Staff & Reader Submitted

Richardson Market - New Operating Hours

FourSeasons — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:11:01 -0500

Four Seasons Market (Richardson) will now operate from 9am to 2pm starting this Saturday, May 25th. This is a vibrant and community oriented market that welcomes 25 to 30 regular local vendors, including:

AP Apiaries (Local Honey)
Carnival Popcorn (Flavored Popcorn)
Cita's Salsa (Homemade Salsa)
Empire Baking (Artisan breads)
Florine Bowman Pastries (Homemade Pastries)
Gilbert-Pruett Farms (Fruits & Vegetables)
Her Art of Stone (Handmade Jewelry)
Joy Farm Country Store (Texas Olive Oil)
La Esperanza Farm (Fruits & Vegetables)
Lucidos Pasta (Locally made pasta)
Natural Essentials by A (Skin Care)
Special Touch Embroidery & Quilting
Stardust Soaps (Luxury Soaps & More)
Tena's Tamales (Homemade Tamales)
Terra Cotta Potts (Garden Decor)
Terra Sienna (Grass fed beef)
That Cactus Guy (Plants & Flowers)
The Spice Shop (spices & Herbs)

Vendors List available here: http://www.fourseasonsmarkets.com/?sct=events

Market Address: 677 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080 (Campbell & Nantucket).

Days/Hours: Every Saturday, from 9am to 2pm.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fourseasonsmarkets

Yoga Class, Buttermilk Junction & a Mother Shucker’s Raffle at Keller Farmers Market May 25

Patricia Eltiste — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:33:32 -0500

This Saturday at Keller Farmers Market, bring your own mat and join a gentle yoga class from 10-11:00 a.m. on the grass near the fountain, taught by Deeann Kelly of Keller. Those who are not experienced yoga students will find this gentle yoga class refreshing. In addition, members of Buttermilk Junction will be bringing their brand of old-fashioned, toe tapping music to the market, starting at 9 a.m.

Finally, don’t forget to stop by our Vendor of the Week, Mother Shucker’s Tamales, and enter their raffle to win a Party Pak: one dozen tamales, a tray of enchiladas, some chips and salsa, to be awarded June 1.

For more information about Keller Farmers Market, visit www.kellerfarmersmarket.com.

Harvest Festival Saturday at Cowtown Farmers Market

Gwin Grimes — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 -0500

FORT WORTH -- Cowtown Farmers Market celebrates spring produce at its monthly Harvest Festival from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, at 3821 Southwest Blvd.

Chefs from the Culinary School of Fort Worth will be preparing dishes with the bounty of the market and offering tastings of seasonal treats; volunteers will collect donations for the Tarrant Area Food Bank; Smokin Sarah BBQ food truck; and guest vendors will offer services for pets and their owners.

Pet adoptions by TOA Animal Rescue; free nail trims for dogs by Happy K-9 Self-Serve Dog Wash and Grooming; treats for dogs with special dietary needs by Hambone and Dogs; and a visit from Fort Worth Police Department K-9 unit, Kelev, and his partner, Officer Harald Cussnick, will be among the doggie-centered events. Learn about pet massage therapy from K-9 Happy Pet Services and pick up a free calendar poster featuring the Dogs of Cowtown Farmers Market by photographer Tom Marvin.

Shoppers will be able to select from a variety of early spring produce, all grown within 150 miles of Fort Worth; pastured chicken; freshly baked artisan bread and baked goods; hot tamales; goat cheese; honey; coffee; cow's milk cheese; farm eggs; soap and bath products; cut flowers; and vegetable and herb plants for the garden.

Produce available may include asparagus, lettuces, new potatoes, peas, elephant garlic, spring onions, strawberries, leafy greens, radishes, carrots and possibly more, depending on the weather.

Cowtown Farmers Market is operated by the nonprofit North Central Texas Farmers Market Corp. and has served Fort Worth for more than 30 years.

Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 8 a.m. to noon, 3821 Southwest Blvd. on the west side of Fort Worth. Beginning in June, this location is also open from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays.

All markets are open to the public and operate rain or shine.

North Central Texas Farmers Market Corp. is city licensed and state certified, and a member of the Farmers Market Coalition.

Markets are producer-only; that is, everything sold must be grown or produced with 150 miles of Fort Worth. The association inspects vendors to verify that each is growing/producing all that is offered for sale at market. No re-sellers or imported goods are allowed.

Cooking Demo, Banjo Music and Beef Special at Keller Farmers Market May 18

Patricia Eltiste — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:00:00 -0500

This Saturday at Keller Farmers Market, learn to make “Street Tacos” as taught by Chef Charles Youts of Classic Café, Roanoke, TX. Chef Charles will be using products from Keller Farmers Market vendors, such as skirt steak, jalapeño infused olive oil and fresh produce. In between cooking demos, customers can enjoy a stroll around the fountain to the sounds of Banjo Den playing both banjo and guitar. Staff from Keller Pointe will be in the Sponsor Booth to talk about what they have to offer your family for health and entertainment during the summer months. Finally, don’t forget to stop by the Vendor of the Week booth to visit with Texas Heritage Beef and enjoy a special of $1.00 per pound of ground beef.

For more information about Keller Farmers Market, visit www.kellerfarmersmarket.com.

Organic and Eco-Friendly Lunchbox Delivery Launches in Dallas

Christina Davenport — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:34:25 -0500

Soulgood Vegetarian to Go has launched a new delivery service in North Texas. Soulgood now offers healthy, low-fat, low-calorie, organic and locally grown lunchboxes for busy people on the go. The company launched a new vegetarian lunch menu that can be ordered 24-hours in advance and delivered to your home or office. Soulgood’s mission is to put healthy, organic, sustainable and tasty vegetarian foods into the hands of adults and children across America. Why? Because we care about the environment, the planet, animals and sustainable food sources for all Americans. Just place your order online. Limited vegan options are available. Gluten-free coming soon. To learn more visit eatsoulgood.com or call 1-877-601-3211 x 141.

Economics of America's Food Supply

Christina Davenport — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:19:14 -0500

Live this Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. CT Robyn O’Brien, author of The Unhealthy Truth and Joel Salatin, author, speaker and infamous organic farmer featured in Michael Pollan’s New York Times bestseller Omnivore’s Dilemma and the award-winning documentary, Food, Inc. Both will join Cynthia Nevels on The C-Radio Show to answer riveting questions on how the Monsanto amendment and recent legislative changes in D.C. will impact the U.S. food supply and quite possibly the economy. Tune in to live show Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:30a.m. CST for the Economics of America's Food Supply. You won’t look at your food the same. Sponsored by Soulgood Vegetarian to Go.

Invitation to join Frisco Farmers Market Weekly Newlsetter

Brandy Miles — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:52:24 -0500

The Frisco Farmers Market opes this Saturday, May 4, 2013 from 8 am to 1pm or sellout for their 6th season.

There is nothing better than walking through an open air market and smelling the essense of a fresh tomoto or the aroma from a fresh cantelope that has never been refrigerated.

Make the Frisco Farmers Market part of your Saturday morning! Join the mailing list here: http://bit.ly/104CP9U

Greenling announces "Juicy in May" Giveaway!

Margo Sivin — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:15:34 -0500

Online grocer Greenling is kicking off the summer with a Juicy Giveaway! Each order placed on Greenling.com during the month of May will qualify as an entry to win a top-of-the-line Hurom Slow Juicer. The giveaway will kick off the “Juicy in May” Festival for all Greenling customers. Throughout the month of May, the company will be running sales on popular juicing items and Juicing Kits, as well as publishing recipes for juices that call for summer produce.

Juicing has long been popular among Greenling’s customers. The company has long offered bulk pricing on common juicing fruits and vegetables, and it carries several Quick-shop Baskets pre-loaded with Certified Organic produce for juicing. In 2012, Greenling introduced Juicing Kits, which allows customers to home-juice Organic, pre-chopped fruits and veggies in a variety of recipes.

Fresh, cold-press juices are part of the company’s fast-growing line of prepared foods made with local and Certified Organic ingredients, which it offers in addition to the full selection of local and organic produce, dairy, meats, and pantry items all available for home delivery.

Greenling works directly with local farms, and also offers a full grocery store selection of food that is Certified Organic and/or local and sustainably produced. Greenling.com offers customized build-a-basket online ordering with more than 1000 products, and no subscription is required. Founded in Austin in 2005, Greenling expanded in 2012 to DFW area and works with its own network of local North Texas farms.

Natural Awakenings Dallas Metro Edition May 2013 Issue

Bernice Butler — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:07:43 -0500

Enjoy the latest May edition and learn about how to Go Lean and Go Green, Aging Gracefully and How to Find Your Soulmate Online in this month's special Women's Wellness issue of Natural Awakenings Dallas Metroplex Edition Magazine. Read more at www.NADallas.com.

The 5 Best Crops for Your Summer Garden

Mary Potter — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:35:43 -0500

When planning your summer garden, all of the options available can make narrowing down your choices difficult. Whether you are looking for great vegetables to contribute to your meals, or a pretty plant that can survive the heat these five plants are a great addition to any garden.

1. Lavender

Most people love the scent of a lavender plant, but this plant has many other benefits for gardeners. First, lavender requires less water than many plants which can help cut down on garden costs. This wonderfully scented plant is also a perennial, meaning it will return yearly leaving less work for you. In addition to its purple flowering, lavender has many practical uses from food to home body scrubs this herb won’t go to waste. Lavender is ideal for summer because it adapts well to heat and dry conditions.

2. Tomatoes

While growing tomatoes can be difficult to perfect, they are ideal for summer crops. Not only do most of them perform well under summer heat, they are great for a variety of uses. The cherry tomato is great for growing in extreme heat and is a perfect summer snack. When it comes to larger tomatoes, don’t feel pressured to eat your whole crop this summer. These are great for using in spaghetti sauce or soup which can be frozen and saved for winter when the crops stop. Fresh tomatoes are delicious too, and make a fabulous addition to those summer salads. This crop requires more maintenance but its versatile uses are worth the work.

3. Basil

This delicious herb loves the summer weather. Basil crops grow rapidly and produce more than you would ever want to use. It’s a great choice for summer though, because it requires little work to see lots of growth. You can share the extra with friends and family, or use it for a pesto sauce. Basil is a great addition to hundreds of recipes. The great thing about basil is that it can easily be dried and used throughout the year.

4. Lettuce

The leafy green vegetable doesn’t love when temperatures spike too high, so this one is best planted early in summer for results. Lettuce will grow quickly from seed, and will produce a big quantity. Even though it might not last through extreme heat, the amount produced prior is enough to last the whole summer. Since this vegetable is usually a household staple, your family will save money not having to purchase lettuce for a few months.

5. Cilantro

This potent flavored herb is a must have for summer crops. Cilantro has that essential summer taste and goes great with any meal. Fresh cilantro adds a multitude of flavor without having to add a calorie laden sauce. Add this fresh, key ingredient to your summer salsa for those barbeque gatherings. While the flavor may not be as strong, cilantro can be dried and used throughout the year.

These five summer crops are so versatile they will meet all your gardening needs. Having all of these fresh vegetables and herbs will give you the true taste of summer.

Mary Potter takes great pride in her flower garden, and is quick to share her tips and tricks with anyone willing to listen. She loves creating centerpieces for special occasions and has also been putting her efforts into The Flower Exchange, who specialize in wedding flowers. In her spare time, you can find her in the kitchen testing out new recipes.

Growing Organic Sweet Corn in Your Garden

Carrie Stark — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:20:00 -0500

The first year I tried my hand at growing corn it was a complete disaster. The first batch I planted too early and they were killed by frost and the second batch I overwatered. I never got around to planting a third batch that season.

That winter my son followed me around exclaiming that his Harvest Moon boy managed to successfully grow corn. The why couldn’t you was a silent recrimination. With that in mind the next summer I was determined to learn how to grow sweet corn. This time I wouldn’t let a video game character incapable of overwatering beat me.

When to Get Started

Knowing when to plant corn isn’t as easy as it sounds. I can’t give you a date, say May 29^th and expect your soil conditions to be conductive to corn growth. The fact that many different countries in different climates have access to this blog means that you will need to determine the exact date to start based on your location’s climate.

In order to make it easier it is important to know that sweet corn thrives in hotter weather. The soil should be well-drained and at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best if the air temperature in your region is 70 to 95 degrees before planting.

If your still bamboozled over when these conditions should be met, you can consult the suggested planting dates based on your zip code. According to the calculator if I lived in Boise, Idaho I could begin growing as early as May 24^th. I would recommend making sure that the conditions are still met before planting. The planting dates supplied are based on historical frost dates, and should be considered a guide not truth.

How to Plant

Before starting to plant make sure that the soil is in optimal conditions.
Plant the corn 1 inch deep, and 2 to 4 inches apart. Plant the corn in 4 rows that are about 15 inches apart, so that your plants will have the best chance of being fertilized by the wind.
Fertilize the soil around the seed with a nitrogen and phosphorous rich fertilizer (10-34-0). Make sure that the fertilized areas will not directly touch the seeds.
Water well at planting time.

How to Tend

After planting don’t water unless the soil is very dry.
After the corn sprouts pin point the strongest sprouts and remove the weaker ones until there is 6 to 8 inches between each row. When the corn is a half a foot tall choose the weakest plants for removal. At the end of this process each plat should have 1 foot to 18 inches between each corn stalk. (This process should give your corn the best chance to flourish while preventing plant weakness due to crowding.)
Once the corn flowers water corn at the roots, about 5 gallons every square yard. If plants are watered from the top fungal infections can occur and valuable pollen can be washed away before corn cobs can be fertilized. This will result in the plant not producing corn.
Every 3 to 6 weeks fertilize the soil around the plants. If the plant is turning yellow that is a sign that the corn is nitrogen starved and should be fertilized. Water in fertilizer that has been placed about 5 to 7 inches to the side of the corn stalk.
When you weed do not weed too deep into the soil with a rake or other garden tool. Care must be taken because the roots of corn plants are close to the surface.

When to Harvest

Once planted corn takes 60 to 100 days to mature. It should be fairly obvious when it is time to harvest the corn. When the husks are a deep green, the silky threads that peeks out above the husks is a light brown, and the kernels are plump, it is time to harvest. If you wait too long the corn kernels will be too hard. You will know you are within 20 days of harvest when the silk starts to peek out from the top of the corn.

For the best corn harvest in the morning before the hottest period of the day and refrigerate immediately after the corn has been harvested. Optimal planting conditions and care should result in at least two cobs of corn per plant.

And just like that delicious corn can be produced and make it onto your dinner table. One satisfying corn filled dinner after another will leave you and your family happier than any Harvest Moon character ever will.

Carrie Stark has grown up eating veges grown in America's most fertile Midwest soils and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. Her favorite recipe right now is a sweet corn muffin that keeps the family coming back for more.

Cowtown Farmers Market is going to the dogs on Saturday

Brian Cummings — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:27:23 -0500

Our furry friends will be featured at the April Harvest Festival from 8 a.m. to noon April 20 at the market, 3821 Southwest Blvd., in the parking lot of Edelweiss Restaurant/Texas Outdoors.

People also get treats on Saturday, with chefs from the Culinary School of Fort Worth demonstrating dishes and offering samples of dishes made with local and seasonal produce brought that morning to market by our farmers; live music by Everybody's Darlin'; and shopping at Chic Swag Wagon, which sells collectibles from a retro Airstream trailer.

Additionally, the first 100 customers who visit the Chipotle Mexican Grill festival tent will be given a $10 token to spend that day at the market. "Chipotle thinks that it's important to support local family farms and that people have access to unprocessed, wholesome food," said Nate DeMercurio, Dallas-Fort Worth marketing strategist for Chipotle.

Shoppers will be able to select from a variety of early spring produce, all grown within 150 miles of Fort Worth; freshly baked artisan bread and baked goods; hot tamales; goat cheese; honey; coffee; cow's milk cheese; farm eggs; soap and bath products; cut flowers; and vegetable and herb plants for the garden.

Produce available may include asparagus, lettuces, spring onions, green garlic, strawberries, leafy greens, radishes, carrots and possibly more, depending on the weather.

Cowtown Farmers Market is operated by the nonprofit North Central Texas Farmers Market Corp. and has served Fort Worth for more than 30 years.

Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 8 a.m. to noon, 3821 Southwest Blvd. on the west side of Fort Worth. Beginning in June, this location is also open from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays.

Cowtown also operates a market in downtown Fort Worth. It is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at 1000 Throckmorton St. in Federal Plaza Park. All markets are open to the public and operate rain or shine.

North Central Texas Farmers Market Corp. is city licensed and state certified, and a member of the Farmers Market Coalition.

NEW ORGANIC VEGETARIAN POPUP RESTAURANT DEBUTS AT EARTH DAY DALLAS

Christina Davenport — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:21:16 -0500

There’s a show down happening at Earth Day Dallas at Fair Park on April 20, 2013. A new vegetarian popup restaurant is launching in Dallas and the chef is pulling out the big buns. Homemade honey wheat buns, that is. Soulgood is a new mobile vegetarian restaurant based in Dallas, Texas whose chief mission is to integrate locally grown organic produce and products into their quirky fast food menu.

“Our goal is to always use organic produce and products from local farmers, wherever we happen to popup, in our healthy vegetarian fast food. You will always know where your food comes from at Soulgood,” shares Christina Sandoval Davenport, Marketing Manager for Soulgood.

The popup restaurant will serve local menu favorites, using eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, at the 2013 Earth Day Dallas festival. Some of its menu items include its infamous Showdown Honey BBQ Burger, No Cluckin’ Way Chickn’ Burger, YOLO No Carne Tacos and Sweet Sticks (their seasoned sweet potato fries). “We want tasty vegetarian fast foods in the hands of adults and children without the guilt or worry that their food choices are filled with trans fats, excessive calories, cholesterol or sodium,” states Davenport. Soulgood offers limited vegan options on the menu, as well.

This weekend, Soulgood is offering free bottles of HINT Water for every Healthy Meal purchased at Earth Day Dallas starting Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 10:00a.m. CST through Sunday April 21, 2013.

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About Soulgood Vegetarian to Go

Soulgood Vegetarian to Go (Soulgood), a subsidiary of Integrality Limited Liability Company, is a Dallas-based consumer products company specializing in sustainable consumer products and organic vegetarian foods. Soulgood is a mobile popup restaurant serving organic vegetarian and vegan fast foods to carnivores and herbivores at local festivals, concerts, farmers markets and private events across Texas. For more information about Soulgood and updates on where to find the popup restaurant, visit www.eatsoulgood.com, follow on Twitter.com/eatsoulgood or like us on Facebook.com/eatsoulgood.

About Earth Day Dallas

Earth Day Dallas is a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual, outdoor festival seeking to elevate environmental awareness and influence the way North Texans think, live and work. The family friendly and free admission event allows leaders in the corporate, academic and nonprofit worlds to unite and show North Texans how green lifestyle choices can lower their cost of living, improve their health, and help to sustain the environment.

THANKS A TON…ACTUALLY TWO! SNAPPY SALADS RECYCLING EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!

Suzi Prokell — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:19:42 -0500

THANKS A TON…ACTUALLY TWO! SNAPPY SALADS RECYCLING EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!

DALLAS (April 11, 2013) - Snappy Salads, the award-winning, eco-friendly, guy-focused salad restaurant, announced today results from its annual e-waste recycling event. On Saturday, March 23, Snappy Salads collected an impressive 4,737 pounds of electronic waste (mostly printers, televisions, and computers). That's more than two-and-a-half TONS!

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream and accounts for 40% of the lead and 70% of heavy metals in U.S. landfills. Texas has no laws against dumping e-waste into landfills. Annually, Texans discard about 50 million TVs and PCs – that’s more than 200 million pounds of lead destined for landfills.

“We are deeply committed to limiting any negative impact on the environment. Thanks to our guests, this potentially toxic junk will not sit in landfills, but will be repurposed into a new life. We are so excited about the success of this event that we plan to host an e-waste recycling day twice a year,” said Snappy Salads Founder and CEO, Chris Dahlander.

Snappy Salads has received numerous awards and designations, most recently a Green Business Certification from the city of Plano.

Snappy Salads opened Dallas’s first eco-friendly restaurant in 2006. Five Snappy Salads locations now feature tables made from reclaimed wood, countertops made locally with recycled beer and wine bottles and rejected porcelain pieces, biodegradable takeout containers and utensils, uniforms made of organic cotton, menus printed on recycled paper, and more.

Snappy Salads has locations in Richardson, Dallas, Plano, and NorthPark Center. The Southlake location will open Thursday, April 4. You may learn more about Snappy Salads by visiting www.snappysalads.com.

About Snappy Salads

Voted "Best Salad" by the Dallas Observer and D Magazine, Snappy Salads has become the standard for high-quality salads served quickly in an environmentally friendly manner and earned the first Green Business Certification from the City of Plano, TX in 2013.

Snappy Salads is committed to limiting the negative impact the restaurant makes on the environment through myriad ways. Salad containers and drink cups are made from corn – a renewable resource – and are compostable. Snappy Salads has five locations in the DFW area including Southlake, Richardson, Plano, Dallas, and NorthPark Center. More about Snappy Salads is available at www.snappysalads.com.

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EARTH DAY DALLAS 2013

Tara Ortiz — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:04:11 -0500

Shaklee Independent Distributor Tara Dove Ortiz and her Shaklee babies invite you to visit her indoor exhibit at Earth Day Dallas 2013

Earth Day Dallas is a free, family-friendly event that will be held at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Earth Day Dallas provides a public forum for leaders in the corporate, academic, government and nonprofit worlds to expose North Texans to information on environmental topics that are pressing, engaging, and actionable.

Hundreds of exhibitor tents will encircle the Esplanade's fountains and fill the automobile building, providing a stunning backdrop for colorful displays, free information, green products, scientific innovations, demonstrations, workshops, and other hands-on learning opportunities for the whole family.

The indoor stage will showcase environmental talks from experts, including Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Gardeners & Master Naturalists. Buskers, dancers, and other performers will entertain outside, while Radio Disney performs and provides environmental programming at the foot of the Esplanade. Enjoy classic fair food and beverages along with fresh, healthy fare designed especially for Earth Day Dallas attendees!

Earth Day Dallas is an engaging and entertaining family-friendly experience that empowers attendees with relevant information and clear steps that they can take to better utilize available resources, switch to eco-friendly products, and support important nonprofit environmental organizations.

Fair Park is accessible by DART's Green Line (Fair Park Station: 3710 Parry Avenue, Dallas, TX 75226) and trams will also provide pick-up and drop-off services for attendees traveling by car from parking lots 5 and 6.

Learn more at: http://www.earthdaydallas.org

Natural Awakenings Dallas Metro Edition April 2013 Issue

Bernice Butler — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:46:17 -0500

Enjoy the latest April edition and learn about Honoring Earth Day, Electric Transportation and Teaching Green in this month's special Green Living issue of Natural Awakenings Dallas Metroplex Edition Magazine. Read more at www.NADallas.com.

Coppell Farmers Market Makes the Mark

Coppell Farmers Market — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:46:44 -0500

The Coppell Farmers Market will open on Saturday, April 6^th, 8 am to noon, making its mark in Old Town Coppell for the 11^th year. The opening day will kick-off the season of weekly Saturday markets, featuring over 30 vendors, some new organic farmers, along with the favorite familiar faces. The Coppell Farmers Market is located at 793 S. Coppell Road at Burns Street in Coppell and will be moving into the new development in Old Town Coppell when construction is complete. “We encourage everyone to come out every Saturday to be a part of the farmers market energy and pick up fresh food for the week,” says Karen Pearsall, CFM Committee Chair.

The Coppell Farmers Market, established in 2003, has become one of the best community markets in the DFW area, where one can shop for all of their meals from this fresh and local source. Both customers and the farmers/producers have shaped the market to what it is today, guided by a community-based organization, the Coppell Farmers Market Committee. They have certainly made the mark of the CFM mission to form a relationship with local growers/producers in order to provide fresh, seasonal produce and agricultural products for our community while fostering a sense of place in Old Town Coppell.

Also rolling out with the season opening is a new logo, featuring the farmers market’s favorite produce, the tomato, held with care by a Coppell Farmers Market band. During the wait for the new development, the CFM marketing team used several different logos, so this newly designed logo will make the mark going forwards.

Produce to expect in April will be lots of leafy greens, like lettuces, spinach, kale, and collards, plus onions, radishes, beets, new potatoes and herbs. Farmers using natural methods are Elliott Grows, Good Earth Organic Farm, Weathertop Farm, and Hiram Farms. Shoppers will also find wholesome breads, natural meats from Livestock First and Rehoboth Ranch, fresh farm eggs, Eagle Mountain Cheese, Latte Da Dairy artisanal goat cheese, and many more locally made products. Lone Star Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and bank ATM cards can be used to purchase wooden market tokens (market cash) at the picnic table by the free coffee. For the most current market news and events, join the Coppell Farmers Market on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to a weekly email update on the website at www.coppellfarmersmarket.org.

Third Annual White Rock Local Market Chili Cook-Off Slated for April 27

RichS — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:56:04 -0500

Calling all chili aficionados! The third annual White Rock Local Market Chili Showdown will take place Saturday, April 27 at The Green Spot on North Buckner Boulevard. Twenty teams will provide tastings to the public for $7 per person from 11:00am – 12:30pm.

Celebrity guests including Corby Davidson, co-host of Hardline (1310 The Ticket), Josh Yingling co-owner of Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House and Daniel Vaughn aka “BBQ Snob,” author and BBQ editor of Texas Monthly will judge the competition and decide winners within the categories of Vegetarian, Spicy, Traditional, Wild Card and Best Booth Design.

Proceeds from this event will benefit programs offered by WRLM including Love Your Farmer volunteer days, Sprouting Healthy Kids - a hands-on gardening and nutrition after school program, and White Rock Local Garden.

Entry fee is $50 per team. Deadline for registration is April 22 and participation is limited. To register go to www.whiterocklocalmarket.org, email mailto:info@whiterocklocalmarket.com or pick-up at the information desk at White Rock Local Markets. Tasting tickets ($7) can be purchased in advance at WRLM Information Desk or day of the event.

Chisholm Trail Grass-fed Beef Huge Hit with Customers of Local Farm to Fork Foods Co-Op

ChisholmTrail — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:16:07 -0500

Foodies from all across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex looking for natural and healthy beef options are ordering Chisholm Trail Grass-fed Beef online from locally owned and operated co-op, Farm to Fork Foods. The grass-fed beef provider was selected by Farm to Fork Foods to provide healthy red meat options raised by local ranchers to their co-op customers.

The Arlington-based co-op owned by Krista and Micah Grant has seen success with all of their healthy, all natural food options, including the Chisholm Trail Grass-fed Beef products. In fact, consumers looking for products raised locally have turned to the Farm to Fork’s natural food website and social media pages to place orders for healthy meat they can’t find in stores. With the unique co-op business model, all orders are placed online and picked up in person; no store front is required.

“We started a co-op so we could buy directly from local ranchers we could get to know, like Chisholm Trail Grass-fed Beef,” said Krista Grant, owner, Farm to Fork Foods. “Because grass-fed beef is not very easy to find, our customers are excited every time we offer it! In fact, many of our members are parents of small children, and they find it convenient to have a ready-to-eat healthy meat options in the freezer.”

For the Grants, all it took was one bite of Chisholm Trail Grass-fed Beef and they were hooked!“It was a longhorn beef night at the Farm to Fork household! Every time I eat these steaks I am blown away by the flavor, the tenderness and the moistness,” said Grant.

To test the market, Grant turned to Farm to Fork’s Facebook community, which has 1,000 fans and is growing, to share the good news and garner interest in providing the meat to her customers. The response was overwhelming and the grass-fed beef soon became a staple for many customers.

“We have seen a huge market need for families looking for healthy beef options grown in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex,” said Grant. “That’s where Farm to Fork is unique. We’re able to provide all natural, local products at prices all families can afford. In addition, because we have great relationships with our vendors, we know exactly where the food is coming from.”

Not only is Chisholm Trail premium, grass-fed beef, it fits perfectly with families’ high-quality health and wellness products needs. At only 140 calories per 3.6-ounce serving, 3.7 grams of fat and 81.5 milligrams of cholesterol, Chisholm Trail’s beef has less calories, fat and cholesterol than almost any other meat or poultry available. Additionally, the beef is packed with nutrients and is a much leaner and healthier alternative to turkey and chicken as well.

“We are thrilled to be working with Farm to Fork Foods to support a local business and also offer the absolute best grass-fed beef options,” said Mike Crawford, Chisholm Trail Grass-fed Beef partner. “We believe in our mission to provide meat from cattle that is pasture-raised with no added hormones or antibiotics and we’re happy Farm to Fork Foods and their customers do too.”

Customers can order grass-fed beef along with a variety of other products online at www.farmtoforkfoods.com. Shoppers pick up their goods once their order is ready in Arlington.

Dallas shoppers can also find Chisholm Trail Grass-fed Beef on the menus of Opa! Grill, Sundown at Granada or other restaurants throughout Texas. For home cooking, Chisholm Trail Grass-fed Beef is available for purchase at Natural Health Shop, Better Health Market, Hirsh’s Specialty Meats, Ye Ole Butcher Shop and My Rancher Country Market locations.

White Rock Local Market--First Market of the Season

Heather Rinaldi — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:35:21 -0600

This Saturday marks the Grand Openign of WHite Rock Local Market at an additional location--Lakeside Baptist Church on Garland Road. Texas Worm Ranch is a staunch supporter and founding vendor of the market. We are giving some good incentives for customers to pre-order. Read the link to find out more about these deals and the new market. See all our foodie and gardening friends this Saturday!