Our farmers, growers and gardeners are getting ready for the 2012 season. It’s nice to see the gardens and fields being turned in preparation for planting. Only four more weeks remaining until the farmers market opens.
Daylight Savings Time is here. Time to come out of winter dormancy and re-energize. Spring cleaning, household repairs, readying decks and porches for outdoor get-togethers as well as mowing the lawn are now the focus.
Our vineyard has been pruned but there are remaining chores to do up there. Wires on the trellises have to be tightened and some posts realigned and secured. However, it won’t be long before we see plump buds burst into bright green leaves followed by clusters of baby grapes.
Many of our fruit trees are already in full bloom. The cherries and plums in particular are loaded with flowers. Pussy Willows are filled out and beginning to bloom as well. The honeybees should be happy about that.
We put in more strawberries this year. So far, everything looks good in the berry patch including the raspberries we planted last fall. These produce later than some varieties so hopefully we can extend our yield a little longer.
I can hardly wait to harvest juicy berries. Much of the first picking probably won’t make it to the kitchen. This brings back memories of my sister and I picking strawberries many years ago.
I have to admit that the U-Pick strawberry farm didn’t come out ahead when we were there. Telltale juice-stained fingers, lips and shirt along with a rather “seedy” smile was a dead give away but the owner didn’t seem to mind.
St. Paddy’s Day is upon us. With the color green in focus for this happy holiday, it makes Spring feel all the closer. If you like traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage, here is an easy recipe for the crock pot.
I have used several variations in the past by the addition of different spices or ingredients. I am sharing the basic recipe. Feel free to replace part or all of the water with beer and or/add quartered redskin potatoes, a clove or two of garlic, a bay leaf or whatever your favorite spices happen to be.
Slow Cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Corned Beef Brisket (about 4 pounds)
- 2 medium onions, quartered
- 1 small head cabbage, cut into small wedges
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 cups water
- Place meat in the slow cooker; cut to fit, if necessary.
- Place onions, then cabbage, on top of meat.
- Mix pepper, vinegar, sugar and water.
- Pour mixture over all.
- Cover and cook 10-12 hours on low or 6-7 hours on high.
The market will open the first Saturday in April this year. We will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays only throughout April, or until vendors sell out. After that time, our regular Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday schedule will begin.
Check this column for more announcements as that day approaches.
EBT and debit services will continue to be available. We also accept WIC vouchers but cannot accept Senior Vouchers at this time.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our market for 2012, contact Gary Taylor at (859) 332-2539.
The Boyle County Farmers Market is located at Boyle County Fairgrounds. The market manager is Gary Taylor of Knobview Farms.
