Taste, Traditions, and the Honest Pleasures of Food

 

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Sweet Grass Dairy Fall Market Day

What a wonderful weekend of open farms!  It was great to see the support for Slow Food Tallahassee at Sweet Grass Dairy.  A lot of interesting folks chatting up the ideas of Slow Food, truly a good time. 

Great new friends to announce from Havana, Florida - Blue Ridge Farm Hydroponics who grow lettuces and greens are located at 804 Frank Smith Road.  Contact Wayne and Charlotte by calling 850-875-9572. 

Another yummy honey friend we finally gathered (like the pun?) information on is Broken Arrow Honey Farm located at 19747 US Hwy. 19 North in Thomasville, Georgia.  You can reach Lamar and Faye Miller at 229-228-4331.

Will Harris was there with that fantastic southern drawl that can turn anyone's head.  His all natural beef ranch, White Oak Pastures, served up tid bits from the grill and lead an interesting discussion of the latest study on breast cancer and beef consumption.  The point was made that the study focused on commercial production practices with beef which involve the use of hormones (and more) and not on natural beef.  It sure would be nice to have some comparison studies on the naturally produced meats wouldn't it? 

Thanks table volunteers - Maggie, Sara, Tiffanie.  And those who donated baked muffins and drinks - Louise, Maggie, Sara, Tiffanie, SarahKeith.  Foodies are such cool people!

Spiced Apple Cider
Tiffanie Bourassa

1 gallon apple cider
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons whole allspice
2, 3" whole cinnamon sticks
2 oranges
2/3 cup sugar (or less depending on your taste)

Pour apple cider in a large pot. Place cloves and allspice in a tea ball or wrap in cheese cloth and add with the cinnamon sticks to the cider. Wash the oranges well and pierce the skins with a knife in about five places for each one. Add to cider. Stir in sugar. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove and discard oranges and spices and serve hot.