Tag Archives: baked goods

Spring like weather brings large crowd for Farm Fresh Food

FFM

Fresh picked mixed lettuces from Norton Family Farm

Isn’t it funny how the weather can affect your mood? Days of cold, cloudy weather can really bring you down, but when that first bright sunshiny day pops up, it’s amazing to see all the happy faces out and about. That’s the way it was this past Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market. There was a big bunch of people all over the place, talking, smiling and picking up some of the best in fresh food from local farms that you could ever find.  There were vegetables like sweet crunchy carrots and fresh lettuce for salads, along with sweet potatoes and herbs to spice things up a bit.

FFM

Fresh eggs and produce from the Somethin’ to do Farm

FFM

Sweet carrots from Norton Family Farm

FFM

A proud Grandma with her new twin baby girls!

FFM

Farm raised beef from River Cottage Farm

And then there were all types of soups, baked goods and sweets to take home.

FFM

Home baked pies from Pappa C Pies

FFM

Pretzels from BB’s Gourmet Pretzels

FFM

Sunshine cookies from Flying S Farm

FFM

Farm made preserves from Flyring S Farm

FFM

Hummus, pimento and chicken salads from Lucy’s Kitchen

FFM

Fresh baked breads from Twin Forks Farm

FFM

Home made Hummus from the Hummus Chick

All very delicious, but we’re anxiously waiting for the first real spring veggie to show up. There’s a whole lot of back and forth with the weather in March. It could be freezing cold one day and in the 70’s the next. But the official first day of spring is now just 3 days away and very soon, the first of the spring vegetables will be ripe and ready. We talked to all of the farmers at the market this past Saturday, asking about their spring crops. And after doing so, we’re betting that asparagus will be the first spring veggie to make an appearance at the market. Then again, broccoli or snow peas could surprise us and show up a bit early. But whichever one shows up first, it doesn’t matter. We’re just like you are…. Hungry for spring!

FFM No DogsSaturday was the perfect day to be outside walking the dog, so we understand why some folks brought their dogs with them to the market. Unfortunately, the Franklin Farmers Market is not the place for the dogs. As much as we love them ourselves, dogs are no longer allowed at the market due to health and safety concerns.  We’re asking everyone to please respect the market’s policy – don’t bring your pets to market!

That great sunshine on Saturday is the type of weather that makes you want to play in the dirt. We’re talking gardening. And we’re inviting your kids to play in the dirt and learn a little something about their food and the environment.  The class schedule for our Growing Kids Educational Garden is now posted on the Kids section of our website. Classes begin in April and are designed for kids from pre-k to 3rd grade. And the classes are free! It’s a great way for your kids to learn where their food really comes from, with hands-on fun in the garden. Click here to get details and sign up for classes. Learn to Grow – Grow to Learn!

FFM

Over 20 new signs from Tom the Furniture Guy

FFM

Judy’s homemade soups from Jones Mill Farm

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

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.

FFM

Butternut Squash from Kirkview Farm

FFM

Kirkview Farm Red Potatoes

FFM

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.

FFM

Fresh winter greens from Rocky Glade Farm

FFM

Fresh Spinach from Zadok the Natural Farmer

FFM

Home made cinnamon rolls from Lucy’s Kitchen

FFM

Lucy of Lucy’s Kitchen with fresh made soups

FFM

Fresh baked custom designed cookies from Flying S Farm

FFM

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.

FF<

Yum!  Maple Granola samples from Twin Forks

FFM

The popular “Princess” from Biscuit Love

FFM

Chubby Bunny organic baby food

FFM

Diggs Farm shelled pecans

FFM

Jones Mill Farm beef stew, chicken and pimento cheese salad

FFM

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.

FFM

A gathering in front of Bear Creek Farm

FFM

Fresh picked Kale and spaghetti squash from Kirkview Farm

FFM

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!

FFM

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

Christmas Shoppers buy up Winter Greens, Baked Goods and Artisan Crafts

FFM

Beautiful fresh produce from Paradise Produce

With the extremely windy weather, it’s a thousand wonders that spinach and other winter greens were not flying across the shed at the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday. It was a challenge for the farmers and artisans to get their booths set up and ready to go without blowing across the parking lot, but it was worth it as many people came out to do the last minute shopping for Christmas.

Lots of bundles of carrots and radishes, along with spinach, green onions and garlic were picked up to prepare special holiday dishes.

FFM

Sweet Tennessee Carrots from Paradise Produce

FFM

Fresh picked Green Onions from Gardner Grove

FFM

Organic Garlic, Radishes and Spinach from Delvin Farms

FFM

New Stone Ground Cornmeal and Grits from Beaverdam Creek Farm

And Beaverdam Creek Farm’s new stone-ground cornmeal and grits were very popular items too. Then there were all of the absolutely delicious baked goods. Flying S Farm special decorated holiday cookies were a big hit. So was the incredible Polish bread and Stollen from Jones Mill Farm and the special sweet pastries from Lucy’s Kitchen.

FFM

Fresh baked muffins from Lucy’s Kitchen…Hi Lucy!

FFM

Flying S Farms’ home baked Christmas Cookies

Lots of stocking stuffers were snatched up too, like the Totty’s Bend Farm Goat Soap and Creekbend Herbs lavender sachets. The beautiful jewelry from Rockin’ Robin was also picked up by many.

FFM

Totty’s Bend Goat Milk Soap

FFM

Hand made artisan jewelry from Baya Designs

FFM

Beautiful beaded necklaces from Rockin’ Robin

FFM

Soy candles in recycled hand cut wine bottles

FFM

Miniatures by Philip

FFM

Custom made signs from Tom the Barn Wood Sign Guy

FFM

Elevated Gardens for small and large places

FFM

Handcrafted artisan jewelry from Antlers

FFM

Wooden kitchen cutting boards from Cody’s Woodworks

Several people stopped by the info booth to ask what name has been given to the little calf at Triple L Ranch. He’s still without a name, but you can change that. Take a look at the top seven names chosen for the little fellow and vote for your favorite. We’ll announce the winning name for the calf on January 19th, so vote for his new name now by clicking here.

FFM

Local customer picking up their final CSA for 2013

And for those of you asking if we are taking off the weekend after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve, the answer is no. The Franklin Farmers Market will be open this upcoming Saturday and every Saturday throughout the winter (and summer!) for you. The only change will be the winter market hours in 2014. Saturday December 28th, the market will be open 8am – noon. In January, the winter market hours will change to 9am –noon.

Despite the windy weather, this past Saturday was a good day at the market. But perhaps the best thing of all was the many holiday hugs and Christmas greetings, making it a very special day. From our family to yours, we wish a very Merry Christmas!

 

Santa visits Children and Shops for Farm Fresh Vegetables

FFM

Fresh cabbage and garlic from Delvin Farms

From beets to carrots and sweet potatoes to spinach, there were plenty of winter veggies at the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday and people were stocking up for the big Christmas dinner.

FFM

Tasty winter greens from Zadock the Natural Farmer

You don’t have beets at Christmas? Why not? The winter veggies along with the meats and baked goods at the market can make your holiday meals a tasty present for your taste buds. For example, if you had picked up some beets, spinach, garlic, bacon and goat cheese while at the market, you could have created a roasted beet salad that is a true treat. We’re giving you a second chance.

FFM

The market’s “Eating in Season” cookbook is a great stocking stuffer for your favorite chef!

Click here to get that recipe and then make your shopping list for the market.

There was also a lot of shopping for presents at the market too.

Gifts such as beautiful jewelry from Baya Designs and Lovely Beads by Brenda; great barn wood holiday signs from Tom the Barn Wood Sign Guy and cute little “animal” purses made from felted wool sweaters along with stuffed ‘creatures’ from Upcycled Accessories could be found at the market on Saturday.

Lovely Beads by Brenda

Find unique gifts at the FFM

FFM

Tom the Barn Wood Sign Guy knows how to get Santa’s attention.

FFM

Unique jewelry from Baya Designs.

FFM

Expertly crafted gifts from Mark Alan Artisan Woods

There were also great stocking stuffers such as lavender sachets from Creekbend Herbs. You could have even bought a garden! Elevation Gardens’ whiskey barrel garden container with 10 different herbs would have made a terrific present for the green thumb or the chef in your family.

FFM

The Whiskey Barrel Herb Garden is perfect for the chef in the family.

FFM

Candles by Intoxicating Aromas

FFM

Gift certificates available from Peaceful Pastures

FFM

Beautifully detailed Miniatures by Philip

FFM

Enjoy organic grits from Beaverdam Creek Farm

FFM

Dogs love presents from Antlers!

FFM

Smile! It was a jolly good time with Santa.

It’s not too late to get the perfect gift, but time is running out. Get the Santa list together and head to the market. December 21st is the last day at the market before Christmas! Click here to see photos of all the great artisan gift ideas available now each Saturday at the FFM.

Speaking of Santa, the big man showed up at the market this past Saturday, bringing smiles and handing out jingle bells for all of the kids. Some were very excited to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas, while others were a bit shy. And then there were the big “kids” who sat on Santa’s lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas! Check out the Santa photos in the market photo gallery by clicking here.

Take a look at the calendar – Christmas is just around the corner, so make your list and check it twice, then head to the market this weekend for your last chance at great fresh food and unique presents for the holiday. You’ll find it all at the Franklin Farmers Market!

 

Farmers Delivering Winter Produce, Baked Goods and Artisan Crafts for Holiday’s

FFM

Over 50 coats and blankets were donated this past Saturday for the “Love Will Keep Us Warm campaign

It was more than what we hoped for and much more than what we expected. After all, this past weekend was the official start for the mad dash to the mall for holiday shopping, so it was great to see how many of you showed up at the market Saturday. But the real surprise was how many of you came bearing gifts such as warm blankets and coats; mittens, scarves and winter clothing. The number of donations made to the Love Will Keep Us Warm campaign was so large that another vehicle had to be called to come to the market and pick up the clothing and blankets for the charity.  Your generosity will help many people in our communities stay warm through the winter. But yet there are many more that need your help. Financial hardships such as losing a job can make something as simple as buying an extra blanket a tough thing to do. So if you missed coming to the market this past Saturday, you’ll get another chance to help your neighbors in need. The Love Will Keep Us Warm charity drive will continue at the Franklin Farmers Market this upcoming Saturday, December 7th. Please clean out your closets and gather your gently-used blankets, coats and winter clothing to donate. Share the warmth.

FFM

Jones Mill Farm fresh breads, jellies, jams and preserves

Saturday was a bright, sunny day which made it a great time to be at the market. There were a few farmers missing because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but overall there was a great selection of fresh food at the market. Lots of yummy winter veggies to snatch and absolutely delicious baked goods. Those huge muffins from Lucy’s Kitchen were going fast, along with BB’s Gourmet Pretzels which are perfect snacks for the weekend football games. The non-GMO popcorn from Gardner Grove Farms was also pretty popular. But there was none of the Norton Family Farm’s sweet treats or their famous tender lettuce and a lot of people were asking where they were. On the way to market early Saturday morning, Karen and Jim Norton had an unfortunate encounter with a deer. They’re both okay, but their vehicle was damaged, so they were unable to make it to the market. Don’t worry though lettuce lovers – they’ll be back this upcoming Saturday.

FFM

Kirkwood Farm Turnip Greens

FFM

Delvin Farms fresh picked Arugula

FFM

Beautiful fresh radishes from Zadok the Natural Farmer

By the way, the forecast for next Saturday is calling for some possible snow flurry action. Maybe it’s because the big man with the white beard is going to be at the market. Santa Claus will be coming to see you and find out just what’s on your Christmas list. Bring the kids out to see Santa! Saturday is also our holiday market, with lots of unique, cool gifts available from local artisans.

FFM

Miniatures by Philip carefully hand crafted

FFM

Hand Made Jewelry by Baya Designs

FFM

Hand Knitted Alpaca by Legacy Acres Alpaca Farms

FFM

Beautiful hand made pottery from V’s Pottery

FFM

Sensible holiday gifts hand made by Cody’s Woodwork

FFM

Upcycled Accessories provides hand made winter garments

So get the kids ready for Santa and get your holiday shopping list together – We’ll see you at the market!

Click here to view pictures from this past Saturday’s Market!

My Farm Fresh Breakfast this Labor Day Weekend

Free Range Chicken Eggs, Sourdough Rolls with Apple Jam and a slice of Heirloom Tomato and make for a mighty good farm fresh breakfast

Free Range Chicken Eggs, Sourdough Rolls with Apple Jam and a slice of Heirloom Tomato make for a mighty good farm fresh breakfast

We so enjoy our visits to the Franklin Farmers Market each Saturday morning eager to discover what our Tennessee Farmers have brought to market.  My favorite time of each weekend is to cook and enjoy the farm fresh produce, free range eggs, jams and preserves, heirloom tomatoes, fresh dairy butter and the all natural meats that don’t contain hormones or antibiotics.  I love the bolder flavors my taste buds get to experience when all my food is freshly picked and harvested.

This morning I was a little more excited about preparing breakfast because of what I found yesterday.  Judy of Jones Mill Farm had her first Fig preserves, I love Fresh Fig Preserves!  Now I have discovered one of those special finds-Judy had some Apple Jam.  OMG!!!

Apple Jam and Fig Preserves made fresh by Judy in her kitchen

Apple Jam and Fig Preserves made fresh by Judy in her commercial kitchen at Jones Mill Farm

Judy’s Apple Jam is the best Jam I’ve ever had.  The symphony of flavor created from her Apples, Brown Sugar, Lemons, Ginger, Cloves and Nutmeg sent my taste buds into a tasting celebration!  Such a wonderful balance of flavor and not overly sweet.  And of course the Fig preserves were outstanding as ever.

So here’s a few pictures of my simple quick breakfast using farm fresh free range eggs from West Wind Farm, I love the color and flavor from fresh free range chicken eggs.  And of course Judy’s sourdough rolls with the Apple Jam and Fig Preserves was just perfect to start my day!

ffm

West Wind Farms Free Range Eggs bring unexpected fresh flavor to scrambled eggs

Sourdough Rolls made from 100 year old sourdough darter with butter, free range eggs, water, honey, sea salt and yeast

Sourdough Rolls made from 100 year old sourdough starter with butter, free range eggs, water, honey, sea salt and yeast

Our Apple Jam is made with slices of farm fresh apples, brown sugar, lemons, ginger, cloves and nutmeg

Judy’s Apple Jam is made with slices of farm fresh apples, brown sugar, lemons, ginger, cloves and nutmeg

Fig Preserves on Sourdough Rolls are great for breakfast

Jones Mill Farm Fig Preserves on Sourdough Rolls are great for breakfast

ffm

Mission Complete…I’m ready for my day!

Please share a comment if you enjoy cooking with farm fresh produce, baked goods and locally raised natural meats from the Franklin Farmers Market.  Check out the pictures from Market Saturday’s.

Farmers Market Tomato Festival 2013 is this Saturday!

ffm

The Totally Terrific Tomat-OH! Contest

Forget about having four seasons. There are really only two – tomato season and not tomato season. No other vegetable exemplifies summer like a ripe, juicy tomato fresh from the garden. From salads to sauces, tomatoes can be found in almost every meal. The lyrics of the “Homegrown Tomato” song by Guy Clark says it all: “You can eat ‘em with eggs, you can ‘em with gravy, you eat ‘em with beans, pinto or navy.” So it’s only appropriate that we salute summer’s most popular veggie with TomatoFest at the Franklin Farmers Market.  On Saturday, July 27th, we pay homage to the tomato and celebrate its delicious flavor and versatility.

Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom Tomatoes

FFM

Salad Tomatoes

Tomato Seeds

Seed Saving Demonstration

Amerigo-Logo-newsletterPresented by Amerigo, TomatoFest features cooking demonstrations with tomatoes from the market’s farmers, samples of both heirloom and a variety of popular tomatoes, a tomato seed–saving class and the ultimate title for tomato greatness with the Totally Terrific Tomat-Oh! contest. With all of their incredible pasta and Italian dishes, the chefs of Amerigo are experts at creating dishes featuring fresh tomatoes.

FFM

Delvin Farm Organic Cherry Tomatoes

You’ll have the chance to watch and sample as Chef Stephen from the Cool Springs location of Amerigo prepares Panzanella Salad with heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella; fresh tomato Pomodoro Sauce over pasta and Tomato Jam served on crostini with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

FFM

Multi-colored Heirloom Tomatoes

You can taste the goodness of both heirloom and wide variety of tomato favorites during our taste-test demos too. Or learn more about sustainable agriculture through the seed saving demonstration from Zadock, the Natural Farmer.

FFM

Rocky Glade Farm Tomatoes

Pick up delicious tomato-based baked goods at the Franklin Farmers Market during TomatoFest, such as the Tomato Pie from Norton Family Farm. It’s the ultimate in yummy comfort food.

FFM

Sweet Cherry Tomatoes from Norton Family Farm

Don’t miss out on the special TomatoFest salsa and chips either, prepared by Amerigo from  the fresh ingredients of Allenbrooke Farms. And of course, the farmers at the market have the fresh, truly ripe tomatoes you crave. It’s a tomato-lover’s heaven… TomatoFest at the Franklin Farmers Market!

FFM

Jones Mill Farm specializes in Heirloom Tomatoes