AgriMissouri

Friday Fixin's

Sarah Gehring — 2009-07-11T20:42:32-05:00

This is the yummy salad dressing recipe that I mentioned in Thursday's post. It's from Van Till Farms in Rayville. Be sure to visit them for Pizza Night on the Patio every Friday evening.

Fresh Basil & Lime Dressing

3/4 c. oil
1/3 c. vinegar (wine or cider)
1 tsp. lime juice
1/4 c. water
3/4 c. lightly packed fresh basil, chopped
1 clove garlic, diced
1/2 tsp. xanthun gum* (can be found in Health Food section of grocery stores)
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. honey

Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or hand mixer and blend.

*Xanthun gum is used as a thickener in this recipe. It can be omitted but dressing won't be as thick.

Fun & Food at the Excelsior Springs Wine & Food Festival

Sarah Gehring — 2009-07-09T10:18:23-05:00

The fireworks, local food and wine were enjoyed by everyone who attended the Excelsior Springs Wine & Food Festival on July 4. Cassie and I represented AgriMissouri as well as members, Van Till Farms and Herb Gathering/Twelve Winds Tea Company.

The festival featured demonstrations from both the AgriMissouri members and a Wine 101 School in the Ballroom of the historic Elms Resort and Spa. Debbie and Jamie Van Till demonstrated how to make a delicious (I can't stress delicious enough) salad dressing using your own herbs or herbs from the farmers' market. Paula Winchester showed us the many "out of the box" uses for tea. I tasted a dip, cracker and rice dish that were all made with tea. Who knew that you could do more than just drink tea?

For those that missed the festival this year, put it on your calendar for the first weekend in July in 2010. Now, for those curious about the very delicious salad dressing recipe....check back on Friday because it will be this week's Friday Fixin's.

From Farm to Fork – Why you should be eating local!

Sarah Gehring — 2009-07-08T08:30:25-05:00

Advocates of “buy local” programs often emphasize its positive effects on the local economy by “planting your dollars at home.” Just as important as its economical benefits are its health benefit!

Buying local foods, such as items from your hometown farmers’ market, can have a huge payback on the health of you and your family. Research has shown that the average household dinner consists of foods that have been shipped over 1,500 miles! What does this mean for your family? Foods that have been transported long distances are often full of preservatives to increase the shelf life of the item while decreasing its nutritional value.

When shopping at a local farmers’ market for dinner items you’ll know that your produce was vine ripened, and usually picked less than 24 hours ago, giving it great taste and long term health benefits! Buying local also allows for you to add variety to your meal with produce that is not often found in large grocery stores such as heirloom tomatoes or other unique items. Fruits and vegetables purchased from a local vendor gives you the opportunity to ask key questions about where you food came from and how it was raised.

Knowledge really is power when it comes to your family’s dinner menu. Understanding the who’s and how’s of your food production gives you the ability to make healthy decisions for the people around you!

-Cassie

Friday Fixin's

Sarah Gehring — 2009-07-03T16:14:42-05:00

This week’s recipe is courtesy of Persimmon Hill Berry Farm. Blueberries are going strong now so be sure to get out to your local u-pick blueberry farm or farmers’ market to get the freshest blueberries Missouri offers.

Blueberry Smoothie

1 1/2 cups Frozen Blueberries
1 cup milk (skim or 2 percent)
2 T. Splenda (or sugar)
2 T. nonfat vanilla yogurt

Pour milk over frozen blueberries. Add Splenda, vanilla yogurt, and blend. The frozen blueberries make the mixture slushy and ice cold - a great drink for hot days. Most of the time, we don't bother to blend at all, but stir it together and eat it with a spoon, like ice cream. Delicious!

Episode 46: Wine, food and spa!

learfieldcreative — 2009-07-02T18:36:24-05:00

Picture yourself at a winery, drinking wine, enjoying delicious local foods where there's a full-service spa! Picture yourself at Chaumette Winery & Vineyards in Ste. Genevieve. Chaumette Winery Chef Adam Lambay tells Julie Harker all about the exciting things going on at this special destination.

Download audio

Celebrate the 4th at the Wine & Food Festival

Sarah Gehring — 2009-07-01T14:18:04-05:00

This Saturday, July 4, the United States will celebrate Independence Day. What better way to celebrate than by sampling Missouri local foods and wines! This Saturday from noon to 9:00 pm Missouri wineries and AgriMissouri members will be featured at the Wine & Food Festival at the Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

AgriMissouri members, Herb Gathering and Van Till Farms, will provide cooking demonstrations on the main stage as well as selling their products throughout the festival. Cassie and I will be under the AgriMissouri tent promoting local foods and farm destinations. Stop by and say hello, we love to meet readers.

In case you are curious about which wineries will be participating, here is a list.
Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery
Indian Creek Winery
Jowler Creek
Mount Pleasant Winery
Riverwood Winery
St. James Winery
Stone Hill Winery
Wenwood Farm Winery

I think there will be something for everyone, including a fireworks display around 9:00 pm. Find more information about the Wine & Food Festival from their web site.

A Cheesy Experience

learfieldcreative — 2009-06-30T22:36:37-05:00

Along the rolling hills of Galena, Missouri is Lorenae Dairy. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the taste of fresh from the farm cheese curds. Watch our video to see a bit of how the process works.

Specialty Crop Grants Available

Sarah Gehring — 2009-06-30T15:23:29-05:00

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking grant applications from organizations or groups of individuals interested in solely enhancing the competitiveness of the state's specialty crop industry. Grant applications are due on July 31, 2009. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis. Selected applications will be included in the Missouri specialty crop state plan and reviewed by the USDA.

http://mda.mo.gov/abd/financial/specialtycrop.php

Grand Valley Farms and Route A Country Store

Sarah Gehring — 2009-06-29T08:17:56-05:00

There’s nothing like a nice road stop to make a long trip a little more exciting. Grand Valley Farms in Moberly, Missouri is a must see farm and shop! I made the trip this past week and had a great time! This family farm is home to alpacas, goats, cats, dogs, a peacock and chickens. Their on site country store features pecans, sauces, pickles, farm fresh eggs and even antiques. There is no doubt that Grand Valley Farms is worth the trip, you won’t be disappointed.

-Cassie

Inn at Clover Hill

Sarah Gehring — 2009-06-29T08:07:33-05:00

If you’ve been searching for a place to host the office retreat, a family reunion or maybe just a girls weekend… Inn at Clover Hill is sure to be the place for you! This beautiful farm house, owned by the Carpenters, has been in the family for over 100 years. Fred and Cathy Carpenter purchased the house from a family member in 1980 and converted it from the family home to an agriculture experience bed and breakfast only one month ago. Presently under construction is the Carriage House and Wagon shed which will offer the perfect place for large get-togethers by about August. Until then guests can enjoy the three cozy rooms, beautiful flower garden, charming patio, peaceful sun porch, delicious food (made with produce from their personal garden) and the welcoming owners. I hope you get the chance to take a trip to Sumner and stay to enjoy their home as much as I did!

-Cassie