In the Farm Fresh Spotlight

What the Chefs at the CIA Serve for Super Bowl

While chili, ribs, and seven-layer dips are Super Bowl standbys, why not consider impressing your fellow fans with something different this year: Choucroute Garni. Don't let the fancy French name scare you away from trying something deliciously different on Super Bowl Sunday! Read More...

Bull and Buddha Host Sake Tasting Dinner

Come on out to the Bull and Buddha Restaurant in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday, February 22nd for an incredible 4-course dinner and sake tasting. This unique event is co-hosted by Monica Samuels who is the Sake Ambassador for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York. She was previously the general manager of SUSHISAMBA at the restaurant’s Chicago location and was the company’s National Sake Sommelier. Samuel’s, whose Japanese-American heritage enabled her to spend summers in Tokyo as a child, regularly visits Japan to study sake and visit different producers.

She will use her expertise to match sake varieties with dishes skillfully crafted by Bull and Buddha Executive Chef Joseph Kirtland. Tickets for the sake tasting and dinner are $60 per person and don’t include additional drinks, taxes or tips. To make a reservation, call (845) 337-4848. For more information about the Bull & Buddha, go to www.bullandbuddha.com.

Empire Cruise Lines Makes Sustainable Agriculture Commitment

In response to increased awareness and interest among its passengers, Empire Cruise Lines has announced they will be expanding their culinary cruise offerings in 2012. According to Captain Pyle, “…one of our goals is to showcase Hudson Valley produce and culinary skill…” They already have a successful partnership with Crave restaurant in Poughkeepsie and are now adding Chef Erik Morabito, owner of Café Bocca to the mix.

"We're striving to strengthen the connection with local chefs who truly embrace the city of Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley,” said Pyle. Morabito’s “direct connection to the farmer…his commitment to utilize local produce and Café Bocca’s demonstrated flexibility is what we were looking for."

The Mystere, Empire Cruise Line’s 60 foot, double-decked passenger vessel, cruises May through October and operates out of the City of Poughkeepsie’s Waryas Park. In 2011, the ship carried more than 3,500 passengers from 40 states and more than 20 countries. For more information, visit their web site at www.empirecruiselines.com.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Offers Course: Vegetable Gardening from A to Z

One fantastic way to eat organic vegetables harvested at the peak of nutrition and flavor is to grow them yourself!! Find out how as Mary Nisley teaches you the fundamentals of growing vegetables without breaking the budget. She has gardened organically for more than 30 years in three states and has encountered a wide range of vegetables, growing conditions and challenges. She’ll teach you how to select varieties, plant seeds, transplant seedlings, grow and then harvest your vegetables. She’ll also share her experience protecting gardens from pests and cover techniques such as growing beds, mulching, watering, crop rotation and garden design.

For your convenience, this 5-week course is being offered in two series. Series 1 will take place on consecutive Saturdays, February 11th – March 10th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Dutchess County Home and Garden Center in Millbrook. Series 2 will take place on consecutive Thursdays, February 16th – March 15th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stony Kill Environmental Education Center in Wappingers Falls. The fee is $95 for all 5 classes in a series. For more information, go to www.ccedutchess.org/aghort/community-horticulture or to register, contact Nancy Halas at (845) 677-8223 x 115.

Rhinebeck Winter Market Stew

Just because it's winter doesn’t mean you can't support sustainable area agriculture - and serve some delicious, locally grown produce on your table! Read More...

Community Market Announces 2012 Union Vale Dates

Tymor Community Market, located at the Senior Center at Tymor Park in Union Vale has announced its hours for the 2012 season! The Market will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on the following Sundays: January 22nd, February 12th, March 11th, April 22nd, May 20th, June 10th & 24th, July 8th & 22nd, August 5th & 19th, September 9th & 23rd, October 7th & 21st, November 18th & December 16th.

The Market will also be open for certain special events! Come on out Saturday, March 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Easter Egg Hunt and Saturday, June 2nd from noon to 6 p.m. for Community Day. The Market will have extended hours during their Oktoberfest event which will be held Sunday, September 23rd from noon to 6 p.m. while the 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off will be held during regular Market hours on Sunday, October 7th.

Wild Hive Farm Offers Classes & Events that Make Eating Local Easy & Fun

Wild Hive Farm in Clinton Corners has a number of terrific opportunities to start the new year off right and help you embrace local, healthy eating. There are two classes being offered in January to tempt your taste buds. The first is Soup Basics 101 on January 11th, from 6 – 8 p.m. Wild Hive’s very own chef, Sylvan Perez, will demonstrate the basics of soup building from making bone stock to shopping the store for seasonal ingredients. You’ll get to sample Wild Hive’s fresh, hearty bread along with the delicious, hot soup you’ve watched him prepare. Finally, you’ll leave with a quart of that soup and proof that the finest ingredients make the best food!

Join Wild Hive’s Master Cook & Pastry Chef, Elena Mocodeanu on January 18th, from 6 – 9 p.m. as she leads the Ricotta Cheese, Yogurt and Yogurt Cheese Making class. You’ll learn the basics of making these three dairy products, enjoy a Wild Hive pasta meal and take home a freshly made ½ pint of ricotta and a pint of yogurt!

Finally, don’t miss Wild Hive’s Beer Tasting, Prix Fixe Dinner and Live Music Event on January 21st. The evening will begin with a beer tasting from 5 – 6 p.m. The tasting, which will feature local and regional micro-brews, will be hosted by Christopher Leach, former Keegan Ales brewer, experienced home brewer and Manhattan beer distributor. A superb selection of Chef Perez’s delicious finger foods will also be served to whet your appetite.

After the tasting, you will be treated to an amazing four course dinner of fresh, Wild Hive breads, soup or salad, a choice of one “meaty, less meaty or vegetarian” entree, dessert and coffee. Live, acoustic music by the ever-popular “Mama Tried” rounds out the event which runs from 6 - 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.wildhivefarm.com or e-mail Cindi at cindi@wildhivefarm.com to register for classes and events.

Sprout Creek Farm Market Open All Winter

Sprout Creek Farm is a busy place this winter! You’ll find an incredible assortment of their award-winning cheeses as well as salamis, honey, chutneys and more at their market which is open Mondays - Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up their 2012 calendar featuring beautiful photographs of the farm in all seasons!

Can’t make it to the farm? Don’t worry. You can shop online and have everything shipped, Monday - Thursday. Whether it’s for friends, family, colleagues or yourself, Sprout Creek Farm has mouthwatering options that are sure to please!

For more information, call the farm at (845) 485- 9885 or visit their web site at www.sproutcreekfarm.org

Unique Educational Opportunities at Sprout Creek Farm

Moms asked for it and they got it: a getaway weekend at the Farm just for them! It’s not too late to register for "Mommy Goes to Camp," January 12-14, 2012 though you don’t have to be a mom to participate. This unique women’s retreat will offer "a special blend of activity and reflection" for participants as they care for the animals, work together to prepare amazing food, laugh, refocus and rejuvenate.

Though winter has just begun, it’s not too early to start planning for spring on the Farm. On February 25th, Sprout Creek Farm will be hosting their "Spring on the Farm: Gardening and Kidding" program. From 1-3 p.m., there will be a Garden Tour and introduction to garden planning and seed starting. Then from 3-5 p.m., there will be a Goat Lesson including observation of milking, care and feeding of new kids as well as time to play with baby goats!

For more information or to register for these programs, call the farm at (845) 485- 8438, or visit their web site at www.sproutcreekfarm.org/yearly.asp.

Delicious Gifts: Homemade Syrups Can be Enjoyed Long After the Holidays are Over

If you're on a tight holiday gift-giving budget, consider making and packaging something homemade! Cookies, jellies, and relish are good, but the chefs at The Culinary Institute of America suggest something different—easy-to-make jars of flavored syrup. ….. Read More...

Fantastic Foods and More Featured at the Rhinebeck Winter Farmers Market

If you’re yearning for wholesome and heart warming, healthy foods and other local farm goods, head on over to the Rhinebeck Winter Farmers Market. The Market, which was voted the “2011 Best of Hudson Valley” Farmers Market by Hudson Valley Magazine, is located at the Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market Street. The Winter Market features products from over 20 local vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses and breads, to wines, vegetables, prepared meals, yarn, soaps and more. You’ll find many of your favorite purveyors including Amazing Real Live Food Co., Buckwheat Bridge Angoras, Cascade Mountain Winery, Healthway Farms, Highland Farm, Julia & Isabella Fine Fare, Little Seed Gardens, Living Edge Designs, Lynnhaven, Mignorelli Farm, Oliverea Schoolhouse Maple, Our Daily Bread and Quattro’s Game Farm. The Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. For more information, please go to www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com.

Unique Gift for your Favorite Foodie: Cooking Classes at The Culinary Institute of America

Yes, The Culinary Institute of America grooms the greatest chefs in the world. But did you also know that this famed culinary school offers numerous classes for the amateur chef and the passionate foodie? Read More...

Pot Pies, Traditional Winter-Ready Meals
Gigi's Hudson Valley, Laura Pensiero

According to Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink*, pot pies first appeared in American print in 1785. While savory pies, known as tarts, filled with meat, fowl and vegetables were known in England in France as far back as the Middle Ages, common consumption started in America. Cooked in deep pans or pots the American term “pot pies” was coined.. Read More...

Apple Picking: More Than Just Fun

With the fall season upon us, the 674 family-run apple farms of New York State will quickly become filled with those visitors eager to pick the crispest apples. This is no surprise, for not only is New York the second largest apple producing state in the United States, harvesting 24.5 million bushels annually, but Dutchess County is one of the top major apple producing counties. Read More...

Read about us in Westchester family magazine by Tracci Suppa

Tracci Suppa highlights Barton Orchards in Poughquag. Sure, apples are a delicious, nutritious snack. But in the fall months, apples aren’t just something to eat. Pick-your-own apples are the perfect activity to get the entire family outside, moving and having fun! Read More...

Montgomery Place Orchards Cider: Atomically Correct

Before Prohibition, cider was America's drink. A ration for Revolutionary soldiers, a safe substitute for water along the Frontier, and even President Adams' breakfast drink, fermented apple juice was a cheap alternative to beer and a hardy crop before the cultivation of suitable grape varieties. It was also Johnny Appleseed's true mission; apples grown from seed are inedible, but make great cider. The apple, rebranded in the 1920s by the industry as a healthy snack in order to remain a legal enterprise, virtually lost its iconic status as America's alcoholic drink. Thankfully, the country is slowly rediscovering it.

Today, Annandale Cider is made at Montgomery Place Orchards, using more than 60 varieties of antique and commercial apples grown on the same land that Janet Livingston Montgomery cultivated apple trees upon 200 years ago. There are no preservatives, no sulfates, and no additives. It's a small operation, producing 1000 gallons a year. They also just began making Annandale Atomic Hard Cider. You can find their cider at their market, Luna 61 in Tivoli, GiGi's in Rhinebeck, and Swoon Restaurant in Hudson.

Montgomery Place Orchards celebrates its 25th year under the management of Doug and Talea Fincke in 2011. They follow a long line of tenants dating back to the 1700s, upon the same land purchased in 1802 by Janet Livingston Montgomery, who expanded the existing orchards and created a commercial nursery. Though the historic estate's proprietors have changed, the orchards have always been a steadfast feature of the Hudson River property.

In the 1930s, as the automobile made travel through the countryside more accessible, farmers began pulling wagons up along the road to sell their produce. Montgomery Place's Violetta Delafield decided to establish her own roadside market, called the "Wayside Stand," "intended to spread a good example of good taste so badly needed where goods were sold along the highways." The resulting building was displayed in the 1935 Dutchess County Fair, and still to this day comprises part of the existing market.

Today, MPO offers a wide range of fruits and vegetables: strawberries; red, purple, and black raspberries; apricots and plums; Saturn, White Lady, and yellow peaches; a dozen varieties of tomatoes; Bosc, Bartlett, Asian, and Seckel pears; grapes; nectarines; and sixty varieties of apples, many of them antique. They make many jams and vinegars from the fruit.

The farm market is supplemented by strictly local produce, including Gill Farm corn; Wonderland vegetables; Greig Farm blueberries; Ronnybrook dairy products; Nettle Meadow goat cheese; honey from Ray Tousey; and Fix Brothers cherries.

The Finckes feel a responsibility to the historic farm and hope to continue its tradition for a long time to come. The market is located at the intersection of Rt. 9G and Rt. 199, two miles north of the Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge, near Bard College and Red Hook. Open Wednesday -Sunday, 9am-6pm through Thanksgiving. 845-758-8005, www.mporchards.com

Brasserie 292 Combines Casual French Cuisine with Historic Main Street Style

Amazing food, old-world charm and prices that won’t make your head spin – that’s what you can expect from the city of Poughkeepsie’s newest eatery, Brasserie 292. Located on Main Street, this informal restaurant offers a large, eclectic mix of foods and prides itself on its Raw Bar as the restaurant receives fresh seafood deliveries six days a week. Read More...

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Fruit or Vegetable Serving Kids Will Love

School is back in session and now that the kids are set with their usual supplies of pencils and erasers, it is important to consider they also receive the nutritional support they need to succeed both physically and academically in class. Read More...

9/13/11 - Turn Your Dutchess County Farm Fresh/Metro North One-Day Getaway into a Whole Weekend of Foodie Fun with the CIA!

Have you ever dreamed about learning from world-class chefs at the Culinary Institute of America? Does your mouth water at the mere thought of the succulent, farm fresh bounty available at harvest time in the Hudson Valley? Do you feel the urge to get away from the hustle, bustle and stress of city life? Then come to Dutchess County in October and experience it all!

Dutchess County Tourism has teamed up with Metro-North to bring you Fall Harvest Wine, Cheese & Apple Picking Tours, weekends October 1 – 23. Take Metro-North from Grand Central Station to Poughkeepsie on a Friday night or Saturday morning and plan to stay overnight at one of our warm and welcoming Poughkeepsie hotels. Choose to stay at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel www.PokGrand.com, the Holiday Inn Express www.hiexpress.com/poughkeepsie or Residence Inn by Marriott www.marriott.com, all of which offer free local shuttles. The Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie www.poughkeepsiesuites.hamptoninn.com or the Courtyard by Marriott www.marriott.com are also lovely and are just a short cab ride away.

Then spend your Saturday at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. There are two great opportunities to pair Dutchess County’s Farm Fresh Tours with a day at the CIA. If you have a budding chef in the family, Saturday, October 1st is the CIA’s Parent and Teen Day where children ages 12 and up can participate with a parent or other adult partner. Offered only twice a year, it is an amazing opportunity for a unique and fun bonding experience where you’ll learn new skills and techniques for preparing delicious food together. Participants will also enjoy lunch, receive a CIA logo apron, and take home a copy of the cookbook featured in their class.

On October 22nd, a wide variety of amazing classes are offered for adults in the Taste of CIA Cookbooks educational series. Classes such as Artisan Breads at Home; Baking at Home – The Desserts; CIA Favorites; Italian Cooking at Home; Healthy Cooking at Home; Gourmet Meals in Minutes; and Cooking for One are just a few of the choices you’ll have. Or maybe you’d like to “raise your wine IQ” with the CIA’s course An Introduction to Wine. For more information, go to www.ciachef.edu/enthusiasts/ or call 800-888-7850 and register for one of the classes from “Weekends at the CIA”.

Then on Sunday, a shuttle bus will whisk you away from the Poughkeepsie Train Station to the quaint village of Millbrook, Sprout Creek Farm, Terhune Orchards and Millbrook Winery or Clinton Vineyards. On your tour, you’ll be able to sample some of the finest and freshest products Dutchess County has to offer! Special rates are available and reservations for the shuttle are required. For more information about the tour or to make a reservation, visit www.dutchesstourism.com/agri-metronorth.asp

Indulge your passion for food and treat yourself to a Dutchess County getaway weekend. You deserve it!

9/07/11 - Wild Hive’s Lawton Recognized at Locavore Awards

Amy Lawton of Wild Hive Farm Store and Café in Clinton Corners was recently recognized along with nine other nominees at the 2nd Victoria A. Simons Locavore Awards which were presented at the 2011 Columbia County Fair. The Locavore Award recognizes notable achievement in bringing together local farmers and consumers in support of locally grown products. Each nominee was presented with an engraved commemorative display piece. The top award of $1,000 went to Amy Cotler, founding director of Berkshire Grown.

Ms. Lawton is responsible for the café’s seasonal, local organic menu and makes a point of sharing their local sources, which you can check out on the “trace-our-food” page at www.wildhivefarm.com/blog/. She is also responsible for their stock of local meats and cheeses as well as their own farm-raised chickens and eggs. Additionally, Lawton teaches foraging and wine-making classes at the farm. Wild Hive Farm Store and Café is known for its own grain production, which is micro-milled into fresh flours for their own baked goods and is also distributed via a CSA program to local bakers and restaurants.

8/24/11 - TEEN-LED FARMER’S MARKET ON WHEELS SERVES SENIORS & LOW-INCOME IN BEACON

For the third consecutive summer, the Common Greens Mobile Market will roll through Beacon, delivering fresh vegetables and herbs to low-income and senior residents.

As part of a collaborative project between Common Ground Farm of Wappingers Falls and Beacon’s Green Teen Community Gardening Program, the signature green bus will run every Friday through October, stopping at two locations in Beacon. The first stop is at the Beacon Community Resource Center located at 23 W. Center Street from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the second is at 1 Forrestal Heights, Parking lot #2 off of Wolcott Avenue from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Common Greens Mobile Market—the only program of its kind in the Hudson Valley, and the only one in the country operated by teens—provides less privileged residents an opportunity to purchase organic, local, and affordable produce harvested and delivered by young community members. At drastically reduced prices, eligible residents can purchase “mini-shares” of seasonal vegetables much like members of the popular CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program at Common Ground Farm.

The youths are employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Green Teen Community Gardening Program, an initiative that aims to educate and empower Beacon High School students around issues of food production, food security, and social justice, all while fostering their confidence, skills and knowledge of a sustainable food system. Partnering with Common Ground Farm since 2005, the Green Teens have come to play an important role in the farm’s mission to increase access and build connections within the local community.

Alongside the Green Teens, Common Ground’s farm manager, Tim Heuer, harvests vegetables each Friday morning, ensuring that the food delivered by the Mobile Market is straight from the field and always of the highest quality. “It’s so important to provide fresh food to people who traditionally haven’t had access,” said Heuer. “It means the world to me to grow food for my community, my neighbors, and to provide this type of learning experience for the teens.”

Common Ground Farm, founded in 2002 at the Stony Kill Environmental Education Center, is a diversified working vegetable farm that uses only sustainable and chemical-free methods. The farm signs the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) “Farmer’s Pledge,” which vows that the farm will not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers to grow its food. Further, as a local, working farm, members of the community are invited to visit the fields and experience the food production process firsthand.

For more information about Common Greens, Common Ground Farm or the Green Teen Program, contact Lisa Jessup at membership@commongroundfarm.org or at 845-231-4424, or Helanna Bratman at hgb4@cornell.edu or 845-831-4287.

Pitcher Perfect: The Perfect Day on Pitcher Lane

Start your day at 9:00 a.m. Gigi Market, 227 Pitcher Lane. Breakfast lovers can and enjoy Gigi’s fresh-from-the-oven baked goodies with a steaming cup of JB Peel coffee or Harney & Sons tea. Gigi’s also features a 100% locally sourced breakfast sandwich served on their homemade English muffins. Then settle in at one of their picnic tables, soak in some morning sunshine, read the New York Times and watch the kids color. http://www.gigihudsonvalley.com/market-cafe.html

At 9:45, it’s time to feed the goats! They’ve been patiently waiting right behind the Market and they love treats and hugs. Next, pick up your baskets and walk over to nearby Grieg Farm to pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. For more than 60 years, Grieg Farm has brought great tasting fruits and vegetables to market and they welcome visitors who enjoy beautiful views, fresh air and the chance to pick the Valley’s best. http://www.greigfarm.com/

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to Gigi Market and dig into their famous Skizzas™ along with a Sky-Farm salad and a glass of local wine, beer or their fresh juices and natural sodas. Kids love Gigi’s signature Northwind Farms beef burger and Patatine - Tuscan fries with crispy herbs and Gigi dipping sauce.

Oh, and once you’ve finished, you just might want to do a little market shopping for your own “farm fresh feast”. Gigi’s Market is stocked full of seasonal produce from local farms, local and imported fine cheeses, and grill ready naturally raised meats and poultry. They have a wide range of Gigi-made products and Hudson Valley crafted non-perishable goods to select from, such as pickles, relishes and chutneys, BBQ sauces, honeys, jams, and more.

Finally, take a leisurely stroll down Pitcher Lane to soak in the surrounding vistas of farm, woods and mountains. Stop in and visit Grandiflora, located at 144 Pitcher Lane, which has everything you need for a successful planting season. There are also fun and original gifts for gardeners and garden lovers and make sure the children visit the Koi fish pond in the back.

Coppola’s 825 MAIN Sauces Available in Stores!

For their 50th Anniversary, Coppola’s is introducing a new line of fresh pasta sauces. They’re starting with 825 MAIN Fresh Marinara Sauce which can now be found at Adam’s Fish Market and Four Maples Fish Market, both in Poughkeepsie. 825 MAIN Marinara is made from fresh tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and Coppola’s special blend of herbs and spices which make it taste like you’ve lovingly slaved over a big pot all day! For more information on Coppola’s 825 MAIN Sauces, go to their web site at www.coppolasoriginalrestaurant.com

Wild Hive Community Grain Project

Wild Hive, which began producing critically acclaimed breads, grains and baked goods in the mid-1980s invites everyone to visit their farm store and bakery-café where they are proud to showcase an array of foods grown with 100% local organic grains.

Recently, Wild Hive began offering educational programs for children in their large converted barn located just a short distance from their Clinton Corners store. Children can tour the facility and see how the three mills convert the raw grain into fresh milled flour. The barn also contains a modern kitchen where they can then use the flour to bake delicious treats to eat! Clinton Corners. 845-266-5863. http://wildhivefarm.com

Breezy Hill Orchard Farm Market

The Breezy Hill Orchard Farm Market is proud to offer farm fresh local produce seven days a week at their new location in the heart of the village of Rhinebeck. Items such as homemade pies, homemade pasta, fresh eggs, local milk and many other locally produced food items are also available. Shop and then sit in their beautiful outdoor garden area to relax and eat.

The authentic country farm market is open from 9am to 6pm every day, and Fridays til 7pm. It's located at 54 East Market Street across from the municipal parking lot. For information, call 876-7606 and friend them on Facebook! www.hudsonvalleycider.com/

The Poughkeepsie Farmers Market

The Poughkeepsie Farmers Market has now made it even easier to bring the finest, locally grown and produced foods home to your table. With two locations at the entrance to the Walkway Over the Hudson and at Pulaski Park you can find everything from farm fresh fruits and vegetables to wine varietals, cheeses, molded chocolates, honey, grass-fed beef, eggs, baked goods, micro batch popsicles, ice cream and much more.

Check out terrific local vendors every Friday from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. The Walk Way Over the Hudson features Barking Dog Candy, Brookside Farms, Cascade Mountain Winery, Chevreaux De La Grange, Groundwork, Healthway Farms, Meredith’s Bread, Reggae Boy Cafe, Wild Hive Farm, and Zora Dora. At Pulaski Park, you’ll find Janet’s Jerk Stop, Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Robibero Winery , Stonykill Farms, Three Sisters, and Twisted Soul Food Concepts. For more information, go to http://www.farmproject.org/market

Crown Maple

Set on 800 majestic acres in Dover Plains, Crown Maple Farm is home to the most advanced maple syrup production facility in the country! Their pure, certified organic syrup starts with pristine sap collected from their sustainably managed maple groves. It is then crafted using innovative production methods to produce syrups with exceptional flavor and quality.

The Crown Maple online store is now open at http://cot.ag/leY89c! Order our rich and delicious Light, Medium and Dark Amber syrups and taste for yourself the superior quality of Crown Maple.

Soon, you’ll be able to find Crown Maple Syrups in specialty stores and leading restaurants throughout the northeast but until then, you can order directly from their web site. To learn more about the farm, get delicious and creative recipes that go beyond breakfast, visit their web site at www.crownmaple.com

Gigi Market

With the warmer weather comes even greater access to farm fresh bounty! Summer hours at Gigi Market in Red Hook begin May 28th, when Gigi’s will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. This spring, snap peas, shelling peas, asparagus, mushrooms and ramps are all being picked and are ready to be added to risottos, frittatas, spring stews, pasta dishes and more!

If you’re short on time, you can always call (845) 758-1999 or go online to www.gigihudsonvalley.com to place an order for everything you need for a “Gigi Hudson Valley Style” party. Their helpful staff will pull it together for you for delivery or pick-up. You can also use the web site to check out their selection of popular gift bags filled with fabulous local products.

In the spotlight, Gigi’s Market and Trattoria have recently appeared in a number of major media outlets. Check them out in Vogue.com’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide, FoodRepublic.com’s featured Pizza of the Week and Oldways at www.oldwayspt.org/map/node where they were selected as New York's top representative promoting a Mediterranean diet.

Merriweather’s Natural Soaps & Skin Care

Merriweather’s understands how important it is to feed your skin as healthily as you feed your body. That is why they are committed to handcrafting fine quality all natural soaps and skin care products. The products are fresh and are crafted using only all natural ingredients. The scents are manufactured with a blend of vitamin E, herbs and essential oils making Merriweather’s a unique brand that understands the importance of healthy skin.

Merriweather’s came into being in 1996 and started with a small line of all natural soaps and creams at local farmers markets. In 2000, Merriweather’s opened their first retail store in Rhinebeck and expanded their product line to now include colognes, mineral make-up, massage oils, accessories, and more.

Their products are divided into series, each with unique features and scents. The Coffeshop series is said to give new meaning to addiction with six different scents including Chocomint, Mocha, and Casablanca Tea. The Cocktails Series mixes sugar or salt with coconut and palm oils to give you silky, smooth skin.

What started as a small Hudson Valley chain has expanded and Merriweather’s products are available at retail locations in 11 states. For a complete list of where their products are sold, visit their website.

You can visit Merriweather's retail store at 6402 Montgomery Street (Route 9) in Rhinebeck. For more information about Merriweather's call 845-876-8222 or visit www.merriweathers.com.

Local Tea Honors Royal Wedding

Harney and Sons will raise their cup—cup of tea that is—in honor of the anticipated Royal Wedding on April 29. The perfect tea for the glamorous affair is Wedding: A Tea for Marriage. This tea is a unique blend of Chinese mutan white tea buds with almond, coconut, and vanilla to taste, and a floral abundance of pink rosebuds and petals.

Harney and Sons Fine Teas was commissioned by the Historic Royal Palaces of England to create this momentous tea. There is a wide product line available with each unique tea blend paying homage to tea's imperial history and roots. Other blends include Canton Green Tea, Palace Gardens Chamomile, and African Autumn, among others. For a complete list, visit Harney and Sons Fine Tea: Historic Royal Palaces online.

The Royal Wedding tea is ($12 for 30 sachets) and is available for purchase online at Harney and Sons’ website, www.harney.com. Its made right here in Millerton!

Gray Horse Farm Sells Organic Meat

Organic farming is the foundation of Gray Horse Farm in Clinton Corner’s. Their philosophy is simple: they raise food as it was designed to be raised. This means their cattle are not given hormones or antibiotics creating healthy—and still delicious—food. The variety of foods available for purchase is pork, poultry, eggs, lamb, and piglets, and they also sell organic hay.

Lisa and Terry Kilmer, the farmers at Gray Horse, started small with only one draft horse and a handful of chickens. Now their farm is home to four drafts, a few saddle horses, hundreds of laying hens, hundreds of meat chickens, turkeys, and hogs. The Kilmer’s understand the disastrous turn that food has taken and are focused on creating more sustainable agriculture for the future. Their farm is a Department of Agriculture-certified organic farm and they are committed not just to selling quality food but to education as well. You can experience their vision of real food and real farming with a visit to the farm.

On site at Gray Horse is a farm market where the food can be purchased. You can also order the Gray Horse farm products online. Visit their website, www.grayhorsefarm.org to find out more about their commitment to local agriculture and farming.

Dutchess County Area Food Producers

Bring home a taste of Dutchess County Bounty! Tried something delicious while you were visiting and you wish you could have some more? You may be able to mail order it online! Here's a list of some popular locally-made products and how to find them. Don’t forget about visiting our farms and wineries. Many of our towns sponsor weekly farmers' markets, too! Savor the flavor of Dutchess.

• Amazing Real Live Food Co.
  Committed to developing wholesome and delicious foods for their neighbors, Amazing Real Live Food Co has become one of the Hudson Valley’s leaders in cheese production. The company, located in Pine Plains, has made it their goal to create “vittles and elixirs” (food and drink) that honor your body and make you feel healthy. Some of their cheeses include a fresh herbed farmers cheese, a moonlight chaurce, and a Stella Vallis Tomme, among others. Their product line also includes a probiotic enhanced, amazing ice cream and a variety of savory tonics. Visit them online at www.amazingreallive.com
• Breezy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
  Elizabeth Ryan’s love of quality grown products from a home orchard fostered her commitment to Breezy Hill. Located in Staatsburg, the farm is known for its 100 varieties of apples and other fruits. What sets Breezy Hill apart is our dedication to quality ingredients, environmental stewardship, fair labor, and support of our local economy. The orchard’s artisan products have been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Gourmet, Home & Garden, and other prestigious publications. Visit hudsonvalleycider.com for more information.
• Clinton Vineyards
  Clinton Vineyards is regarded as the “jewel of Hudson Valley agriculture” because of their ability to combine wine and nature. Established in 1976 by Ben Feder, the vineyard was created to maintain the tradition of small premium European vineyards. Their product line has grown to include white wines, champagnes, desert wines, and a nationally recognized Cassis black currant wine. Visit www.clintonvineyards.com to browse their selection of wines and make a purchase.
• Coppola’s Tomato Sauce
  Since 1956 the Coppolas have been honing their culinary pursuits in Dutchess County. Having their name on several of the area’s top Italian restaurants their acclaimed sauces are available for purchase. You can now bring their signature taste to your table at home. Marinara and Vodka sauce are just two of the varieties the Coppola’s have perfected. Visit them online at www.coppolas.net
• Cronin’s Maple Farm
  Patrick Cronin started maple sugaring as a hobby—and it became so much more. Today, you can find Cronin's Maple Syrup in several restaurants and at local shops and farm markets. The farm also offers a series of demonstrations including: Educational Maple Tours, Sawmill—From Logs to Lumber, Chainsaw Carving, and Firewood Processing. The maple products they manufacture are maple cream, maple candy, maple nuts, maple popcorn, maple cotton candy, maple coffee, maple fudge, and a Specialty Maple Bourbon among other things. You can order online or by visiting their farm in East Fishkill. To purchase and for information visit www.croninsmaplefarm.com
• Gray Horse Farm
  The philosophy at Gray Horse Farm is a simple one: to raise food as it was designed to be raised. This means there are no antibiotics, or hormones involved in the production of their eggs, pork, chicken, beef, lamb, and hay. Their products are healthy for the animals and for you! You can not only purchase the products at the farm in Clinton Corners but you can also experience their vision of real food and real farming. In addition, their products are available for purchase online. For a complete product list and more information, visit www.grayhorsefarm.org
• Hammond Dairy
  Dr. David Hammond has been operating his dairy farm in Amenia since 1976. They have over 200 cows that are fed all natural grass and the doctor, who is a practicing veterinarian, cares for them all. They are most known for their all natural, healthy, and delicious yogurt which is made without any hormone, artificial additives, or antibiotics. It comes in six savory flavors: plain, rich vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, and peach. The yogurt is a healthier alternative to the traditional processed yogurt offered at major grocery stores. Visit hammonddairy.com or e-mail them at info@hammonddairy.com
• Harney & Sons Fine Teas
  This Millerton importer offers some of the most respected teas in the United States. This is largely due to the fact that John Harney and his sons are dedicated to traveling the world, tasting and researching the best teas out there. Their teas are, in fact, the only western teas located in China’s renowned tea museums and exhibits. They offer a immense selection, blending hundreds of teas in every variety imaginable. For information on their teas, factory tours and visiting their tasting room see www.harney.com
• Heitmann's Gourmet Nuts
  Sometimes you feel like a nut, and when you do be sure to try some Heitmann’s Nuts. This nut outfit has really come out of its shell, offering a plethora of nuts with gourmet flavors including liqueur and coffee glazing. The producer is still family run and operates out of Hopewell Junction. Their nuts are available for purchase online at heitmannsnuts.com
• Highland Premium Venison
  Enjoy some truly rustic flavors with Highland Premium Venison. All their venison is farm raised and available in a multitude of ways to satisfy your craving. Sausage, kielbasa, pepperoni, prosciutto, garlic sausage, and jerky are just some of the varieties they offer. For availability in your area or mail order contact them at 518-537-6397. Log on to www.highlanddeerfarm.com
• Hudson Valley Fresh
  Locally produced, locally processed, and locally sold—that is part of the methodology that makes the milk sold by Hudson Valley Fresh so successful. Hudson Valley Fresh is a group of nine dairy farmers located in Dutchess and Columbia Counties in New York State who produce premium quality dairy products – whole, skim, low-fat and chocolate milk along with half and half, heavy cream, and sour cream. Coming soon yogurt! To find out where their products are sold or to learn more visit www.hudsonvalleyfresh.com
• Irving Farm Coffee
  Start your day off right with a cup of farm roasted coffee. Irving Farm hand-blends and roasts coffee beans daily in small batches to achieve maximum consistency and quality in every roast. The freshness of the coffee is just one of the many qualities that makes it so enjoyable Their attention to detail and commitment to determining each beans optimum roast profile also is what makes each cup so delicious. You can shop their coffee products online or contact them at customerservice@irvingfarm.com to find out how to bring farm coffee to you. Irving Farm Coffee is available at the farm café in Millerton and at 2 cafés in New York City.
• J.B. Peel Coffee
  Voted best coffee in the Hudson Valley in 2005 by the readers of Hudson Valley magazine this roaster has a passion for quality. Using only the finest beans they have a dedication to keeping the product fresh. Coffee bought from them will have been roasted just two days prior, at the very latest; sometimes it’s only hours old. In terms of selection they offer dark roasts, organic, blends, decaf, flavored, and much more. Visit them at secure.jbpeelcoffee.com
• Migliorelli Farms
  Quality is always in season at Migliorelli Farms! They are committed to producing the finest tasting fruits and vegetables that are fresh and healthy. The farm prides themselves on the fact that their produce is less than 24 hours old from harvest to point of sale. Their products are sold at markets in New York City or on their farm in Tivoli. For more information, contact them at 845/757/3276 or visit their website at migliorelli.com
• Millbrook Farmhouse Cheese
  Want some fresh goat cheese? Look no further than Millbrook Farmhouse Cheese. This Dutchess County Cheese producer offers several varieties of goat cheese including feta and chevre. Their aim is to produce a high quality goat cheese at a price that makes it available for everyone to enjoy. Visit their location at 3684 Rt. 82 in Millbrook or log on to their website at www.millbrookfarmhousecheese.com
• Millbrook Vineyards and Winery
  Want to expose your palate to the best the Hudson Valley can offer? Then be sure to visit Millbrook Vineyards. Acclaimed as the Hudson Valley’s #1 winery, the 130-acre estate offers tours and tastings featuring an impressive array of wines for any occasion. The facility is open 7 days a week so be sure to take a trip to their location at 26 Wing Rd. in Millbrook. You can log on to www.millbrookwine.com, where you can browse their selection and even purchase their wine online!
• My Brother Bobby’s Salsa
  Tired of the same old jar of salsa? Try something new and super fresh, My Brother Bobby’s Salsa. With production located right in Poughkeepsie, the salsa-outfit boasts many different varieties of salsa (think tropical) along with fresh bruschetta. So don’t let your dip get you in the dumps. For more information about these tasty snacks call 845-462-6227 or e-mail mbbsalsa@aol.com
• Nilda’s Desserts
  Got a sweet tooth? Satisfy it with one of Nilda’s Desserts. It all began in 1989 with a small-scale operation, selling to two area gas stations. Now The Poughkeepsie native, Nilda, sells to over 1000 locations and offers many different varieties of cookies, oatmeal bars, brownies and biscotti. All products are home baked from scratch and preservatives are never used. Not coming to Dutchess County for a while? No problem, the desserts are available online at www.nildas.com For information, call 845/454-5876.
• Remsburger Maple Farm
  Thought Vermont was the only place to get great, authentic maple syrup? Think again. Remsburger Maple Farm in Pleasant Valley produces some of the best maple syrup around. They offer four grades, from light table syrup to dark, robust baking syrup. Remsburger Maple Farm has been in syrup business for more than 10 years and has family experience in the industry for many years more than that! Visit the farm at 756 Traver Rd. in Pleasant Valley or at remsburgermaple.com
• Ronnybrook Farms
  Ronnybrook Farm’s motto, claiming that they’re “hopelessly out of date, and proud of it!”, best describes this Hudson Valley dairy producer. They put this mantra into all they make, milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese and butter; all churned out the old fashioned way. Their milk is sold in glass bottles, taking you back to a simpler time. No pesticides, antibiotics or hormones are put into any of their products. Even the cows dine on all natural feed grown right on the farm. One thing’s for sure, your taste for these products won’t go sour no matter how long you have it. Visit www.ronnybrook.com to find out where their products are available in your neighborhood.
• Russell Farms Pancake Mix
  Try Russell Farms Pancake Mix and wake up to the taste of Dutchess County. Russell Farms makes their mixes from all natural ingredients and uses no preservatives; all you have to do is add water. They offer their mixes in nine different varieties; Old Fashioned, Buttermilk Apple & Cinnamon, and Sweet Potato are just a few of the selections available. Russell Farms has been a part of the Hudson Valley since 1976, and is still family-run on their property of 34 acres. They were featured on the Today show by Al Roker. Log on to www.russellmaplefarm.com
• Sprout Creek Farm
  This Poughkeepsie farm is the home of friendly cows and goats, whose milk makes incredible boutique cheeses. The market offers terrific meat brought in from area producers, such as smoked sausage and venison hotdogs. They provide their own array of cheeses freshly made on site from 100% raw cow and goat’s milk! The farm is located on 34 Lauer Road and the market hours are 10 am – 6 pm Wednesday – Saturday and 10 am–4 pm on Sunday. For more information, call 845/485-9885 or log on to sproutcreekfarm.org
• Taste Budd’s Chocolate Desserts
  Using their own blend of American, French and Belgian Chocolates, Taste Budd’s makes all of their desserts by hand. Their mission is to make high quality desserts made with fresh, natural ingredients. They also have something for every chocolate taste, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and even cookie bars for vegans. Order their fantastic treats online at www.tastebudds.com or visit their café at 40 West Market Street in Red Hook.

Amenia's Hammond Dairy Introduces Fresh Yogurt

Hammond Dairy in Amenia prides themselves on their commitment to developing all natural, healthy, and delicious yogurt. Located in the heart of the scenic Hudson Valley, Hammond Dairy offers a healthy—and locally produced—alternative to your regularly processed dairy products.

Dr. David Hammond, a practicing veterinarian and farmer, began operation of Hammond Dairy in 1976. His decision to develop a yogurt with no hormones, artificial additives, or antibiotics was prompted by national concern over the quality of our countries food supply. Dr. Hammond’s daughter Julie was a part of this process, and together they successfully created a yogurt that could be more easily digested and had more calcium.

Their pledge to creating quality products recently got them recognized by the New York Times. The article, published on March 22, 2011, can be found here. It is now sold in two markets in the city and is acknowledged for its ability to serve as a breakfast and dessert yogurt. There are six savory flavors from which consumers can choose: plain, rich vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, and peach.

Hammond Yogurt is also available in a variety of markets in the Dutchess County area including: Adams Fairacre Farms, Poughkeepsie; Back in the Kitchen, Amenia; Vassar College, Poughkeepsie; Sprout Creek Farm, Poughkeepsie; The Crafted Kup, Poughkeepsie; McEnroe Organic Farm, Millerton; Peck’s Food Market, Pine Plains; Red Devon Market, Bangall; Quattro Farm Store, Pleasant Valley; Marona's IGA, Millbrook; Stage Coach Market, Millbrook; Hahn Farm Stand, Salt Point; Freshtown, Amenia; Freshtown, Dover Plains; and Rusty Tractor Farm Market, Salt Point.

Hammond Dairy is currently placing their products in natural and gourmet food stores around the nation. For more information, visit their website at www.hammonddairy.com or e-mail them at info@hammonddairy.com

Amenia Farmers Market Open All Year Round

After a successful summer and fall season, the Amenia Farmers Market is staying open through the winter this year. The location has been moved from outside the former Amenia Elementary School to inside the Town Hall. Thankfully, the town approved the move and all the vendors are on board. Meats such as lamb, beef and pork, vegetables, fruits, herbs and grains, as well as homemade soaps are all for sale. During the winter the market's new schedule is Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm starting November 6th. Amenia Farmers Market is expanding during the holiday season starting the last two weeks of November up until Christmas; local artisans are invited to sell their products along with the regular vendors. All products are made from local and native natural materials. Once the month of May is upon us, the market will switch back to its Friday 2 – 6pm schedule. For further information call Sophie Meili 845-373-4411 or e-mail her at meilifarm2@gmail.com. To reach the Town of Amenia call 845-373-8118.

Sprout Creek Farm News; Cheese Maker’s Workshop and Fresh Eggs

Looking for something new to do on your day off? Then attend Sprout Creek Farm’s Cheese Maker’s Workshop. It’s as easy as going to the farm website and scheduling a workshop with their cheese maker! Classes are held on Saturdays. The class is both educational and enjoyable for all who attend; even for the cheese making novice.

If cheese making isn’t your thing, then stop by the farm for some delicious eggs! Sprout Creek’s chickens are finally laying eggs, and they are going like hot cakes. From blue to green, to brown and pink, these eggs are colorful enough to display before eating.

Sprout Creek Farm is located at 34 Lauer Road, Poughkeepsie 12603. For further information call 845-485-9885 or visit the farm’s website at www.sproutcreekfarm.org.

Tea for Two - and a Nosh?

In 1983, John Harney bought his own tea company and aimed to sell great tea at a price that would make it an everyday luxury. Since then, Harney has done exactly that and Harney and Sons’ Fine Teas distributes the finest cups of tea you will taste.

John’s son, Michael travels the world searching for renowned teas as well as exciting new infusions, from Germany to India. John Harney and Joanna Pruess put together a book of recipes that blend the spicy, smoky, herbal, and fruity tastes of tea into favorite traditional and contemporary dishes. This unique cookbook is called "Tea Cuisine". To find selected recipes from the book, go to Farm Fresh recipes.

You can also visit their store and tea tasting room at 1 Railroad Plaza in Millerton. The tea bar serves 200 types of teas; try their scones! (open daily 10am-5pm, Sun. 11am-4pm, 518/789-2121). To purchase tea from Harney and Sons,’ visit their online store at http://www.harney.com .

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