It seems to me that the indoor holiday market sponsored by SeacoastEatLocal and McIntosh Culinary Academy was a rousing success. I arrived as the doors opened at 9:00, and it was already bustling with activity. By the time I left at 9:45, the market was lively and crowded.
A cooking demonstration was beginning, and folks were getting reacquainted with favorite farmers who’ve been on hiatus (at least in terms of sales) for the past month or so.
I came home with quite a stash, from greens to beans. I stocked up on onions, garlic and carrots, along with some brussels sprouts (on the stalk!) from New Roots Farm.
Acquiring the dried beans from Meadows Mirth – Jean’s Beans was like trying to buy a wedding dress during the infamous “Running of the Brides” at Boston’s Filene’s Basement, and I look forward to trying these, as everyone was raving about them. I was very excited to find some ground cherries that I think I’ll serve on a crudite platter at Thanksgiving. Along with the sprouts, I secured some turnips and potatoes for the big meal on Thursday.
There was plenty of fresh bread, pies and other baked goods, along with meat (including venison from Bonnie Brae Farms), honey, syrup, wine and preserve purveyors.
It was a great trip in terms of produce, but I also had the good fortune to say hi to Sara Zoe, the driving force behind this market and SeacoastEatLocal, as well as an author over at EatLocalChallenge. I was very happy to put a face to a name, and I look forward to seeing her again in December at the next market. Bravo, Sara – I hope you can get some rest now!
In addition to it being a gorgeous, chilly, breezy November day here in New Hampshire, my drive afforded me some great scenery along the way. With the price of gas what it is, I can’t say that this was a totally economical way to secure my produce, but I have to imagine that it is still lighter on the planet than the produce in the grocery store. Besides, I got to drive some of the most scenic roads in NH: Rt. 171 through Moultonborough, Tuftonboro and Ossipee,
and Rt. 16 through Ossipee and Wakefield, where Mt. Washington is in full view.
I feel very fortunate to be able to live and eat here!
I just got some Brussels sprouts on the stalks, too. I actually had no idea that’s how they grew!
thanks for posting these pictures! And thanks again for coming – see you December 22nd!
The market was so fun! I got there at 9:00 am as well, and I couldn’t believe how busy it was. It was very encouraging to see that many people enthusiastic over buying and eating local food!
What a fantastic market! My husband and I, too, got their shortly after 9 AM and it was PACKED! We bought some greens, some pumpkin-spiced mead, some maple sugar items, and saw many UNH friends there too. Can’t wait for the December holiday market!
Kim, your pictures are beautiful.
Tammy – now I just need to find a pot big enough to fit the large contraptions in!
Sara Z – I’ll be there!
G+N – you have a great report over at your site, there! It was a multi-state adventure!
Sara C – Thanks! I’m going to keep you in mind when I start getting some advice from Sara Z on getting Lakes Region farmers organized. Both Saras should consider themselves warned!
As one of the organizers from MACA (McIntosh Atlantic Culinary Academy) I was thrilled with the public response to Saturday’s market. What a great experience it is working with all the folks from Seacoast Eats Local also. Theirs is a philosophy that we encourage in our classrooms too. We look forward to doing this again December 22nd!
Thank you, Michael, for all the support from MACA! The market was great, and I appreciate that you’re passing on the values of local eating to your students. I’ll be there in December!
[...] of Yankee Food drove a ways to come to our Holiday Farmers’ Market yesterday, and then wrote a great write up [...]