Tag: northern michigan

Duerksen Turkey Farm: Mancelona, MI

I’m having a great time working as an intern for Taste the Local Difference. Over the past few month I’ve been able to dive even further into Northwest Michigan’s local food scene and learn more about the great farmers, retailers and producers we have throughout this region.

I’ve known Sue Duerksen and her husband Rick for about three years now though the various local farmers markets I help to manage. In a recent newsletter and posting on the Taste the Local Difference Blog I was able to interview the Duerksen’s to understand more about their farm and why Duerksen’s turkeys are so highly sought after throughout the region. You’ll find the original article below. Enjoy!

Continue reading

Parsnip Potato & Thyme Gratin

Growth by the season

‘Healthy’ has different meanings to different people. In my world, balance is the foundation of healthy. I wouldn’t survive by counting calories and always skipping out on dessert. Food is my simple pleasure and I think casual indulgence paired with laid back, but consistent physical exercise, is the key to a happy me.

Continue reading

NMC’s Culinary Classes

Growth by the Season

I love learning, and whats better than learning in the kitchen? Northern Michigan College holds a variety of Extended Education courses “in the kitchen” throughout the year. NMC’s culinary classes have been rated the region’s Red Hot BEST Award for several years in a row. I attended NMC’s Festival of Foods last year as an introduction to the types of classes and instruction I might receive by signing up for one of NMC’s Culinary Classes. I was so impressed that I signed up and attended two cooking classes in the last few months since my introduction!

Continue reading

Gallagher’s Farm Market: Traverse City, MI

PA091577

This time of year I have a hard time saying “NO” to pumpkin-anything. It starts with the first gust of a clean, brisk fall wind where I fall prey to the first pumpkin spice latte of the season. I’m not a big fan of sweet flavors in my coffee. I like it bold, black and in a ceramic mug. But again, with pumpkin, its a different story and I can’t say no.

Continue reading

New Season, New Beginnings

photo
A photo captured of me by one of our customers at the Sara Hardy Farmers Market

I’ve been really busy lately. Not just my normal busy: from the full-time job to managing the local farmers markets, and the average day to day necessities. But now I’m really busy. Busy spending my time doing MORE of something I love. Over the past month I’ve been working with Michigan Land Use Institute as the Intern for their “Taste the Local Difference” (TLD) program. A program with the mission, to sell more local food.

Continue reading

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

photo 1

My garden is bursting with tomatoes. Romas, Juliets, Sungolds and more are exploding from the backyard with vibrant colors and juicy tomato flavor. I swear, they’re coming out of my ears, my nose and I occasionally find a few in my purse… I’m really not sure how they get there.

Continue reading

Tomato Basil Quiche

P9161683

Quiche is so versatile. It’s a dish that can be made into breakfast, lunch or dinner. Nearly any ingredient you think of can be added to a quiche and turn out incredibly delicious. This versatility makes it a staple in any kitchen. Once you’re familiar with the crust and egg:cream ratio, the variety of quiche are endless. With the bounty of tomatoes in my garden and the beautiful fragrant basil that sits in my kitchen, this Tomato Basil combination just seemed natural. This quiche not only served us up a FULL helping for dinner, but breakfast or lunch the next day as well!

Continue reading

Growth by the Season

© Growth by the Season. All rights reserved.