Snow Cones, Berries and Dogs!

Market Goers could not have asked for a better day to explore the West Chester Grower's Market this past Saturday. The sun was shining, and the air was not yet hot, as people ventured through the parking lot full of vendors on Church and Chestnut Streets.

My little Market Goer, Lucy, was decked out in a patriotic tee-shirt. Although she was too young to really enjoy a Snow Cone, she was still very excited about the Market. One of the reasons Lucy loves the Market: DOGS. Every Saturday, big dogs and little dogs alike prowl the Market with their owners. At her level, Lucy gets a great view of the friendly animals. As we are grabbing tomatoes and listening to music, Lucy is squealing in delight over the dogs that are perfectly in her eyesight. What fun!

Snow Cones were a huge success this weekend! Everywhere you looked, people were chipping away at their frozen treat, and you could see lips stained with every color you could imagine. People seemed to enjoy that the WCGM went the extra mile to find ways to celebrate Independence Day! (And did I mention they were FREE?!?!)

This week's Market Musicians, , were also a festive noise! They had quite the ensemble of instruments and musicians, producing a real folksy sound. I appreciated the cover songs they did, my favorite being "I Walk The Line" by Johnny Cash (the man, the myth, the legend). It's always fun to walk around the Market to GOOD music and songs you know!

Ellen April's Homemade Soap stand was buzzing. I tried to stop in for a quick conversation, but she was delightfully overwhelmed by customer after customer! As I was peering over the soaps, deciding what to sample after my present soaps run out, I noticed Market Goers were really intrigued by the Lemon Fizz, a soap that is benefitting Alex's Lemonade Stand. As you can see, the Market gives back!

We are still working through the jug of homemade Root Beer that we purchased a week ago from the vendors at Oak Shade Cheese. My husband absolutely loves it! Once we are down to the last drop, we are planning on getting some more before it goes out of production for the season! I highly recommend it!

Lastly, I was excited to see all of the BERRIES at the Market this weekend. It was like Berry Season had exploded! Up until now, I had seen some juicy strawberries. This past Saturday, there were several stands of Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries and Blueberries. They looked so great! There were also a few stands with White Corn - but I did not actually get to witness their debut, as the corn was gone INSTANTLY. The only indication of their presence were signs next to empty boxes. What a hit! Hopefully next week I can get my hands on a few ears of corn to serve alongside some grilled meat and veggies.

Between the music, the Berries and the Snow Cones, I would say this 4th of July Market was a celebratory success! The only thing that would have made it better?

...If I had gotten some corn to take home with me. Next time!

There is more to come this weekend, so check back on Friday for this weekend's Market Preview. Have a great week!

This Weekend - July 4 - At the WCGM!

Not only is this Saturday another Grower's Market, but it is also July 4: Independence Day (and, no, I am NOT talking about the movie starring Will Smith). What better way to start the Holiday Weekend then to head over to the corner's of Church and Chestnut Streets and celebrate with WCGM Vendors and Market Goers alike? Believe me, there is plenty to check out and celebrate!

First, let me say that I am personally excited over the WCGM's celebratory promotion this weekend: FREE SNOW CONES. That in and of itself is enough to draw a crowd. Snow Cones will be available during regular market hours (9am-1pm).

The Market will be offering more and more fruit as we head into mid-Summer. (It's good to know What's Fresh at the Grower's Market). Keep an eye out for North Star Orchard in the upcoming weeks for their first appearance at the WCGM. They are waiting until their fruit crop is PERFECT, and when it is, they will come with their bounty! If not this week, continue to check back. Be sure to get to the Market early to grab some fresh fruit for your Independence Day cookouts. I will happily taste-test your fruit salads or warm fruit pies...

If you have the opportunity to pick up some fresh asparagus from any of our fine vendors, here is a great side dish for your 4th of July BBQ's:

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Roasted (or Grilled) Asparagus

• 1 bunch Asparagus
• 1 TBS Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Minced Garlic (I usually use jarred)
• Pinch of Salt
• Pinch of Pepper

Prepare asparagus spears by snapping off tough woody bottoms (bend the stalk at it's natural breaking point, about 1 to 2 inches from base). Rinse and place on a roasting pan (with sides). Drizzle with Olive Oil. Sprinkle Garlic Powder, Minced Garlic, Salt and Pepper over the stalks. Toss to combine evenly.

To Roast: Keep asparagus on roasting pan. Place in 400º oven for 8-10 minutes, shaking pan halfway through.

To Grill: Using tongs, place asparagus on grill, perpendicular to grates. Grill 5 minutes on each side, or until tips start to brown.

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As you enjoy nurse your snow cone, be sure to stop in at Ellen April's Handcrafted Soap. One thing to be excited about this week is a specialty soap Ellen has made to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand. I stopped by last week, and got to take in the scent of the Alex's Lemonade Stand soap. It was perfect and citrusy! All proceeds will benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand organization.

With Snow Cones on the schedule, fresh produce and good music sure to follow, you will not want to miss out on this week's Market! Stop in and stay a while...