Snow covered Franklin Farmers Market sign

First, we say thanks to everyone who came out to the Franklin Farmers Market during the recent blizzard. Okay, we’re exaggerating, but the snow did fall during the first hour of the market this past Saturday. Of course, that made munching on a warm sweet treat from Ellie’s Old Fashion Doughnuts or Crêpe A Diem’s Bacon Bella crêpe even better. And when it’s a cold winter’s day, it’s just natural to crave comfort foods, like a warm bowl of homemade soup or fried chicken and biscuits. That’s why River Cottage Farm’s chickens were so popular, along with homemade breads from Jones Mill Farm.

Charlie Hatcher enjoying a crepe

This little one was bundled up tight between Mom and Dad

Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnuts hot and fresh

Lucy’s Kitchen soups ready for you tummy

Jones Mill fresh baked breads are great with farm made soups

Even though the winter veggies at the market are tasty and fresh, some of you are getting a little anxious for warmer weather and the garden goodies that go with it.  Everyone’s a little hungry for spring, but we do have a solution to getting the most out of winter veggies and liven things up for your taste buds.  Just be a little creative. Use your imagination and prepare the carrots, cabbage, squash or other winter vegetables in different ways. From soups to salads, main dishes and even desserts, you can find recipes for hundreds of different ways to prepare winter veggies.

Hummus Chick Hummus is always fresh from her kitchen

Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese are provided by Moonshadow Farm

Jones Mill Flourless Chocolate Cake with a touch of Expresso

Jones Mill chicken salad and pimento salad are fresh made right from Judy’s kitchen

Tennessee Free Range Eggs from Pilgrims Produce

Farm Ground Corn Meal and Grits from Beaverdam Creek Farm

To get you started, we’ve got a recipe for you. Pick up some butternut squash and carrots on your next trip to the Franklin Farmers Market and prepare this special Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup. It’s mouthwatering delicious!

Tennessee Maple Syrup from Pilgrims Produce

And here’s something else to put on the list when you come back to the market – Tennessee maple syrup. That’s right – it’s Tennessee maple syrup, not Vermont or Canada. It is lip-smacking delicious for pancakes and waffles, but don’t dilly-dally about picking up a bottle. Pilgrims Produce Farm only tapped about 20 gallons of maple syrup this year, so it going to go quickly!

And finally, here’s another thought about spring – it’s time to get the kids in the garden. Look for information on the Growing Kids Educational Garden at the end of February. It’s a delicious way for kids to learn more about food, nutrition and the environment. Think Spring! And don’t forget to check out Saturday’s market day pictures.

Lucy’s Kitchen Muffins always fresh baked

Catherine of Flying S Farms delivering an order of Valentine Day Cookies

Beaverdam Creek Soap