Farmers Market Preview, October 23, 2011

Great week! But we're not there yet. So much to talk about... Fundraising As of this morning we have received member loan cash and pledges of over $197,000. Less than $53,000 left to reach our goal! Can we do it by the end of October? Lingering Doubts Do you have a friend or neighbor (or spouse, or you yourself) who is wondering why it has taken so long for the co-op to open? Though there may still be some lingering doubts about the project, there is no doubt about our community's desire to open this market and revitalize Elkins Park. Bring this friend (or spouse, or yourself) to an upcoming parlor meeting - it's time to look forward again. We hold parlor meetings for friends and neighbors to gather and learn about the member loan program and the co-op in general in a more intimate and open setting. Board members will be there to answer your questions and explain exactly what it's taken to get here, hopefully just weeks away from breaking ground! Upcoming Meetings Sunday, October 23, 1-3 pm at the home of Andrew Altman and Lee Chudzinski 443 Crescent Rd, Wyncote Thursday, October 27th, 7:30 pm at the home of Michael Silverman and Robin Rifkin 1112 Prospect Ave, Melrose Park Tuesday, November 1st, 7:30 pm hosted by Cheryl McLaren and Rennie Narine 511 Spring Avenue, Elkins Park Thursday, November 10th, 7 pm at the home of Karen Lecks & Murrey Cohen 8117 Heacock Lane, Wyncote Of course there are many other ways in which you can help! Township Commissioners Come Through! On Wednesday, Oct. 19 the Cheltenham Township Commissioners came through for this project in a big way! They voted to waive building permit and sewage unit purchase fees, saving our project $34,000 in start-up costs. Let it never be said that business and government can't work together to promote sustainability! If you get a chance, give your commissioner a call and thank him or her for what they've done. They gave us a break at a time when municipal budgets are tight and they should be recognized for it. More Parlor Meeting Heroes In an earlier e-mail, we neglected to mention two members who also hosted a member loan parlor meeting, Amy Steffen and Linda Stern. Much thanks to them and to all those who stepped forward to educate their neighbors and move this project forward.

November 3 Member Meeting Join us at Curtis Hall, 1250 Church Road in Wyncote where we will conduct a co-op business meeting, including discussion of and voting on possible bylaws changes and the progress of our member loan and member equity fundraising drives. The meeting starts at 7:30. Please bring your favorite baked goods. A board member or volunteer will provide the cider. Let's break bread together before this meeting and enjoy our progress before we get down to business. Call for Board Candidates As we move forward to achieve our dream of a member-owned grocery store in Elkins Park, the Creekside Co-op Board of Directors is seeking qualified candidates to fill six upcoming vacancies on the 13-member board. If you are dedicated to the success of this co-op and can devote your time and energies please send a headshot, bio and letter of interest to Board President Dan Reynolds at dreynolds67@comcast.net or Board Vice President Andy Schloss at aschloss1730@gmail.com by Nov. 12. Candidates would serve a two-year term on the board and would be expected to attend monthly board meetings as well as to participate in board committees. Areas of expertise that would serve the board well include marketing, communications, finance, nonprofit board experience and fundraising. Weather forecast for Sunday, Oct. 23. Partly cloudy with a high of 62 This week's list of farmers' market vendors Frecon Farms - apples, pears and cider Lone Wolf Farms - large varieties of local vegetables and herbs. Tall Pine Farms - herbs, vegetables and fruits from Neshaminy Creek. Anita's Guacamole - delicious guacamole made on location Mainly Mushrooms - A variety of foraged and cultivated mushrooms along with delicious and protein-rich free-range eggs. PhilaDing - gluten-free ethnic specials, falafel, salsas, assorted salads, fresh scones. Bucks County Preserves - Homemade jams & jellies, honey and apple cider. Philly Bill's Dills - Don't let your grilled lamb, beef or veggie burger go unadorned by one of these mouth-watering varieties of pickles. Green Street Roasters - a local coffee roaster serving up freshly roasted beans and coffee M&B Farview Farm - Grass-fed beef, pastured Heritage (milk-fed) pigs, pastured goats, lamb, chicken, eggs, ducks, guineas, goose, state-licensed raw Jersey cow and goat milk, raw cow and goat cheeses, yogurt. They also grill up food during the market for you to enjoy! Big Sky Bread Co. - tasty assortment of breads and rolls Krystyna's Kitchen - tasty pockets of potato, cheese and more Crafters Jewelry maker Janet Fallon Tile maker Bruce Weiner Simple Pleasures No need to drive yourself nuts chopping, mixing, reducing and blending to eat something great tasting. Alice Waters, of Chez Panisse fame and one of the icons of the local food movement, always says her favorite thing to eat is good bread, salt and olive oil. Next time you're at the farmers' market grab a round of Big Sky Bread Company's Italian rustic loaf and pick up some of that sharp goat cheddar from M&B Farview Farms. A little of that cheese on that bread with some olive oil, salt and pepper and some fresh herbs from your garden makes for a delicious snack with local ingredients. Farmers Market Preview Weather forecast for Sunday, Oct. 23. Partly cloudy with a high of 62 Frecon Farms - apples, pears and cider Lone Wolf Farms - large varieties of local vegetables and herbs. Tall Pine Farms - herbs, vegetables and fruits from Neshaminy Creek. Anita's Guacamole - delicious guacamole made on location Mainly Mushrooms - A variety of foraged and cultivated mushrooms along with delicious and protein-rich free-range eggs. PhilaDing - gluten-free ethnic specials, falafel, salsas, assorted salads, fresh scones. Bucks County Preserves - Homemade jams & jellies, honey and apple cider. Philly Bill's Dills - Don't let your grilled lamb, beef or veggie burger go unadorned by one of these mouth-watering varieties of pickles. Green Street Roasters - a local coffee roaster serving up freshly roasted beans and coffee M&B Farview Farm - Grass-fed beef, pastured Heritage (milk-fed) pigs, pastured goats, lamb, chicken, eggs, ducks, guineas, goose, state-licensed raw Jersey cow and goat milk, raw cow and goat cheeses, yogurt. They also grill up food during the market for you to enjoy! Big Sky Bread Co. - tasty assortment of breads and rolls Kristina's Pierogies - tasty pockets of potato, cheese and more The Creekside Co-op Mission Statement CreekSide Co-op is a cooperative member-owned food market in Cheltenham Township, providing products and services that are responsive to the values of its ownership and fostering connections among the people of its diverse community. CreekSide Co-op

Farmers Market Preview, October 2, 2011

Weather Forecast for Sunday, October 2nd: partly cloudy with, high of 53 degrees featuring classical chamber trio Musical Chairs

Upcoming parlor meetings: 

We are also holding parlor meetings for friends and neighbors to gather and learn about the member loan program and the co-op in general.  It is most important to attend the meeting discussed above, but these are also available for more intimate discussions.

Thursday, October 6th at 7:30 PM at the home of Iris Coloma-Gaines and Michael Gaines - 331 Gerard Avenue, Elkins Park

Tuesday, October 11th at 7:30 pm at the home of Janice Hayes-Cha and Jang-Ho Cha - 545 Elkins Avenue, Elkins Park

Please www.creekside.coop to RSVP and find out the many ways you can help spread the word. 

Get your lawn signs!

You may have seen around town our lawn signs “Let’s Make it Happen” – if you are interested in picking one, please contact design@creekside.coop. We ask if you are able to make a small donation to cover the costs ($5) please do.

This week's line up of food vendors includes:

Streamside Farms – Full bounties of produce and beautiful fresh-cut bouquets from our very own Elkins Park chemical-free grower.

Frecon Farms – apples and pears

Lone Wolf Farms – large varieties of local vegetables and herbs.

Tall Pine Farms – herbs, vegetables and fruits from Neshaminy Creek.

Anita’s Guacamole – delicious guacamole made on location

Mainly Mushrooms - A variety of foraged and cultivated mushrooms along with delicious and protein-rich free-range eggs.

PhilaDing - gluten-free ethnic specials, falafel, salsas, assorted salads, fresh scones.

Bucks County Preserves - Homemade jams & jellies, honey and apple cider.

Philly Bill's Dills - Don't let your grilled lamb, beef or veggie burger go unadorned by one of these mouth-watering varieties of pickles.

Green Street Roasters – a local coffee roaster serving up freshly roasted beans and coffee

Big Sky Co. – tasty assortment of breads and rolls

Krystyna’s Pierogies – homemade authentic Polish pierogies and soups

Non-food vendors:

Bruce Weiner – tiles and handmade pottery

Sweet Potato Chilli

1 TB olive oil

1 large onion, peeled and chopped

1 green or red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped

3 fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 pound canned)

3 medium sweet potatoes,

peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 TB chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

1 zucchini, sliced ¼ inch thick

1 (16 ounce) can black, pinto, or kidney beans, drained and rinsed.

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium high heat.  Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened.  Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
2. Add tomatoes (if using canned, add the liquid), sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Lower the heat and simmer 20 minutes.
3. Add the zucchini and canned beans.  Cook until vegetables are tender and chili has thickened slightly.
4. Adjust seasonings and serve hot.

August 7, 2011 Hot Sheet

Did you get a chance to see the gorgeous tomatoes last week fromHerrcastle Farms? Stop by this week and check out their numerous varieties. Grab a few and do your own taste testing to decide which is your favorite! When you are done making your tomato decision, walk around the market and pick up the other veggies needed to make the Summer Vegetable Gratin (recipe below).  Films and Music in the Park! Tonight - Thursday, August 4, 7:45pm   The Scribe Video Center, Friends of High School Park and the La Mott Community Center Garden Group present an evening of films, fun and music. Trundle down to the park on Thursday evening, Aug. 4 for an evening of bluegrass music by Hootgrass and a series of films focusing on sustainable agriculture and local land preservation efforts. The event kicks off at 7:45 pm.  For information call 215-222-4201 or visit scribe.org. Special this week M&B Farview Farms Buy 5 lbs of any meat sausage and get $1 off per pound. This week's line up of food vendors includes: Streamside Farms - Full bounties of produce beautiful fresh cut bouquets from our very own Elkins Park chemical-free grower Frecon Farms - more yummy peaches, plums, blueberries and cherries Lone Wolf Farms - fresh corn, tomatoes, squash, watermelon, beets, onions, greens, potted herbs, peppers and tomatoes. Tall Pine Farms - greens, peaches, tomatoes, herbs, salsas and sauces from a sunny-haired local farmer who is a great source of information on local produce M&B Farview Farms - Grass-fed beef, pastured Heritage (milk-fed) pigs, pastured goats, lamb, chicken, eggs, ducks, guineas, goose, state-licensed raw Jersey cow and goat milk, raw cow and goat cheeses, yogurt. They also grill up food during the market for you to enjoy! Mainly Mushrooms - a variety of foraged and cultivated mushrooms along with delicious and protein-rich free-range eggs Steve's Pound Cake  - Steve's assorted flavors are delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a hot day! Around-the-Corner-Caterer - all sorts of savory goods and some delicious brioches and cookies to nibble on as you walk around the market PhilaDing - gluten free ethnic specials, falafel, salsas, assorted salads, fresh scones Bucks County Preserves - homemade jams & jellies, honey and apple cider Fresh A Peel Hummus - have you tried this yummy hummus yet? Great as a spread on sandwiches or for a healthy snack! Philly Bill's Dills - Don't let your grilled lamb, beef or veggie burger go unadorned by one of these mouth-watering varieties of pickles Krystyna's Pierogies - Delicious homemade pierogies Herrcastle Farms - So many heirloom tomatoes! Cardamom and Curry - Varieties of delicious teas - you can brew hot and cold. Non-food vendors: Bruce Weiner - handmade tiles Banyan Yoga - instruction and massage from our very own local studio Janet Falon - jewelry maker Summer Gratin This recipe is perfect for a summer farmers' market. Just walk around this Sunday, and pick up all the necessary produce - and you are ready to make this delicious Summer Gratin. It's great for a main course or a side dish. From Cooks Illustrated 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound zucchini, ends trimmed and sliced crosswise in ¼ inch thick slices 1 pound summer squash (yellow), ends trimmed and sliced crosswise in ¼ inch thick slices 2 teaspoons salt 1 ½ pounds ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick 2 medium onions, halved lengthwise and sliced thin pole to pole (about 3 cups) ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 2 tsp) 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves 1 large slice white sandwich bread, torn into quarters 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 cup) 2 medium shallots, minced (about ¼ cup) ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves   Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Brush 13- by 9-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon oil; set aside. Toss zucchini and summer squash slices with 1 teaspoon salt in large bowl; transfer to colander set over bowl. Let stand until zucchini and squash release at least 3 tablespoons of liquid, about 45 minutes. Arrange slices on triple layer paper towels; cover with another triple layer paper towels. Firmly press each slice to remove as much liquid as possible. Place tomato slices in single layer on double layer paper towels and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt; let stand 30 minutes. Place second double layer paper towels on top of tomatoes and press firmly to dry tomatoes. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onions, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and dark golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Set onions aside. Combine garlic, 3 tablespoons oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and thyme in small bowl. In large bowl, toss zucchini and summer squash in half of oil mixture, then arrange in greased baking dish. Arrange caramelized onions in even layer over squash. Slightly overlap tomato slices in single layer on top of onions. Spoon remaining garlic-oil mixture evenly over tomatoes. Bake until vegetables are tender and tomatoes are starting to brown on edges, 40 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, process bread in food processor until finely ground, about 10 seconds. (You should have about 1 cup crumbs.) Combine bread crumbs, remaining tablespoon oil, Parmesan, and shallots in medium bowl. Remove baking dish from oven and increase heat to 450 degrees. Sprinkle bread-crumb mixture evenly on top of tomatoes. Bake gratin until bubbling and cheese is lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and let sit at room temperature 10 minutes before serving. The Creekside Co-op Mission Statement CreekSide Co-op is a cooperative member-owned food market in Cheltenham Township, providing products and services that are responsive to the values of its ownership and fostering connections among the people of its diverse community. CreekSide Co-op

July 24, 2011 Hot Sheet

Weather forecast: Partly cloudy with a high of 91 degrees PHEW! It's been a scorcher. With this kind of weather, it's sometimes just nice to avoid the stove/oven/grill all together. Have you tried making a huge salad with all the fixin's from our market yet? Get creative with this 'raw idea' adding fruit (like berries from Frecon) or pieces of cheese (from M&B). You can finish out your cool meal with some hummus and chips from our new vendor Fresh Apeel. Rumor has it this week they might have some chocolate hummus. Sounds tasty! We are all hoping after this weekend it will cool down a little and we may be able to enjoy the outdoors a bit more.

Farm Bike Ride  Weavers Way Co-op's 6th Annual Urban Farm Bike Ride is Saturday, July 23, 2011, with two great routes through Philadelphia's vibrant neighborhoods, featuring plenty of new urban farms and inspiring talks with Philadelphia's pioneering urban farmers, all ending with an incredible feast of grilled food and beer at Weavers Way Co-op's Mort Brooks Farm, at Awbury Arboretum.  Cost is $28 in advance and $30 on the day of the ride. Proceeds benefit farm education programs of Weavers Way Community Programs. For more information or to register, visit www.weaversway.coop.  Help Streamside Farm at Elkins Estate Our friend and vendor Meei Ling Ng, Farm Director at Streamside Farm at the Elkins Estate, has a badly sprained ankle. If anyone could volunteer with her husband Larry on the farm this week they would be doing a good deed. Please contact her at 215-606-8428 or meeilingng@gmail.com. Thanks!  This week's line up of food vendors includes: Streamside Farms - They are back this week! Pick up some fresh elephant garlic (recipe below) and beautiful fresh cut bouquets from our very own Elkins Park chemical-free grower Frecon Farms - more yummy plums, blueberries and cherries Lone Wolf Farms - fresh corn, tomatoes, squashes watermelon, beets, onions, greens, potted herbs, peppers and tomatoes. Tall Pine Farms - greens, peaches, tomatoes, herbs, salsas and sauces from a sunny-haired local farmer who is a great source of information on local produce M&B Farview Farms - Grass-fed beef, pastured Heritage (milk-fed) pigs, pastured goats, lamb, chicken, eggs, ducks, guineas, goose, state-licensed raw Jersey cow and goat milk, raw cow and goat cheeses, yogurt. They also grill up food during the market for you to enjoy. Mainly Mushrooms - a variety of foraged and cultivated mushrooms along with delicious and protein-rich free-range eggs Big Sky Bread Company - whole-grain breads, rolls and bags of crunchy granola Steve's Pound Cake  - Steve's assorted flavors are delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a hot day! Around-the-Corner-Caterer - all sorts of savory goods and some delicious brioches and cookies to nibble on as you walk around the market PhilaDing - gluten free ethnic specials, falafel, salsas, assorted salads, fresh scones Bucks County Preserves - homemade jams & jellies, honey and apple cider Fresh Apeel Hummus - this is a new vendor which takes a fresh approach to tasty, handcrafted hummus. They use all natural ingredients with an emphasis on cross-cultural flavors Philly Bill's Dills - Don't let your grilled lamb, beef or veggie burger go unadorned by one of these mouth-watering varieties of pickles Non-food vendors: Bruce Weiner - handmade tiles Janet Falon Jewelry Banyan Yoga - instruction and massage from our very own local studio Grilled Elephant Garlic   This week Streamside is featuring elephant garlic - a closer family member to leeks, much sweeter and less intense than ordinary garlic. Here's a nice way to grill it up and use as a garnish to soups, salads, or in sandwiches:   1 elephant garlic clove olive oil  1 pinch salt 1 pinch pepper 1 pinch sugar Slice peeled elephant garlic into 1/4 inch sliced.rub with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and sugar. Place on a preheated grill for about 3 minutes each side. Remove and cover with foil to continue cooking and keep warm. Place on fresh crisp bread, garnish any grilled meat or veggies. Or if you want eat it straight up! Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/grilled-elephant-garlic-159840#ixzz1SeomuqAy

July 10, 2011 Hot Sheet

Weather forecast: Mostly Sunny and 87 degrees We hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July celebratory weekend. For kids, maybe it marks the 'official start' of the summer. It also made a nice long weekend off of work for us adults, or maybe just a good excuse to bust out the red, white and blue tablecloth and light sparklers. However it was spent, we hope you were able to enjoy some good (locally grown - of course) foods on the grill and good company.

Creekside Tour of Streamside Farm at Elkins Estate Come join us for a special tour of Streamside Farm at Elkins Estate, Wednesday July 20th at 6:30pm. Streamside is a chemical-free environmentally sustainable produce and flower farm in Elkins Park and a regular vendor at the Creekside Farmers Market. Farmer Meei Ling Ng will lead the tour and answer our questions.  To participate, please meet us at the greenhouse at Elkins Estate. No advance registration is required. This week's line up of food vendors includes: Streamside Farms - locally grown greens and flowers and we mean really locally grown Batshevas Kosher Cheeses - goat and cow cheeses with no animal rennet in them; vegetarian cheeses in other words Frecon Farms - cherries and blue berries with peaches not far behind Big Sky Bread Company - big crusty loaves to go along with those cheeses mentioned above Steve's Pound Cake  - every flavor one could imagine and yes, you will probably want to add ice cream Lone Wolf Farms - potatoes, tomatoes, beets, greens and summer squashes PhilaDing - gluten-free/vegan treats, ethnic foods, salsas, salads Anita's Guacamole - now we are really in guacamole season, anyone have any tequila? M&B Farview Farms - Grass fed beef, pastured Heritage( milk fed) pigs, pastured goats, lamb, chicken, eggs, ducks, guineas, goose, state licensed raw Jersey cow and goat milk, raw cow and goat cheeses, yogurt Tall Pine Farms - potted herbs, salad and stewing greens Otolith Seafoods - flash-frozen line-caught halibut and salmon from the waters of Alaska Bucks County Preserves - yet more niceness to spread on your bread Mainly Mushrooms - a variety of cultivated and foraged mushrooms; great additions to omelettes, sauces and home-made pizzas. Non-food vendors: Bruce Weiner - Tile Works Banyan Yoga - stretch and breathe everyone, you will be happier Beet and Apple Slaw Did you know that eating a colorful plate helps to give you all the necessary nutrients to your diet? Add a little red to your diet this week with some beets - great for the blood and cardiovascular health.  Below is a nice, simple beet slaw recipe that doesn't require you to turn your oven on! 1 bunch fresh beets 2 medium carrots 2 green onions, trimmed 1 medium apple 1 lemon - juiced 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 ½ teaspoons sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger (or ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger) Trim the greens from the beet roots. Reserve the greens for another use Scrub beet roots and carrots, peel. Coarsely grate beets and carrots into a large bowl. Cut green onions into 1 inch pieces, then into thin slivers. Add to the beets. Coarsely shred the apple into the bowl. In a small bowl mix the lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and ginger. Stir until sugar and salt are dissolved.Add to the beet mixture. Mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve chilled The Creekside Co-op Mission Statement CreekSide Co-op is a cooperative member-owned food market in Cheltenham Township, providing products and services that are responsive to the values of its ownership and fostering connections among the people of its diverse community.