Category Archives: Market Saturday News

Warm Sunshine Delivers Smiles and Fresh Farm Food

February 24, 2014

Charlie Hatcher of Hatcher Family Dairy helping a young Mom with some milk to her vehicle

It all adds up – sunshine plus good fresh farm food equals happy people. For proof of that theory, all you needed to do was come to the farmers market this past Saturday. Everyone was in a good mood. There were plenty of yummy fresh veggies, such as beets and squash. Maple syrup was another favorite and everyone was looking for those blue eggs. And there were big smiles all over the place. Of course, eating sweet doughnuts or munching on muffins while roaming the market played a role in keeping those smiles coming, but we think the bright sunshine and warm temperatures were a big part of it too.

Fresh made muffins from Lucy’s kitchen

Fresh winter squash from Kirkview Farm

Tennessee Maple Syrup from Pilgrims produce

Fresh made crepes from Crepe A Diem

The Lee clan from Triple L Ranch was out in full force on Saturday

LeeAnn of Bear Creek helping some customers with their Tennessee Beef selection

Beaverdam Creek Farm CSA program is in full swing!

During the day, someone asked us about three little letters that are popping up now in the farm booths all over the market. Those three letters are C-S-A, which is the nickname for community supported agriculture. A CSA gives you a weekly share of whatever the farm has harvested all through the growing season and now is the time to sign up for a CSA. Many of the farmers at the market, such as Delvin Farms, Beaverdam Creek Farm and West Wind Farms have CSA programs. Next time you’re at the market, ask your favorite farmer if a CSA is available to get the best in fresh food straight from their farm every week.

A young market customer taking a picture of a custom home from Miniatures by Phillip

Peaceful Pastures farm made soaps

Farm Fresh Goat Cheese from Noble Springs Dairy

Taking home some barn wood signs from Tom the Furniture Guy

Our new Corporate Sponsor for 2014, owner Greg Brown of Ford Lincoln of Franklin with LIsa, Deb and Hank Sr of Delvin Farms

And finally, we welcomed a new member to the market family last Saturday. We’re happy to announce that Ford Lincoln of Franklin is a sponsor of the Franklin Farmers Market. The market is a 501 c 5 non-profit agricultural organization and with sponsors such as Ford Lincoln of Franklin, we are able to help local farms to keep growing. Our thanks to Ford Lincoln of Franklin for their support – Welcome to the FFM family!

You can visit pictures from Saturday’s market by clicking here.

6th Grade Science Honor Students want to Improve the Environment

February 24, 2014

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You can learn a lot of things at the Franklin Farmers Market like what an heirloom vegetable is or what a does a “pastured” chicken mean. But this past Saturday at the market, you could also learn how to change the world and make it a better place to live. The 6^th grade honors science class students from Freedom Intermediate School were at the market to share information on how to make a difference in the environment. The students also had important info to share about radon gas and why we should all worry about the future of bees.

Radon, the Silent Killer Exhibit

Their teacher, Barbara Orr explains:

The benefits of Rain Gardens

The students’ info and presentation were a part of the Siemens Discovery Education “We Can Change the World Challenge”, a national environmental sustainability competition for students. Through project-based lessons, students learn about science and conservation while creating sustainable environmental improvements in their communities. From wind energy to rain gardens and much more, the students of Freedom Intermediate School taught us a lot this past weekend. We think their “We Can Change the World” project definitely earned an A-plus!

How wind turbines operate

The benefits of E-waste

New Winter Vegetables, Fresh Made Soups, Muffins and Breads!

February 17, 2014

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A foodie’s dream – that pretty much sums up how things were at the Franklin Farmers Market last Saturday. Think about it – there were lots of winter vegetables, like butternut squash and potatoes, perfect for tasty, warm soups.

Butternut Squash from Kirkview Farm

Kirkview Farm Red Potatoes

Rocky Glade customer picking up fresh veggies

There were tender cuts of beef, chicken and other meats to take home. There were healthy greens too and great fresh breads, muffins and other delicious baked goods.

Fresh winter greens from Rocky Glade Farm

Fresh Spinach from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Home made cinnamon rolls from Lucy’s Kitchen

Lucy of Lucy’s Kitchen with fresh made soups

Fresh baked custom designed cookies from Flying S Farm

Enjoying one of Jay’s Chicago style hotdogs

Great dairy products, such as butter, cream and the best-tasting chocolate milk ever could be found at the market. Warm donuts, yummy Chicago-style hot dogs and delicious crepes could be munched on while strolling around the market too.

Yum! Maple Granola samples from Twin Forks

The popular “Princess” from Biscuit Love

Chubby Bunny organic baby food

Diggs Farm shelled pecans

Jones Mill Farm beef stew, chicken and pimento cheese salad

Moonshadow free range eggs

And fresh eggs in different shades of color…. There was even a blue egg! Definitely a food lover’s paradise!

One of the best things about the Franklin Farmers Market is getting to know the farmers. Know your farmer, know your food and the market gives you the perfect opportunity to do so. For example, do you know where the lettuce you’ll find in a grocery comes from? Think about it – it’s a guessing game at the grocery. At the market, you know where the food comes from. Talk to the farmers about what they grow or raise on their farms. Ask them about the varieties of vegetables and fruits they have or how they raise their cattle. And check out the farmers profile section of the market’s website for more info on the farms by clicking here.

A gathering in front of Bear Creek Farm

Fresh picked Kale and spaghetti squash from Kirkview Farm

Tie Dye shirts from Pieceful Worlds Clothing

No matter that Saturday was a little chilly. Lots of sunshine made it all worthwhile to visit the market.

We love to see the smiling faces at the market each week and we make a big effort to capture each smile for our photo gallery.

Did we catch you smiling at the market this past Saturday? Click here and take a look. (insert photo gallery link)

And finally, thanks to everyone who visits the market, whether it’s cold and wet weather or a sunny, perfect day. When you come to the Franklin Farmers Market, you are supporting Middle Tennessee family farms.

Thank you!

A Lucy’s Kitchen cinnamon roll bring a smile to a young market visitor

Winter Produce, Canned Goods, Fresh Baked Food and Tennessee Maple Syrup!

February 10, 2014

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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

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup Recipe

February 10, 2014

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Farm fresh carrots from Paradise Produce

Butternut squash from Kirkview Farm

Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup

3 cups of peeled and diced butternut squash (approx. 1 small squash).
2 cups of thinly sliced carrots (approx. 4 medium size carrots).
¾ cup thinly sliced leek or chopped onion.
1 tbsp. butter or margarine.
2 14 ½ ounce cans of reduced sodium chicken broth.
¼ tsp. of ground white pepper.
¼ tsp. of ground nutmeg.
¼ cup of half and half or light cream.

In a large covered saucepan cook squash, carrots, and leek in hot butter over medium heat about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 25 to 35 minutes or until vegetables are very tender. Cool slightly.

Place one-third of the squash mixture in a food processor or blender. Cover and process or blend until almost smooth. Repeat with remaining squash mixture. Return all of the mixture to saucepan. Add white pepper and nutmeg; bring just to boiling. Add half-and-half; heat through. If desired, garnish each serving with crème-fraiche, pumpkin seeds, and/or fresh tarragon.

Farmers Market Customers Enjoy Warm Sunshine and Fresh Food

February 3, 2014

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We were blessed with warm Sunshine on Saturday!

After a month of bone-chilling winter weather, suddenly everything changed for the farmers market. Sunshine and a high in the mid-60’s on the first day of February! Weird but wonderful weather for the month that’s typically the coldest of the year and it made it a great day to be at the Franklin Farmers Market. Lots of folks came out to get the best in fresh food and to soak up the sunshine with the farmers and vendors at the market. We saw lots of crunchy carrots and yummy apples from Kirkview Farm being snatched up and delicious sweet treats from the Norton Family Farm too. Those dried shitake mushrooms from Gardner Grove Farm were a hit. So were the Heirloom Tomato soup from Jones Mill Farm and the Potato Gouda Dill soup from Lucy’s Kitchen. Even the little ones got a taste of extra-special yummy food to take home with the fresh organic baby food from Chubby Bunny.

Kirkview Farm Apples

Carrots, Butternut Squash and Kale from Kirkview Farm

Dried Shitake Mushrooms from Gardner Grove

Carrots and other produce from Zadok The Natural Farmer

Valentine cookies from Flying S Farm

Heirloom Tomato Soup from Jones Mill Farm

Geraldine’s Greatest Chess Pies

Hatcher Family Dairy

Jams, Jellies, Preserves and Breads from Jones Mill Farm

Biscuit Love uses locally sourced foods

And despite their recent status as TV stars, the Biscuit Love crew was at the market too. They were featured in a recent segment on NBC’s Today show called “Marketing Makeover” that helps worthy small companies to keep growing and thriving. The thing we like best about the Biscuit Love Truck is that they use local and seasonal ingredients from such farms as Beaverdam Creek, Bloomsbury Farm and Bear Creek. We don’t think they were giving out autographs this past Saturday at the market, but they were serving up scratch made biscuit sandwiches like the East Nasty, with buttermilk fried chicken, cheddar cheese and sausage gravy.

Hand made by Miniatures by Phillip

Chubby Bunny Organic Baby Foods

And finally, there were a lot of parents on Saturday asking about gardens. When will tomatoes be back in season? When will strawberries be available? What about green beans? The farmers do have all the answers for you, but then so could your kids. How? By being a part of the FFM’s Growing Kids Educational Garden classes. It’s all about teaching kids about where their food really comes from and what it takes to get it from the garden patch to the table. There are lots of new features this year’s program, which gets underway in April. Details on classes and how to sign up will be released at the end of February in the market’s newsletter and website.

Go Farm Fresh for Super Bowl Sunday Snacks

January 27, 2014

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Kirkview Farm fresh cabbage, carrots, squash and potatoes

Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market was windy and chilly; Sunday was sunny and very pleasant and today we’re back to shivering and freezing. At least the weather hasn’t kept our farmers from growing tasty winter vegetables for you.

We saw a lot of people taking home goodies like cabbage and carrots, beets and winter squash from such farms as Delvin Farms, Paradise Produce and Kirkview Farm.

Delvin Farm organic cabagges

Paradise Produce winter greens, carrots and beets

Flying S Farm Supper Bowl Cookies…Place you order now!

And many of you are already thinking Super Bowl Sunday snacks. There were plenty of folks stopping to sample the tasty goodies from BB’s Gourmet Pretzels which are perfect for munching in front of the TV. And did you see Flying S Farms’ Super Bowl cookies? Too cool!

Goat cheese from Noble Springs Dairy is also a good choice to make delicious snacks for football days.

Goat cheeses from Noble Spring Farms

Organic Salza from Delvin Farms for Super Bowl Sunday

Fresh made kitchen salads and pimento cheese spread from Lucy’s Kitchen

Lucy’s homemade soups

Hot biscuit sandwiches from Biscuit Love

Of course, when the weather is cold like it has been this month, there are some delicious ways to stay warm at market.

There are the hot delicious biscuit sandwiches from Biscuit Love, sweet warm treats from Ellie’s Old Fashion Doughnuts and the absolute best homemade rolls with Triple L Sausage patties from Jones Mill Farms.

Muffins and cinnamon rolls from Lucy’s Kitchen

Home baked cookies from Flying S Farm

Fresh made Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnuts

Hand knitted Alpaca Fleece garments from Legacy Acres

But the other big hit at the market this past Saturday had nothing to do with food. Legacy Acres Alpaca Farm booth was the place to be. Alpaca fleece is very soft and extremely warm. All the hats, gloves, scarves and other Alpaca goodies from Legacy Acres can make a chilly day downright pleasant.

All in all, this January is the coldest we’ve had in a long time but that hasn’t stopped the smiles at the market every Saturday. Take a look at the market’s photo gallery and see if we caught you or someone you know smiling at the market. Our thanks to you for coming out on chilly days to the FFM and supporting Tennessee farmers!

You can visit our Saturday market photos to see who was at market.

Everyone’s best friend was a propane heater on Saturday!

Baby Calf has a Name and Farmers bring Farm Fresh Produce to Market

January 20, 2014

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It was another cold day at the FFM

Mother Nature has been a bit grumpy and unpredictable this winter. The chilly wind blowing through the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday was proof of that. It’s the sort of weather that calls for a good dose of comfort food and that’s what everyone was getting at the market. Instant warm-ups, like those hot doughnuts from Ellie’s Old Fashion Doughnuts or Jones Mill Farm’s sourdough rolls with Triple L Sausage definitely qualified as comfort food. So did the hot chocolate from Ridiculous Chocolate and warm freshly prepared cornbread, made with Beaverdam Creek Farm’s special mill stone ground cornmeal.

Warm doughnuts and hot coffee from Ellie’s

Stone Ground Cornmeal and Grits from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Veggies, like potatoes and cabbage to make homemade soups. Great meats, like a chuck roast for a warm delicious meal.

Organic Cabbage from Delvin Farms

Delvin Farms Organic Potatoes

Tender tasty fresh beef from Bear Creek Farm

Homemade soups from Lucy’s Kitchen

Kenny’s Cheeses from Moonshadow Farm

And the vivid orange carrots and green Brussels sprouts offered a little tease of spring with their bright colors.

Garlic, Turnips and Tomato Sauce from Delvin Farms

Winter Squash from Delvin Farms

Delvin Farms Brussels Sprouts

Here’s a question for you: You don’t see any flowers growing or green leaves on trees, so how do vegetables grow during the winter? We overheard that very question being asked at the market this past Saturday. Are those veggies grown somewhere else in warmer weather and then shipped in to Tennessee? The answer to that question is no. Some vegetables, such as cabbage grow much better in cooler weather. But when the weather gets a little cold, row covers and hoop houses go over the top of the plants to protect them. The coverings help the plants to get a little more warmth from the sun and protection from frost too. So what you see in the FFM during the winter really is grown on a local farm.

Call me Buttermilk!

And finally, the voting is over and the little calf at Triple L Ranch is no longer without a name. Say hello to Buttermilk. The top seven names in the Name the Calf contest were Ollie, Jasper, Ace, Leo, Oliver, Bartholomew and Buttermilk. Who submitted the winning name? It was actually Ann Lee of Triple L Ranch. Ann put the name Buttermilk in the poll as a little joke, because the calf is neither a heifer nor a dairy cow. But that kind of backfired, because Buttermilk was voted as the favorite name for calf. The runner-up in the contest was the name Bartholomew, which was submitted by Savana Stroud. So the Lee family has awarded the prize of a day at the Triple L Ranch to Savana. Our thanks to everyone who voted in the Name the Calf contest!

The Franklin Farmers Market is community driven Saturday morning farmers market bringing together the best local farmers in the state of Tennessee. Visit our photo gallery and farmer profiles to learn more about Tennessee farm fresh produce and meats.

Fresh lettuces from Paradise Produce

Farm fresh eggs from River Cottage

Sunshine brings out Tennesseans for Winter Farm Fresh Foods!

January 13, 2014

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Sunshine brought happy smiles from everyone at the market on Saturday!

Sunshine, smiling faces and the best in farm fresh foods from local farms – there’s not a better way to start the day and that’s what type of day it was at the market this past Saturday. What a difference a week can make! No more nasty polar vortex weather to deal with and that brought lots of happy people out the FFM. Quite a few of our farmers sold out of their fresh winter produce.

Brussels sprouts and cabbage, colorful carrots and potatoes were going home with smiling customers as well as baskets of fresh apples.

Paradise Produce

Pilgrims Produce

Kirkview Farm

Farm Fresh Veggies for the week is a good thing

Kirkview Farm still has crisp sweet apples!

Fresh baked goods, grits, eggs, pecans and tender local beef, pork and chicken – it was all at the market Saturday. And we spotted some of you taking home fresh green kale for salads or maybe to make that crazy good kale fudge pops recipe we told you about last week.

Lucy of Lucy’s Kitchen enjoying the sun

Tennessee pecans from the Diggs Family Farm

Flying S Farm sweet treats

Homemade soups from Lucy’s Kitchen

Organic locally made baby food by Chubby Bunny

Speaking of recipes, some of you have been asking about the market’s Eating in Season cookbook and where you can get a copy of it. The cookbook booth is on winter break, but you can still pick up a copy of Eating in Season at the market. You’ll find the cookbooks at the Norton Family Farm booth. And while you are there, pick up some of the Norton’s famous fresh lettuce or delicious baked goods, like Karen Norton’s fantastic biscotti – perfect with a fresh cup of coffee!

And finally, we also spotted quite a few of you stopping by to ask the folks at Triple L Ranch about the name of their new four-legged family member. But they don’t know, because voting for the calf’s name isn’t over with yet. This Saturday, January 18^th the polls will close, so you need to get your vote in now and pick the name for the little fellow. Should he be named Bartholomew or is Jasper a better name? What about Ollie or Buttermilk? You make the choice. Vote now!

The Franklin Farmers Market is community driven Saturday morning farmers market bringing together the best local farmers in the state of Tennessee. Visit our photo gallery and farmer profiles to learn more about Tennessee farm fresh produce and meats

An excited market customer buying her first Miniature by Phillip, hand crafted by a local artisan

Custom barn wood signs by Tom the Furniture Guy

Folk art on a sunny day

Muffns from Lucy’s Kitchen brings a smile

We’re just happy to be at the market!

Hatcher’s Chocolate Milk

Nothing sweeter than local honey from Johnson’s Honey Farm. Great for hot winter drinks!

Kale Fudge Pops Recipe

January 9, 2014

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These rich, indulgent kale fudge pops have a nice fiber content thanks to a hearty dose of kale. Why is fiber so important? Getting adequate fiber can lead to flatter abs and clearer skin. Fiber also helps to maintain the balance of healthy bacteria in your intestinal tract, which promotes immunity.

Serves 8

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
2 cups warm water
1 cup torn kale leaves

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients except kale and add the warm water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and thick. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Place kale in a blender and blend until very smooth. Stir the kale into the chocolate mixture and divide evenly among 8 ice pop molds and insert ice pop sticks.

Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. Your kale fudge pops will keep for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container in the freezer.

The Franklin Farmers Market is community driven Saturday morning farmers market bringing together the best local farmers in the state of Tennessee. Visit our photo gallery and farmer profiles to learn more about Tennessee farm fresh produce and meats.