Hello my Foodie Friends!   

In kitchens throughout the world, there is one piece of technology that has been the same since the Stone Age: the mortar and pestle. You place ingredients in a bowl usually made of stone or ceramic and then pound them with a tiny club. 

Why should every good cook—and everyone who loves herbs—own and use at least one mortar and pestle? Several reasons include, from history, the ceremony of using ancient tools and the joy of knowing the rhythm of how they work. For celebration: food feeds both body and soul, and the act of preparing it should be a pleasure, not a chore. And finally, for quality: there is a depth of flavor to spices and fresh herbs prepared this way that you just can’t get from a food processor. Mortars and pestles have been used for crushing and blending seeds, roots, herbs, and other foods. This dates back to prehistory, although information on their origins is hard to find. It’s only logical that early man and woman picked up the nearest rock and used it to crack open the nuts they gathered. Eventually they found similar tools to grind seed or grain into a powder, so that they could mix it with water to form a gruel and grind herbs and roots to flavor it.

Here’s a list of cooking tasks you can accomplish with a mortar and pestle:

• Grind your own peppercorns and spices including cinnamon sticks, coriander, and cloves.

• Remove cardamom seeds from their pods and then crush to use in Indian cooking.

• Grind sea salt to the fine texture of popcorn salt and season your movie night treat.

• Crush whole dry chilies into flakes.

• Crush capers to use in homemade tartar sauce recipes.

• Smash fresh peeled ginger to use in Asian recipes.

• Crush some flax seeds to release their benefits and add to yogurt for a nutritious breakfast or snack.

• Crush lavender to use in baking or potpourri.

• Crush herbs and seeds to make medicinal teas.

• Make fresh, homemade nut butters.

• Turn fresh garlic cloves into a paste and spread on Italian bread with olive oil for some intense garlic bread.

• Crush some fresh basil, garlic and pine nuts together in the larger sized units. Then mix in some olive oil to make super fresh and flavorful pesto.

The mortar and pestle varieties include various sizes and can be found made of ceramic, glass, porcelain, wood, metal, granite, marble or bamboo. The advantages of using a mortar and pestle rather than an electric grinder or food processor include easier (as in no) assembly required, less noise and easy cleanup — no small parts or sharp blades to wash.

One of the most classic uses of the mortar and pestle is for pesto.  Combining the flavors of basil, pine, nut, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil can make a wonderful pesto to add to pasta, spread on a sandwich, or eat by the spoonful.  When it comes to making pesto, you can’t go wrong with a pestle and mortar. You could make it in a food processor, but you just won’t get the same flavors as when you’re pounding and crushing all that lovely basil by hand. 

Cooking can be fun! No matter how long you have been cooking, there is always something new to learn. The mortar and pestle may take a little elbow grease, but it is the tool that will not fail you.  Go back to the old grind for a while, stepping away from modern technology and use the mortar and pestle for your incredible culinary creations. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place to get your “cool” tools for cooks. Remember; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. 

Take Care,

John & Paula

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, the market comes alive with the flavors and colors of fall. This season brings an abundance of hearty produce, cozy treats, and fabulous fall finds that make shopping local even more special.

From apple cider, donuts, maple treats and homemade breads, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market captures the essence of autumn.  

It’s the perfect place to shop ingredients for soups, stews, roasts, and baked goods that define fall cooking. Shopping local also sparks creativity, encouraging you to try new varieties of squash, fresh herbs and other seasonal items. 

Whether you’re sipping cider while listening to live music, picking out a pumpkin, or simply connecting with the market community, the fall farmers’ market is about more than food—it’s about celebrating the season together.

This autumn, embrace the harvest and all the joy it brings. Visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market and let the season’s bounty inspire your table. 

Fall Market News:

* Monday Market Last Day – Monday, October 13th

* Howling Halloween – Saturday, October 25th

* Last Saturday Market at High Rock – Saturday, October 25th

* Last Wednesday Market at High Rock – October 29th

* Holiday/Winter Market Starts – Saturday, November 1st at Wilton Mall

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:

Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

High Rock Park, Downtown 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.

”Pie is…the secret of our strength as a nation and the foundation of our industrial supremacy. Pie is the American synonym of prosperity. Pie is the food of the heroic. No pie-eating people can be permanently vanquished.”

— The New York Times, 1902

Hello my Foodie Friends!

Having the right tools to bake a pie is important. Virtually all pie-making equipment will prove useful for other baking chores as well, so each piece will be sure to earn its keep. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, these are the pie-making essentials. It is difficult to make a great pie without a great pie plate. Pie plates come in a variety of styles, and the differences aren’t just aesthetic—a pie plate’s material, thickness, and color all affect the final product.

A pastry brush is the easiest way to apply a thin, even egg wash over pies with a double crust, like a classic apple pie. Choose between the natural (or thin nylon) bristles or the thicker silicone style.

After you’ve rolled out pie dough, a sturdy bench scraper will make quick work of any mess. It will scrape up all the flour and stubborn dough scraps left behind, helping you clean up in a few easy swipes. Plus, it’s handy for dividing blocks of dough without scratching the counters.

If you’ve always felt anxious about rolling out pie dough, it’s worth playing the field to find a rolling pin that makes you feel confident in the kitchen. While choosing the best rolling pin is a highly personal process, I love the simplicity of a French pin, which is lighter and more maneuverable. 

Here is a recipe for a dessert that bursts with apple flavor from two different varieties of the fruit and a sweet, nutty crunch from the streusel topping. This is so yummy. Perhaps, even put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. Pick up the cool tools for cooks to help you with your fall festivities recipes. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care,

John & Paula

Fall weekends are here, and that means two things: football games and delicious food! The Saratoga Farmers’ Market has everything you need to make your game-day gatherings unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate, a backyard party, or just watching from the couch, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is stocked with fresh meats, cheeses, seasonal vegetables, baked goods, snacks, and local beverages; everything to keep your table full and your guests happy.

Planning a classic football feast? Pick up locally raised meats for grilling, fresh produce for sides and salads, and artisan cheeses and breads for easy crowd-pleasing snacks. Don’t forget sweet treats and beverages to complete your spread.

Visiting the market isn’t just about shopping; it’s an experience. It’s where you can meet the farmers, bakers, and artisans who grow and craft these amazing products, and discover new favorites to elevate your game-day menu.

Make the Saratoga Farmers’ Market part of your football routine and create tasty memories with family and friends. Every touchdown tastes better when it’s paired with fresh, local goodness. 

You will always score big with local!

Fall Market News:

*Great Pumpkin Fest & Festival of Lanterns Saturday, September 27th

* Monday Market Last Day is Monday, October 13th

* Howling Halloween is Saturday, October 25th

* Start of Indoor Holiday/Winter Market Saturday, November 1st at Wilton Mall

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:

Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

High Rock Park, Downtown 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!

This is the time of year we reap the harvest of our hard work from planting, watering, and fertilizing over the spring and summer months. 

Today is also a time of change in our lives personally recognizing the cyclical nature of time and life. We are honored to celebrate the marriage of our daughter to a wonderful son-in-law. Today reminds us of the natural progression of family, transition, and the blessing of a growing family. The seasons of our lives can be much like a harvest in that we have distinct periods of farming, nurturing, and experiencing the outcomes of our hard work. Watching your children get married can be a powerful moment in that you celebrate how much they have grown. Much like a farmer prepares the soil, plants, seeds, and tends to the crops, we spend our lives guiding our children through love, and instilling values, teaching life skills to prepare them for their lives ahead. 

As we harvest crops, we get a chance to work with an entirely different group of ingredients. Fall acorn, butternut squash, pumpkin, parsnips, brussels sprouts and corn are among the late season harvest. Each offering a cook flavor profiles that include hearty, traditional, robust flavored foods that replace the lighter fare of spring and summer. Now is the time for braising, roasting, and grilling meats that include sauces and gravies. Harvest making includes making apple/peach/ pear butters, making tomato sauce and putting pureed pumpkin in the freezer. From turning cooked apples into wholesome applesauce, freshly stewed tomatoes into a classic marinara, or steamed potatoes into a mash, the food mill proves its standing by being masterful with ingredients that are notoriously fussy to prep. Think of a food mill as being the low-tech version of a food processor—there’s no plug or motor, just a hand-crank that moves with a little help from you and your biceps. What can a food mill do that a processor can’t? Just ask any homesteader or canning enthusiast what their favorite time-saving tools are, and you can bet the food mill is right up there at the top of the list. This is because a food mill can simultaneously purée and strain foods so efficiently that it renders the once tedious task of peeling fruit and vegetables obsolete.

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

For the harvest season, Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, located at 33 Railroad Place to pick up the essentials you need for your culinary delights. Have a thrilling time milling and enjoy your harvest. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

Take Care, 

John & Paula

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga Springs City Center, and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market are teaming up once again to host the 10th Annual Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest Weigh-Off this fall!

Pumpkin growers from across the Northeast will bring their biggest and best giant pumpkins to compete for top honors. Visitors can look forward to seeing dozens of massive pumpkins, each one more impressive than the last, at this family-friendly fall tradition.

In addition, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is hosting their 2nd annual Festival of Lanterns under the pavilions along with pumpkin painting for the kids($).  

Mark your calendars: Saturday, September 27th at High Rock Park, Saratoga Springs.

* The market is open from 9am to 1pm

* Festival of Lanterns 9am to 1pm

* Pumpkin Painting (while supplies last) – under the pavilion at the green shed

* Pumpkin judging is located at the parking garage starting at 11am

* Live Music: The Bennett Brothers, Mandolins Too and Natalie Santini

Bring the whole family to enjoy this free community event, explore the pumpkins up close, and celebrate the spirit of fall right here in Saratoga Springs.

Don’t miss out on one of the most anticipated autumn events of the season! 

What is the Festival of Lanterns?

The Festival of Lanterns is a fundraising event to benefit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.  Area businesses and individuals have been sponsoring lanterns throughout the season.  The market is a 501(c)3 organization and the monies raised help to cover rising administrative costs, free educational programs, workshops and festivals the market hosts that are free to the community.  Join the Saratoga Farmers’ Market email list by visiting SaratogaFarmersMarket.org.

Can I still Sponsor a Lantern?

Yes, email manager@saratogafarmersmarket.org or stop by the green shed at High Rock Park during market hours on a Wednesday or Saturday to sponsor a lantern.  

Fall Market News:

* Monday Market Last Day is Monday, October 13th

* Howling Halloween is Saturday, October 25th

* Start of Indoor Holiday/Winter Market Saturday, November 1st at Wilton Mall

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. High Rock Park, Downtown 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! 

For many of our foodie families, school is back in session. Bake sales, carnivals, fairs, and overall appreciation time may call for us to make some of our favorite baked goods. The back-to-school season may mean a few extra hours back to yourself during the day, but little ones still get out of school pretty early, and you could find yourself racking your brain for something to keep them occupied besides digital entertainment. Cooking together is a great learning experience, plus it’s interactive and hands-on. Out of all the dishes you can cook with kids, baking something sweet has to be the most rewarding. There’s so much warm-fuzziness to be felt as you watch their eyes light up when they crack their first egg, press the mixer button, stir the batter, decorate with icing, and watch the treats rise through the oven window. They might be experiencing some of this for the first time.

How many of us have memories of baking as a child? I have to give my mother credit. Having five children running around the house and trying to get us all to join in to make an after school treat was not always a successful feat. Her methodology would include giving each of us an assigned duty with a designated spot in the kitchen. One thing to realize when baking with kids, is that it will be messy…it’s ok! My mother would take a deep breath and carry on as flour went flying or an egg hit the floor or the wall. Selecting which recipe to make included having to use some argumentation skills. What my mother did instead was to let us select two or three recipes, and then put on the calendar when we would make them. When the final product came out of the oven smelling delicious, the five of us would be so proud of what we accomplished. The best part of the experience was sharing what we made with friends in the neighborhood or bringing it to visit another family member, or even just talking about the experience at the dinner table that evening. My mother would smile, even if the experience made her crazy. 

Cook up delicious recipes with your children. Take your taste buds on an adventure. Plan a good time to bake. Anticipate a child wanting to help. Keep on hand some easy mixes or ingredients for some easily made recipes. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, to help with the baking supplies you will need to have fun making your creations from baking pans, to rolling pins, measuring cups, spoons, spatulas, whisks, bowls, cookie cutters, scoops…you get the idea! Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, John & Paula

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market, the original farmers’ market in the region, has been proudly serving the community for 47 years. What began with just 10 farmers in a parking lot with a vision has grown into a thriving organization that is now home to over 100 vendors year-round in Saratoga.

As the market continues to grow, it remains a cornerstone of the community — not only as an incubator for small to medium farms and local businesses, but also as a welcoming space where local makers and growers can bring their goods to market and expand their reach.

Now Accepting Applications!

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is currently accepting applications for its Holiday/Winter Market, but the deadline is quickly approaching and closes on September 16th. If you’ve been considering joining this vibrant community of farmers, food producers, local makers and artisans, now is the perfect time to apply.

Holiday/Winter Market Details:

Where: Saturdays at Wilton Mall

When: November 1, 2025 – April 25, 2026

What Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM, weekly

For 47 years, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has been a place to connect, grow, and celebrate local. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the story! 

To Apply:

1. Open a free account at ManageMyMarket.com 

2.Once set up search and apply for the Saratoga Farmers’ Market Winter 2025/2026

Please note there is a $25 non-refundable application fee, all applications are reviewed by the board before acceptance to ensure participating businesses fit within the organizations guidelines, etc.  The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a 501(c)3 organization.

Contact registrar@saratogafarmersmarket.org and/or manager@saratogafarmersmarket.org with any specific questions.

Market News:

*Great Pumpkin Festival + Festival of Lanterns is Saturday Market on Saturday, September 27th at High Rock Park

*Howling Halloween is on Saturday, October 25th

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:

Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

High Rock Park, Downtown 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 summer went by so quickly. September is a beautiful month. Not only does it mark cooler days and evenings, it is also a harvest month. Seeing the ripening apples on the trees reminds me that it’s Back-to-School time. Who doesn’t like a crisp sweet apple in the Fall? So many delicious apples are grown in this region. Many of you may already know this, but the apple is New York’s state fruit. Another fun fact is; New York is the second-largest apple producing state in the United States, averaging 25 million bushels of production annually with varieties that include; McIntosh, Empire, Red Delicious, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Rome, Crispin, Gala, Fuji, and many others. 

Did you recently go apple picking and now don’t know what to do with all those apples? Sure, it is great to eat an apple as a snack on its own (or maybe dunked in salted caramel sauce), but you are probably in need of some apple recipes so they do not go to waste. I swear, apples sometimes multiply in the bags after picking them…that, or I just don’t realize how many apples I’ll truly end up with when I pick a bushel. Making desserts and dishes with apples is endless. There are so many ways to prepare apples like; apple sauce, apple butter, apple pie, poached apples, caramel apples, apple cake, apple muffins, apple cider donuts (yum), apple chutney, or even apples in a Sangria. 

When we get our bushel of apples home; well, first we eat some of them raw – delicious! Then we get creative and make lots of tasty creations with our apple picks. And of course, we use the best tools. There are cool culinary tools available to help you with your apple creations, At Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, we have apple peeling machines, apple slicers, mandoline slicers, and even cookie cutters. Cookie cutters are a fun way to dress up a dessert, or get kids involved and eating new foods. Cutting apples into stars, hearts, or even letters is tedious but a fun surprise to include in their school lunch for special occasions. A mandoline slicer lets you cut apples into different widths or with crimped edges. It’s great for making the base of an apple sandwich and can also dress up any snack plate. If you want to secure the apple, but get rid of the core, use an apple corer. This distinctive tool easily removes the core and makes disposal quick and effortless. The unique leveler splits in half for easy release after you twist or push the corer through the apple. 

Of course, who can resist a homemade apple pie? We carry beautiful pie plates and tools you need to assist with your delicious apple treats. 

So, how do you like them apples? Enjoy the harvest moon while listening to Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” (one of our favorite songs). Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen” under the harvest moon.

Take Care,

 John & Paula

As September arrives, so does a new routine. The shift from summer ease to school-year schedules can feel hectic. but the Saratoga Farmers’ Market can help make the transition easier with fresh, local foods that fit your family’s needs.

Lunchtime Made Simple

Packing school lunches is easier when you start with local ingredients. Choose from an abundance of crisp apples, juicy peaches, colorful peppers, and crunchy carrots to brighten any lunchbox. Pair them with locally baked breads for sandwiches, along with cheese, eggs, or locally raised meats that can be cooked ahead for a week’s worth of quick, fresh fillings. Don’t forget to top your sandwiches with farm-fresh lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, or micro-greens for extra flavor and nutrition. And when a little treat is in order, vendors offer homemade goods, granola, and other wholesome snacks kids will love.

Dinner Made Easy

Busy evenings call for meals that are quick and satisfying. Stock your kitchen with farm-fresh produce that make weeknight cooking simple. Pair them with pasture-raised chicken, pork, or beef for hearty, one-pan dinners. Eggs, cheeses, and dairy products from local farms are staples for easy breakfasts-for-dinner options.

Ready When You Are

Some nights, there’s simply no time to cook and that’s where the market really shines. Many vendors offer ready-to-eat meals. Add a loaf of fresh bread and you’ve got dinner on the table without lifting a pan.

Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, prepping weeknight meals, or grabbing dinner on the go, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is brimming with options to make your back-to-school transition smooth and delicious. 

Market News:

*Yoga at the Wednesday Market: Register: 518-584-0807 or 518-430-8360 

*Great Pumpkin Festival + Festival of Lanterns is Saturday Market on Saturday, September 27th at High Rock Park

*Howling Halloween is on Saturday, October 25th

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:

Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs