Champlain Islands Farmers Market

2011-10-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Please Visit our New Website: www.champlainislandsfarmersmarket.com.

We are no longer using this blog.

Thanks!

CIFM

2011-03-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

Technical Difficulties!

We are having trouble updating the links to the application and vendor letter on the right hand side of the screen. Please contact Emily at emily.w.alger@gmail.com if you would like an application. Please do not use the links on the sidebar, because vendor fees and rules have changed from last year. My apologies, please be patient with our technical ineptitude, we are trying our best to fix this problem...

Applications are due April 15th, and spots are filling fast. Please contact me ASAP if you need a copy of the 2011 application and vendor letter. Thanks!

2011-03-15T05:36:00.001-07:00

Eating Locally through Vermont's Winters: Maple Season

More Recipes from the Winter Farmers' Market

At the March winter market, Dave and Julie Lane served up fresh, hot pancakes with maple syrup from Crescent Bay Farm. Naomi King from Lemon Lily Farm made a pot of maple cranberry chicken to share with customers, and Denise Boutin from My Kid's Kitchen shared a yummy maple spread on bagels. As farmers and sugar makers around the area were tapping their trees, we all enjoyed these tastes of maple, and hope you will too!

Maple Cranberry Chicken

18-24 chicken thighs

1 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup soy sauce

12 ounces whole cranberry sauce

instructions: parboil the chicken for 7 minutes. drain and place in crock pot. stir together the remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. cook on high for one hour. cook on low for five hours more.

Maple Cream Cheese Spread

Maple Syrup

Cream Cheese

Cinnamon

instructions: this is a recipe that calls for all ingredients to be added "to taste." Start with 1/2 a cup of cream cheese at room temperature. Add a few tablespoons of maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon. Stir well. the consistency should remain spreadable rather than pour-able. Adjust amounts to taste. Feel free to experiment with other flavors- add nutmeg, dried cranberries, or vanilla, maybe finely diced orange peel- and enjoy the spread with unusual ingredients. While delicious on bagels, try spreading on pita chips, carrots, or apples. It would also make a great frosting for maple cake, carrot cake, or other sweet treats.

2011-03-01T05:09:00.000-08:00

Vendor Applications Now Available for the 2011 Season!

Applications are now available, please see the links on the right side of the screen. I know they are labeled 2010 Vendor Kit, but the links are updated for the 2011 season, please print copies, fill out, and mail to PO Box 65, South Hero, VT 05486. Please note- Applications received by April 15th will receive priority consideration for membership, not applications will be accepted after May 30th.

The summer market season will begin Memorial Day weekend, with a Grand Isle Market on Saturday, May 28th. The first South Hero Market will be June 2nd.

If you have questions, please call Denise or email Emily, contact information is available in the application form.

We are looking forward to great summer season, and hope you will join us!

2011-02-17T05:28:00.001-08:00

Local Eggs Make Rich Custard:

Another Recipe from the Winter Farmers' Market

Chocolate Pots-de-Creme with Maple Whipped Cream

2 cups milk, cream, or half-and-half

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, grated or chopped

6 egg yolks

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine the milk and chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water. Cook and stir until the chocolate is melted and the milk is scalded. Beat the egg yolks lightly. Temper them by adding 1/2 cup of the milk mixture and stirring. Pour into double boiler along with vanilla. Continue to cook and stir until the custard begins to thicken, about 7-10 minutes. Strain if you want. Pour into custard cups or a large bowl. Cool to room temperature, then cover and chill until ready to serve.

Whip 1 cup of heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Whip until stiff peaks form, serve over custard.

2011-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

Pasta with Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese

This is the great recipe we served at the February Winter Farmers' Market, showcasing local winter vegetables and other local foods. Coming soon, recipes for roasted garlic bread and chocolate custard with maple whipped cream!

For the Squash:

1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped

1 yellow onion, cubed

1 red onion cubed

2 tbsp maple syrup

3 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp chopped sage

1/8 cup olive oil

Mix together in roasting pan and bake at 400 degrees for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Wrap one head of garlic in aluminum foil, and roast with the vegetables.

When they are soft, cook 1 lb of whole wheat pasta in generously salted water until tender.

Mash together the roasted garlic with 6oz chevre and 1/2 cup cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Drain the pasta, add the sauce and stir well. Add the vegetables and stir. Serve warm!

recipe adapted from Dixon Kitchen, www.dixonkitchen.com

Look Forward to Summer Already?

2011-01-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

2011 Vendor Applications will be available March 1st.

Beginning March 1st we will be accepting vendor applications for the 2011 Summer Season. We will accept farmers on a first-come, first-serve basis- but give preference to returning farmers, and those who are located in the Champlain Islands if we run out of space. Bakers and chefs will be accepted with the same policy, but home kitchen and catering liscences are required! Artists will be accepted based on a jury process at the April Annual Spring Meeting, date and location to be announced in March.

Please do not submit applications before March 1st, we are not prepared to annouce dates, vendor and member fees, or other information until that time. Thanks for your patience and cooperation! Hope to hear from you in March and see you in April!

2010-11-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Fall vegetables, fresh eggs and grass fed beef, newly baked breads, jams, pickles, and more! Join us at the Winter Farmers' Market for handspun yarn, wooden bowls, handmade soaps, jewelry, and other artisan crafts. Stock up on potatoes, winter squash, beets, turnips, and other local vegetables for warm stews, hearty fall cassaroles, and other great dishes to brighten up winter's grey skies!

Saturdays at the SH Congregational Church from 10-2- Nov 2 & 14th, Dec 4 & 18, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2. See you there!

Summer has ended, but the Winter Farmers' Market Starts November 6th!

2010-10-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of our customers and community friends for joining us for another great summer season of farmers' markets! We enjoyed the beautiful green spaces at St. Rose of Lima and St. Josephs churches, and were glad to offer expanded products including fresh local meat, new vegetable farms, new bakers, and more! Now that the summer season has winded to a close, we are looking forward to the cozy winter markets at the South Hero Congregational Church begining Novermber 6th. We will be there on Saturdays from 10am-2pm, with many of the same great vendors, on the following dates:

November 6th
November 20th
December 4th
December 19th
February 5th
March 5th
April 2nd

The winter market will be a great place to find local produce for Thanskgiving feasts, special baked goods for holiday celebrations, applesauce, pickles, jams and other preserved foods, special gifts for your friends and family... We hope to see you there!

2010-05-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Summertime at the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market

Summer begins for me when the lilacs bloom, and their scent fills the air on sunny afternoons. The peas are up, but I become anxious to plant the tomatoes, peppers, and squash. The days are getting longer, and I enjoy weeding the flower garden or sitting out on the lawn in the evening, soaking in the last rays of sunshine each day. As the weather warms, all of my neighbors appear like magic: walking, running, and biking. There is a feeling of lightness, and a smile always just below the surface when the weather becomes sunny and the breezes are warm. In the Islands, summer means music, ice cream, long bike rides, and celebrations!

Long before June arrives, I am ready my favorite part of summer, the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market! Twice a week, all summer long, I can find fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious breads and pies, great picnic meals, and yummy treats at the farmers’ market. When the long row of tents pops up, and vendors set out their wares, I know that summer has arrived! I can wander down the row, touching beautiful wool and yarns from local sheep, goats, and llamas. I can smell handcrafted soaps and lotions that will smooth out my gardening calluses and be great gifts for summer guests. Unique jewelry, clothing, and other artisan crafts make special gifts and treats for me to take home. Local farmers recommend their favorite varieties of tomatoes, tempt me with fresh asparagus & spinach, or let me sample the first strawberries of the season. I can find cinnamon rolls and scones for my breakfast, fresh pasta and vegetable tarts for dinner, and crusty breads or artisan wraps for lunch. I can even find seeds and seedlings for my garden, just in time for planting. And while I meander from tent to tent, I can visit with all of my neighbors and friends who have come out to the farmers’ market. I hope that I’ll see you there too!

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market kicks off the summer season Memorial Day Weekend. The Grand Isle Market held every Saturday at St. Joseph’s Church from 10:00 am-2:00pm, will begin May 29th. The South Hero Market, held every Wednesday at St. Rose of Lima Church from 4:00-7:00pm, will begin June 2nd. Come celebrate summer with us!

Farmers' Market Calendar of Events for the 2010 Summer Season

2010-04-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 29th(G.I)- First market of the season
Wednesday, June 2nd(S. H)- Dairy Day
Saturday, June 6th (G.I)- Dairy Day
Wednesday, June 16th(S.H)- Food Demonstration
Wednesday, July 7th (S.H)- Fiber Day
Saturday, July 10th(G.I)- Open Studio Weekend and NOFA Pizza Oven
Wednesday, July 14th(G.I)- South Hero's market will be in Grand Isle
Saturday, July 17th(G.I)- Anachronism Exhibit and Fiber Day
Wednesday, July 21st(S.H)- Food Demonstrations
Wednesday, August 4th(S.H)- Apple Day
Saturday, August 7th(G.I)- Apple Day
Saturday, August 14th(G.I)- Kids' Day
Wednesday, August 18th(S.H)- Food Demonstration
Wednesday, Sept. 1st(S.H)- ICE Exhibit
Saturday, Sept. 25th(G.I)- Last Market for the summer season

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9th and 10th Applefest

Seed Starting at the Winter Farmers' Market

2010-03-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Thinking about starting some seeds indoors for your summer garden this year? Not sure when to do it, what you need, or how to start? Join us at the Champlain Islands Winter Farmers’ Market on March 6th for a demonstration on inexpensive, easy ways to give your garden a head start! The Farmers’ Market will have seeds for sale beginning in March and continuing through summer. We’ll give you advice on which seeds to start indoors, which seeds to wait and plant directly in the garden, tips for good germination and sprouting, and information on how to transplant your seedlings into the ground when summer arrives.

As always, there will be delicious hot foods and baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles, artisan crafts, soaps, and much more! Join us at the South Hero Congregational Church on South Street from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to beat the winter blues!

February 6th- Fight Cabin Fever with a Fiber Celebration at the Farmers' Market

2010-02-03T10:44:00.001-08:00

Join us on Saturday, February 5th at the South Hero Congregational Church for spinning demonstrations, drop spindle lessons, knitting, and other fiber arts! Check out the great fibers and fiber arts available in the Champlain Islands! As always, we are your source of great produce, prepared foods, and artisan crafts from the islands. We'll see you there between 10 am and 2 pm!

Join Us on December 5th!

2009-12-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to join us at the Winter Farmers' Market this Saturday! There will be fresh autumn produce, yummy prepared foods, hot dishes for lunch, unique crafts, and more! This weekend, we are trying to expand our mailing list, so add your name and email to our list and recieve updates on market schedules and special events. When you join our mailing list, you'll be entered in a drawing to recieve a free market tote bag filled with great market products! In the midst of the holiday season, take a moment to rest at the farmers' market with a cup of coffee and a fresh scone, pick up granola for a quick but special breakfast, stock up on vegetables full of the vitamins you need, and get started on some very special holiday shopping. We'll see you there!

2010 Winter Market Schedule

2009-10-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the dates of our upcoming Winter Markets at the South Hero Congregational Church on South Street. We will be there on the first Saturday of every month, plus a couple of extras closer to the holidays. Please Join us from 10 - 2 on the following dates:

November 8
November 22
December 5
December 19
January 2
February 6
March 6
April 3

First Market at St. Rose of Lima

2009-06-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

June 3rd is the big day - not only for the first market of the season, but also for our first market ever behind St. Rose of Lima church on Route 2. We hope to see you there!

2009 Traveling Market!

2009-05-07T10:52:00.001-07:00

We have some exciting news! In addition to our new South Hero Market Location - Wednesdays, 4 - 7pm behind St. Rose of Lima on Route 2 - we are bring our market further north. This summer, we will join Island Arts at their music events held Tuesdays throughout July at Knights Point State Park in North Hero. In Late August, you can find us on Friday nights in Isle La Motte off of Route 129. We'll be sure to bring you more information and a map before too long!

We're looking for new vendors!

2009-04-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again - as we're all busily readying ourselves for the start of the market season in early June, we'd also like to open up the application process to new vendors. You may apply as long as you are a Vermont resident, but we do give special preference to residents of Grand Isle County per our bylaws. So, check out our letter to prospective vendors, our bylaws, and our application - all available by clicking the links to your right. Contact information can be found within these pages should you have questions or need more information.

2008 - 2009 Winter Markets

2008-11-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

Please join us at the South Hero Congregational Church on South St for music, children's activities, drop-in spinning/knitting, and of course many of our regular market vendors! We are proud to extend our season with fresh & stored produce, prepared foods & crafts. And thank you to all who came out to our first market on November 22nd - what a great start!

Directions: I-89 to exit 17, West on Rte 2 to the Champlain Islands. Take your first left in South Hero onto South St., at Seb's/ Merchant's Bank. The church is 1/3 mile down on the right - enter in the back!

First Winter Market!!

2008-07-10T05:52:00.001-07:00

Please join us from 10am - 2pm on Saturday November 22nd at the South Hero Congregational Church for a special pre-Thanksgiving market. 13 of our regular vendors have signed up to participate in our Winter Market season. Starting on December 6, we will have regular once a month markets on the first Saturday of each month through April - all from 10 - 2 at the South Hero Congregational Church.
Each market will include children's activities, as well as spinning and knitting, and a chance to hang out! We look forward to seeing you thee, and hope that you'll tell a friend!

Summer is here, and the veggies are in!

2008-07-10T05:50:00.001-07:00

Remember August?

2007-12-10T09:22:00.000-08:00