Cookin' in the 'Cuse

The Market is Heating Up

If the stock market was as exciting as the Regional Market these days the economy would be on a definite upswing.  If you want to talk investments and returns in a way that brings immediate satisfaction, then you have to check out the CNY Regional Market as it begins to ramp up for the spring season.  Investing with these local farmers and producers will only bring the best returns.

Just check out these goodies...

The biscotti from the Rock Hill Bakehouse Bakery are not to be missed.  I first sampled some of their lemon pistachio but have now fallen head over heels for their chocolate almond biscotti.  We're talking chunks of dark Belgian chocolate and whole almonds--it is some of the best I've ever had.  Ever.

Oh, and don't forget the bread.  Large, European-style loaves in about a dozen varieties.  Special loaves are available by calling a few days in advance for pick up at the Saturday market.  Rock Hill is pretty well known down in NYC where they sell at the Union Square Greenmarket, among other places.  I'm so glad to welcome there here.

Now if you want to do some baking but want someone else to do some of the prep for you, you might want to check out Organically Hip.

Maria and Angela have been at this for a little while but have recently debuted new packaging that practically jumped out at me.  They produce a range of baking mixes to whip up your own pancakes, cookies, and waffles.  And their oatmeal, granola, and trail mixes come in large bags and smaller single-serving bags that are perfect for travel--I'm loving the coconut raisin granola. 

Organically Hip seems to be all about health and deliciousness--they even offer gluten-free products.  You can pick up some of their home-made vanilla extract (check for the vanilla bean in the bottle) to use in your baking.  And if baking is too much, their par-baked pizza shells are all ready to go--just add toppings and bake.  All this and they try to support local farmers too!

And if you're needing some milk to go along with those cookies...Meg at Wake Robin Farm says the "girls are milking".  Their luscious, Jersey milk is now at the market (as well as the Syracuse Real Food Co-op).  Now I know spring is here!

Food and Justice in the 'Cuse--Tomorrow Night

I never do get tired of talking about food--especially when its tied to issues of social justice.  I'll be giving a talk tomorrow night at the Westcott Community Center as part of the University Neighbors Lecture Series--7:30 pm.  I'll be speaking not only about the great local and sustainable eats in our area but about how we can build a more just food system for all.  Come on by and join the conversation!

Gardening Inspiration--Check out the latest Grid

I've fallen in love with this new magazine out of Philadelphia called Grid.  It's all about sustainability, local food, the local economy and the people, organizations, and businesses that are making it all happen.  It is beautifully produced and full of inspiration.

The April issue is focused on gardening and is full of inspiration and tips for those of us who dig their dirt in the city.  Their article on guerilla gardening for food production is much in line with what our own Syracuse Grows and Slow Food CNY are trying to accomplish.  You can check out the entire issue online here. 

The only problem with Grid magazine is that it is Philly focused--but good for them.  Perhaps we'll have one of our own someday.

Eating the Landscape--Today at 4pm

Alethea Marie Harper's talk at SUNY-ESF will take place at 4pm in room 409, Marshall Hall on the ESF campus.  She is the Coordinator of the Oakland Food Policy Council and Food First/Institute for Food and Development Policy. 

Her toipic is Eating the Landscape:  Landscape Architecture, Urban Agriculture, and Food Systems.

If you have time this afternoon you'll definitely want to check it out.