Posts Tagged ‘Farmers Market’

Some of Birmingham’s favorite things are right here in Pepper Place

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

This month’s issue of Birmingham Magazine is all about Birmingham-residents’ favorite places,events,and entertainment. We were excited to see that some of those favorites included things you find hereat Pepper Place. This is what Birmingham Magazine had to say about the places and events you voted as your favorite in Birmingham:

Birmingham Favorite Farmers Market: Pepper Place Farmers Market

“Even those who aren’t naturally early risers know that Pepper Place is where locals go on Saturday mornings. Pepper Place is the largest farmers market in town and runs from April to December from 7 a.m. to noon. With produce, breads, pastries, coffee, flowers and crafts from local vendors, it’s a locavore’s dream.”

Birmingham’s Favorite Jazz Venue: Ona’s Music Room

“Jazz plays an important role in Birmingham’s history, and Ona’s keeps the music alive today. Exposed beams and brick walls offer listeners an intimate atmosphere as they enjoy the music and the signature cocktail Ona Monster. Owner Ona Watson is a member of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and visitors can admire photographs of other past and present musicians on the walls as their heads are filled with the enticing sounds of the saxophone.”

Terrific New Theater won Runner-up for Best Theatre Company.

Tell us what are your favorite things about Birmingham and Pepper Place.

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Recipe of the Week: Curried Butternut Squash Soup, topped with toasted coconut

Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Butternut Squash pumpkins

Image via Wikipedia

It’s still warm out, but here’s a soup that’s perfect for when the weather does start to chill a little. This recipe is for a delicious Curried Butternut Squash Soup, serves six. Thanks, again, to Chef Franklin Biggs.

1 Butternut squash medium to large, or 2-3 smaller

2 TB olive oil

1 cup white wine

1 qt chicken broth

to taste salt and pepper

1 tsp curry powder (more to taste)

1/4 cup cream (optional)

1/4 cup Toasted coconut for garnish

Split the squash lengthwise and scoop out any seeds. Place skin side up in a baking dish, add a little water and microwave for 7 to 10 minutes until soft (alternately bake for 30 to 45 minutes in the oven ).

Allow to cool, and remove skin, and dice. Saute the onion in a little olive oil, until soft. Add curry powder, garlic and deglaze with the white wine.

Add the squash and the broth. Season to taste and puree in a blender.

Add the optional cream if a richer soup is desired.

Sprinkle a little toasted coconut on soup in each bowl, just before serving.

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Voting Ends Wednesday

Monday, August 29th, 2011

This is it. We’re in the  final days of voting for America’s Favorite Farmers Market. If you haven’t yet, head over to American Farmland Trust and cast your vote. You have until August 31st at midnight and it only takes a minute of your time. You’re supporting local farmers, contributing to the local economy, and you’ll help Pepper Place raise awareness about our Saturday Market by casting your vote.

Our Farmers Market has been going strong for the last 12 years. And it seems each year becomes more successful. On a peak Saturday, we have up to 100 vendors in three areas of Pepper Place with crowds growing so large we can’t keep count of how many people attend.

Here’s all you have to do to vote:

1.)    Go to www.farmland.org/vote

2.)    Type in our zipcode of 35205 or type in Pepper Place Saturday Market; and,

3.)    Click “Vote”

Each vote brings us closer to being America’s Favorite Farmers Market.

Epicurious.com, an award-winning website dedicated all-things delicious, will give the winner great publicity. We need all the votes we can get.

Thanks to everyone who supports our Saturday Farmers Market.

Farmers Market Recipe of the Week: Poached Salmon Tomato Broth for Six

Thursday, August 25th, 2011
State fruit - Tomato

Image via Wikipedia

“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.”

-Julie Child

It feels like a quote kind of day, so we found one by Julia Child. The more I read, the more in love with cooking I became. If you have any quotes about cooking, please post them in the comments.

Let’s get straight to the recipe, courtesy Chef Franklin Biggs.

Poached Salmon in Tomato Broth:

3 lb. Salmon fillet, cut into 5 ounce portions about 1 inch thick

6 potatoes, peeled

1 cup pesto

Olive oil

To taste salt and pepper

1 onions, chopped

3 TB roasted garlic

8 roma tomatoes, chopped

1 cup white wine

1/4 cup fresh basil

As needed salt and pepper

Boil the potatoes in water, cool. Whip in the mixer with pesto and olive oil to obtain a good texture. Season to taste and keep warm.

Saute the onion, garlic and tomatoes and add the white wine. Add 3 cups water and simmer for 10 minutes. Season the fish, and add to the broth. Poach for 10 minutes. Remove the fish and reserve. Bring the broth to a boil, strain and season to taste. Just before serving add the fresh basil and a little roasted garlic.

Serve the fish in a shallow bowl on top of the mashed potatoes surrounded with the tomato broth.

We have one more quote from Julie Child: “Bon a petiet.”


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One Week Left to Vote for Pepper Place Farmers Market in America’s Favorite Farmers Market

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

It can mean only one thing if you’re reading this: you love Pepper Place. And there’s a lot to love at Pepper Place – cool shops and restaurants, the offices of a lot of Birmingham’s best-small businesses, and, with your help, home to America’s Favorite Farmers Market.

Right now, we’re in the top five and we thank everyone who has helped us get to this position. If you haven’t voted, here’s all you have to do:

1.)    Go to www.farmland.org/vote

2.)    Type in our zipcode of 35205 or type in Pepper Place Saturday Market; and,

3.)    Click “Vote”

That’s all it takes to vote bringing us closer to being America’s Favorite Farmers Market. You can leave us a message as well, telling us why you love the Pepper Place Farmers Market or leave us a message in the comments on this, or any of our posts.

American Farmland Trust has introduced leader boards where you can keep track of the Top 5 markets receiving votes in Alabama.

According to American Farmland Trust (AFT), the purpose of this contest is to re-connect local consumers to local farms, with the ultimate goal of keeping our nation’s farm and ranch land productive and healthy!  Buying at the farmers market keeps money in the local community and helps farms and ranches remain economically viable. By voting, you’re helping support farms and communities across the nation. As American Farmland Trust says, “No Farms No Food™!”

Don’t forget to vote for Pepper Place Saturday Market at www.farmland.org/vote and spread the word!

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