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Local Food Journey

Six surprising uses for fall apples

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 09/26 at 07:29 PM

Fall is apple season, and Pennsylvania apples are fantastic. You can find fresh local apples at any farmers market this time of year, and many local orchards sell them directly to the public.

Apples really are good for us. They are a good source of vitamin C and fiber, and there is evidence they may prevent certain cancers.

Plus, they are delicious. You can eat them out of hand, or bake them into pies. But what if you go a little nuts at the farmers market and have a ton of apples that you need to use up? Then keep reading, and you will find six unusual, and fantastic, uses for apples…

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Local Food Journey

Ardry Farms’ pumpkin butter recipe is a must try

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 09/21 at 08:24 AM

Ardry Farms in Howard is well-known by farmers market fans, as well they should. They have been a farmers market presence in Central Pennsylvania for more than 80 years, selling a wide variety of local produce and wonderful baked goods.

This time of year, you can find pumpkins sold by them at North Atherton Market, Bellefonte Farmers Market, and Boalsburg Farmers Market, including varieties that are good to eat. Along with pies, you can also make other tasty things with pumpkins, including pumpkin butter. Many people rave about Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter, but Andry Farms has a recipe for it that is even better than ol’ TJ’s. And, it’s very easy to make!

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Local Food Journey

Local Food Notes for Sept. 15

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 09/15 at 08:42 AM

This week’s Local Food Notes feature an event for bacon fans, State College’s Food Truck Fiesta, the Delgrosso Italian Heritage Festival, and magic at Otto’s Pub and Brewery.

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Local Food Journey

Five Fantastic Local Food Finds

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 09/13 at 09:13 AM

We have so many great things to eat in these parts that are made with local ingredients. Here’s five that I recommend seeking out and trying:

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Local Food Journey

Smoking peppers for future use the easy way

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 09/07 at 10:22 AM

Smoke flavor is a favorite of mine, something I can’t get enough of. I love barbecue, chipotle peppers, smoked salmon, you name it…if it’s smoky, I’m game.

As an avid gardener, I often become overwhelmed with a surplus of peppers, especially the hot ones since they are so prolific. At first I either gave them away until people were sick of seeing me with them, then I started to freeze the peppers. Then one day I got an idea: smoke them.

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Local Food Journey

Saturday farmers markets still going strong into fall

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 09/01 at 07:50 AM

You can certainly measure the seasons by what you see at our local farmers markets. The spring onions, greens, radishes, etc. transition to things like green beans, summer squash, tomatoes, corn, and peppers. And now, we begin the shift to fall produce, like pumpkins, apples, and winter squash.

There is nothing quite like going to a farmers market on a relaxing Saturday. Everyone seems to be in a good mood, there’s always something new to find, and you just can’t beat local food.

Here’s a list of local Saturday markets…maybe there’s one on this list you’ve never been to before?:

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