Farm to Table Recipes; Seasonal Summer Produce

Fresh Produce at Windy Knoll Farm Market & Creamery © Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.^®

The concept of “farm to table” is becoming increasingly popular in the culinary world. It simply implies that a meal is prepared using locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients. In other words…the types of items you’ll find at your local farmers’ market or produce stand. This movement also resonates with the current consumer desire for natural ingredients and helps to support local small-town economies.

Summer is the perfect time of year for visiting these types of businesses. Not only is the weather perfect, but many fruits and vegetables are starting to be in season and ripe for picking. It’s no secret that freshly-picked local produce usually tastes the best. There’s nothing better than hand-picked strawberries or a juicy, ripe tomato. And by “eating with the seasons,” you ensure you are getting the freshest produce available in your area. As an added bonus, you get to support your local hometown vendors and entrepreneurs.

Chambersburg Farms and Farmers’ Markets

Being located in the heart of “Pennsylvania Dutch” country, we are no stranger to local produce stands and farmers’ markets. In fact, they play an important part in our company’s history. We love supporting local farmers and small-town vendors. As a way to share our hometown pride, below are some of the great farmers’ markets in our area, serving up fresh local produce and other goodies.

Country Creek Produce Farm

Country Creek Produce Farm | Image from https://thegleaningproject.wordpress.com

Country Creek offers fresh produce in addition to fun activities throughout the year such as strawberry picking, corn mazes, hay rides, and pumpkin picking. Their produce can be found at their three road-side markets in Chambersburg as well as at local grocery stores and restaurants. The June produce schedule includes strawberries, romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, kale, spinach, spring onions, portabella mushrooms, broccoli, and cabbage.

Country Breeze Farm Market

Country Breeze Farm Market © Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.^®

This quaint store off of Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg sells fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to baked goods and prepared foods.

Jim’s Farmers Market

Jim’s Farmers Market © Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.^®

Also located downtown, this local establishment is opened year ‘round and has been a part of Chambersburg for over 30 years. Jim’s has weekly vendors who offer high-quality fresh meats, local produce, baked goods, prepared meals, organic goods, candies, antiques, and more.

North Square Farmers’ Market

North Square Farmers’ Market | Image from www.facebook.com/northsquarefarmersmarket

This open air pop-up is located in downtown Chambersburg. You’ll find vendors in this farmers’ market selling locally grown produce, meats, eggs, cheese, jams, and baked goods, among many other items. Everything is sourced from local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. They are open every Saturday morning from 8AM to 12PM between the dates of May 26th and Oct 20th, 2018.

Paul’s Country Market

Paul’s Country Market | Image from: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paul’s Country Market

This market in Waynesboro, PA includes fresh produce and baked goods as well as a deli and plant nursery with a wide array of flowers.

Windy Knoll Farm Market and Creamery

Windy Knoll Farm Market & Creamery © Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.^®

While they are famous for their homemade soft-serve ice cream, Windy Knoll also offers sandwiches, prepared foods and fresh produce along with a wide variety of candies and pantry ingredients.

Farm to Table Recipes:

Take time this summer to frequent the local farms, orchards, and farmers’ markets in your neighborhood. You may be surprised to learn what’s in season or available in your area, and it’s also a great way to try new things! Test your “farm to table” cooking skills with delicious recipes like the ones featured below.

Heirloom Tomato Tart

Freshly-picked heirloom tomatoes at the peak of summer are among the best things about the season. Pair them with some bright lemony ricotta, fresh basil, and chives in this spectacular summer tart made with toasted Martin’s 12-Sliced Potato Rolls.

Try to find a variety of colors—red, orange, yellow, green—as well as an assortment of sizes in your tomatoes to make this tart vibrant as well as delicious!

Find this recipe at: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/heirloom-tomato-tart

Fresh Basil, Blackberry, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Berry picking can be a fun and unique summertime activity. Find orchards or farms in your area that let you pick your own berries (or try planting some berry bushes in your own backyard). Spend some time at the peak of berry season picking as many as can fit in your basket!

Fresh blackberries make the perfect complement to this summer sammie of grilled chicken, fresh basil, peppery arugula, goat cheese, and a light balsamic vinaigrette.

Find this recipe at: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/fresh-basil-blackberry-and-grilled-chicken-sandwich

Grilled Farmers’ Market Sandwich

Fresh fruits and veggies meet your favorite summer cooking method in this guilt-free yet tasty sandwich. Now you have perfect excuse to fire up your grill, along with the added benefit of a lighter summer fare alternative.

Take a trip to your local farmers’ market to prepare for this dish—look for locally grown fresh produce such as eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini or summer squash, red onion, and basil.

Find this recipe at: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/grilled-farmers-market-sandwich