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Greetings All:

Farmer of the Week at Lilburn Thursday ~ Dabrielle of My Daily Bread

Greg Hutchins of Heritage Farm has some new offerings: Bratwurst, Smoked Bratwurst, Smoked Polish Sausage, Sweet Italian Sausage, Bacon, Bacon (end and pieces), Jowl Bacon, Scrapple and Breakfast Links! Of course those are in addition to the other great Beef, Lamb, Pork products he has listed! I just wanted to make you aware of the additions!

Ok, for those of you who are transplanted from the North, you may be wondering: “What is Jowl Bacon?” It is Bacon that is made from the jowls/cheeks of the pig! Although I am a Texan and grew up in Ohio, our Farm produced the food that we ate and I remember my Mother and our Cook using Jowl Bacon in Beans, Black Eyed Peas and Greens. A favorite Summertime lunch was Pork Jowl Bacon and Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches! From my own experience, the fat ratio of Jowl Bacon is more than that of ‘regular’ bacon. I cook it in the oven and use a Bacon press, being sure to drain the fat several times during cooking. Cooked crispy, it is a real treat!

Don’t forget, Turkeys are available for Pre-Order and average about 15#‘s. There is a limited number available, so if you like Turkey… Not all of the Turkeys that are getting fat and sassy will be offered as whole birds. Greg has plans to offer Ground Turkey and make the bones/carcasses available for purchase. I am imagining lots of Turkey Bone Broth in my future!

Burnell Farms is going strong bringing us some great veggies! Several weeks ago they added Hibiscus Flowers, (great for drying and making Hibiscus Tea), Fennel, Kohlrabi and ’Cheddar’ Cauliflower. The beautiful and delicious ‘Violet Queen’ Cauliflower is now available! Burnell Farms also offers: Brussel Sprouts, Broccoli, several Lettuce varieties, ‘Savoy’ Cabbage, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Fennel,several types of Kale, Spinach and those awesome little Cream Potatoes!

Vicky, Steve and Matt Fry of Fry Farm have gorgeous and delicious ‘Red Kitten’ Spinach and Rutabagas! I was at the Farm on Thursday before Market and it is beautiful – so many veggies planted! We should be seeing Leeks very soon! Vicky had some available but not enough to offer at Market – soon, very soon!

I have always roasted the Rutabagas but Vicky suggested boiling them and mashing them! Be sure and boil until just tender in an ‘open’ pot. Placing a lid on the pan will trap in gases that will take away some of the great flavor!. Drain and mash with salt, pepper, garlic and butter! Great alternative to potatoes. Rutabagas contain high levels of antioxidants, Vitamin C, Potassium and Zinc. Rutabaga is really a cruciferous veggie. It includes phytochemicals which eliminate carcinogens in the body as well as assisting the liver in processing harmful toxins. Delicious and good for you ~ Definitely a ‘win-win’!

Yesterday, I made Rutabaga, Cauliflower and Potato Soup adding sauteed celery and onion. I served with bits of Bacon and a dollop of Sour Cream! Delicious!

I have spoken with Doug of Doug’s Garden who is busy, busy, busy training new helpers, getting seedlings planted and starting to harvest some items! Items are stating to appear on all of the Markets as produce is ready to harvest! This week Spinach and Bluebell Plants are available on all Markets!
Bluebells are one of my favorite plants and Doug’s Mountain Bells are exceptional! Although I am a Texas-Bluebell-kind-of-girl, (owing to the fact I am from the Lone Star State), I love the beauty and symmetry of Mountain (Blue)Bells! The picture was taken by Doug in his garden. Impressive!

When adding Mountain Bells or any other woodland perennials to your landscape, always plant them with companions that can take over when the early spring plants lose their luster. It’s important to have a multi-layered garden to keep year-round interest. Hostas, for instance, will just begin to shine by the time these bluebells are done.

Need Heirloom/non-GMO seedlings? The Veggie Patch has got you covered. Choose from their offerings of Fruit Seedlings, Herb Seedlings or Veggie Seedlings and plan for a successful and abundant harvest! Also check out their Veggie offerings!

Marie of Bakery on Brooks bakes Organic, Gluten-Free Breads, Cornbreads, Sweet Breads and Cookies for us. She is constantly experimenting with new items and this week you will see her Gluten-Free Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Raisin Bread and Butter Cake in her offerings! Taste tests of the Cinnamon Rolls and Cinnamon Raisin Bread were full of “oohs and aahs” and “This is fantastic!” Be sure add to your order! These are too good to be missed!

Kathy Barnes of So-Koi and the Coordinator of the Lilburn Market has added Organic Ceylon Cinnamon to her offerings. Ceylon Cinnamon (sticks or freshly ground) is the highest quality and best tasting Cinnamon available! It has a delicate, sweet and complex flavor not found in the common Cassia Cinnamon. Kathy also offers Einkorn Grain (berries or freshly ground) and Redmond’s Real Salt in addition to her wonderful handmade Retro Aprons, Lanyards and other items!

Check your Grocery List and get your orders in before 8:00pm Monday for delivery on Thursday!

Markets close at 8:00pm Monday. Please remember that minimums must be met for each Market to ensure delivery by our Farmers! Be sure and get your order in and thank you for supporting our LOCAL Farmers!