Homegrown Happy Valley

While I was away all week (and, yes, sticking to my goal of purchasing vegetables and meat from farmer’s markets only), Katie and Michele were hard at work at home preparing for the Food Inc. movie and panel at the State Theatre and reception at Webster’s Cafe. When the busy day arrived, they were rewarded with a sampling of local goodies that basically doubled as dinner. Check out Day 1 for a quick glance at what the panelists and guests sampled at the reception.

HOT ITEMS OF THE WEEK:

• peaches
• raspberries
• corn
• tomatoes

The ladies of Homegrown Happy Valley would like to thank the wonderful locals, businesses, artisans and friends who helped make the Food Inc. panel discussion and reception a great success. We’re extremely grateful that the State Theatre brought this important movie to town, then embraced the idea of having a panel. Also, a big thank-you goes to  Webster’s Cafe for hosting our post-panel reception on short notice. We appreciate everyone’s help and support and hope we can keep working together to promote the goodness and community that evolves from buying local.  Let’s continue to celebrate the wonderful bounty and work toward change.

Panelists:

Greetings from British Columbia (Vancouver and Whistler to be exact), where I’m bombarded by advertisements for local produce. So far, we’ve escaped the supermarket, getting all of our fruit and veggies from two farmer’s markets. But there’s just two meat vendors (one bison, one beef) and no dairy vendors.

As I mentioned last week, it’s exciting to see what local products are available in different regions. Yet, as great as it is to be on vacation, I look forward to next week when I can purchase all of my dairy, meat, and produce from local vendors in Central Pennsylvania.

Warning: Unlike just about everything else you read in this blog, the following information will not make you hungry.

Food Inc., a new movie that investigates the food industry and may leave you feeling a tad uncomfortable about what you’re serving your families, is coming to the State Theatre August 21st, with showings until the 27th.

When it comes to souvenirs, the ones I collect from my summer travels disappear quicker than a sand castle on a busy beach. I love searching for “local produce” signs on my trips and collecting whatever is in season.  Right now I’m in Virginia on a quick family weekend enjoying local peaches, corn, and tomatoes. Later in the month, I’m traveling to the Pacific Northwest. I’m dreaming of the spectacular landscape, but just as excited to see what the farmers markets will provide for dinner.

HOT ITEMS OF THE WEEK:

• raspberries
• corn
• tomatoes

April serves up delicious swiss chard rolls with a smile at Webster's

1) How did you get interested in cooking?

Since I was little, I’ve always been interested in mixing things and playing around in the kitchen. I have memories of my mom always making food. I don’t ever remember eating frozen dinners or anything like that. I became interested in working with the food that I prepare now when I became a vegetarian 18 years ago.

2) What inspires you?

Week 10 brings the Central PA Local Foods Week & Farm Tour and National Farmers Market Week. So get out there and support local foods!

Ever paint with a garlic scape? In celebration of Local Foods Week, Homegrown Happy Valley is using the best of the summer harvest to help kids make some groovy artwork.  We had a blast at the Millheim market on Saturday, creating beautiful paintings and meeting some Homegrown fans. (I’m looking forward to a return visit with lunch at  Elk Creek Cafe afterwards.) Join us at the Boalsburg Market on Tuesday from 2-5 and see what you can create by painting with veggies!