Tag Archives: Turnips

What the Farmers Market has for your Thanksgiving Shopping List

November 21, 2013

Thanksgiving gives us the chance to eat ourselves silly, with a big spread of delicious food. So get ready to pig out! Make those yummy holiday recipes with healthy fresh produce, meats and dairy from the Franklin Farmers Market and you’ll feel a little less guilty about stuffing yourself this Thanksgiving.

Triple L Ranch great tasting hen right out of the oven!

Saturday will be a day of Families doing their Thanksgiving shopping

Here’s a handy shopping list of some of the goodies you’ll find from the farmers at the market this Saturday to create the best Thanksgiving dinner ever.

Beets – delicious roasted with honey!
Broccoli – a broccoli casserole hits the spot.
Cabbage – try it grilled or sautéed
Carrots
Cauliflower – pick up some fresh cheese and drizzle over the cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Chives
Greens – lots of winter greens available now
Leeks
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Onions
Potatoes – Got to have mashed potatoes with gravy
Radishes
Shallots
Squash/Pumpkins
Sweet Potatoes – sweet ‘tater casserole is a must!
Turnips

Fresh Herbs and Lettuces from Rocky Glade Farm

Pick up fresh cheese at the market. Moonshadow Farm has delicious varieties of Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese and Noble Springs Dairy has fantastic goat cheese in different flavors. Hatcher Family Dairy Farm has the milk, cream and buttermilk you need for your recipes and the kids would love some Hatcher chocolate milk with Thanksgiving dinner.

Farm Fresh Harvest from Pilgrims Produce

Don’t forget the eggs you need for special Thanksgiving desserts. Moonshadow Farm, River Cottage Farm, Gardners Grove and Triple L Ranch are just a few of the farms with fresh eggs at the market.

Who says you have to eat turkey on Thanksgiving? From chicken to beef or ham, you can find the meat you want at the market. Check out Triple L Ranch, Bear Creek Farm, West Wind Farm, Peaceful Pastures, River Cottage, Gardner Grove and Beaverdam Creek Farm for the cuts of meat you want. Johnson’s Honey Farm and Pilgrim’s Produce have the honey you need to spread on fresh rolls. And if you don’t feel like doing all the baking, you can pick up delicious breads, pastries, cakes and more at the market. Norton Family Farm, Lucy’s Kitchen and Jones Mill Farms have what you need. Jams, jellies and preserves can be found at the market too.

Fresh Baked Breads from Flying S Farm

Jams, Jellies and Preserves from Jones Mill Farm

So go ahead…. Eat it up! Happy Thanksgiving from the Franklin Farmers Market.

Fresh Lettuces and root vegetables from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Wonderful Thanksgiving fresh picked veggies from Paradise Produce

Rocky Glade at your service!

Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Honey from Pilgrims Produce

Beaverdam Creek fresh Veggies

Organic Fennel from Delvin Farms

Winter Vegetables and Homemade Soups make for Nutritious Family Meals

November 17, 2013

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What happen to the sunshine and 60-something degree weather that was forecast? No matter, we still had good food at the market last Saturday. Broccoli and winter greens; carrots, radishes, turnips and lettuce were plentiful. We even came across a few cherry tomatoes from Delvin Farms.

Fresh cut Broccoli from Kirkview Farm

Beautiful farm fresh lettuces from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Organic Cherry Tomatoes from Delvin Farms

Sweet Potatoes from Rocky Glade Farm

Turnip Greens, Radishes, Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash and so many winter greens!

Carl and son ready to serve you each market Saturday

Golden Yellow Baby Mangel Beets from Paradise Produce

Lucy’s Kitchen and Jones Mill Farm had delicious varieties of soups and great fresh breads… the perfect winter supper!

More Homemade Soups from Jones Mill Farm

Fresh Baked Breads from Jones Mill Farm

Homemade Soups from Lucy’s Kitchen

Farm Meats from River Cottage Farm

Triple L Ranch provides local farm Beef, Chicken and Sausages right off the farm.

Check the calendar. It won’t be long for before the holidays arrive and you know what that means… lots of yummy sweets! One of the biggest hits at the market Saturday was Noble Springs Farm’s new goat cheese fudge. That’s right… goat cheese fudge and boy, is it sweet and rich with chocolate. It was a full house at the market. Besides all of the farms, there were quite a few artisans with unique crafts that would make the perfect Christmas gift.

Great tasting Fudge made with Goat Milk from Noble Springs Dairy

Many different varieties of Goat Cheese from Noble Springs Dairy

Sweet little dogs!

A lot of people were stopping at the info booth to let us know what they thought about having dogs at the market. Hundreds of you have filled out the dog survey form or emailed your opinions on whether dogs should be allowed or banned at the market. One of the biggest complaints about having dogs at the market is about sanitary concerns, while others say they’ve never seen any dogs relieving themselves in the market. Unfortunately, we found out first hand on Saturday that it does happen. While a customer was at the market info booth filling out the survey form, her dog decided it was a good place to potty! We love dogs, but there are some issues with having them at market. How can we solve them? You’ve got until November 30^th to tell us whether dogs should be allowed or banned from the market and give us your ideas of what else could be done. Either stop by the market booth to fill out the survey or send an email to lisa@franklinfarmersmarket.com and let us know what you think. A decision on the dogs will be announced the first week of December.

And we also had a lot of people asking this past Saturday about the blanket, coat and winter clothing drive that will be taking place at the market soon. The Franklin Farmers Market is happy to be a part of the “Love Will Keep Us Warm” charity drive to help those in need stay warm this winter. You can drop off your donation of gently used or new blankets, sweaters, coats, hats and more at the market on November 30^th or on December 7^th. If you are unable to bring your donation to the market on those dates, you can visit other drop off locations on different dates in Rutherford and Williamson Counties. For more information, email dottie@mixtapeanthology.com or norabp78@yahoo.com . Share the warmth!

You can visit pictures from this past Saturday’s market by clicking here. So much beautiful produce in the market now!

Enjoying Community at the Franklin Farmers Market is a Traditional Family Activity for many local Tennessee Families

Market Customers Enjoying New Winter Vegetables for Home Cooking!

November 11, 2013

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Chef Vinny of Saffire restaurant handing out Butternut Squash Bisque

You know how we been saying that winter vegetables are good to eat and tasty too? That you should try different recipes to see how good veggies like turnips, beets, cabbage and squash can really be? Well, we proved our point this past Saturday at the market with help from Chef Vinny of Saffire. With a mixture of butternut squash, maple cream, fried sage and other delicious ingredients, he created a warm winter soup that was literally lip-smacking good.

Preparation of Butternut Squash from the morning market

Yum! Yum! Hot Butternut Squash Bisque prepared by Chef Vinny

Chef Vinny giving out free samples!

Chef Vinny’s butternut squash bisque went so fast, he had to quickly create another pot of it. Saffire is well known for the mouthwatering dishes served there and now we know why. Chef Vinny will be back at the Franklin Farmers Market this winter to prepare another scrumptious dish featuring winter veggies. You can get his butternut squash bisque recipe on Saffire’s facebook page.

Yes, it is Yum! Yum! Good!!!

Homemade Farm Soups from Flying S Farm

And pick up a copy of the market’s “Eating in Season” cookbook for lots of delicious recipes, including our own version of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. You can pick up Eating in Season at our special cookbook stand or at the market info booth every Saturday.

Winter Root Veggies from Paradise Produce

Delvin Farms Organic Cauliflower

Franklin Farmers Market Recipe Book "Eating in Seasons"

Franklin Farmers Market Recipe Book “Eating in Season” available on Saturday’s at the FFM

Market visitors voting on allowing dogs at the market

We asked for you to tell us how you feel about dogs at the market and you’ve been doing some big talkin’. Hundreds of you have emailed or filled out our survey form at the market to tell us whether dogs should be allowed or banned at the market. With big crowds and lots of dogs at the market, there are concerns over sanitary and safety issues that affect not just people but dogs too. What do you think? Through November 30^th, you can express your opinion and suggestions on dealing the dog issue. Just email lisa@franklinfarmersmarket or stop by the market info booth on Saturdays. The market board will announce their decision the first week of December.

Fresh baked bread from Flying S Farm

The chilly weather at the market and the forecast for snow flurries later this week made us think about the holidays which are fast approaching. Thanksgiving is just about 3 weeks away and shortly after that, the big man with the white beard and reindeer will be showing up. The market is the place for delicious food and unique gifts for loved ones.

Franklin Family picking up CSA from Delvin Farms

Winter Greens from Zadock the Natural Farmer

But this holiday season, it’s also the place to give to those who need your help. Beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 30th, the Franklin Farmers Market will kick off the “Love Will Keep Us Warm” charity drive to collect blankets, coats, scarves, gloves and more to keep those in need to protected from winter’s cold weather. Maybe you have a coat you don’t wear anymore or a blanket that’s been tucked away in storage for a while. Donate them and keep someone warm for the winter. Watch for more information on our website and in the market’s ‘farm fresh’ newsletter soon.

FFM

Fall Vegetables Now in Full Supply for Winter Farmers Market

November 4, 2013

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What a beautiful fall day at the market! Last Saturday was perfect for strolling around and picking up tasty fresh cool weather veggies at the market. A lot of delicious sweet potatoes, greens and root vegetables, like beets, turnips and carrots could be found.

Sweet Potatoes from Rocky Glade Farm

Radishes, Turnips and Greens from Pilgrims Produce

Organic Celery, Tatsoi and Collards from Delvin Farms

Fresh Farm Green Onions from Pilgrims Produce

Fresh Lettuces from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Red and Yellow Baby Carrots from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Farm Fresh Beets from Paradise Produce

And the fresh baked goods were lip-smacking good. Holiday sweets are sneaking into the market too. Rumor has it that Noble Springs Dairy has created goat cheese fudge that is a fantastic experience for your taste buds.

Fresh baked Sweets and Bread from Flying J Farm

Farm Preserves from Jones Mill Farm

It was a good day for socializing too, with friends and farmers. A lot of folks made a point to welcome Paradise Produce back to the market. Stacy Gentry got married and took a year off to settle into married life. He and his lovely wife Sonia were at the Paradise Produce booth with beautiful vegetables. It was her first time working at the market with her new husband and it paid off…. They sold out of everything! You can visit all photos from Saturday here.

Deb, LeeAnn and Ben enjoying some market community time

Sonia and Stacy Gentry of Paradise Produce happy to be back at the Franklin Farmers Market

A beautiful fall day was enjoyed by many

We asked a question before Saturday about whether dogs should be allowed at the Franklin Farmers Market or if they should be banned. And a lot of you had something to say about it while at the market. In fact, we ran out of the survey forms about dog issue at the FFM info booth. Some of you were quick to say that dogs were a big reason why you like to come to the market, while others told us the dogs shouldn’t be allowed because the large number of canines and big market crowds just didn’t mix too well. This past Saturday, quite a few dogs came with their owners to the market. And while most were well-behaved, there were still a few that relieved themselves inside the market shed or growled at other dogs that were there. We really love dogs. But concerns over safety and sanitary issues keep growing, so we’re asking for your help in deciding whether dogs should stay or go. Tell us what you think. You can take part in our survey about the dogs by either stopping at the market info booth on Saturdays or emailing your thoughts to lisa@franklinfarmersmarket.com . We’ll be conducting the survey through November 23rd.

There were two other big questions at the market this past Saturday that people kept asking. The first one was “when does the market close down for the year?” It doesn’t. The market goes year-round, so the farmers will be here with fresh winter produce all through the winter season.

Beautiful Organic Tomatoes from Delvin Farms

Fresh Apples from Kirkview Farm

Freshly picked cabbage and radishes from Kirkview Farm

Fresh Spinach, Garlic and Lettuces from Rocky Glad Farm

The other question was “what time does the winter farmers market open and close?” Normally, the winter market begins at 9am. But we want to give you more time to shop the market, especially for holiday food and gifts. So November through December, the market is open every Saturday from 8am – noon. In January, the winter market hours will change to 9am-noon.

Beautiful hand carved woods from Mark Alan Artisan Woods

Custom made signs made from old barn wood from Tom the Furniture Guy

Hank Delvin, Sr of Delvin Farms helping customers on a beautiful fall day at the Franklin Farmers Market

Farm Fresh Root Vegetables Carrots, Cabbage, Turnips, Sweet Potatoes now at Market!

October 28, 2013

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It was a Cold October Morning

Too cold for market? Ha! We laugh in the face of winter weather. Yes, it was cold this past Saturday. But munching a warm doughnut from Ellie’s Doughnuts while sipping hot coffee always makes a cold morning at the market much better. Lots of us also enjoyed a hot roll with sausage from Jones Mill Farms or noshed on a huge yummy muffin from Lucy’s Kitchen at the market, making that chilly weather not so bad after all.

Roast was busy selling Hot Coffee

Lucy’s Kitchen helped keep everyone fed

You can certainly tell the weather is changing just by looking at the fresh veggies at the market. Winter root vegetables, like turnips and sweet potatoes are plentiful. Collard greens are back at the market and so is cabbage.

Beautiful Sweet Carrots from Norton Family Farm

A beautiful Crop of Sweet Potatoes from Colbert Farm

Sweet White Turnips from Colvin Family Farm

Wonderful fresh lettuces from Zadok the Natural Farmer

Fresh Picked Ginger from Earth Advocates

White and Black Carrots and Red Radishes from Colvin Family Farm

But summer veggies are not quite gone yet. The last of the tomatoes are hanging on, with cherry and plum tomatoes still available from farmers with hoop houses to protect them from the frost.

Fresh Green Beans from Norton Family Farm

Large Radishes from Kirkview Farm

Red and Green Tomatoes still in good supply

The Eating in Season Cookbook has great recipes for Fall

There are a couple of things that do change with the cooler weather at the market. You can always get meats from local farms, fresh baked goods and vegetables at the market no matter if it’s summer or winter. But the selection of vegetables grown locally does change with the drop in the temperatures. If you are not sure what qualifies as a winter vegetable, stop by the market’s info table and pick up a free copy of Local Table magazine so you can see the big seasonality chart.

Number two, the hours at the market change. Starting November 2nd, the opening hour will still be 8am, but the market will close at noon. Cold weather is no big deal. Just get the fuzzy socks and mittens ready.

Soft hand knitted Alpaca ski caps from from Legacy Acres Alpaca

Custom barnwood signs from Tom the Furniture Guy

Deb missing Cecil

My ears are warm!

Fresh Picked Ginger from Earth Advocates

Delvin Farms CSA Pick Up

Winter market has begun!

Farm Fresh Summer Produce still available at our Tennessee Farmers Market

September 22, 2013

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Maybe it was that yummy roll with sausage from Jones Mill Farms. Or it could have been a deliciously sweet treat from Ellie’s Doughnuts with a good cup of hot coffee. Or perhaps some of Hatcher Dairy’s famous chocolate milk was the way to start the day. Whatever it was, despite the wet weather, a whole lot of you showed up and munched on breakfast goodies while walking around the market this past Saturday morning.

Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnets

Norton Family Farm Pumpkin Rolls

Singing in the Rain!

BB’s Gourmet Pretzels

Wonderful Granola MIx

And our farmers and vendors really appreciate that, because whether it’s rain or shine, hot or cold, there’s good fresh food harvested every day. So again, big thanks to everyone who came out to shop at the Franklin Farmers Market in less than ideal weather.

Pumpkin Face Drawing

Peaceful Pastures now taking Turkey orders

The cooler, wet weather shouldn’t have been a surprise though because Sunday was the official first day of autumn and that means some changes are coming in the produce at the market. There are still a lot of your summer favorites, like tomatoes and cucumbers or squash and field peas.

Farm Fresh Tonmatoes

Just picked Okra

Summer Veggies from Pilgrims Produce

Produce variety from Pilgrims Produce

But with the change in the season, different veggies start showing up. Not everything in the garden is harvested during the hot days of summer. There are a number of vegetables that grow better in cooler temps and are ready to be harvested during both spring and fall. That’s why there is a good supply of such veggies like radishes, beets and carrots during the cool months at the market. Turnips, lettuce and sweet potatoes are plentiful during the fall and spring too. Many farms in Middle Tennessee grow all year long, so the Franklin Farmers Market stays open all year long. The winter market officially begins on November 2^nd.

Pumpkins in market from Purple Tree Farm

Sweet Potatoes from Colbert Farm

Wagon of Pumpkins from King Farm

And of course with the fall season, pumpkins come to the market. And when the pumpkins start showing up (like they are now), scarecrows are not too far behind them. October 19^th is the day for scarecrows to take over the market. The Invasion of the Scarecrows is great day for family fun, with a free pumpkin patch for the kids, yummy pumpkin goodies to eat, plus the kids can paint pumpkins and get their faces painted too! The Invasion of the Scarecrows is presented by the Williamson Medical Center.

Cherry Jelly from Norton Family Farm

Sunflowers and Veggies from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Great veggies to eat and enjoy; lots of pumpkins and a market takeover by scarecrows… We love fall at the Franklin Farmers Market!