Fresh From The Farm

It's finally here! For months we have eagerly anticipated the opening of the Middleton Farmer's Market, located in the Angelica's Restaurant parking lot. And I have to say, it does not disappoint!

The market has a strong emphasis on organic goods and the farmers are only allowed to sell what they grow on their land. It's all part of a campaign to promote healthy eating and living and it supports New England farms and businesses.

Even though we are early in the growing season, there was an abundance of fresh produce - garlic, lettuce, beets, squash - with a promise of much more variety as the growing season progresses.

Heron Pond Farm - South Hampton, NH http://heronpondfarm.com/index.php

Also thrown in are vendors selling delicious cheeses, jellies and relishes, homemade pasta, plants, candles, herbs,and baked goods. And if I'm not mistaken, I think I saw some lobsters and meat for sale!

Sandra Hunt from Vermont Gourmet Candy Dish - www.vermontcandydish.com

As I walked around the stalls, I got to meet the friendly vendors, very eager to talk about their wares - the origins, history, their location and how their products are grown or made.


My first stop was at the West River Creamery Stand from Londonderry,Vermont. http://www.bennetts1815.com/WRCreamery.html.

The owner had several different cheeses to sample. I walked away with a Cambridge cheddar and a Smoked cheddar.  They were delish!!  Next time I'm trying the Marinated Feta!

"Neighbors" - West River Creamery and Vermont Gourmet Candy Dish

The Vermont Gourmet Candy Dish had a variety of jellies, caramel, chocolate sauce and a yummy corn relish that I purchased and served on top of sliced chicken for dinner that night.  In the words of Rachel Ray - "Yum-O"!!


Michelle Splaine of Valicenti Organico www.gimmiespaghetti.com offered up a bunch of flavored homemade pasta.  Lemon Basil Linguini - couldn't resist!  Served it tonight with a light olive oil-lemon sauce.  Two days into the market and I've already put on 10 lbs!!

Michelle Splaine from Valicenti Organico

The Soup Guy (nothing like Seinfeld's Soup Nazi!) served up steaming pots of soup and chili.  www.facebook.com/thesoupguy

DiMauro Family & Sports Chiropractic of Middleton trying to keep our spines in line!
http://dimaurochiropractic.com

Jennifer Hickman of Kittredge Candles

Beautiful display, beautiful scents...Had to purchase a Mediterranean Fig and Ocean Mist candle from Kittredge Candles of Andover, MA.  Check out their animal shaped candles! www.kittredgecandles.etsy.com

Gluten Free Oat Brittle from 19 Steps Bake Shop

 Gluten Free Oat Brittle from 19 Steps Bake Shop in Haverhill, MA.  Their motto - "Worth the Walk".  And it was!  www.19stepsbakeshop.com.  I should have asked Lauren Suszczewicz, the owner - "19 steps from what??"  And while I was at it - "How do you pronounce your last name??"  Questions for next week!

Susan Davis

Susan Davis of SUZ Bath and Body in Boxford, another local business has all kinds of handmade soaps and soy candles.  Just what you need after a hard, stressful day!
www.SUZworld.etsy.com

Annarosa's Breads - Salisbury, MA

My last stop was at Annarosa's Breads, 175 Elm St., Salisbury MA  978-499-8839.  I have a weakness for fresh bread.  A tasty Baguette came home with me and was totally devoured for dinner, along with the corn relish I had purchased! 








 
I didn't get to all the stands, but that will just keep me going back for more!  So any of my local readers, please come out!  Spend some time and spend some money on good, wholesome, local products!

Middleton Farmer's Market - Angelica's parking lot on the corner of Route 114 and Route 62, every Wednesday, June-October, 3:00 - 7:00.

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." —-Virginia Woolf