AgriMissouri

Friday Fixin's

I haven't forgotten, it's Friday and I owe you a recipe. This one is from my husband and it uses his favorite AgriMissouri product, Zia's Sweet Italian Dressing made by Arcobasso Foods Manufacturing Company. I swear he would drink the stuff if I would let him! Doug (my hubby) loves to grill and that's how this recipe came to be. It's all approximates so feel free to adjust to your own tastes...after all a recipe is just the road map of options to reach the end destination.

Doug's Tasty Grilled Potatoes

2 large baking potatoes, sliced
1/4 cup Zia's Sweet Italian Dressing
1 medium Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chives (we used fresh from our herb garden, if using dried use more like 1 teaspoon)
1 clove garlic (Doug says a large clove but we love garlic)
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 foil packet (can be made from aluminum foil rather than buying the pre-made packets)

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Mix well. Place mixture in foil packet and grill with indirect heat for 20-30 minutes. Turn the packet several times during cooking. Check the potatoes before removing from grill because the thickness of the potatoes may alter the cooking time.

If you have a favorite recipe that uses an AgriMissouri product, place it in the comments or email it to me.

Jump In, Jump Out… Introduce Yourself!

Hello All!

My name is Katie Bellers and I am the AgriMissouri Marketing Intern for the summer (feel free to insert any intern jokes you like now, don't worry I'll wait!)  I hope to get to meet as many people and visit as many businesses as I can over the summer.  Be sure to let me know if you or any AgirMissouri business has any big agritourism events planned!

I suppose I should properly introduce myself...

I am a native girl... born and raised right here in Jefferson City, Missouri.  I attended Jefferson City High School and graduated in 2002.  After high school I attended Central Methodist University until I married my husband in 2006.  I FINALLY graduated from Columbia College this May with a degree emphasizing English, Communications and Marketing.

I am the leader of the Family Readiness Group for the 1140th Military Police Company out of Fulton, Missouri and I also coach Upward Cheerleading.  I'm active in my Relay for Life team and I tutor elementary students who have trouble with reading comprehension.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, friends and family.  I love sitting poolside and reading too!  I also spend as much time as i can with my puppies, Riley and Penny.

I am traveling to all corners of the state this summer to don't be surprised if I come to see you!  I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and learning as much as I can about all of your businesses and products!

-Katie

(by the way... I promise that my next blog will be more about AgriMissouri and less about Katie!)

Welcome Katie!

Katie Bellers started her summer internship with AgriMissouri yesterday. We are excited that she's working with us this summer.

Katie is going to be visiting many AgriMissouri members and blogging about their businesses and products.Look for posts from Katie in the near future.

Agritourism One of 5 Affordable Family Travel Ideas

I saw it on MSNBC.com! Erik Torkell, Budget Travel Editor, listed the top five affordable family travel ideas this summer and farm stays were the first on the list! Below is what Mr. Torkell wrote about farm stays, unfortunately none of the examples are in Missouri but this is a huge web site to have agritourism mentioned and mentioned first.

Enjoy! Sarah

1. Farmstays
What it is: A B&B on a working farm, where you get to help out as much as you like, or explore the area. This trend first took off in Italy, where they’re called agriturismi.

Why they’re a great, affordable family travel idea: At a farmstay, a room that sleeps four usually goes for around $100 — and that includes farm-related activities and breakfast. You can help gather eggs or feed sheep at Leaping Lamb Farm Stay in Alsea, Ore. The daily cost for a family of four starts at $125 — and the seventh night is free (877/820-6132, leapinglambfarm.com). A week at the Herds Inn at Hedgebrook Farm in Virginia is $750 (866/783-2681, theherdsinn.com). Working Cows Dairy is a farm near Dothan, Ala., that rents a cottage that sleeps six for $300 per week (334/886-3839, workingcowsdairy.com).

How to find one: Some states have farm associations — including Pennsylvania (888/856-6622, pafarmstay.com) and Vermont (866/348-3276, vtfarms.org) — which makes it easy to locate farmstays. Other states — such as California (805/238-3799, agadventures.org) —maintain agritourism sites where you can find farms that rent rooms, as well as ones that only welcome day visitors. And you can always just Google your state’s name and the phrase “farm stay.”
Bear in mind: Not all farmstays are centered around kids, so be sure to inquire.

Kansas City Area Farmers' Markets

I ran across this list of farmers' markets in the Food Section of the Kansas City Star today and thought I would pass it along. Enjoy!

BANNISTER FEDERAL COMPLEX FARMERS MARKET: Locally grown and organic fruits, vegetables, jams, baked goods and flowers. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays. 92nd and Troost. (816-926-3514)

BRIARCLIFF VILLAGE FARMER’S MARKET: Organic and locally grown. 3-7 p.m. Thursdays. Demonstrations utilizing produce and products available at market each week at 5 p.m. Entrance of Briarcliff Village. www.briarcliffvillagekc.com (816-792-2670)

CITY MARKET: 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. 20 E. Fifth. www.thecitymarket.org (816-842-1271)

CROWN CENTER FARMERS’ MARKET: Variety of meats, eggs, vegetables, jams, baked goods and flowers. Open every other Tuesday. 2450 Grand. www.crowncenter.com (816-274-8444)

FARMERS’ COMMUNITY MARKET AT BROOKSIDE: Local and organic products including vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers, baked goods, soaps and other crafts. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, Border Star Montessori School, 63rd and Wornall www.farmerscommunitymarket.com

GRAND COURT FOUR SEASONS FARMERS’ MARKET: Organic and naturally grown produce, mushrooms, plants, soaps, jewelry, organic meats, goats’ milk, eggs, and baked goods. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays, Grand Court Retirement Center, 107th and Wornall.

INDEPENDENCE FARMERS MARKET: Homegrown fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants or handmade crafts. 5 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, Corner of Truman and Main. (816-252-8860)

KC ORGANICS AND NATURAL MARKET: Locally grown organic produce, herbs, edible flowers, breads and baked goods, free-range eggs, soaps and body care products. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Minor Park, I-435 and Holmes on Red Bridge. www.kcorganics.com

LEE’S SUMMIT FARMERS MARKET: Wednesday and Saturdays 7 a.m. to sell out. Second and Douglas. (816-246-6598)

LIBERTY FARMERS MARKET: Garden flowers, baked goods, vegetables, fruits, honey, jam and jellies. 7 a.m.-Noon Wednesdays, Crowley Furniture store parking lot, Missouri 152 and Missouri 291; 7 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Liberty Square, Main and Franklin. www.historicdowntownliberty.org (816-930-2175, 816-456-9339)

MARCHE’ DU JOUR: French inspired market features gourmet and designer farm fresh produce, flowers, herbs and more. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, Delaware Interiors, 3848 W. 75th, Prairie Village. www.delawareinteriors.com (913-384-0330, 573-584-3385)

MERRIAM FARMERS MARKETPLACE: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. 5740 Merriam Drive in downtown Merriam. www.merriam.org/park/marketplace.com (913-322-5550)

MERRIAM ORGANIC MARKET: Organic, natural and free-range foods. Hand-made arts & crafts. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays. 5740 Merriam Drive in downtown Merriam. www.merriamorganicmarket.org (913-620-8427)NORTH KANSAS CITY FRIDAY FARMERS MARKET: Emu products, spring greens, bedding plants, jams, jellies and baked goods. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. beginning May 9. Caboose Park, 715 Armour, North Kansas City. (816-472-7700)

SHAWNEE FARMERS MARKET: Farm fresh produce, handmade crafts and homemade goodies. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Shawnee City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive. (913-248-2360)

The Slaps BBQ

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. I did!

On Friday, one of my co-workers called me because she was having a Memorial Day barbecue and needed a meat rub. She said she'd looked on the Internet and found some recipes but was wondering if we had any AgriMissouri meat rub suggestions. But of course!

Shelley, our assistant who can do anything, and I set our co-worker up with two meat rubs from The Slabs LLP, Perk Up Your Pork Rub and Wow Up Your Cow Beef Rub. The Slabs LLP is a competitive barbecue team that was founded in 1996. They've experienced lots of successes in the barbecue pits. Barbecue rubs aren't their only products, they also offer Kyle Style Complete Your Meat BBQ Sauce. Visit The Slabs web site to learn more about them and download recipes.

Back to my co-worker's barbecue, she used both rubs on different slabs of ribs and took a poll on which her guests preferred. Guests liked both but preferred the Perk Up Your Pork Rub.

If you have a favorite Missouri barbecue rub or sauce, leave me a comment and let me know what it is.

Friday Fixin's

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend! The weather looks like it is going to be great and I'm excited to spend some time at home before a busy summer of friends, weddings and sheep shows.

This week's recipe is from Acrobasso Foods Manufacturing Company. They manufacture Zia's Salad Dressing and White Wine, Lemon, & Butter Sauce as well as a variety of other products. Zia's Salad Dressing is one of my husband's favorite Missouri salad dressings. I'll include his recipe for Grilled Potatoes with Zia's Salad Dressing next week. (We're trying to come up with a fun name) Enjoy!

Pollo Alla Spiedini Prosciutto

8 oz chicken tenders      
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup Zia’s Sweet Italian Dressing            
1/4 cup diced prosciutto ham (Volpi's proscuitto is made in St. Louis and is a great choice)
1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup shredded provel cheese
3/4 cup Zia’s White Wine, Lemon, & Butter Sauce

Combine chicken and salad dressing in a resealable plastic bag and marinate for 1 ½ hours.  Discard marinade.  Prepare medium fire in grill.  Thread chicken onto skewers and dust with bread crumbs.  Grill over medium heat until juices run clear when pierced.  Bring Zia’s White Wine, Lemon & Butter Sauce to a simmer over low heat.  Add mushrooms and prosciutto.  Cook until mushrooms are tender (about 5 minutes).  Remove chicken from skewers to serving plate, top with provel cheese and cover with sauce.  Garnish with additional provel cheese.

(Note: If not using a grill, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Do not use skewers, instead arrange breaded chicken in oven safe dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through).

Zia's products can be found at Schnucks, Dierbergs, Shop n Save, Straubs and various local markets in St. Louis. It is also available online at www.zias.com.

CSA's in the News

I was reading the Columbia Tribune's Food Section last night and was excited to see an article on CSA's (community supported agriculture)! I discussed CSA's several months ago in a post. This is a subscription to receive produce throughout the growing season. The article in the Tribune did a great job explaining and promoting the CSA's in the area. The best part is the article listed five CSA's in mid-Missouri, a couple still have 2008 subscriptions available for anyone who's interested. I've listed all of them below. Enjoy!

Share-Life Farms
Highway 2, box 134 | Marshall
Owner: Jim Thomas Jr.
Contact information: PHONE: (660) 886-3566
Season: Weather permitting, first week of May through last week of October.
Shares: Custom bag to suit customer preference.
Payment: Registration is $40 at the beginning of the season; customers pay each week based on their bag, with an average of $8 to $25 per week.
How to get your items: Pickup at the Columbia Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Next opportunity to sign up: January 2009.

Danjo Farms
1210 private road 2717 | Moberly
Owners: Dan & Joanne Nelson
Contact information: PHONE: (573) 823-5452
ON THE WEB: www.localharvest.org/csa/M5020
Season: Weather permitting, 24 weeks, May through November.
Shares: Full share, $600; half share, $300, fruit add-on available; work shares available to reduce price.
Payment: Full payment upon joining or an installment plan.
How to get your items: Pick up at the Columbia Farmers Market on Saturdays or arrange to come to the farm.
Next opportunity to sign up: January 2009.

Fertile Crescent Farms
721 E. Calvert Hill Road | Columbia
Owner: Guy Clark
Contact information: PHONE: (573) 268-3174
E-MAIL: fertilefarmer@gmail.com
ON THE WEB: www.fertilecrescentfarms.com
Season: Weather permitting, May through November.
Shares: Part-time Gardener: $750; Weekend Gardener: $500; I Love Greens: $380.
Payment: Full payment upon joining, three-month plan and alternative plans can be negotiated.
How to get your items: Farm pickup Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon at Columbia Farmers Market, or home delivery with an additional charge.
Next opportunity to sign up: 2008 subscriptions still available.

Farm Co-op at the Root Cellar
814 e. broadway | Columbia
Owners: Walker Claridge, Kimberly Griffin
Contact information: PHONE: (573) 443-5055
Season: April 24 to Oct. 30.
Shares: In-season fruits and vegetables: $35 a week.
WANT MORE?: Other add-on plans include milk, eggs and meat.
Payment: Charged weekly.
How to get your items: Pick up at Root Cellar on Thursdays from 2 to 8 p.m.
DELIVERY: $10 fee.
Next opportunity to sign up: 2008 subscriptions are still available.

Pierpont Farms
8810 s. route n | Columbia
Owner: Rob & Angela Hemwall
Contact information: PHONE: (573) 499-9851
E-MAIL: Angela@Pierpontfarms.com
ON THE WEB: www.PierpontFarms.com
Season: Weather permitting, 25 weeks, beginning in mid-May.
Shares: Full, $750; partial, $500.
Payment: Full payment upon joining, or installment payments.
How to get your items: Fill your own bag Tuesdays at the farm. Access to flower and herb gardens.
Next opportunity to sign up: January 2009.

Mount Pleasant Grills for Father's Day

I know we just celebrated Mother's Day but if you're like me, once Memorial Day comes, the summer calendar begins to fly. For anyone who hadn't looked yet, Father's Day is June 15 and Mount Pleasant Winery wants to help you show Dad how much you appreciate him.

On Sunday, June 15, Mount Pleasant Winery will offer a barbecue buffet with all the favorites: pork steaks, corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad and apple crisp. As well as live music from Ticket to the Beatles and an assortment of wonderful Missouri wines.

Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets today. The cost is $15 per person which includes winery admission. Below is a little history about Mount Pleasant Winery.

Mount Pleasant Winery, founded in 1859, is located a short drive from St. Louis in Augusta, Missouri. It is the first government-appointed wine-growing district in the United States. They grow 12 grape varieties on 85 acres and its original limestone cellars are still used to age estate-bottled wines and international award winning Augusta Ports.

Flickr photo courtesy of mjmyap.

Made in Boone County

Read the headline from an article in the Columbia Missourian this weekend. The article talks about four local producers, their products and where you can buy their products. One of the four is AgriMissouri member, Walk-About Acres. You can meet Art & Vera at the Columbia Farmers' Market every Saturday morning, they offer the honey ice cream (yummy) or visit their farm for a farm tour.

Below are 7 Reasons to Buy Locally. This was printed with the article but was sourced from 100milediet.org.

Why buy locally?

1. Better flavor. Local foods are picked at the height of ripeness. The item will most likely be bought within 24 hours after that, which leads to great flavor.
2. It’s healthier. Eating locally generally eliminates fast food and processed foods from a diet.
3. You can see where it came from. Drive to the location and have a look around to see how the animals are treated or the way the food is prepared.
4. It puts a buyer in tune with the seasons. This leads back to improvement in taste, but it’s also nice to stay in touch with the natural cycle of an area.
5. There’s less travel time from farm to market. This may lower the cost.
6. It supports the local economy.
7. Buying locally made goods can generate stories and memories.