happiness with others and recognizing that these are the people who will remain in your life as a part of your marriage. We were very blessed to have parents on both sides, which made sure our wedding day was unforgettable. Keep in mind that things will happen and not to sweat it. Our day was perfect until we did not have a ride home from the venue! 

My mother added to our day by making large platters of Italian cookies to add to our dessert offerings. All of the Italian matriarchs in my family joined in together to make the most incredible cookies (that were a hit) being consumed by the handfuls by our guests. Paula and I walked around the reception with two huge platters to share with our guests. Although cookies may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of a wedding, once you start thinking about it, you may realize how much they can be a perfect way to celebrate such a special day. While the wedding cake is still the belle of the ball, cookies can be an excellent support to this main headliner. In fact, cookies are a great treat that are commonly served during weddings or special occasions, we just don’t pay that much attention to celebrate such a special day. As we plan for our daughter Aubrey’s wedding, we reflect on the magnificent experience that our families provided in making sure we had a special day. 

Another part of weddings is what to get for the couple? At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, we offer those culinary tools that many would contribute to a couple’s kitchen and culinary needs. We also offer a wedding registry for the special couple. Stop in and we can work with you on your selection. Updating the kitchen is often the first thing we think of when starting a new life together. This new step offers a great opportunity to throw out old kitchenware and update your old pots, pans, and knives. Gifting kitchen tools to someone who loves cooking can be a thoughtful and practical gesture. Consider their cooking style and preferences when choosing the tools, and you might want to pick something unique or of high quality. From specialized gadgets to quality knives or cookware, there are plenty of options to consider. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, and let us help you with that special gift. Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Whether you have a large vegetable garden or a few vegetables or herbs in planters, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has many varieties of plants to get you started.

In May, several vendors offer herbs, vegetables, and fruit for you to grow and harvest right at home. One of my favorites is the lettuce bowls filled with different leafy finds you don’t have to transplant. You simply grow, clip, and enjoy. Some herb selections come similarly, making container gardening easy on a sunny porch or patio.

Whether you are searching for individual herbs or vegetable plants, there are many sizes and plants at various growth stages to consider. Staggering various sizes of plants can assist with spreading your vegetable harvest throughout the season.

Shoppers will also find hanging strawberry plants and patio tomato varieties at the farmers’ market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both options make gardening more accessible and provide fresh produce without the responsibility of a large garden.

Tips for transplanting your newly purchased plants:

Plant height

Ensure plants are 4 to 6 inches tall and haven’t flowered before transplanting.

Weather ready

Be sure to acclimate plants from inside to outside before transplanting immature plants, which is known as the hardening process. Also, ensure temperatures are ready for your plants, and you have proper coverage as needed.

Soil

Overturn and fertilize the soil before adding plants to the garden. Laurie from Kokinda Farm encourages gardeners to use organic compost, which can be purchased at most local garden stores.

Measure and match

Know your plants and the space they need to grow before transplanting them. Consider researching companion planting for an optimal growing environment. Planting specific vegetables together can prevent plants from reaching their total productivity while, if done correctly, can increase yield.

Ask a farmer

Farms selling starter plants like these have years of experience and knowledge. They can answer your questions and guide home gardeners toward a successful growing season. 

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. 

Vendors Offering Starter Plants

Garden plants can be found on Wednesdays:
Burger’s Market Garden, Gomez Veggie Ville, & Scotch Ridge Farm

And on Saturdays:
Balet Farm, Burger’s Market Garden, Gomez Veggie Ville, Green Jeans Farm, Lovin’ Mama Farm, & Scotch Ridge Farm

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to discover unique Mother’s Day gifts, find beautiful bouquets, and prepare special delicacies to serve Mom. Also, consider a gift certificate. It’s also the ideal opportunity to spend time with Mom, enjoy live music, grab a bite to eat, and shop.

The Wednesday Market:

Enjoy “Dinner in the Park” with Euro Delicacies, Freddies’ Lemonade, Pies on Wheel, Ted’s Fish Fry, and Thorn + Roots.

Then, shop for gifts, flowers, and plants at Ardent Flame, Beautiful Things Antiques (jewelry), Burger’s Market Garden, Bella Blends, Caliva Cookie, Nine Pine Soup & Design, and The Doggy Bag.

Consider brunch, lunch, or dinner items from Gomez Veggie Ville, Nally Coffee, Owl Wood Farm, Saratoga Apple, Slate Valley Farms, Springbrook Hollow Farm, and The Bread Butler.

The Saturday Market:

Grab breakfast or lunch in the park with the Breakfast Nook, Daily Fresh, Drizzly Bear, Euro Delicacies, Katie Bakes GF, La Capital Tacos, Lidia’s Empanadas, M & A Farm, Night Work Bread, Parchment Baking Co, Saratoga Apple, Something’s Brewing, Sweet Treats by Jennifer, Sweetish Chef, The Bread Butler, and Thorn + Roots.

Then, shop for gifts, flowers, and plants at Awakened Tonics, Balet Flowers, Burger’s Market Garden, Eat with Aliens, Feathered Antler, Green Jeans Market Farm, Halfmoon Harvest, Junbucha, Moon Cycle Seed Company, Katie Bakes GF, Lovin’ Mama Farm, Muddy Trail Jerky Co, Mugzy’s Barkery, Northbound Boutique, Old Tavern Farm, Puckers Gourmet, Saratoga Chocolate Co., Saratoga Peanut Butter Co., Slate Valley Farms, Sweet Sprig, Sydney Anechiarico Jewelry, The Mushroom Shop, Thoroughly Modern Milliner, Wild Hog Sugar Shack.

Consider items for brunch, lunch, or dinner fixings from Albany Distillery, Argyle Cheese Farmer, Ballston Lake Apiaries, Gomez Veggie Ville, Goodway Gourmet, Grazin’ Acres Farm, Green Jeans Market Farm, Hepatica Farm, Jireh Organics & Livestock, Junbucha, Katie Bakes GF, Leaning Birch Farm, Long Lesson Farm, Lovin’ Mama Farm, May-K-Mark, Michelles’ Farm, Muddy Trail Jerky Co., Nettle Meadow, New Scotland Spirits, Night Work Bread, Owl Wood Farm, Parchment Baking Co, Perogi-Pierogi-Pyroogie, Puckers Gourmet, Saratoga Apple, Saratoga Peanut Butter Co., Schenectady Distilling, Slate Valley Farms, Slyboro Cider, Something’s Brewing, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Squash Villa Farm, The Bread Butler, The Mushroom Shop, Underwoods’s Hydro Farm, Wild Hog Sugar Shack, and Yankee Distillers.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in Downtown Saratoga. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.