Find the Vendors you Love in the Off-Season: Shop and Support Local Biz

 

On October 18, 2014, the wait for opening of the Delray GreenMarket will be over! But until then, we wanted to share how you can find some of our vendors during the off-season.

Dr. Pickle

• The Fresh Market on US 1 in Delray
• Alexis Produce 3890 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach
• Maranda Farms 1401 SW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale
• Bedner’s on US 441 in Boynton Beach
• Brothers Farmers Markets Stores, 4191 N. State Rd 7, Hollywood
• Palm Beach Gardens Summer Storage Market, 11010 N. Military Trail, WPB 8-1pm on Sundays
• Fort Pierce Farmers Market Downtown, Saturdays from 8-12 pm
• Jupiter Farmers Market Sundays from 10-2pm
• Yellow Green Farmers Market, 1940 N 30^th, Hollywood Saturday & Sunday
• Pinecrest Farmers Market, 11000 Red Rd, Miami, Sundays at 8-1pm
• The Big Apple Shopping Bazaar, 5283 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray on Saturdays, 10-4pm

Lip SMAKin’ Good Honey – farmersmarkethoney.com

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Le Petit Pain Bakery

123 S. Third Street in Lantana

The Delray Beach Jam Company –  mangohouse.net
201 SE 5^th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483

Finn-Atic Fish Co. – finnaticfishco.com

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Master Gardener

Mounts Botanical Garden, Military Trail, West Palm Beach

Pickle Peddler

Palm Beach Gardens Summer Storage Market, 11010 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens

Serenity Flows – serenityflows.com

Antonina’s Gourmet – www.antoninasgourmet.com

“A Touch of Spain and More”

• Volunteers Park, 12050 West Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, Saturdays from 8-2
• Las Olas Farmers Market, 333 East Las Olas Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, Sundays from 8-2
• Tamarac Community Farmers Market, Veterans Park, Corner of University Drive and Southgate Blvd., Tamarac, Sundays from 9-2

Paellas de Espana Catering- PaellasDeEspana.com

Nisha’s Indian Food

• Deerfield Green Market, Cove Shopping Center @ East Hillsboro Blvd. and the Intracoastal Waterway on Sundays from 8-2pm

Farris Farm – FarrissFarm.com

Loic Autret (French Baker)

• Big Apple Shopping Bazaar, Saturdays from 10-3

Pasta Amore

• Palm Beach Gardens Summer Market, 11010 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Sundays from 8-1

Tweedle Pet Products Natural and Organic –  www.tweedlepetproducts.com (sold online)

• Available at Wellington Whole Foods Market

Patriotic (& Healthy) Cupcakes for the Fourth

It may be a few weeks away but we think anytime is a good time for dessert! Recipe compliments of Amy Robison of Amy’s Lil Chunks of Love.

Cupcakes

1 cup freshly puréed beets – about 3 to 4 large organic beet roots (save the leaves – they make great cooked greens!)
1/3 cup coconut oil
1 1/4 cups organic sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups gluten-free flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 tablespoon natural cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
1 cup almond milkCream Cheese Icing
1/4 cup vegan margarine
1 cup vegan cream cheese
3 to 4 cups organic confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Cover beet roots with foil and bake at 375°F  for 1 – 1 1/2 hours or until soft
3. Purée the beets and mix with the oil until incorporated with an electric mixer
4. Add sugar and vanilla extract
5. In a bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder
6. Alternately, add the flour mixture and the milk to the beet mixture
7. Use cupcake liners and fill each tin 3/4 full
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes for regular size cupcakes until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean when poked in the middle
9. To make the cream cheese frosting, whip together the vegan margarine and vegan cream cheese with an electric mixer
10. Add the confectioner’s sugar 1 cup at a time until it reaches desired consistency
11. Frost after cupcakes are fully cooled or chilled.

12. Refrigerate after frosting

Planning Ahead for Memorial Day

Memorial Day: A time to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, a time to enjoy the company of friends and family, and share in conversations over delicious food. Here are a few of our favorite recipes from our very own Delray Market Cookbook, Tastes of the Season.

Vegetarian Friendly Options/Side Dishes

Party Potatoes by Marjorie Riddle

• 12 servings
• 1 tsp onion salt
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tsp chives
• ¼ tsp. paprika
• 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tbs butter
• 1 cup sour cream

Prepare mashed potatoes as usual and drain. Blend in salt, cream, cheese, chives and sour cream. Spoon the mixture into a large casserole dish. Top with cheese, paprika, and dot with butter. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour.

 Tall Slaw by Vince Wooten

• 2 cups white cabbage, shredded
• 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup red onion, sliced super thin
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• ½ cup olive oil mayonnaise
• ½ cup whole grain mustard
• ½ cup parsley
• 1 tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. ground pepper
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp. sugar

Place the white cabbage, red cabbage, red onions, green onions and parsley in a large salad bowl. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and sugar. Mix well. Add the dressing to the cabbage and toss until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Watermelon Salad by Chef Lou

• 1 seedless watermelon
• 1 red onion, dices
• 1 bunch fresh mint, lightly chopped
• 6 oz of crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tbs Heirloom Balsamic Vinegar (or more to taste)

Cut the flesh of the watermelon into bite sized pieces and place in large fruit salad bowl. Finely dice the red onion and lightly chop the mint leaves. Toss all of the above and add crumbled blue cheese and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar. Great summer time recipe!

Now for the entrée/carnivores…

Texas BBQ Beef Brisket by Bubba Smith

• 2 ½ – 3 pound of beef brisket
• 2 tbs olive oil
• Cayenne pepper

Marinade

• 3 cups of ready made spicy BBQ sauce
• 1 cup of beer
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce
• 3 onions, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. ground cumin
• ½ tbsp. ground ginger

In a large bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, beer, lemon juices, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, brown sugar, cumin and ginger. Turn the brisket in the marinade, cover and leave to marinate in the refrigerator, burning occasionally for 1-2 days. Remove the beef from the marinade, reserving the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole, add the brisket and brown Pour the marinade over, cover and cook in a pre-heated 325 degree oven for 2.5-3 hours until tender, adding a little water if the sauce becomes thick.

Remove the casserole from the oven and leave to stand for 15-20 minutes. Remove the meat and slice. Season the sauce with cayenne pepper to taste then heat through. Arrange the meat on a serving platter, and pour over the sauce.

And for Dessert…

Marilyn’s Peach Cobbler by Marilyn Pospy

• 6-8 peaches, peeled and sliced
• 6-8 slices of bread cubed and crust off
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 stick of butter, melted
• 2 tbs self-rising flour
• 1 egg

Put peaches in the bottom of an 8×10 inch Pyrex dish, top with bread cubes. Mix together, sugar, butter, flour and egg and pour on top of bread. Bake in 350-degree oven for 45 minutes.

Mother’s Day Ideas from the Delray GreenMarket

Mom always said, “The early bird gets the worm.” Guess this can apply when shopping for a Mother’s Day gift, too. This weekend is the Market’s second to last for the Spring 2014 season (May 10 is the last one until the Fall), so it’s high time to get thinking of what to get mom! Here are a few ideas to impress your mom on Sunday, May 11, all while benefitting local businesses.

1. Fresh Flowers: You can never go wrong with these! Stop by Amazing Creations or The Orchid Doctor for the most beautiful, fresh arrangements around.

2. Body Care: Pamper mom with a gift from Serenity Flow Soaps. They carry a varied selection of scents from lavender to sweet vanilla, and products from soaps to whipped shea butter. And stop by Tespen’s Body Care for a variety of products as well.

3. A Furry Friend: Each weekend Tri-County Humane Society and Dezzy’s Second Chance Rescue bring adoptable dogs looking for “fur-ever” homes. Make sure you clear this one with mom first J

4. A Home-Cooked Meal: At the Market you can find ingredients to whip up breakfast in bed or a gourmet dinner for mom. The possibilities are endless. There are fresh pastas from Pasta Amore, seafood from Independent Seafood and Finn-A-Atic Fish Co., spices from around the globe from The Spice Booth, Anita’s Guacamole and salsa if you are feeling some Mexican inspired dish and not to mention all the fresh fruits and veggies for a complete delicious and nutritious meal for mom. And for the carnivore, Farris Farm has grass-fed beef and poultry and Arrowhead Beef Co. is another option too!

5. Dessert: Mom have a sweet tooth? The variety of desserts is endless. From brownies, to French pastries, muffins, breads and more. Life is short, eat dessert first!

“The earth is what we all have in common.” — Wendell Berry

This Saturday (April 19th) there will be lots of family-friendly activities going on at the Delray GreenMarket. Between the 60+ vendors, the13th Annual Easter Bonnet Pet parade and an Earth Day celebration with the City of Delray, there will be no shortage of (green) outdoor festivities to keep everyone busy – children, parents, grandparents and even your pets! All are welcome and the events are free to attend.

Here’s just some of the reasons why you should come out to Old School Square Park:

1. The 60+ vendors. Need we say more? There is no shortage of variety at the Market. Everything from organic veggies, natural shea butter, spices from around the globe, gluten-free items and more!

2. Furry Friends. The 13th Annual Easter Bonnet Pet parade starts at 10 a.m. in front of the amphitheater at the Big Top. So swing into the spirit of spring and bring out your pets (goats, pigs and other pets are all welcome) or be a spectator and watch as they parade in their best, pastel attire around town.

3. Dezzy’s Second Chance Rescue: A donation of $3 from all parade participants will benefit this local animal rescue group (and they will have adoptable pets too!) Click here to learn more about this organization.

4. Cultural experience:  Earth Day will be marked with a Native American Earth blessing. How many times can you say you have seen attend such an event with the chance to learn more about Native American culture?

5. Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Display: Delray is all about being “green” and this car show will highlight energy efficiency.

6. Activities for the kiddies (and kids at heart):  Chalk art, face-painting, arts and crafts along with The Budding Artists booth will keep everyone entertained all day long.

The GreenMarket will be open from 9-2 p.m. with the registration for the parade beginning at 9 a.m. and the parade commencing at 10 a.m . Earth Day activities will begin at 10 a.m. until noon at the Old School Square Park. See you there!

Spring has Sprung: Flower Power!

Spring has officially sprung! And with spring comes beautiful weather and fragrant flowers – the perfect gift if you are a guest this year for an Easter or Passover meal with friends or family. At the Delray GreenMarket there are several vendors that retail gorgeous budding beauties including: Amazing Creations, Orchid Doctor and Kaler Orchids. 

Flowers in season during April include:

• Tulips
• Gerbera
• Freesia
• Iris
• Mini Polymin
• Peonies
• Roses
• And more!

Here are some tips to keep those fresh flowers, staying fresh and fragrant even longer

• Soda: Pour about ¼ cup of the fizzy drink into the water. The sugar will help make the blossoms last longer.
• Hair Spray: Just a quick spritz will make they look fresher longer (just like your hair!)
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix 2tbps of apple cider vinegar along with 2tbps of sugar and add it to the water – make sure you swap out the water mixture every few days
• Vodka: This helps minimize the amount of bacterial growth in the water. Add a few drops of any clear liquor along with 1 tsp of sugar
• Aspirin: Crush an aspirin and mix it into the water (you will still need to swap out the water every few days for max freshness)
• Bleach: This will help eliminate bacteria growth and keep the water clear. Don’t overdue it. You only need ¼ tsp per quart of water
• Coins: Copper penny + sugar cube also helps to slow bacteria growth since it asks as an acidifier
• Sugar: Even flowers can have a sweet tooth! Create a mixture of 3tbps of water along with 2tbps of white vinegar per quart of water to inhabit bacteria from growing

And remember that on April 19 if you spot some dogs, cats, goats and other fuzzy creatures (along with their human owners) roaming around with flowers, pastel hats and other festive attire, the 13^th Annual Easter Bonnet Pet Parade is underway. Registration for the furry friends will go from 9-9:45 with the parade commencing at 10am. There is a $3 entry free that will benefit Dezzy’s Second Chance Rescue. Judging for prizes for the pets and their owners will take place on the front lawn of the Cornell Museum for Prizes. Email Lori at greenmarket@delraycra.org for more information.

Here Fishy, Fishy. Vendor Spotlight: Finn-Atic Fish Company

Florida is known for its fresh seafood and array of marine life right off the Treasure Coast. Eric and Lisa Finn of Finn-Atic Fish Co. are passionate about their love of fresh seafood. And, with a last name like Finn, you know they are definitely experts! We caught up with them recently for our bi-weekly blog:

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in downtown Delray Beach?

A: We really enjoy 32 East or Max’s Harvest. Love the local flair in a lot of their dishes.

Q: If you were trapped on a desert island what three items would you want to have?

A: My wife, a spear gun and a mask. We wouldn’t run out of fresh seafood, that’s for sure!

Q: When you aren’t at the Delray GreenMarket, where would we mostly likely find you?

A: The Atlantic Ocean, catching the freshest fish possible off the coast.

Q: What is one place you hope to travel to someday?

A: Australia – g’day mate!

Q: What is your favorite seafood you sell?

A: It would have to be hogfish or cobia. Hogfish are often referred to as the filet mignon of fish. This delicate, white fish has virtually no “fishy” taste and is often a favorite.  What makes hogfish special is that it is primarily caught by spear, not hook and line like most fish are harvested. Hogfish is great blackened on a skillet with your favorite seasoning, or with no seasoning at all. Cobia meat is white and mild like grouper, but it is cut into thicker steak-like pieces that are comparable to swordfish.  Cobia steaks are often cooked grilled, or blackened.

Here is one of our favorite recipes, grilled cobia and lobster!

Ingredients:

1 lb. cobia fillets

2 lobster tails

Chef Pappy’s Cajun seasoning (for cobia)

Chef Pappy’s Garlic Butter seasoning (for lobster)

2 large sweet potatoes

2 large zucchinis

Season salt

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees, and the grill to medium-high heat.

2. Cut the sweet potatoes into fries, lightly toss in olive oil, and sprinkle with season salt.  Place into the oven.

3. Cut the lobster shell open, pull the meat out, and put onto a skewer.  Cut zucchini into strips for grilling.

4. Lightly season the cobia fillets with Chef Pappy’s Cajun seasoning, and the lobster with Chef Pappy’s Garlic Butter seasoning.

5. Put the cobia fillets, lobster skewers, and zucchini on the grill.

6. Cook the fillets for approximately 3 minutes on each side depending on thickness.  The lobster should take about the same amount of time to cook.

7. Remove from grill, serve, and enjoy.

And make sure to connect with these guys on social media! Facebook, Instagram at Finnaticfishco and Twitter @finnaticfishco.

And the winner is….Oh Deer!

Hats off to all our participants in the 17^th Annual Chili Cook-Off! It was a great morning with competition, music, heart-warming food and more. We took a few minutes to get to know our 2014 People’s Choice and Chef’s Choice winner, Joe Farrell, with his “Oh Deer” chili entry.

Q: What is your award-winning recipe?

A: I made a tomato-based chili with venison and pork. I begin with a base of tomato sauce and paste.  I buy a mix of dried peppers, toast them and grind them, and mix with Cumin, Coriander, ground oregano, black pepper and cayenne pepper and mix into chili powder. This is the background flavor.

Upfront we have the two meats, along with onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes, red and orange sweet, long hot, Serrano, and jalapeño peppers (all fresh from the GreenMarket, of course!)These are sautéed and then added to the sauce. Kidney, pinto, and great northern beans are added for bulk. I thinned it out with water, stock and beer. And simmered it for twenty-four hours.

Q: What was your inspiration behind this dish?

A: Competition. There is always really tough competition each year. I knew I had to pull out all the stops to make the best. My Mom always said,  “You can taste the love in slow cooked foods,” and I couldn’t agree more.

Q: When you’re not in the kitchen making chili, where would we most likely find you?

A: Playing golf, fishing or poker, or taking our two beautiful dogs to the beach.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Delray?

A: The best thing about Delray is the way they cater to people to have a good time. The Ave. provides the venue and events like the GreenMarket and the giant tree with Santa, bring the people back to the restaurants and businesses downtown. You have so much fun you can’t wait for the next event and party to roll around. I’ve brought my nieces and nephews from Atlanta to the last couple of First Nights and everyone had a blast (even my cranky mother-in-law…shhh)!

 Q: Share with us a little known fact about yourself.

A: My wife Jackie and I have raised five puppies for Canine Companions for Independence. It has been an amazing journey for such a worthwhile organization. If you are interested, you should check out CCI.org!

And a  BIG shout out to all our other award-winning participants. Until next year’s heated competition.

Chef’s Choice Awards, Traditional Chili

1^st Red, White & Blue – Lisa Mark

2^nd Bubba’s Beef & Beans – John Hackman

3^rd My New Boyfriend – Hot & Sweet – Mary Schroeder

Chef’s Choice Awards,New Age Chili

1^st Oh Deer – Joe Farrell

2^nd South of the Border Harvest – Nancy Simon & Sally Poe Hackman

3^rd The Chunky Chicken Chili – Hank Langa

Chef’s Choice, Vegetarian Chili

1^st Natasha & Nicole Minnerly

People’s Choice Awards, Traditional Chili

1^st Bubba’s Beef & Beans – John Hackman

2^nd Carolina Ale House Homemade Chili – Kayte Zopp

3^rd Red, White & Blue – Lisa Mark

People’s Choice, New Age Chili

1^st Oh Deer – Joe Farrell

2^nd South of the Border Harvest – Nancy Simons & Sally Poe Hackman

3^rd California Love  – Marc Raygoza

People’s Choice, Vegetarian Chili

1^st Natasha & Nicole Minnerly

The History of Chili

In honor of Delray GreenMarket’s 17th Annual Chili Cook-off, we thought it would be fun to find out how this delicious concoction of beans, meats, spices, cheese and veggies came to be.

According to the International Chili Society (yes, that actually does exist), the origin of chili seems to have its own bowl full of spicy and controversial beginnings; and who serves up the best bowl in history may forever be an unanswered question and area of debate.

It is said that chili began “…somewhere west of Laramie, Wyoming in the early nineteenth century – being a product of a Texas trail drive – to a grisly tale of enraged Aztecs, who cut up invading Spanish conquistadors, seasoned chunks of them with a passel of chile peppers, and ate them. The mixture of meat, beans, peppers, and herbs was known to the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayan Indians long before Columbus and the conquistadores.”(Source: International Chili Society)

YIKES! Thank goodness for the Industrial Revolution.

So the age-old question of where it all began may be up to debate. But, there are a few things we do know:

Fact: Chile peppers were used in Cervantes’s Spain and show up in great ancient cuisines of China, India, Indonesia, Italy, the Caribbean, France, and the Arab states. (Source: International Chili Society)

Fact: Don Juan de Onate entered what is now New Mexico in 1598 and brought with him the green Chile pepper. It has grown there for the nearly four hundred years since. (Source: International Chili Society)

Fact: Canary Islanders, transplanted in San Antonio as early as 1723, used local peppers, wild onions, garlic, and other spices to concoct pungent meat dishes – improvising upon ones they had cooked for generations in their native land, where the Chile pepper also grew. (Source: International Chili Society)

We also know that in 1998, Chris Brown, the former CRA director, started the Delray GreenMarket’s Annual Chili Cook-Off, and Lori Nolan the GreenMarket’s current GM, has carried on the tradition ever-since.

“The chili cook-off has always been a popular event for both professional and home chefs to really showcase their chili creativity,” said Nolan. “Everyone enjoyes the camaraderie between the chili lovers and chili creators.  It’s always a spicy good time!”

This year the battle for bragging rights and the best chili (at least in Delray Beach) will be quite heated. Amongst the  13 entrants: Jarrett Jackson, Hank Langa, Joe Farrell, Jim Nolan, Inika Foods, Carolina Ale House, Dave McBride, Mary Schroeder, Lisa Mark, Nancy Simon & Sally Poe Hackman, John Hackman, Steve Savino and Susan Shaw.

The 17th Annual Chilli Cook-off is this Saturday, February 22 from 10-12pm at the Old School Square Park. Entry is FREE and samplings from the competitors will be given out. So come dance along to Heidi and the El Cats, while sampling unique and scrumptious chili dishes, voting on your favorite and do some shopping with all the varied vendors at the Market.

“Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili.”- Harry James

Credit: Broward Palm Beach New Times (Chili Cook Off 2013)

As we countdown to the 17th Annual Chili Cook-off event set for Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 am-noon, we thought we’d share one of our favorite, award-winning chili recipes, along with a shopping list of ingredients for your homemade chili from our GreenMarket vendors.

SINGAPORE STING, Coconut Ginger Chili

By Thuy Shutt, 2004 Chili Cook-Off Winner

Ingredients

• 2- 14oz cans of coconut milk
• 2-14 oz cans of coconut juice
• 6 small Vietnamese or Thai peppers chopped (2 tbsp)
• 2 large cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 cups of water chestnuts
• 2 cups of white potato, peeled and cubed
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ½ cup fish sauce
• 1 cup of water, with ¼ cornstarch mixed in
• 1/8 cup vinegar
• 1 pound of chicken breast, cooked and cubed
• 2- 16 oz cans of navy beans, rinsed and drained
• Juice from 1 ½ small limes
• 1 medium ginger root, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large crock-pop, put cooked chicken breast, coconut milk and coconut juice, sugar, fish sauce, vinegar and water mixed with cornstarch.

2. Puree peppers, limejuice, ginger and garlic and put into crock-pot. Add water chestnuts and cubed potato.  Cook on high for 4 hours or until chicken and potatoes are tender. Turn temperature to low before adding canned beans and heath through. Garnish with fresh ginger, fired wontons or shrimp chips.

3. Enjoy!

Our vendors offer a fresh variety of peppers, onions and tomatoes; all the spices you can imagine from Tito’s;  and hot sauces from Carrie with Captain Redbeard for that extra kick.  For the chili carnivores, Farris Farm and Arrowhead Beef offer Florida grass-fed and finished beef, or chicken for added protein.

Join us on Feb. 22 for a day filled with hearty chili tasting, heated chef competition, soulful music from Heidi and the El Cats and more!

Interested in participating? Deadline to submit entries are Feb. 17. Please send information to greenmarket@delraycra.org or call 561.276.7511 for more information.