The opinions expressed in these blogs are solely those of the people who wrote them, and do not represent the views of WPSU or Penn State University.

Local Food Journey

Green Garlic Pesto

Posted by Steve Spanelli on 05/31 at 10:31 AM

Green garlic is the early spring garlic that eventually turns into the normal bulbs of garlic that we all use day to day. Demand for green garlic is growing as more restaurants have added it to their menus and people have discovered its mild, but distinct, flavor. It is still primarily available at farmers markets and farm stands, but you may also spot it at gourmet markets. This pesto recipe is the perfect celebration of the arrival of green garlic. Serve it over pasta or spoon it onto grilled bread. Enjoy!

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Local Food Journey

Tuesday Farmers Market in State College

Posted by Katherine Taylor Grofic on 05/25 at 01:05 PM

Spring has arrived, and summer is fast approaching, which means some of our favorite food items are now available at local farmers markets. Asparagus, arugula, radishes, and rhubarb are just a few of the items on stands this month. While tomatoes, berries, and sweet corn are on their way.

The State College Farmers Market opened on Locust Lane on May 6th, and the North Atherton Farmers Market set up in the Home Depot parking lot on May 14th.  The Tuesday Farmers Market in State College started just last week, and while it is the smallest of the three, it still attracts vendors and customers from across the region. 

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Local Food Journey

Caveman Steaks

Posted by Sam Komlenic on 05/24 at 12:07 PM

Until a few months ago, I had never heard of Caveman Steaks, but then Grillmaster Steven Raichlen entered my life. He is the subject of the PBS cooking series Primal Grill and is the author of The Barbecue Bible and Planet Barbecue, and he was also the guest chef at WPSU-TV’s annual Connoisseur’s Dinner. During his visit, the station hosted a cooking demonstration for donors and friends at our studios.

Steven is a great guy—very knowledgeable and capable, yet very low-key. The featured course, to be prepared outdoors on a cold February day, was his signature dish. The process is so simple and so primitive as to be almost disarming, yet the result is to die for.

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Local Food Journey

Summer Solstice Celebration on June 18th

Posted by Emily Wiley on 05/23 at 10:13 AM

The cool, rainy days of early May have finally given way to warmer temperatures here in Happy Valley. And with spring sunshine has come the opening of local farmers markets and stands stocked with vibrant green stalks of asparagus, spicy arugula, and crisp, colorful rhubarb.

There are many ways to celebrate the season—with backyard burgers and local brews or a picnic in the park. But, perhaps the best way to pay tribute to the pleasures of late spring is by fostering the farms that feed us.

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Local Food Journey

Asparagus and Bacon Quiche

Posted by Steve Spanelli on 05/18 at 02:10 PM

Here’s another recipe utilizing spring asparagus from Tait Farm’s Steve Spanelli. Don’t forget to share your favorite asparagus recipe before Tuesday, May 31st for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Tait Farm Foods!

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Our Town

Join the Bellwood TV Project

Posted by Whitney on 05/17 at 10:39 AM

Thanks for all the enthusiasm we’ve received in Bellwood! We’re still looking for stories for the Our Town: Bellwood public television project—-there’s still time to be a part of the program. We have 14 stories for the show and we’re looking for 10 more. No experience is required, just enthusiasm! This is a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on your community and share your stories with WPSU viewers in 29 counties.

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Local Food Journey

“Taste of PA” at Way Fruit Farm this Saturday

Posted by Emily Wiley on 05/13 at 01:40 PM

Visit Way Fruit Farm on Saturday, May 14th and Saturday, May 21st from 10am - 3pm for a “Taste of PA.” The afternoon will feature free samples from local vendors like Goot Essa cheese, Wild Mountain Gourmet mustard, Galliker’s ice cream, and Hogs Galore. Way Fruit Farm will also have apples, applesauce, pie, donuts, and more.

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Local Food Journey

Field Notes: Asparagus Season and Recipe for Vegan Hollandaise Sauce

Posted by Erin McKinney on 05/12 at 03:07 PM

There are two times during the asparagus season that I enjoy picking it: the first time and the last time. Don’t get me wrong; I love asparagus in every way, shape, and form on my dinner plate, but the tedious task of picking it twice a day can make a person jump for joy at the end of its season.

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Local Food Journey

White Asparagus Salad with Warm Shitake Dressing

Posted by Emily Wiley on 05/11 at 02:24 PM

Have you tried white asparagus? It is slightly milder and more tender than green asparagus and is considered to be the more “gourmet” option of the two. The process for growing it, however, is quite easy.

Both green and white asparagus come from the same seed; white asparagus is simply deprived of sunlight. Dirt is piled on top of the plant, which eliminates chlorophyll production and prevents it from turning green.

Either white or green asparagus may be used in this salad recipe, though the white provides a nice color contrast to the arugula, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

Don’t forget to share your own asparagus recipe before Tuesday, May 31st for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Tait Farm Foods!

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Local Food Journey

Welcome, Kim Tait

Posted by Kim Tait on 05/09 at 02:35 PM

We are pleased to welcome Kim Tait, co-founder of Tait Farm Foods and Tait Farm’s community supported agriculture program, Community Harvest to the Local Food Journey. What does Kim have to say about eating locally this growing season?

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Local Food Journey

Asparagus Recipe Contest

Posted by Emily Wiley on 05/03 at 11:41 AM

Asparagus season is here! Do you prefer to blanch it, roast it, grill it, or stir-fry it? Share your favorite asparagus recipe with the Local Food Journey blog for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Tait Farm Foods in Centre Hall.

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