where does your food come from?

Yesterday we were invited to Blue Gate Farm's Annual Ice Cream Social out on their family farm. 

According to their website; "Blue Gate Farm is the small, family operation of Jill Beebout & Sean Skeehan.  We are Certified Naturally Grown, producing healthy fruits & vegetables, free-range eggs, raw honey, and alfalfa hay.  We run a limited membership CSA and are regular vendors at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market.
This season we were able to join Jill and Sean's CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group and receive weekly boxes of their fresh produce, eggs and honey.  By season's end, we will have received about 20 deliveries.

Buying Fresh and Buying Local are two very important values for our family, so BFG is a perfect fit for us.  Having the opportunity to visit their farm and actually see the fields where our food is grown was very exciting and educational.  Oh yeah, and yummy . . . Jill made ice cream (vanilla, chocolate and goat cheese), chocolate zucchini brownies, pumpkin zucchini bread, herb and regular ice tea, and served up some of her Mom's cookies.

Jill and Luci beginning the tour of the fields with the herb garden.  Notice the 'blue gate'! 

The new storage/utility/all purpose shed.  They need use of the old one, so the new structure is being built around the old one.  Very creative!

Hey, that's our food out there in those fields . . . safely behind an electric fence to keep the predators out.

The farm also utilized two high tunnels in order to maximize their yields.

Happy Bees make Happy Honey! 

We were really lucky to interact with a 10 day old Nubbin goat from Reichert's Dairy Air; a neighboring goat farmer who makes fabulous artisan goat cheese products.  Ben and CJ were fast friends and explaining to Ben why we couldn't just 'take the kid goat' home was a toughie.

And here is dear Blue, the reason the farm is turkey vulture free.  Thank you Blue for all the hard work you do to keep the riff-raff out.

Other than the yucky heat and humidity, it was a fine day.  I am looking forward to the Fall Harvest Pot-Luck so I can spend some more time hanging out and learning about my beloved CSA.

love is . . .

Remember those old 'love is... ' cartoons?

Here is my version:

Yep!  Today our CSA hosted an ice cream social out at their farm for all of the 2011 members.  I was checking my email before heading out the door and I discovered a message sent by Jill, one of the owners.  The email contained detailed nutritional information (including carb counts!) for her homemade ice cream and chocolate zucchini brownies. 

How cool is that?! 

It's people like Jill who remind me of the 'good' in the world.

And, tomorrow, I will share photos and stories from our visit at the farm.

market day

Today Maddi and I woke up, grabbed the market cart and headed to the downtown Farmer's Market.  It was rainy and a little chilly, but that certainly didn't keep the crowds away.  The vendors are full of fresh spring veggies and beautiful flowers.  The smells of hot skillets full of breakfast goodness wafted through the air as we made our way down the middle of the court. 

new t-shirt, apron, goat cheese (chive feta, roasted red pepper and chipotle chevre), eggs (not pictured) and pak choi from BGF, and finally; radishes, spinach, onions and carrots from another vendor (oops, forgot to take notice of name)

After getting soaked by the rain, Maddi and I scooted up close to some buildings for shelter and were pleasantly surprised to find Market Days had moved! (inside the Kirkwood Hotel Building for local folks - across from Farm Boys Breakfast Burritos)  

Mads and I skipped into the building and enjoyed browsing the 20+ artisan booths.  I wish I could put into words the fabulousity of the creative ideas on display for sale in this building.  You simply must visit if you are in town and check it out for yourself. 

Remember this photo from last year?:

Just the most awshumness costume e-v-e-r!!!!  Mads and I walked over to a booth and after looking at the artist's creations, I just had to ask her if she was the woman behind the granny square monster creation . . . . YES!

May I introduce Meg Corcoran of scribblenest (the beautiful lady in black)

I absolutely love meeting and chatting with these one-of-a-kind artists.  I told Meg I wanted to spend a couple of days just hanging out in her brain so I feel what it was like to be so creative.  She laughed and told me it would be nice to have the company ;)

I have to admit, I was not completely in the mood to go shopping with my girl today.  Once I caffeine'd up and got in the car my spirits lifted.  Maddi started talking about how excited she was to see all the booths so she could get inspiration for new ideas.  Hanging out with Maddi is like a big blast of sunshine . . . . . you can't help but smile, nod and play along.  I am grateful to have spent the day browsing, buying, laughing, skipping and road-tripping along with my Maddi girl.

feast for the eyes

Just a few of the MANY vignettes of Autumnal colors and textures

Today, sadly, was the last day of the season for the Des Moines Farmers' Market.    I attended the first market of the year back in May and was excited to see the calendar clear to make it to the last one. 

I came prepared today with my roll along cart and handy dandy helper.

Just so we don't go into major market withdrawal, however, there will be a Winter Market held indoors at 400 Locust Street in downtown Des Moines.  Two dates are set; November 19th & 20th, and a final one on December 17th & 18th.

how cute is this design!

Maddi, Ellie and I had a fabulous time.  The air was a bit chilly, but the sun warmed the street and once we were in the crowds the cold didn't bother us. 

Our first stop was at Blue Gate Farms, our favorite supplier of the best homegrown veggies, eggs, honey and specialty jams and syrups on the planet.

Jill of Blue Gate with the famous chicken hat

From there the girls and I enjoyed all of the fabulous sights, sounds and smells of the market.  Today was a 'feast for the eyes' with many 2 legged and 4 legged costumes.

After we gathered our share of loot at the farmers' market, we walked on over to Market Days, a monthly gathering of some really talented artists who sell their wares in a downtown warehouse.

And, IF there was a contest for the best costume ever, and IF Maddi, Ellie and I could vote, THEN this next participant would win for sure ;)

An original (for sure) granny square afghan blanket monster. With pants, people!  And a removable head!  This photo seriously does not do it justice.

This Rockstar of a knitting artist was selling hats and scarves with felt and knitted animals/monsters/items sewed on.  Fabulousity!

Ellie sporting a red kitty cat

Mads with a blue blobby monster

Finally, to wrap up this 'feast for the eyes' post, allow me to present the most politically aware vehicle I have ever seen:

p.s. we successfully walked around for 2 hours, grabbing little samples along the way, and blood sugars remained stable throughout.  Woo-Hoo!!!!  Other than the break for a bs test and having to carry Ellie's emergency kit, it was almost like our pre-diabetes days.  Giggly, happy, cartwheeling girl!

national farmers market week

Did you know August 1st-7th of this year is National Farmers Market Week?  Apparently the Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas Vilsak ...... who also happens to be a former Governor to my fine state of Iowa, officially encouraged the people of the United States to celebrate the benefits of local, fresh produce. 

FINALLY, someone in a high falutin' position in Washington has their noggin screwed on right.   

What's a proud citizen like myself to do?

You know it.  Grab my (new and fancy and oh so cool) grocery cart, along with the handsome man who purchased it for me, and head on down to the market.  Party on.

1.  Ciabatta (sans olives) from la mie

2.  Colorado rose potatoes from Grinell Heritage Farms and purple fingerling's from Westrum Produce

3.  suyo long cucumber, burpless cucumbers, eggs, wildflower honey, elderflower syrup and cherry tomatoes from BGF

4.  vidalia onions from ......... some sweet older man with a stand

5.  banana peppers from Crooked Gap Farm

6.  my favorite soap in all the world: Herbal Harmony made by Karla Moore and sold by Prairieland Herbs

7.  concord grape jelly from Victoria's Table because Ben really only likes grape jelly on his pb&j's.

what I have time for

I seem to only have time for a quick post of the Farmer's Market today.  Between the kids on the computer and cousins visiting and outdoor play a priority, I have missed being able to have my quiet time in this space.  Oh well, soon enough school will start up and I will be back to my regular musings.  Lucky you! ::wink::

•  BGF - Eggs, Lemonade, regular cucumbers and a Japanese variety called Suyo Long (thank you Jill! Oh, and the flavor was bright and crisp and so very clean on the tongue) Lavender syrup and Lemon Balm (correction from lemongrass earlier stated)  syrup for my fruity herb iced teas (so yummy) Chariton, Iowa

•  Dirty Gertie goat milk soaps in Georgia Peach, Herbal Garden, Peppermint and Pineapple scents Laurel, Iowa

• Vander Ploeg pretzel bread Pella, Iowa

•  Coyote Run Farm garlic braid  Lacona, Iowa

• Emmack Farms green beans and tomatoes  Colfax, Iowa

• Farm Boys Hearty Food breakfast burritos  Prescott, Iowa

• Ebert honey Lynnville, IA

 All purchases made today were locally produced anywhere from 26 - 96 miles away from Ankeny, Iowa.

Beautiful stand display Foxhollow Farm

I ::think:: this is the Everett produce stand.  I took the photo because I love their pretty set-up, but missed getting their sign in the frame!

Maddi, Cousin Jenny and Ellie enjoying the Farm Boys breakfast burritos!

I was very impressed with Maddi for purchasing this flower hair band.  She usually doesn't go for something this feminine.  The vendor was local, but again, missed the name.

berries make it better

First of all, thank you to everyone who commented here, or sent me an email, or responded to my facebook thread, or called me to let me know you were thinking of us all in our time of sadness.  It means so much to have friends and family understand how much a pet can be a special part of our lives and truly empathize with us when we feel so empty with the loss.  We are all doing better thanks to your support.

And, it seems I have stumbled upon a way to brush away the blues of bereavement ........ berry picking.

So it seems the combination of getting out in nature, awing in God's creation, walking along the hillside and harvesting such a wonderful fruit has a healing effect beyond wholesome fun and nutrition.

We invited a couple of friends to come along and pick to their hearts desire; which, unfortunately, wasn't long enough to fill the buckets to brimming. 

Red Raspberry Bushes 

And, can you believe it?  One of the girls had never tasted a real raspberry or blueberry; let alone one popped straight from the bush.  She had experienced the 'flavor' of the fruits in artificially flavored foods, but was nervous about the texture and 'dirtiness' (Ha!) of the fresh while berries.  It took some gentle prodding by my part (placing a plump blueberry in her palm and telling her to take her time) and peer pressure from the others until I heard a *gasp* and an *oh!* and turned just in time to see the smile on her face as she closed her eyes to fully experience the burst of flavor.  YES ....... a new 'whole food' convert!

These two little pickers went to town on the blueberry bushes. 

We also harvested some of the last sour cherries from the trees, and they are neatly washed and packed in the freezer for use in a pie ....... or syrup ....... or jam ....... or something else equally as yummy as soon as the kids get back to school and I have my kitchen time again. 

Another 'educational moment' popped up when I had to explain the cherries grew on vines, not trees.  They have pits, and are SOUR.  Oops, too late for that last tidbit of information as I noticed the pursed lips of my boy as he discovered the news for himself.  One girl commented she was expecting the cherries to be like the bright red maraschinos her mom bought at the store.  Sometimes discovery is not all that 'fabulous'.

 

The raspberries were so soft and ripe, they barely made it home without crushing themselves into a paste.  I decided to finish off the smashing with my hands and carefully spooned the slush into ice cube trays.  I hope to use these raspberry cubes in smoothies, but also hope to try out popping a few cubes into a lemon-lime soda and see what deliciousness occurs.

Here are the beautiful frozen berry cubes fresh from their molds.  I can only imagine the yummy flavor and nutritional goodness these will add to a recipe.  The color is AMAZING!

Emily found the perfect spot to rest her weary limbs.  And the view of the beautiful weeping willow tree kept her in this spot until I threatened driving away without her.

Thank you Berry Patch Farm for bountiful buckets of beautiful berries!

anticipation

Saturday mornings have become a time I anticipate all week long; ........ or long week ..... or long day now that the kids are on summer break.  Saturday morning is M-E time.  Time to go and collect my local bounty at a farmer's market or browse a grocery store for new products.  I can choose to be alone (not lonely) or bring along a friend, or even one of my kiddos if I feel like it.  Heck, I may even decide to drag invite Dave along if I think he will behave and not make fun of my oooooooohing and aaaaaaaaaaahing.

This Saturday morning I chose to go it solo.  What a beautiful day!  Even at 7:15am the crowds were thick and noisy.  Not my preference, but I will share the space if dog noses stay out of my bags and people's elbows out of my face. (This is why I do not like crowds.  Being vertically challenged leaves me with NO view and lots of bony body parts knockin' my noggin)

Even with these many shoppers, I was still excited to get in there and find my favorite vendors and products.

 

(left to right, back row to front row)

• sprouted sunflower seeds from Fresh (consumed a wheatgrass shot while there)
• mozerella from .......... shoot, I forgot
• mint syrup from BGF
• salad greens from Grinnell Heritage Farm
• kefir milk from Campbell's Nutrition, CN, (went there after the market)
• Nourishing Traditions book from CN (I have wanted this book for MONTHS!)
• feta from Northern Prairie Chevre (so sorry to Reicharts, who I normally give my business, but was not at the market today)
• honey roasted peanut butter ..... again with the forgetting
• BGF "Best Ever" oatmeal cookies
• dough enhancer for my homemade breads (reduces spoilage) from CN
• wheat berries from CN (playing with sprouting)
• buy fresh buy local magnet.  Have you pledged yet?  Their email newsletter is AWESOME.
• basil from BGF
• Mrs. Meyers Basil scented hand soap from CN.  *love* this scent.

Even though it is now July and sooooooo much more produce is in season, I took a little break this week and purchased some more 'wants' verses 'needs'.  I plan to hit another local farmer's market later this week (Urbandale's at Living History Farms) and grab some in season veggies and fruits.  Anyone care to join me?

sometimes you have to look closely

My family, and our 'peeps' in the know, always enter our home by walking up on the back deck and sliding open the back door.  We do this mainly because of the set-back and detached garage.  It just makes sense to hop out of the car and take the path of least resistance ....... especially when weighted down with groceries and screaming smiling kids.   

As you step up on the deck, you can catch a glance of the backyard and one of the vegetable gardens.  Usually I enjoy the view and take an extra moment to scan the progress of the plants and make mental note of any hearty weed patches to attack at a later time.  Lately, however, I have found myself dropping my chin to my chest while making a bee-line for the door.  The above average rain totals coupled with abundant storm activity have left my yard and garden patches a swampy mess.  Nothing I, or anyone else, would want to stop and admire.

When I woke up this morning, squinting at the rays of sunlight bursting through the window, I decided I would grab my camera and head out to the gardens and purposely look for the pretty ......... sometimes you have to look closely.

The colors and textures never cease to amaze me. 

We have never planted corn, so I was quite surprised to see a root system (brace roots - I Googled it) above ground.  So interesting!

 

The wind blows ever so gently and the anthers (Google again)
shimmy and shake.

Roma tomatoes this year ...... hoping to make some salsa!

 

These cherry tomatoes will barely ripen before the nimble fingers of my children will pluck them from the vine and pop them into their mouth

 

Look!  It's a teeny tiny pepper!

A cucumber blossom ...... the ONLY pretty part of the plant (I really dislike the fuzzy, prickly stems)

 

This delicate white blossom will make way for a lovely long green bean. 

 

Another cherry tomato plant, but this one is in a container on the back deck.  I think this photo is funny because you don't expect to see a minivan as the backdrop.

Today I looked at my gardens, closely, and started to smile about it again.

new bling

I am not one to adorn myself with much jewelry, preferring to stick with basics.  Lucky husband!  Don't get me wrong ..... I love diamonds and gems and all things pretty; but mainly I like to see them on other people.  Me, not so much.  'Plain Jane' in the jewelry department describes me best.

I am one, however, to support local artisans in their talents and I did just that on Saturday at the Ankeny Farmer's Market.  I have been admiring the bibbles and baubles of Wendy Rains all year long, as she was Ben's kindergarten teacher (and a totally fabulous one at that!) and was always decorated in her latest designs.  As I worked in the classroom more and got to know Wendy, I discovered she is a very talented glass artist and sells her wares in various local markets.

You can find Wendy and photos of some of her work on her facebook page, as well as a summer schedule of events where she will be showing and selling her artwork. Once you see and touch and feel her jewelry you will want to snatch one up for yourself, then maybe grab a few for friends and family. 

What can be better than looking good and supporting a local teacher and artist?!

Wendy will be mad at me for posting this photo, but I just love how happy she is and how her hair is flying up and making a heart shape.  Do you see it?! 

Forgive me please, pretty please Wendy!

close to home

This week's farmer's market trip was spent close to home.  Since I visited 2 other local markets during the week, I thought I should save on gas and stay local.

Veggies:  green onions, garlic braid and kohlrabi

Herbs:  cilantro

Fruits:  tomatoes

Meats:  fryer chicken

Treats:  honey glazed snack mix & honey candy (3 Bee Farms)

Handmade Goods: 2 crochet top kitchen towels

I also purchased some jewelry, but I will save photos and description of those pieces until another day.  For now, I am going to go outside and enjoy this rare rain free day!!!!

free shower

This week I turned the volume of my alarm on LOUD so I could get up and out the door for my weekly fix visit to the Farmer's Market.  This week Rebecca braved the torrential downpour with me as we floated from booth to booth.  I felt sooooooo bad for the vendors who lost their produce and products to the nasty weather.  Everyone get out there next week and buy fresh, buy local to make up for the losses!!!!!!

The rain didn't stop me from stocking up on:

• Eggs (BGF)
• Feta (RDA)
• Green Onions
• Rainbow Swiss Chard (BGF)
• Asparagus (Ankeny Market)
• Garlic Scapes (BGF)
• Peas
• Confetti Quinoa (Paul's)
• Blue Cheese Crumbles for Sara (Maytag)
• Sunshine Granola (Paul's)
• Honey (Rinehart Family Farms)
• Kohlrabi (Ankeny Market)

What will I DO with everything?  Glad you asked.

- The eggs will appear in baked goods as well as either a frittata or breakfast burritos.

- The feta, swiss chard and green onions will glorify my daily lunch salads.  I may also use the greens to make green smoothies.

- The bowl of peas will serve as a side dish to dinner tonight, as long as I can keep everyone from grabbing them as they walk through the kitchen.

- Garlic Scapes.  We will try this fun green in a pesto and serve it over noodles.  Maybe even as a veggie dip. Right now they are in water and adorning my kitchen table as a centerpiece

- The confetti Quinoa will be cooked in chicken broth and served with grilled pork or grilled chicken.

- The Maytag blue cheese crumbles will be inhaled by Sara; my guess by Thursday ;)

- Sunshine Granola will be my little treat to munch on throughout the week.  Hear that, family?????

- Honey is my new sweetener.  I am trying to move away from refined white sugar and artificial sweeteners.  Loving the taste it is adding to my breads!

- The kohlrabi is for my hubby, who loves to slice it and eat it raw or dipped in a little blue cheese salad dressing.

Are you hungry yet?