Homegrown Happy Valley

While my Happy Valley friends watched the Nittany Lions handily defeat the Zips on Saturday, I took an alternative approach to the afternoon.  I canned.

I finally heard the call of the mountain of Roma tomatoes growing on my countertop.  So after driving to the Millheim Farmers’ Market to buy a bit more garlic and basil (stopping at Elk Creek Café for delicious brunch) I decided to go home and test my newly learned skill (I use the word “skill” loosely).

Guest blogger Carolyne Meehan–a mom, former English teacher, and supporter of all things local–continues her diary of working on a local farm in exchange for fresh, local produce with Part Two: “You Know it’s Early When You Have to Wake The Farmer.” If you’re just joining in now, check out Part 1 here.

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.

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

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!

Every time my son and I go to the grocery store, he asks me to buy peaches. My typical answer: “Sorry bud, let’s wait until we see them at the farmer’s market–they aren’t in season for us yet.” Now that he’s used to that response, he’ll ask whether other foods are in season, too. The wait makes the reward even sweeter. When he finally spotted his beloved peaches at the market this week, he looked like a kid who had just walked into a candy store.

What food do you look forward to all summer long? Tell us in the comments below.

Summer is the easiest and hardest time to cook. Our CSA boxes and farmer’s market bags are exploding with vegetables, yet countless diversions–the beach, the pool, sign-ups for fall activities–keep us from actually doing anything with them. In a nod to summer’s hectic schedule (and the always present goal of preparing good local food) most of our dishes this week are fast and easy.

How did you transform your local food into quick meals?

HOT ITEMS OF THE WEEK:

• corn
• tomatoes
• peas

ON THE MENU:

Day 1

Tortilla pie served with garlicky kale

Festival fun plus the arrival of more amazing local produce equals a great week to live in Happy Valley. With good tunes in my head and kettle corn in my belly, I see chocolate zucchini cake in my near future.

It’s hard to believe that it’s mid-July and that “Local Foods Week” (sponsored by PASA) is around the corner (August 1-8). More on that soon; in the meantime, tell us what you did with your bounty for the Eat Local Challenge.

HOT ITEMS OF THE WEEK:

• sun gold tomatoes
• blueberries
• zucchini

ON THE MENU:

Day 1