Fresh Sheet: September 17, 2014

It seems like summer's back!

Join us WEDNESDAY in the Terwillegar Recreation Center Parking Lot from 4:30-7:30

Last week we were wearing our favourite sweaters, but this week we'll be pulling our shorts out again! Be sure to visit the market to load up on your favourite fall vegetables to include in your last barbeques of the season. After all, nothing is better than corn on the grill!

For market shopping tips, be sure to check out this page to ensure your market visit is everything it should be. And remember, please leave Fido at home- no dogs are allowed where food is being served!  

Our friends from Hillaby's Tools For Cooks will be back this week to show us how to prepare corn faster and easier! Stop by their tent to learn more about how simple kitchen tools can prevent injury, wasted food, and wasted time. Once you've picked out your favourite tools, be sure to visit their retail location on 23rd Ave to purchase one for you and a pal! After all, a happy cook is one with a well-stocked kitchen.

Riverbend Community League will be in the Community Tent this week promoting their upcoming event Art in Our Park, happening on September 20. 

  

The Sprouts Program for kids will be accepting new children for the rest of the season. Families can always access the Sprouts recipes online!  For more information on the Sprouts Program and to see the Sprouts recipes for kids, click here. 

The inflatable slide will also be here this week, weather permitting.

Fresh and ripe fruit is flowing steadily from B.C. this week. The fruit vendors joining us at SWEFM this week are:

Red Apple B.C. Fruit will be at market with their fresh berries, apples, peaches and nectarines.

Steve & Dan's B.C. Fruit will be bringing their delicious peaches, nectarines, fresh apples, cherries, berries, dehydrated fruit and apple juice this week. 

AIG Produce brings their wonderful cherries, berries and peaches to market directly from Osoyoos, one of Canada's premier fruit-growing regions. 

 

With everything in season, now is the perfect time to try a new vegetable or a new recipe. The vegetable vendors joining us this week are: 

Dargatz Family Farm will be at market this week with their fantastic cherry tomatoes, mini peppers, potatoes, carrots, squash and more. 

The Plot will be with us again this week, bringing fresh-made ketchup and relish, along with carrots, beets, golden beets, mixed potatoes, green onions, white onions, zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, basil and dill.  

Holden Colony brings their whole bounty to market week after week! Expect a variety of fresh vegetables including kale, lettuce, onions, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and garlic, along with other staples like eggs, frozen chickens, honey, and preserves.

Riverbend Gardens will be bringing their Edmonton-grown corn on the cob, winter squash, carrots, Red Banana, German Butterball and Blue Russian Potatoes, beets, dill, cucumbers, cabbage, kale, coloured cauliflower and broccoli this week!

S4 Greenhouses will be at market this week with their fantastic tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, beans and cucumbers. They make adorable $2 mixed bags just for our Sprouts!

We believe in meat raised using ethical, sustainable methods, and our meat vendors do too! If you're looking for some delicious meat products, look no further:

Jerky Jerky will be bringing their Alberta-made beef jerky to market this week. They always have samples, so be sure to stop by and try some!

Sunworks Farm will be bringing their ethically-raised meats for you to enjoy this week. From full chickens to their ever-popular sausages, Sunworks is your new favourite meat destination!

 

Who doesn't like delicious baked goods? Our vendors have great items, from sweet and soft cupcakes to salty squares made with cheezies, to wholesome bread made with freshly milled flour. With gluten-free and nut-free bakers, there's something for every lover of baking at SWEFM! The bakers joining us this week are:

Celebrate, Gluten Free is out resident gluten-free baker, with breads, brownies and pastries all made in a gluten-free kitchen. It's the perfect vendor for celiacs or those looking for some of the best tarts in Edmonton!
Sweet Stuff will be bringing her wonderful mini and full-sized cupcakes in a variety of flavours, along with her oatmeal raisin cookies that are perfect with a cold glass of milk.

Confetti Sweets will be at market again this week with their awesome cookies. If you haven't tried the coconut cookie yet, you're missing out!

Cafe O' Play's Little Crumbs Bake Shop is SWEFM's only nut-free baker, with all sweets being made in a completely nut-free facility. Check out all of their fun takes on simple squares!

Prairie Mill Baking Co. makes all of their breads the morning of market day with fresh-milled flour and wholesome ingredients. 

 

We know you lead busy lives, and our ready-to-eat food vendors are here to help! With options from Turkish to Indian to vegan to sweet, these vendors always have something to help you satisfy a quick craving or serve dinner to your family. Our ready-to-eat vendors joining us this week are: 

Honest Dumplings will be at market with their absolutely wonderful and healthy dumplings. Ray uses fresh ingredients to colour and fill her products, so be sure to ask her all about her process!

Peter's Lakeview Farms has the freshest saskatoon berries, jams and pies in Edmonton! With their chemical-free saskatoons picked fresh and baked directly into their delicious pies, there's no going wrong with a slice alongside some vanilla ice cream!

Long Lost Foods is our resident vegan vendor, bringing pizza bombs, hummus and dips all made without animal products. Be sure to stop by and try a sample!

Cravings Gelato  is a popular vendor on hot market days, and for good reason! They bring handmade artisan gelato to market in a variety of flavours. The types available rotate week-to-week, so there will always be a new favourite waiting for you!

Fruits of Sherbrooke will be at market this week with their popular preserves made from rescued fruit in Edmonton neighbourhoods. This non-profit society does wonderful work in our community and makes fantastic jam. It's a win-win! 

Mini Kitchen makes fantastic Indian and Thai food for you to take home, heat and serve. If you haven't already, be sure to pick up her delicious samosas with dip! 

Theo's Greek Kouzina will be bringing their wonderful pitas, dips, and olives to market this week. Make a wrap with fresh market vegetables and their tzatziki for a healthy lunch this week!

 

Market shopping for local foods can leave you feeling hungry! Our food truck and concession line up is the perfect way to end your evening at market, with healthy and indulgent options that are sure to satisfy everyone. The food trucks joining us this week are:

Knosh Catering will be joining us with their delicious UK comfort food. They are a part of Mealshare, where they'll donate a meal to those in need when you purchase an item on their menu with the Mealshare logo!

Yellowbird Cafe Truck is back again this week, serving a wide variety of Japanese dishes to SWEFM guests. If you're looking for a dinner option to fill you up, Yellowbird is a great choice! 

Bully Food Truck is a SWEFM staple and will be offering their fantastic comfort food again this week. Try their Locker Room Burger to support a good cause!

Fat Franks is back and will be ready to serve you their delicious hot dogs and smokies with all the fixings! 

The Pink Kernel will be at market offering mini doughnuts, cotton candy and snow cones. Their iced tea is a popular treat for thirsty kids and adults!

Original Canadian Kettle Corn will be serving up their freshly-popped kettle corn at market this week! If kettle corn isn't your thing, they also have salty popcorn for the crunch without the sweetness!

Farmers' markets are the perfect place to find high-quality, handmade products. Our artisan vendors are incredibly talented and love to share information about their crafts. From soap to jewelry and fashion, they're all worth a visit:

Dazzling Designs will be back at market this week with her wonderful handmade clothing and jewelry. Her pieces are perfect for pairing with leggings and a cardigan, so don't miss out on including some gorgeous new additions to your fall wardrobe!\
Carmen's Jewelry will be selling her lovely bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings at market this week. 

See you at market!

Visit our website at http://www.swefm.ca
Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/swefm.ca
Write a review on TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g154914-d6698177-Reviews-Southwest_Edmonton_Farmers_Market-Edmonton_Alberta.html

Black Bean and Chorizo Soup

With the cold temperatures that we have been experiencing lately, not to mention the unseasonable, winter-like conditions, it seems timely to post a hearty, hot, satisfying comfort food recipe. Packed with nutrition, this soup fits the bill. In fact, it is so dense that it is more like a stew than a soup, and makes a perfectly easy home-cooked meal. Put it in the crock pot in the morning, and you have an easy suppertime meal waiting for you and your family at the end of the day. (And a wonderful smell drifting, tantalizingly, through the house!)

black beans and chicken are truly super-foods 
Colour is, by and large, a key indicator of a food's health properties. Black bean's intense, dark colour is a clue that they are loaded with nutritional value.

Packed with nutrition, black beans are one of the planet's
super-foods.

beans are loaded with fibre Nutritionally, they are one of the best sources of fibre on earth and it is well known that diets that are high in fibre lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. And it is wonderful, health-promoting soluble fibre. We need at least 30-35 grams of fibre a day and many arguments have been made for a daily intake of up to 100 grams. The average North American gets a measly 11grams. Beans are one of the easy ways to get it back into your diet giving you from 11-17g/cup. So beans are loaded with fibre.

beans regulate your blood sugar Their fibre slows down the rate by which glucose is absorbed. They are the ultimate low glycemic-index food.

beans reduce your risk of developing cancer The Nurses Health II Study found that eating beans or lentils two (or more) times a week resulted in a 24% reduced risk. Diosgenin, a physiochemical found in legumes, appears to inhibit cancer cells from multiplying. There are also the saponins, protease inhibitors and phytic acid phytochemicals that protect cells from the type of genetic damage that can lead to cancer in the first place. Saponins slow the growth of tumours. Protease inhibitors slow the division of cancer cells. Phytic acid slows the progression of tumours.

chicken is a high quality protein
It also contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron.  Niacin is a B-vitamin that is important in energy metabolism, in the metabolism of fats in our bodies, and in the biochemical functions that are needed to maintain healthy skin and a properly functioning gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.

Sunworks' chickens are ethically raised, free-range and
organic, maximizing health for your family and for the land.

chicken meat contains selenium Selenium is a trace mineral that is one of the most important nutrients in the human diet because it is a powerful antioxidant and a diet low in selenium is associated with an increased incidence of several types of cancer (including lung, skin, colorectal and prostate).

chicken contains healthy dietary fat Sausages, because they include the dark meat of a chicken, are higher in fat content (a little of which is the unhealthy saturated variety); but it is interesting to note that most of the fat in chicken is monounsaturated fat, as long as you are not eating the skin and visible fat.

Warm, chunky, healthy, hearty, satisfying and delicious.

black bean and chorizo soup
Slightly sweet, a touch spicy, warm & satisfying; this is the ultimate fall comfort soup. Serve, topped with grated cheese and a wonderful, hearty slice of toast made from Owen's protein-rich Prairie Mill Bread and you have a satisfying and comfort-filled fall dinner.

I much prefer to use my black beans from the dried state as they aren't mushy and retain a lot more of their satisfying texture. And it is very easy to do, as long as you think ahead the evening before you plan to make this soup.

long soak method for preparing black beans

Using this method also saves you money as dried beans cost pennies, when purchased in the bulk food section of your local grocery store, compared to the cost of beans in a can. For even steeper savings, find an ethnic (East Indian) grocery store and buy them by the kilogram!

Black beans are so simple to prepare at home. Packed
with nutrition, they save you money and have far better
texture when prepared from their dried state.

For this recipe, use 2 cups of dried black beans, and prepare them using a stove top method (they will double in bulk). There are other methods as well, including a quick soak method, that cooks them first, then soaks them, then cooks them again; and there is a slow cooker method. Google them.

Rinse the beans, removing any stones or debris (sometimes thee is the odd stick in the package!). Place them in a large bowl with 3 times their volume of water. Let them soak overnight or up to 24 hours with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Drain, discarding soaking water, and rinse.

In a saucepan, cover the beans with 3x their new volume of water. Bring to a boil for 30-45 minutes, or until the beans squish when pressed between your fingers. Reduce heat, cover & simmer until beans are tender, about 30-80 minutes (depending on their variety, age & size).

I cook the beans while I am preparing the other ingredients for this recipe and put them into the crock pot, hot, at the very end. Drain & discard cooking water.

ingredients

Sunworks has a weekly deal where you can purchase
sausages at a discounted price when you purchase
10 or more packages.

12oz fresh chorizo sausage, sliced (or hot or mild Italian sausage and add 1 tsp. paprika)
1 onion, chopped
4-6 carrots, diced
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. crushed fennel seeds
1/4 tsp. pepper
5 c. low-fat, low-salt, chicken broth
2- 19oz cans black beans, drained (or 4 c. cooked)
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 red pepper, diced
1½ c.  frozen or fresh corn kernels Sunworks

directions
Sauté sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any fat from skillet. (I find that with the Sunworks' sausages, there isn't any extra fat to get rid of... in fact, you might have to add a splash of water to the pan to cook them thoroughly without charring them.)

Add the onion, carrots, chill powder, fennel seeds & pepper to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Scrape into the slow cooker.

Prairie Mill Bread is wonderfully hearty and packed with
protein. Toasted, it is the perfect accompaniment for this
recipe (and it is even better, when dipped in the soup!).
Pictured here is Owen's sunflower bread.

Add 1 cup of the broth to the skillet & bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Scrape into the slow cooker, along with remaining broth, black beans & tomato paste. Stir to combine.

Cover & cook on low until slightly thickened, about 6 hours.

Add red pepper and corn and cook over high heat for about 15 minutes until hot.

Serve, topped with cheese and a wonderful, hearty slice of toast made from Owen's Prairie Mill Bread and you have a satisfying and comfort-filled fall dinner.

where can you find ingredients at our market?

• Sunworks Farm has outstanding, wonderful tasting, organic chicken sausages. Their Chorizo Italian versions work really well in this recipe.
• The Plot, Dargatz Family Farm, Riverbend Gardens  and the Holden Colony, have carrots & onions every week.
• Holden Colony and S4 Greenhouses have beautiful red peppers each and every week.
• Prairie Mill bread is made from organic Red Fief Wheat, that is ground into flour on site at Owen's Bakery in our community. Now that's local! Because it is made with Red Fief Wheat, it is very high in protein... one slice of his bread packs double the amount of protein that you would find in a regular slice of whole wheat bread!
• For possibly the next 2 markets, depending on what happens with our crazy fall weather, Riverbend Gardens and the Holden Colony will have corn on the cob fresh from their fields

Recipe from the Canadian Living Slow Cooker Collection, p. 37
Nutritional Information from The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, by Jonny Bowden.
Visit our website at http://www.swefm.ca
Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/swefm.ca
Write a review of us on Trip Advisor: SWEFM on Trip Advisor

Contributed by Sheri Hendsbee

Fresh Sheet: September 10, 2014

Nothing warms the soul like community!

Join us WEDNESDAY in the Terwillegar Recreation Center Parking Lot from 4:30-7:30

The weather may have cooled, but market season is still up and running! This week, all of our favourite fall vegetables are in season, including pumpkins, corn, and spaghetti squash, so put on a sweater, stop by market and get some ingredients to make a warming fall soup- you'll be glad you did.

For market shopping tips, be sure to check out this page to ensure your market visit is everything it should be. And remember, please leave Fido at home- no dogs are allowed where food is being served!  

Our final installment of our macro-nutrient series is "Fat Is Your Friend", where you can stop by the info tent to learn more about the important role fat plays in a healthy diet! If you're confused about low-fat, no-fat and omega-3 fats, be sure to visit our nutrition guide to learn more about how to incorporate healthy fats into your diet and where to find healthy fats at market.

Riverbend Community League will be in the Community Tent this week promoting their upcoming event Art in Our Park, happening on September 20. 

  

The Sprouts Program for kids will be accepting new children for the rest of the season. Families can always access the Sprouts recipes online!  For more information on the Sprouts Program and to see the Sprouts recipes for kids, click here. 

The inflatable slide will also be here this week, weather permitting.

Fresh and ripe fruit is flowing steadily from B.C. this week. The fruit vendors joining us at SWEFM this week are:

Red Apple B.C. Fruit will be at market with their fresh berries, apples, peaches and nectarines.

Steve & Dan's B.C. Fruit will be bringing their delicious peaches, nectarines, fresh apples, cherries, berries, dehydrated fruit and apple juice this week. 

AIG Produce brings their wonderful cherries, berries and peaches to market directly from Osoyoos, one of Canada's premier fruit-growing regions. 

 

With everything in season, now is the perfect time to try a new vegetable or a new recipe. The vegetable vendors joining us this week are: 

Dargatz Family Farm will be at market this week with their fantastic cherry tomatoes, mini peppers, potatoes, lettuces, herb pots and more. 

The Plot will be with us again this week, bringing fresh-made ketchup and relish, along with carrots, beets, golden beets, mixed potatoes, green onions, white onions, zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, basil and dill.  

Holden Colony brings their whole bounty to market week after week! Expect a variety of fresh vegetables including kale, lettuce, onions, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and garlic, along with other staples like eggs, frozen chickens, honey, and preserves.

Riverbend Gardens will be bringing their Edmonton-grown corn on the cob, winter squash, carrots, Red Banana, German Butterball and Blue Russian Potatoes, beets, dill, cucumbers, cabbage, kale, coloured cauliflower and broccoli this week!

S4 Greenhouses will be at market this week with their fantastic tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, beans and cucumbers. They make adorable $2 mixed bags just for our Sprouts!

We believe in meat raised using ethical, sustainable methods, and our meat vendors do too! If you're looking for some delicious meat products, look no further:

Jerky Jerky will be bringing their Alberta-made beef jerky to market this week. They always have samples, so be sure to stop by and try some!

Sunworks Farm will be bringing their ethically-raised meats for you to enjoy this week. From full chickens to their ever-popular sausages, Sunworks is your new favourite meat destination!

 

Who doesn't like delicious baked goods? Our vendors have great items, from sweet and soft cupcakes to salty squares made with cheezies, to wholesome bread made with freshly milled flour. With gluten-free and nut-free bakers, there's something for every lover of baking at SWEFM! The bakers joining us this week are:

Celebrate, Gluten Free is out resident gluten-free baker, with breads, brownies and pastries all made in a gluten-free kitchen. It's the perfect vendor for celiacs or those looking for some of the best tarts in Edmonton!
Sweet Stuff will be bringing her wonderful mini and full-sized cupcakes in a variety of flavours, along with her oatmeal raisin cookies that are perfect with a cold glass of milk.

Confetti Sweets will be at market again this week with their awesome cookies. If you haven't tried the coconut cookie yet, you're missing out!

Cafe O' Play's Little Crumbs Bake Shop is SWEFM's only nut-free baker, with all sweets being made in a completely nut-free facility. Check out all of their fun takes on simple squares!

Prairie Mill Baking Co. makes all of their breads the morning of market day with fresh-milled flour and wholesome ingredients. 

 

We know you lead busy lives, and our ready-to-eat food vendors are here to help! With options from Turkish to Indian to vegan to sweet, these vendors always have something to help you satisfy a quick craving or serve dinner to your family. Our ready-to-eat vendors joining us this week are: 

Birds and Bees Winery is back this week with delicious honey wines and meads. 

Honest Dumplings will be at market with their absolutely wonderful and healthy dumplings. Ray uses fresh ingredients to colour and fill her products, so be sure to ask her all about her process!

The Mallow Fellow is back with us this week, with their delicious hand-made marshmallows in a variety of flavours.

Peter's Lakeview Farms has the freshest saskatoon berries, jams and pies in Edmonton! With their chemical-free saskatoons picked fresh and baked directly into their delicious pies, there's no going wrong with a slice alongside some vanilla ice cream!

Long Lost Foods is our resident vegan vendor, bringing pizza bombs, hummus and dips all made without animal products. Be sure to stop by and try a sample!

Cravings Gelato  is a popular vendor on hot market days, and for good reason! They bring handmade artisan gelato to market in a variety of flavours. The types available rotate week-to-week, so there will always be a new favourite waiting for you!

Fruits of Sherbrooke will be at market this week with their popular preserves made from rescued fruit in Edmonton neighbourhoods. This non-profit society does wonderful work in our community and makes fantastic jam. It's a win-win! 

Mini Kitchen makes fantastic Indian and Thai food for you to take home, heat and serve. If you haven't already, be sure to pick up her delicious samosas with dip! 

Theo's Greek Kouzina will be bringing their wonderful pitas, dips, and olives to market this week. Make a wrap with fresh market vegetables and their tzatziki for a healthy lunch this week!

The Violet Chocolate Company will be bringing her handmade chocolates to market this week, including her feature bar of the month, Strawberry Basil! This bar is perfect for those

 

Market shopping for local foods can leave you feeling hungry! Our food truck and concession line up is the perfect way to end your evening at market, with healthy and indulgent options that are sure to satisfy everyone. The food trucks joining us this week are:

Sailin' On Food Truck will be back this week to treat us all to their fantastic vegan fare! If you haven't tried their BLT wrap, you're missing out!

Yellowbird Cafe Truck is back again this week, serving a wide variety of Japanese dishes to SWEFM guests. If you're looking for a dinner option to fill you up, Yellowbird is a great choice! 

Bully Food Truck is a SWEFM staple and will be offering their fantastic comfort food again this week. Try their Locker Room Burger to support a good cause!

Fat Franks is back and will be ready to serve you their delicious hot dogs and smokies with all the fixings! 

The Pink Kernel will be at market offering mini doughnuts, cotton candy and snow cones. Their iced tea is a popular treat for thirsty kids and adults!

Original Canadian Kettle Corn will be serving up their freshly-popped kettle corn at market this week! If kettle corn isn't your thing, they also have salty popcorn for the crunch without the sweetness!

Farmers' markets are the perfect place to find high-quality, handmade products. Our artisan vendors are incredibly talented and love to share information about their crafts. From soap to jewelry and fashion, they're all worth a visit:

Ada's Soap Shop always has beautiful soaps that are perfect for treating your skin. Made with only natural ingredients, Patrick's soap is sure to soothe and moisturize all skin types!
Dazzling Designs will be back at market this week with her wonderful handmade clothing and jewelry. Her pieces are perfect for pairing with leggings and a cardigan, so don't miss out on including some gorgeous new additions to your fall wardrobe!\
Carmen's Jewelry will be selling her lovely bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings at market this week. 

See you at market!

Visit our website at http://www.swefm.ca
Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/swefm.ca
Write a review on TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g154914-d6698177-Reviews-Southwest_Edmonton_Farmers_Market-Edmonton_Alberta.html

Barbecued Chile Chicken Thighs

Ron answers questions at his 13th Annual Farm Tour,
held this past Saturday.

Butterhead lettuce, with its almost cream, buttery texture,
makes a wonderful base for a salad to accompany this dish.
These are from S4 Greenhouses.

I was talking to Ron Hamilton, of Sunworks Farm this week about how he raises his chickens, and about the importance of people being connected to their food. Knowing where it comes from. Knowing how it is raised. And asking intelligent, ethical questions of the people involved in their local food system.

He was very thrilled with the response that he and his wife, Sheila, received with their 13th annual Farm Day Tour. They had over 700 people registered for the event... that's an incredible number of people who are invested in their food... people who want to know where it comes from, how it is raised, and the conditions under which it is harvested. Half of those people were Terwillegar residents! At SWEM we applaud that kind of intelligence, interest in and investment in our local food system. Well done! Check out the very brief video here to get a sense of the atmosphere... Farm Tour Video

Ron says, "When you come to our local farm, about 75 km away, you will see how the animals are raised. You will see how they are processed and how we make our products. Truly transparent. We don’t use any tricks, we don’t employ food scientists. We employ people that care about how your food is grown, raised, handled and processed. On our farm you can see that the social licence we have as farmers with the consumers is fulfilled and verified." 

Mini tomatoes, like these, from Dargtaz Family Farm's booth
add a rainbow of colour to any end of summer tribute salad!

He urges you to, "Visit many farms, so you can get a benchmark of what a good farm should look like and see what their practices are. Do your homework and ask the deep questions. There should be no off limits and buildings that you can’t see. The visit shouldn’t gloss over or quickly step around a certain part of the farm. Is the farm clean, well kept and in good repair? Are the employees able to help with the questions so you know that everyone is on the same page? " 

And Ron also strongly believes, "People go to farmers markets to meet the farmers and develop a relationship with the growers of their food. There often is a lot of trust that the patron of the farmers market has with the grower. When you can go to the farm it validates that trust."

Lettuce mixes, like these at Holden Colony, are
available throughout the market at many of our veggie
farmers' booths. Often, they have bags of pre washed,
mixed salad bags, ready-to-go.

Riverbend Gardens, the veggie farmers in our market with the green tents, also invites people to come out to their farm. They call it their Plant & Play event. They host regular volunteer sessions where you can go and help harvest veggies and pull weeds. Get connected to the land. Really understand where your food comes from. How it is grown and harvested. What it is like to farm the land, get your fingers dirty and toil for your food. 

Nasturtiums are edible flowers, pictured here in the centre of
basket at The Plot's booth at our market.

In an urban setting we are far too often distanced from our food. Going to farm tours or volunteering on a farm is a wonderful way to connect with the land and to get connected with our food. I firmly believe that we really only value what we know... whether that be the natural world, or the farm where our food is produced. The more experiences we have in that world, the more we come to care for that world, and the more we can influence others to care about it. Get to know that world, and you will come to care about its interests, its inherent values and its preservation. Teach your children to care about that world, and you take an important step in guarding a responsible, ethical, meaningful and prosperous future for them.

Corn, from Riverbend Gardens or Holden Colony makes
a wonderful accompaniment for this BBQ'd chicken!

In honour of Sunworks' successful farm tour this past weekend, we offer up this recipe: BBQ'd Chili Chicken Thighs. Dress this up with a quick salad, made with market fresh lettuce mixes, and veggies like mini cukes, red peppers and heirloom tomatoes, and toss it in a simple vinaigrette (personally, I like a more tart vinaigrette made with HALF oil and HALF flavoured vinegar... Evoolution's white, infused balsamics are my absolute favourites... traditional vinaigrettes are made with 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 oil.). Add some beautiful edible flowers from The Plot and you have the fixings for a gourmet meal. Next, add some corn on the cob with chill lime butter (the recipe was posted 2 weeks ago), and you have a wonderful end-of-summer/market-tribute feast!

barbecued Chili chicken thighs

Donna and I resting while hiking up Mt. Lady Macdonald...
named after the feisty wife of our first Prime Minister who
 liked to ride through the mountains on the cattle
pusher grill on the front of the trains!

My good friend, Donna, has made these delicious and ever-so-simple chicken thighs for us a few times over the years when we have visited her in Canmore. And now that BBQ season is drawing to a close (or at least, comfortable barbecuing season... unless you're like us, we BBQ all winter long!), it seems a timely thing to post.

This recipe is SO simple!!! It works every time. It works equally well for chicken breasts, but the thighs, with their higher fat content and their darker meat, are much juicier and, in my opinion, far more delicious, in this recipe.

ingredients
2 lbs. Boneless Chicken Thighs
2tbsp. Chili Powder
1tbsp. Brown Sugar
1/2t. Salt
1/2 t Pepper
1-2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

directions
Mix together the chill powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Coat the chicken breasts or thighs in olive oil. Rub the powdered mixture into both sides of the chicken thighs.

Grease the grill so the chicken won't stick and pull apart as you flip it. Grill on med-high on the BBQ, approximately 3 minutes a side, until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or cut with a knife.

where can you find ingredients at our market?

• Sunworks Farm has outstanding, wonderful tasting, ethically raised, organic chicken.
• Dargatz Family Farm, The Plot and the Holden Colony have lettuce mixes that are washed & bagged and ready to use. 
• S4 Greenhouses, along with The Plot, Dargatz Family Farm and the Holden Colony, often have whole heads of lettuce to use in an accompanying salad.
• S4 Greenhouses and Holden Colony have gorgeous greenhouse cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes to use in a salad. Dargatz Family Farm, Riverbend and Holden Colony all have field cucumbers.
• Dargatz Family Farm always has wonderful heirloom tomatoes to dress up a salad and add incredible flavour, history and intriguing texture. 
• Add a few fresh herbs or edible flowers from The Plot and you have the fixings for a gourmet feast.
• Corn on the cob can still be found at Riverbend Gardens and Holden Colony... but not for long!!!

Visit our website at http://www.swefm.ca
Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/swefm.ca
Write a review of us on Trip Advisor: SWEFM on Trip Advisor

Contributed by Sheri Hendsbee

Fresh Sheet: September 3, 2014

Welcome to Autumn!

Join us WEDNESDAY in the Terwillegar Recreation Center Parking Lot from 4:30-7:30

This week marks the first few days back at school, which means our vendors have piles of fresh produce and great snacks to pack for lunches. Try your hand this year at packing some of our wonderful ethnic foods in your child's lunch: Our vendors have something that will appeal to all ages, we promise! Toss in a few fresh carrot sticks and a crispy apple, and your child's back-to-school lunch will be the envy of all her friends- no processed fruit snacks required!

For market shopping tips, be sure to check out this page to ensure your market visit is everything it should be. And remember, please leave Fido at home- no dogs are allowed where food is being served!  

 

Our friends from Hillaby's Tools For Cooks will be on-site doing a mandolin demonstration at market this week! Mandolins are wonderful for thinly slicing vegetables and fruits perfectly and quickly, and Lynn from Hillaby's is the best expert to teach you how! f

Stop by Hillaby's tent, right beside the Sprouts table, to learn how to slice up fresh market vegetables and more about this wonderful market-minded retail location in our community.

Our friends from Oak Hills Community League will be back in the Community Tent this week, promoting their Party on the Hill event on September 13, as well as selling community league memberships.

  

The Sprouts Program for kids will be accepting new children for the rest of the season. Families can always access the Sprouts recipes online!  For more information on the Sprouts Program and to see the Sprouts recipes for kids, click here. 

The inflatable slide will also be here this week, weather permitting.

Fresh and ripe fruit is flowing steadily from B.C. this week. The fruit vendors joining us at SWEFM this week are:

Red Apple B.C. Fruit will be at market with their fresh berries, apples, peaches and nectarines.

Steve & Dan's B.C. Fruit will be bringing their delicious peaches, nectarines, fresh apples, cherries, berries, dehydrated fruit and apple juice this week. 

AIG Produce brings their wonderful cherries, berries and peaches to market directly from Osoyoos, one of Canada's premier fruit-growing regions. 

 

With everything in season, now is the perfect time to try a new vegetable or a new recipe. The vegetable vendors joining us this week are: 

Dargatz Family Farm will be at market this week with their fantastic cherry tomatoes, mini peppers, potatoes, lettuces, herb pots and more. 

The Plot will be with us again this week, bringing fresh-made ketchup and relish, along with carrots, beets, golden beets, mixed potatoes, green onions, white onions, zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, basil and dill.  

Holden Colony brings their whole bounty to market week after week! Expect a variety of fresh vegetables including kale, lettuce, onions, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and garlic, along with other staples like eggs, frozen chickens, honey, and preserves.

Riverbend Gardens will be bringing their Edmonton-grown corn on the cob, winter squash, carrots, Red Banana, German Butterball and Blue Russian Potatoes, beets, dill, cucumbers, cabbage, kale, coloured cauliflower and broccoli this week!

S4 Greenhouses will be at market this week with their fantastic tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, beans and cucumbers. They make adorable $2 mixed bags just for our Sprouts!

We believe in meat raised using ethical, sustainable methods, and our meat vendors do too! If you're looking for some delicious meat products, look no further:

Jerky Jerky will be bringing their Alberta-made beef jerky to market this week. They always have samples, so be sure to stop by and try some!

Sunworks Farm will be bringing their ethically-raised meats for you to enjoy this week. From full chickens to their ever-popular sausages, Sunworks is your new favourite meat destination!

 

Who doesn't like delicious baked goods? Our vendors have great items, from sweet and soft cupcakes to salty squares made with cheezies, to wholesome bread made with freshly milled flour. With gluten-free and nut-free bakers, there's something for every lover of baking at SWEFM! The bakers joining us this week are:

Celebrate, Gluten Free is out resident gluten-free baker, with breads, brownies and pastries all made in a gluten-free kitchen. It's the perfect vendor for celiacs or those looking for some of the best tarts in Edmonton!
Sweet Stuff will be bringing her wonderful mini and full-sized cupcakes in a variety of flavours, along with her oatmeal raisin cookies that are perfect with a cold glass of milk.

Confetti Sweets will be at market again this week with their awesome cookies. If you haven't tried the coconut cookie yet, you're missing out!

Cafe O' Play's Little Crumbs Bake Shop is SWEFM's only nut-free baker, with all sweets being made in a completely nut-free facility. Check out all of their fun takes on simple squares!

Prairie Mill Baking Co. makes all of their breads the morning of market day with fresh-milled flour and wholesome ingredients. 

 

We know you lead busy lives, and our ready-to-eat food vendors are here to help! With options from Turkish to Indian to vegan to sweet, these vendors always have something to help you satisfy a quick craving or serve dinner to your family. Our ready-to-eat vendors joining us this week are:

Grand Maple Farms is our newest vendor, selling maple syrup and candies from Quebec.

Honest Dumplings will be back this week with her absolutely wonderful and healthy dumplings. She uses fresh ingredients to colour and fill her products, so be sure to ask her all about her process!

The Mallow Fellow is back with us this week, with their delicious hand-made marshmallows in a variety of flavours.

Peter's Lakeview Farms has the freshest saskatoon berries, jams and pies in Edmonton! With their chemical-free saskatoons picked fresh and baked directly into their delicious pies, there's no going wrong with a slice alongside some vanilla ice cream!

Superfood Station will be serving up her delicious Japanese-inspired treats and refreshing sodas made with superfoods at market this week. With ingredients like kale, carrots and gogi berries, her sodas and desserts are a guilt-free indulgence!

Long Lost Foods is our resident vegan vendor, bringing pizza bombs, hummus and dips all made without animal products. Be sure to stop by and try a sample!

Cravings Gelato  is a popular vendor on hot market days, and for good reason! They bring handmade artisan gelato to market in a variety of flavours. The types available rotate week-to-week, so there will always be a new favourite waiting for you!

Fruits of Sherbrooke will be at market this week with their popular preserves made from rescued fruit in Edmonton neighbourhoods. This non-profit society does wonderful work in our community and makes fantastic jam. It's a win-win! 

Mini Kitchen makes fantastic Indian and Thai food for you to take home, heat and serve. If you haven't already, be sure to pick up her delicious samosas with dip! 

Theo's Greek Kouzina

will be bringing their wonderful pitas, dips, and olives to market this week. Make a wrap with fresh market vegetables and their tzatziki for a healthy lunch this week!

The Violet Chocolate Company will be bringing her handmade chocolates to market this week, including her feature bar of the month, Strawberry Basil! This bar is perfect for those

 

Market shopping for local foods can leave you feeling hungry! Our food truck and concession line up is the perfect way to end your evening at market, with healthy and indulgent options that are sure to satisfy everyone. The food trucks joining us this week are:

La Poutine will be at market with their delicious poutines. Their "Canadian" poutine is an indulgent treat on an August market evening!

Yellowbird Cafe Truck is back again this week, serving a wide variety of Japanese dishes to SWEFM guests. If you're looking for a dinner option to fill you up, Yellowbird is a great choice! 

Knosh Catering is back with their unbelievably delicious U.K. comfort food. They love to use fresh fruits from our B.C. fruit vendors at SWEFM... Ask them what's on special this week!

Bully Food Truck is a SWEFM staple and will be offering their fantastic comfort food again this week. Try their Locker Room Burger to support a good cause!

Fat Franks is back and will be ready to serve you their delicious hot dogs and smokies with all the fixings! 

The Pink Kernel will be at market offering mini doughnuts, cotton candy and snow cones. Their iced tea is a popular treat for thirsty kids and adults!

Original Canadian Kettle Corn will be serving up their freshly-popped kettle corn at market this week! If kettle corn isn't your thing, they also have salty popcorn for the crunch without the sweetness!

Farmers' markets are the perfect place to find high-quality, handmade products. Our artisan vendors are incredibly talented and love to share information about their crafts. From soap to jewelry and fashion, they're all worth a visit:

Ada's Soap Shop always has beautiful soaps that are perfect for treating your skin. Made with only natural ingredients, Patrick's soap is sure to soothe and moisturize all skin types!
Gypsy Bird will be at market with her beautiful handmade jewelry.

See you at market!

Visit our website at http://www.swefm.ca
Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/swefm.ca
Write a review on TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g154914-d6698177-Reviews-Southwest_Edmonton_Farmers_Market-Edmonton_Alberta.html