Shop Local Blog

Nelson County has a few Farmer’s Markets, and I want to mention some of them today.  Earlier this week, I decided to put together a recipe made from local products purchased at Farmers Markets in Nelson County.  The breakfast recipe is posted below, and I already have some new recipes coming from friends and family that will be posted soon.

 For my Breakfast Casserole,   I visited the amFog Farmers Market in Afton to purchase fresh, organic vegetables and eggs.  I also purchased strawberries and served chocolate covered strawberries to friends this week.  amFog also has a selection of organic meats.  During my visit, they also mentioned that they will soon be baking breads and selling them in their market. 

Another one of our favorite Farmer’s Markets is Saunders Brothers in Piney River.   Saunders has been around since 1915, and members of our family have been visiting them for decades.   Unfortunately, their Farmer’s Market doesn’t open until June.  I will be posting additional information in late May.  I do want to mention that their annual Spring Plant Sale is on May 10^th.  Get there early.  For full details, go to their web site at www.SaundersBrothers.com  We have purchased many landscaping plants at these sales for great prices.  (they only take cash or check)  Shopping at this annual sale can be like a competitive sport.  So, go prepared.

I received a postcard in yesterday’s mail from Seamans Strawberry Patch.  They are open!  Their post card says “Pick a View and Pick Strawberries”.  They do have some of the best views in the county.  You can pick your own strawberries or purchase them already picked.  This is where my family goes to pick strawberries.  For more information, go to their web site, www.SeamansOrchard.com  Picking strawberries together in a beautiful mountain setting makes a perfect family activity. 

Farmer’s Market Breakfast Casserole

The items marked with a * were purchased at local Farmer’s Markets, including amFog.  We actually had this for dinner last night with a salad…and again for breakfast today.

*3 Cups of grated, cooked potato

1 tablespoon of melted butter

¼ Cup of grated Parmesan Cheese

*1 cup thinly sliced onions

*1 Tablespoon of minced garlic

*3 Large Eggs

*1 Cup Milk

½ Cup of Heavy Cream

½ Teaspoon of Tabasco Sauce

½ Teaspoon of Salt

¼ Teaspoon of Pepper

*1/2 Tablespoon of Fresh Oragano

*1/2 Tablespoon of Fresh Thyme

*1 Cup of shredded Sharp Cheddar

*1/2 Cup of shredded Farmer’s Cheese (white)

*1/2 Red Bell Pepper, chopped

*1/2 Tomato, chopped

*6 stalks of Asparagus, steamed and then chopped

In a bowl, combine the potatoes, melted butter, Oragano and Thyme and toss to combine.  Then add of the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.  Press the mixture into a round glass pan to cover both the bottom and sides.  Bake until brown, about 25 minutes at 425.  Remove and let cool.

Reduce the over to 350 degrees.

On the stovetop, cook onions until carmelized, about 10 to 12 minutes.  (I added some butter to the pan)  Then add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.  Remove from heat and let cool.

In a bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the milk, cream, hot sauce, sale and pepper.  Continue to whisk until creamy.  Add remaining cheese and whisk.

Pour the milk, egg and cheese mixture over the potato crust.  I then placed the chopped bell pepper, tomato and asparagus gently into the dish.  I arranged extra whole asparagus and pepper rings across the top.

Bake for 25-30 minutes and let stand 15 minutes prior to slicing.  

Nellysford Farmer’s Market

Today’s live music at the market is by Victor Cabas and is sponsored by the Ambrosia Bakery.  Ambrosia Bakery is also located in Nellysford, and I will be posting additional information about the bakery in an upcoming blog.

The Nellysford Farmers Market continues to grow, and is larger today than any day in the past.  There is not enough room here to post the names of every participant.  While Bill is buying some hand-crafted chairs, I am checking out the booths.   One booth is wearing T-Shirts that say, “Shop Local, Drive Less”.   Today there is:

Eggs, meat and cheese  (Be sure to check out the fresh mozzarella)

Salad Greens at several booths with fresh vegetables (the promise of more to come in weeks ahead)

Local honey

Fresh herbs for planting or cooking plus tomato starter plants

Fresh cut flowers for giving or decorating.  Flower plants for gardens.

The Nelson Garden Club has a display of nice dish gardens that would make a great  Mother’s Day gift

Crafts including handmade pillows, note cards with Nelson photos, garden features and handcrafted chairs, tables and benches. 

Baked goods at several booths.  There’s French bread, scones, cookies, cakes and pies…just to name a few.  To go with the baked goods, there is fresh brewed coffee.  One can certainly come to the Farmer’s Market for breakfast.

Artist with paintings including some that can do portraits

For those of you who must eat Gluten Free, I spoke to Claudia Gibson at her booth,  and she can create GF baked goods if you order in advance.  If you are interested in GF baked goods, please send me an email at kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com  I plan on placing an order with Claudia soon.

I hope to see you early next Saturday morning at the Nellysford Farmer’s Market

Farmers Market Recipe  2

A few days ago, I posted a recipe for a Farmers Market Breakfast Casserole.  I received several emails asking for more local recipes or recipes including items purchased in Nelson County.  I also received several recipes.  So, I will keep posting them.

The Sharp Cheddar Cheese that I use in this recipe is purchased at The Junction in Piney River.  They sell some of the best sharp cheddar cheese in the county.  You can purchase it by the small package or ask for a large chunk to be cut.

The items with a * can be purchased locally at farmers markets.  The below recipe is super easy and only takes about 10 minutes to assemble and 30 minutes to bake.  My Grandmother baked this casserole for years and served it as a side dish with chicken.

Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole

*1 pound of fresh Broccoli, cooked  (I use a steamer)
1 cup mayonnaise
*1 cup grated sharp cheddar
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
*2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups crushed crackers
*2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, mayonnaise, cheese, soup and eggs. Mix well with a metal spoon. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the crushed crackers and pour the melted butter evenly over the crackers. Bake for 35 minutes or until set and browned. 

This is not a Gluten Free recipe, but can be made GF with a can of GF cream of mushroom soup and some homemade bread crumbs.  Send me an email if you would like details. 

Local Garden Shops

Recently, we visited Garden Trade near the corner of Rt 29 South and Rt 6 West.  If you are looking for unique gifts for garden lovers, this is a must-stop.  The cottage of Garden Trade contains many options.  Hours are Monday-Friday from 10AM-6PM, Saturday 9AM-5PM and Sunday Noon-5PM.  For more information call, 434-263-8786.

Before you even enter the shop, you will see the planting tables full of perennials, bedding plants, vegetable starts, herbs and shrubs.  This year, I purchased all of my bedding plants from local shops.  The selection is on par with the super-stores in metro areas.  You can also pick up stepping stones, grates, bagged soils and mulch.  There is no reason to drive anywhere else.

Inside the shop, you will find organic gardening supplies, hand tools, books and planters.  For additional gift ideas, there are locally made crafts, bath goods, candles, art and more.  This is a great place to put together a gift basket or bag to take home from Nelson County. 

If you need assistance designing your new garden, Susan Viemeister can assist.  Or, if you are interested in adding a water features to your garden, Robert Ballard can help.

I also purchased bedding plants and supplies from both amFog and Kelly’s on Rt. 151 in Nelson County.  Both shops have a wide choice of plants, planting pots and supplies.  After a drive down Rt. 151, my Jeep was full of annual plants.  We plan on visiting this Saturday’s Spring Plant Sale at Saunders in Piney River.  I will be posting a blog about Saunders when it opens for the season in June.  Of course, the Nellysford Farmer’s Market is a great choice for bedding plants, including herbs.   The market will be open each Saturday at 8AM until Fall. 

Creating Colorful Container Gardens

This year, I decided to plant most of my annual flowers in containers.  It’s fun, easy and they can be placed anywhere—even on a Wintergreen deck.  Everyone at the local garden shops gave me some great advice.  Below are some of their tips.

1. Before selecting containers, consider where you will be placing them.  To make your “garden” interesting, pick a mix of styles, materials, shapes and heights.  Choices include wooden wine barrels, clay pots in various sizes, glazed ceramic pots, plastic pots, galvanized tubs or buckets and wire pots.
2. Window boxes should be at least 9-10 inches deep and 9-10 inches wide.  For water control, the best choice is wood or plastic boxes.  (I use plastic boxes inside of wire and moss containers to conserve water)
3. All containers should have sufficient drainage holes in the bottom.  I placed a layer of pebbles and gravel in the bottom of each pot before adding the soil.
4. Use planting or potting soil in your containers.  This soil is sterilized and prevents the spread of plant diseases.
5. Soak the planting soil overnight before adding seedlings.
6. When picking flowers, make sure that you understand which variety does well in sun and which in shade.  Don’t make the mistake of mixing the two varieties in one pot.
7. Select plants of different heights for each pot.  A mix of heights in each pot makes them interesting.

8.  In addition to blooms, look at foliage color, size and texture.

This was a fun project that only took one afternoon to purchase all of the supplies and prepare the containers.  The plants were placed the next morning, and I had an instant garden.  A bonus of planting a garden in containers is that you can easily change the flowers and the location of the containers on your property or deck. 

Shopping for Antiques in Nelson County

Shopping for antiques is a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  It is a great way to see different regions of the county and to enjoy the scenery along the way.  On your way, you will drive by some of the most scenic spots in Nelson County.  Bring your camera.   In addition, the county’s antique shops offer a wide array of home decorating furnishings, collectables and oddities. 

If you are planning on spending the day on an Antique Shop Tour, be sure to print out my Blog Archive library on Nelson County restaurants.  Many of these antique shops happen to be near the best county restaurants.  Go to www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com and click on Blog Archive and then on the restaurants library.

Here is a list of Nelson County antique shops:

Afton House Antiques:  Located at the Afton House Bed and Breakfast, 31 Afton House Lane.  Call 540-942-2993.  You can even stay in this B&B and begin your antiques tour at this spot.

Antiques at Afton and Gift Shop:  3158 Afton Mountain Road  540-241-7047

Blue Moon Antique Mall:  Open daily on Rt. 29 near Lovingston, VA.  8230 Thomas Nelson Highway  434-263-8890

Hughes Mews Antique:  Antiques and vintage furniture, decorating accessories, pottery and porcelain.  Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM-5PM in Nellysford.

Lovingston Antiques:  Located in the packing shed at Rapunzel’s on Business 29 in Lovingston.  I also want to mention that Rapunzels has a great collection of used and old books.  They also make a great cup of coffee.  Call 434-263-6660 for details.  This is an unique spot to visit in Nelson County.

Tuckahoe Antique Mall:  Open Thursday-Sunday 10AM-5PM. On Rt. 151 in Nellysford.  You can spend hours at this antique mall. 

This list is in alphabetical order.  To create a tour that includes some beautiful Nelson County scenery, follow this drive:

Start in Afton, VA and follow Rt. 151 South into Nellysford.  On the way, visit the Tuckahoe Antique Mall and then stop by Hughes Mews in Nellysford.  Continue to travel on Rt. 151 past Nellysford and then over Brents Mountain.  You will see some beautiful scenery along this drive.  Drive towards Piney River, but take a left on Rt. 56 East just before reaching Piney River.  (Also known as Tye Brook Highway)  On Tye Brook Highway, stop by Saunders Farm Store on the left.  This store has a great collection of antique farm products for viewing.  Make a left on Rt. 29 and head North towards Lovingston.  Stop at the Blue Moon and at Lovingston Antiques and Rapunzels.  Continue on 29 North to Rt 6 West to head back to Rt. 151 to return to Afton. 

Add some local antique shopping to your list of things to do in Nelson County this Summer.  I hope to see you soon….

Saunders Brothers Farm Market:  Open Monday-Saturday.  Peaches, local produce, hand-dipped ice cream, slushies, cider and salsa.  Piney River, VA.  Visit www.Saundersbrothers.com for all the details.

Drumhellers Orchard:  Open Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunday 12PM-5PM.  Located in Lovingston behind the Nelson County High School. 

Chiles Peach Orchard:  Pick Your Own Peaches!  Farm market, Ice Cream Parlor, Local Vegetables.  Open Monday-Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 10AM-5PM.  Visit www.ChilesPeachOrchard.com

Nelson County Blackberry Peach Pie

3 pounds firm-ripe peaches
1 1/2 cups (12 oz.) Blackberries
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 package (15 oz.) refrigerated pastry for double-crust 9-inch pie, at room temperature

1. Peel, pit, and cut peaches into 1/2-inch-thick slices. You should have 7 to 8 cups fruit.

2. In a large bowl, gently mix peaches with blackberries, sugar, tapioca, lemon juice, nutmeg, and almond extract.

3. Unfold 1 pastry round and ease evenly into a 9-inch pie pan. Fill pastry with fruit mixture.

4. Unfold remaining pastry round on a lightly floured board. Roll pastry evenly to make a 13-inch round.

5. Center pastry over fruit. Fold top edges of pastry over rim of bottom pastry; flute edges and slash top decoratively. Set pie on a foil-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake in a 375° oven until juices bubble near center, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. If pastry edges get too dark, lightly cover with foil. Filling firms as pie cools; let stand at least 2 or up to 8 hours before cutting into wedges.

Shop Local and Eat Nelson County Strawberries

Growing up, our family made a lot of homemade ice cream from local fruit.  First with a hand-crank ice cream maker and later with a counter-top electric model.  My mother also made lots of strawberry jam and jelly.  Bill and I have been picking our own strawberries over the past few years. 

Driving through the county last weekend, we saw many signs for “pick your own strawberries” and for homemade strawberry ice cream.  Seaman’s in Roseland, amFog in Afton and Critzer Family Farm also in Afton were all flying strawberry flags.  At Seamans and Critzer Family Farm, you can either pick your own berries or you can purchase fresh picked berries.  Critzer posted a sign for Homemade Ice Cream. 

Bring your camera to Seaman’s.  They have some of the best mountain views in the county.

Blue Mountain Brewery is getting into the local strawberry scene with a Strawberry Weiss beer that will launch on July 3^rd.  

If you would like to make your own homemade strawberry ice cream, check out the below recipe.  This recipe is one of the top 10 recipes from the web site:              www.ice-cream-recipes.com.  This web site will come in handy when Nelson County has ripe peaches, raspberries and blackberries.  Peaches will be ripe by late June.

Ingredients:

3 egg yolks (beaten)
1/2 pint (250ml) milk
1/2 pint (250ml) double/heavy cream
4 oz (100g) sugar
2 cups of strawberries
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Take the strawberries and mash them in with half the sugar (ie. 2oz or 50g) in a bowl. Place in the refrigerator whilst making the rest of the recipe.

In a separate saucepan, mix the egg yolks with the milk, salt and the remaining sugar. Place over a medium heat just to boiling point (stirring all the time). DO NOT LET IT BOIL.

Transfer the mixture into a chilled bowl to cool. When cool place in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours, remembering to stir the mixture from time to time. When cool, stir into the mixture the cream and vanilla essence and then blend in the strawberry/sugar mixture.

Transfer the complete mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Local Recipes from Saunders Brothers Farm Market 

Two years ago, I bought a recipe binder at Saunders Brothers Farm Market in Piney River.  (The Farm Market opens for this season later in June.  I will be writing a blog about their opening later this month.)  Each week, the Farm Market published a new local recipe to place in the binder.  I have quite a nice collection of local recipes using both peaches and apples.  Their weekly publication is called The Scoop. 

I must admit that going by the Farm Market to pick up the latest edition of The Scoop gave me an excuse to get a cone of their incredible hand-dipped local ice cream.  I will be writing a story about that in late June.  

 This week, I realized that the Saunders Brothers Farm Market has past publications of The Scoop on their web site at:  www.saundersbrothers.com/the_scoop.htm

The recipes include many dishes using local apples and peaches.  It is a great resource for traditional Nelson County recipes.  Browse through the recipes at anytime and print.  I have been busy printing the issues that are missing from my binder.

Peaches will be in season in July.

As we travel to local markets, I will continue to post Nelson County recipes on the blog.

Shop Local:  Visit the Black Rock Gallery

As gas prices have been rising, I have been writing blog posts about “Shopping Local”.  This includes shopping at our local art galleries.  Shopping at the local galleries is a great way to find unique made-in-Virginia gifts and home accessories.  Yesterday, I visited the Black Rock Gallery, and I want to tell you that the selection is awesome.  There is something for every budget while many forms of arts and crafts are represented in this one gallery.

The Black Rock Gallery is located in the Mountain Inn at Wintergreen Resort.  When you enter the lobby of the Inn, go down the right hallway to visit the gallery.  You can also visit the gallery at the shop’s beautiful web site, www.blackrockgalleryonline.com.   There is even a virtual photo tour of the gallery on the web site.  The web site also showcases artists and their work.

There is such a wide array of art displayed that I am sure that I can not mention every artist in this one story.  I will be returning to write several stories over the upcoming months. 

Here is just a peak into the gallery from my visit yesterday:

Wine and beverage glasses made from recycled wine bottles.  Makes a great gift paired with some Nelson County wine.

Wine décor for your home or for gifts including wine racks.

Pottery from several local artists that can be used as display items or for entertaining

Local photography from local artists.  These include photos on note cards to large framed photos of local wildlife.  Even the note cards can be framed for a lovely gift.

Paintings using all mediums from small to large

 Handcrafted jewelry using several mediums and techniques

Copper birdfeeders that are very unique

Hand painted tiles for display or decorating

Fiber arts including hats and scarves and felted items

If you are looking for a gift or just want to decorate your home with local-made art, visit the Black Rock Market during your next visit to Wintergreen Resort—or visit them on line today.  Give the owner, Merideth Young, a call for full details about her delightful gallery. (434-325-7700)

Yes!  We do have Specialty Coffee Drinks!

For a long time, it was only Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books that served specialty coffee drinks.  The shop is located in Lovingston in the red building that used to be an apple packing shed.  In my opinion, they still serve the best mocha in the county.  They also have a great selection of old and used books for sale.  Plus, live music on the weekends.

If you want a special coffee drink after some great Italian food, visit Vitos on Rt. 29, just south of Lovingston. 

Recently, we added both the Colony Coffee Shop at Wintergreen’s Mountain Inn and the Sparrow Café in Beech Grove.  Both have a large menu of specialty coffee drinks.  For the Summer, they are also serving some cool frozen coffee drinks and smoothies.  Come by the Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties office and pick up a free coffee voucher for the Colony Coffee Shop—both in the Mountain Inn. 

You may already be drinking coffee in Nelson County, but did you know that Trager Brothers Coffee is actually roasting coffee in Nelson County?  They are roasting some great coffee right in Lovingston on Front Street.  I purchase my TBC coffee at either the Blue Ridge Grocery or at the Nellysford Farmer’s Market.  My favorite blend is the “Blend 50-Smooth Medium Roast”.  You can also purchase the fresh roasted coffee beans from their web site at www.tbcroasters.com or give them a call at 434-263-8916.  Shop Local and buy coffee roasted in Lovingston.  (they also have decaf)

Nelson County Apples

October is the official Virginia apple month, but I have already started receiving many requests for information about apple orchards in Nelson County.  There are many varieties of apples, there is apple butter, apple pies and muffins….  Later in the season, I will be posting some of our favorite Nelson County apple recipes.

Nelson County families have been growing apples for generations.  The apple orchards have been a source of Nelson County commerce since back in the late 1700’s.  There are even family stories of our ancestors trading land for the promise of growing apples in Nelson.   My grandmother often spoke about getting days off from school in Nelson County to assist in the apple harvest.

Many of the families are still growing apples and exporting them outside of Virginia.  The orchards also have farm markets that are always popular in the Fall season.  You can purchase apples by the bag or bushel, apple cider and home-made apple butter.  Some of the orchards have pick-your-own apples.  (a great family activity)  Saunders Farm Market & Orchard sells apple pies, muffins and turnovers baked locally.  They also sell many jarred apple products in the farm market.  I have created many gift baskets for gifts at this market.

Apple events are starting this season on September 13^th

Shop Local and visit any of these Nelson County orchards and events:

Critzer Family Farm:  in Afton, 540-456-4772

Dickie Brothers Orchard:  Massies Mill, 434-277-5516

Drumheller’s Orchard:  Near Lovingston,  434-263-5036

Fitzgerald’s Orchard:  Tyro, 434-277-5798

Flippin-Seaman Orchard:  Tyro, 434-277-5824

Saunders Brothers Orchard:  Piney River, 434-277-5455

The Apple Shed: Lovingston, 434-263-8843

Paper Bag Apple Pie

This recipe is very popular in Nelson County.  If you ask a local for their favorite apple recipe, this will be one of the traditional recipes provided. 

1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell

½ Cup Sugar (for filling)

½ Teaspoon Nutmeg

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

½ Cup Flour (for topping)

3 or 4 Large Baking Apples

2 Tablespoons Flour (for filling)

1 or 2 Teaspoons of Vanilla

½ Cup Sugar (for topping)

½ Cup (1 stick) butter for topping

Make an unbaked 9-inch pastry shell.  Pare, core and quarter apples.  You should have about 7 cups.  Place in a large bowl.  Make filling:  Combine ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and nutmeg in cup:  (Add lemon juice and vanilla to apples)  Sprinkle over apples and toss to coat well.  Spoon into pastry shell.  Combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup flour for the topping in a small bowl.  Cut in butter.  Sprinkle over apples to cover top.  Slide pie into heavy brown paper bag.  (Large enough to cover pie loosely)  Fold over twice and fasten with paper clip.  Place on cookie sheet.  Bake in hot over (425 degrees) for 1 hour.  Split bag open.  Remove pie.  Cool on wire rack.  

History of Apples in Nelson County

My family grew apples in Nelson County for generations.  Apples have been a staple harvest in the county since the mid 1800’s.  Nelson’s first settlers planted apples and used the crop to boost Nelson’s economy.  Nelson County has the topography and soil to grow many varieties of apples.   Apples are part of the Nelson Culture and a big part of the Fall season across the county.   Apple butter recipes have been passed down for generations.

The mountain winesaps were an early favorite.  Some of the other old-time favorites included Albemarle Pippin and Black Twig.  When you visit the orchards today, you will have the choice of many varieties. (For a list of Nelson County orchards that are selling apples this year, visit my Fall Foliage Guide at www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com –click on the blue banner to read the guide)

Nelson County apples were picked by hand, sorted and packed into wooden barrels and shipped by train to commercial outlets.  Trainloads of the fruit left the Arrington depot as well as other depots across the county.  (On a side note, the Arrington train station has been moved to Beech Grove and is now the Sparrow Café.)  As you drive throughout Nelson County, many apple packing sheds can still be seen across the landscape.  Several of the sheds are still used today during apple packing season.   These sheds and barns make great subjects for photographs.

In the 1940’s consumers of apples required that the picking and packing of apples be upgraded to include uniform size, color and condition.  Packaging changed from wood barrels to boxes.   Automated equipment changed the apple industry in Nelson County.  Several of the old-time apple growing families dropped out of the tradition. 

Nelson County is dotted with antique shops.  As you visit these shops look for antiques from Nelson’s apple industry.  These include barrels, boxes, advertisements, recipes and signage.

Stop by Saunders’ Orchard and Farm Store in Piney River to see their collection of antique farm equipment.  While there, purchase the book, Heartbeats of Nelson by Paul Saunders.  This Nelson County history book has a full chapter dedicated to apple growing across the county.  It reminds me of the stories often told by my grandparents. 

And don’t forget to pick up a jar of apple butter at any orchard that you visit