Here is a good resource. I know it is called Beginning Farmer, but it has lots of great information for producers of all levels.
Missouri Beginning Farming: Online Learning Community: "The Missouri Beginning Farmer Program’s Online Learning Community is a tool to help beginning farmers learn from each other, essentially it..."
Let me know what you think.
MRHA is all about networking. I use facebook, e-mail, website, and blogs to get the word out on what we are doing, who we are, our farm dinners, grant information, and sharing member information. To help our networks grow, share this with your network and help me get the word out.
Have a local food and fun filled week!
Lisa Palmer, Coordinator
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Farmer's Market Find.
Most of you will recognize the wonderful cucumber, the gorgeous tomato, and the bright yellow squash; however, do you recognize the bean looking thing in the bowl? I found these at the Farmington Farmer’s Market last Saturday. Raised by a producer from Perry County, I was told they are “Roma” green beans. A quick look on Goodsearch.com and I decided I should be familiar with these beans.
For those in the dark (like I was) they are an Italian bean, also known as a variety of pole bean. But with as many beans as I have bought at the farmer’s markets over the past few years I must have skipped over these. My adventurous food spirit tickled my fancy and I quickly grabbed up the only bag she had on the table.
Now with bean in hand what do I do? I’m learning that the best expert to ask in how to cook a farmer’s market item is the farmer who produced the product. So I asked for, and received, the producer’s choice for preparing my flat, green, bumpy, bean-looking thingy. That evening, I followed her suggestion and was wonderfully surprised. They are so yummy! Different from the standard green beans I get at the market, these have a nutty flavor. I’m glad it was a generous size bag. With Doug and I being empty-nesters, we will have several chances to enjoy this “Roma” green bean.
If you come across these beans at your farmer’s market, here is the simple recipe the producer gave me.
Roma green beans
Onion
Olive oil (I added a little butter)
Salt & pepper
Clean and snap the beans. In a pan, just cover the beans with water and set to boil. Cook until tender crisp (don’t overcook), drain, and set aside. In the pan sauté the onion in olive oil until tender. Add the beans, a little butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to sauté for a few minutes allowing the onion and olive oil to blend with the beans. Then serve. (Or if you are like me – start munching from the pan!)
Get on out to your farmer’s market and discover your “taste of place” this season!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
PS: for a list of Farmer’s Markets in the MRHA region, visit our website by clicking on the MRHA logo.
For those in the dark (like I was) they are an Italian bean, also known as a variety of pole bean. But with as many beans as I have bought at the farmer’s markets over the past few years I must have skipped over these. My adventurous food spirit tickled my fancy and I quickly grabbed up the only bag she had on the table.
Now with bean in hand what do I do? I’m learning that the best expert to ask in how to cook a farmer’s market item is the farmer who produced the product. So I asked for, and received, the producer’s choice for preparing my flat, green, bumpy, bean-looking thingy. That evening, I followed her suggestion and was wonderfully surprised. They are so yummy! Different from the standard green beans I get at the market, these have a nutty flavor. I’m glad it was a generous size bag. With Doug and I being empty-nesters, we will have several chances to enjoy this “Roma” green bean.
If you come across these beans at your farmer’s market, here is the simple recipe the producer gave me.
Roma green beans
Onion
Olive oil (I added a little butter)
Salt & pepper
Clean and snap the beans. In a pan, just cover the beans with water and set to boil. Cook until tender crisp (don’t overcook), drain, and set aside. In the pan sauté the onion in olive oil until tender. Add the beans, a little butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to sauté for a few minutes allowing the onion and olive oil to blend with the beans. Then serve. (Or if you are like me – start munching from the pan!)
Get on out to your farmer’s market and discover your “taste of place” this season!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
PS: for a list of Farmer’s Markets in the MRHA region, visit our website by clicking on the MRHA logo.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Terroir in the Mississippi River Hills?
Labels:
culinary experience,
Mississippi River Hills,
MRHA,
terroir
Terroir (pronounced “tare-wahr”) is a French term that can be translated as “the taste of place.” It has been used for centuries in Europe to enhance appreciation for products based on the ecological and cultural characteristics of an area.
So what does terroir have to do with Missouri? In his book, American Terroir, Rowan Jacobsen describes this taste of place as “a partnership between person, plant, and environment to bring something unique into the world. The soil and climate set the conditions; the plants, animals, and fungi respond to them; and then people determine how to bring out the goodness of these foods and drinks.” Our great State of Missouri has several areas, mainly around the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, that have distinct soil and climate aspects which make the products grown in those areas different from products grown in other areas. Combine the distinct ecological aspects with the heritages of the regions and you have Missouri terroir.
The distinct ecological region of the Mississippi River Hills starts in the Imperial/Kimmswick area, where it travels down river to just south of Cape Girardeau, and stretches west to Farmington. Many of the region’s producer families have been farming the same piece of land for over 150 years. The Mississippi River Hills Association (MRHA) is a group of people who recognize these differences in their products, be it wine, tomatoes, or beef. During the 2011 growing season, you can experience the terroir of the Mississippi River Hills through a series of culinary experiences from dining among the vines of Cave Vineyards to enjoying the company of Miracle and Fiona at Connie Blechle’s Breezy Ridge Alpaca Farm.
The first of the 2011 Culinary Experiences – Summer Breeze – will be enjoyed under the grape vine arbor of Sainte Genevieve Winery, in downtown Sainte Genevieve, on the evening of June 18. Guest Chef Jason Evans and Winemaker Elaine Hoffmeister Mooney will be pairing the wines of Sainte Genevieve Winery with fresh lamb from Meier Horse Shoe Pines of Jackson; artisan goat cheese from Baetje Farms of Bloomsdale; fresh leaf lettuces from Show Me Fresh Farm of Cape Girardeau; and fresh vegetables from County Line Farms of St. Mary. A pre-dinner tasting of wines from The Barrens Winery, Chaumette Winery, Cave Vineyards, Hemman Winery, Tower Rock Winery, and Twin Oaks Winery will also be featured.
Fresh foods and artisan wines equal a great time. Seating is very limited for this event. Please visit the MRHA website at: www.MississippiRiverHills.org for additional information and for a schedule on the remaining 2011 Culinary Experiences.
So what does terroir have to do with Missouri? In his book, American Terroir, Rowan Jacobsen describes this taste of place as “a partnership between person, plant, and environment to bring something unique into the world. The soil and climate set the conditions; the plants, animals, and fungi respond to them; and then people determine how to bring out the goodness of these foods and drinks.” Our great State of Missouri has several areas, mainly around the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, that have distinct soil and climate aspects which make the products grown in those areas different from products grown in other areas. Combine the distinct ecological aspects with the heritages of the regions and you have Missouri terroir.
The distinct ecological region of the Mississippi River Hills starts in the Imperial/Kimmswick area, where it travels down river to just south of Cape Girardeau, and stretches west to Farmington. Many of the region’s producer families have been farming the same piece of land for over 150 years. The Mississippi River Hills Association (MRHA) is a group of people who recognize these differences in their products, be it wine, tomatoes, or beef. During the 2011 growing season, you can experience the terroir of the Mississippi River Hills through a series of culinary experiences from dining among the vines of Cave Vineyards to enjoying the company of Miracle and Fiona at Connie Blechle’s Breezy Ridge Alpaca Farm.
The first of the 2011 Culinary Experiences – Summer Breeze – will be enjoyed under the grape vine arbor of Sainte Genevieve Winery, in downtown Sainte Genevieve, on the evening of June 18. Guest Chef Jason Evans and Winemaker Elaine Hoffmeister Mooney will be pairing the wines of Sainte Genevieve Winery with fresh lamb from Meier Horse Shoe Pines of Jackson; artisan goat cheese from Baetje Farms of Bloomsdale; fresh leaf lettuces from Show Me Fresh Farm of Cape Girardeau; and fresh vegetables from County Line Farms of St. Mary. A pre-dinner tasting of wines from The Barrens Winery, Chaumette Winery, Cave Vineyards, Hemman Winery, Tower Rock Winery, and Twin Oaks Winery will also be featured.
Fresh foods and artisan wines equal a great time. Seating is very limited for this event. Please visit the MRHA website at: www.MississippiRiverHills.org for additional information and for a schedule on the remaining 2011 Culinary Experiences.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Home! Home! On the Range . . .
. . . Where the deer and the elk(?) play! Join us for the grand finale of the 2010 season as we enjoy culinary delights on this private ranch nestled along the borders of Pickle Springs Natural Area in western Ste. Genevieve County.
Only 11 days and counting! Visit us on the web to purchase your dinner seats today. www.MississippiRiverHills.org
Can't wait to see you there!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
Mississippi River Hills Association
Only 11 days and counting! Visit us on the web to purchase your dinner seats today. www.MississippiRiverHills.org
Can't wait to see you there!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
Mississippi River Hills Association
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Spring Lamb? Free-range chicken? Strawberries?
. . . What do these have in common? Why MRHA’s first 2010 open-air dinner!
When? Early evening of May 22, 2010,
Where? Bolduc House Museum, 124 Main Street, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
The Mississippi River Hills Association is so excited. For our Spring Garden Gala, Chef Adam Lambay, Chaumette Winery's head chef, is creating our own signature dish using spring lamb in a scrumptious Shepherd’s pie. Then he is preparing our free-range chicken in a wine sauce he has perfected using a white wine from Charleville Winery. Yum! Yum! And let’s not forget – homemade strawberry rhubarb cobbler to top it off. Oh my!
Make an afternoon of your adventure. A self-guided tour of the Bolduc Historic Properties is included in your patronage. Plan at least an hour to enjoy the three colonial houses and Bolduc gift shop. The appetizers and wine start at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 5:30 pm.
Your journey back in time is a week from this Saturday (May22). So reserve your tickets now by sending an e-mail to: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org; then download your order form by visiting www.MississippiRiverHills.org, and send in your payment.
We can’t wait to enjoy your company!
Lisa Palmer, Coordinator
Mississippi River Hills Association
573-883-0767
When? Early evening of May 22, 2010,
Where? Bolduc House Museum, 124 Main Street, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
The Mississippi River Hills Association is so excited. For our Spring Garden Gala, Chef Adam Lambay, Chaumette Winery's head chef, is creating our own signature dish using spring lamb in a scrumptious Shepherd’s pie. Then he is preparing our free-range chicken in a wine sauce he has perfected using a white wine from Charleville Winery. Yum! Yum! And let’s not forget – homemade strawberry rhubarb cobbler to top it off. Oh my!
Make an afternoon of your adventure. A self-guided tour of the Bolduc Historic Properties is included in your patronage. Plan at least an hour to enjoy the three colonial houses and Bolduc gift shop. The appetizers and wine start at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 5:30 pm.
Your journey back in time is a week from this Saturday (May22). So reserve your tickets now by sending an e-mail to: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org; then download your order form by visiting www.MississippiRiverHills.org, and send in your payment.
We can’t wait to enjoy your company!
Lisa Palmer, Coordinator
Mississippi River Hills Association
573-883-0767
Monday, March 29, 2010
Celebrate the first official MRHA Map
In the fall of 2005, the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project and University of Missouri, along with several partners, launched an extensive map of the pilot project known as the Mississippi River Hills Region. The map of the six-county region contained many sites and business. With 50,000 of the maps printed, this paper media was used to introduce the concept of using the micro-climate of the River Hills to add value to the products grown in the soils of the region.
The line “I’ve been everywhere, man, I’ve been everywhere” from a song of many years ago comes to mind as I think of places the MRH regional map went. Besides blanketing the region and the State of Missouri, the map went to conferences across the USA, and it has been in both Washington D.C. offices of Congresswoman Joann Emerson and Congressman Russ Carnahan.
The success of the Mississippi River Hills regional map sparked a desire of the newly formed Mississippi River Hills Association to create its version. After nearly a year of planning, selling spaces, and design the new map was born!
Speaking of design, Michael Bricknell, son of MRHA members Steve & Julie Bricknell, did an amazing job designing the printed map and the website version. Michael works in Wisconsin where he is also working on his GIS certificate. Michael took several hot-off-the-press copies to the Wisconsin Land Information Association conference the end of February where he won first place in the brochure category and first place overall in the student category. Go, Michael!!
Distribution has started so keep your eye out for them. If your business needs a supply for customers, send me an e-mail and we'll get together. Also, Michael designed a website version that is just as impressive. Once they are loaded I’ll post the progress on this blog and the MRHA Facebook page.
The line “I’ve been everywhere, man, I’ve been everywhere” from a song of many years ago comes to mind as I think of places the MRH regional map went. Besides blanketing the region and the State of Missouri, the map went to conferences across the USA, and it has been in both Washington D.C. offices of Congresswoman Joann Emerson and Congressman Russ Carnahan.
The success of the Mississippi River Hills regional map sparked a desire of the newly formed Mississippi River Hills Association to create its version. After nearly a year of planning, selling spaces, and design the new map was born!
Speaking of design, Michael Bricknell, son of MRHA members Steve & Julie Bricknell, did an amazing job designing the printed map and the website version. Michael works in Wisconsin where he is also working on his GIS certificate. Michael took several hot-off-the-press copies to the Wisconsin Land Information Association conference the end of February where he won first place in the brochure category and first place overall in the student category. Go, Michael!!
Distribution has started so keep your eye out for them. If your business needs a supply for customers, send me an e-mail and we'll get together. Also, Michael designed a website version that is just as impressive. Once they are loaded I’ll post the progress on this blog and the MRHA Facebook page.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Up Coming Events . . .
Don’t forget the MRHA 4th Annual Membership Meeting and Regional Conference this Friday, March 12, 2010.
Registration: 12:30 to 1 pm
Membership Meeting: 1 pm to 2 pm
Conference: 2 pm to 3 pm
Location: American Legion Hall, 98 Grand Avenue, Perryville
Member Meeting: MRHA Updates and Board of Directors Election
Speaker: Mary Hostetter, The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery
The new map will be available and are free for your location's display, be sure to pick up your supply. We will also have rolls of labels available for purchase. Lots of exciting things coming in the next year so don’t miss your chance to hear first hand.
Next weekend, March 19, 20, & 21, the MRHA booth will be displayed at the SEMO Home & Garden Show at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. Thank you to all the members willing to participate in our “Special Savings” coupon that will be handed out at the Show along with the new regional map.
The “Special Savings” coupon is a 10% discount on one single item at participating MRHA member locations. There is still time to get your business listed on the coupon. There is no cost for the listing itself, only for honoring the discount when customers bring the coupon while visiting your location!
If you have questions or ideas please don't hesitate to contact me.
It’s a great day in the Mississippi River Hills!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
573-883-0767
Registration: 12:30 to 1 pm
Membership Meeting: 1 pm to 2 pm
Conference: 2 pm to 3 pm
Location: American Legion Hall, 98 Grand Avenue, Perryville
Member Meeting: MRHA Updates and Board of Directors Election
Speaker: Mary Hostetter, The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery
The new map will be available and are free for your location's display, be sure to pick up your supply. We will also have rolls of labels available for purchase. Lots of exciting things coming in the next year so don’t miss your chance to hear first hand.
Next weekend, March 19, 20, & 21, the MRHA booth will be displayed at the SEMO Home & Garden Show at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. Thank you to all the members willing to participate in our “Special Savings” coupon that will be handed out at the Show along with the new regional map.
The “Special Savings” coupon is a 10% discount on one single item at participating MRHA member locations. There is still time to get your business listed on the coupon. There is no cost for the listing itself, only for honoring the discount when customers bring the coupon while visiting your location!
If you have questions or ideas please don't hesitate to contact me.
It’s a great day in the Mississippi River Hills!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
573-883-0767
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