Country Roads Cook-Off 2011

Finally! I've managed to gather some photos into a slideshow of the Country Roads Cook-Off at the Abingdon Farmers Market! Check it out by clicking the picture below to take you to the slideshow!

Country Roads Cook-Off 2011

The Winning Team!

Cory Scott, Lindsey Holderfield

Wood Turning Event this Saturday from 9-12

Many of our customers are familiar with market vendor, Nicola Aloisio. His hand turned wood bowls, cork stoppers and salt/pepper grinders are for sale at the market most Saturdays. He sources his wood locally for the majority of his creations, and each one is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This Saturday, October 22nd, Nicola will demonstrate his craft for us at the Abingdon Farmers Market during morning hours. It is quite a treat to see him take a block of wood, and make a piece of art with it! We hope you'll join us! For now, get a sampling of his work on his website or Facebook page.

Country Roads Cook-Off : October 22nd 3-6pm

The Abingdon Farmers Market, the Town of Abingdon and The Collaborative for 21st Century Appalachia are seeking cooking teams to participate in a cooking competition that will feature regional foods and recipes.

The event is planned for October 22nd at the Abingdon Market Pavilion prior to the Sleepy Hollow Festival. It will feature individuals who cook on a Coleman-like stove (propane or butane). The winners (as chosen by a panel of judges) will receive $125. There will also be a People’s Choice Award of $125. 

The Country Roads Cook-Off™ is a unique opportunity to put the spotlight on traditional Appalachian foods and recipes grown right here in Southwest Virginia. We want to celebrate and highlight the food of the region, which is arguable one of our best assets!

Contestants may choose to cook one dish: choose an appetizer, salad, dessert, entrée or side dish. The main ingredient should be regionally available. The dish should reinterpret or adapt a traditional recipe. Recipes are requested (but not required) for possible inclusion in a future cookbook.

Teams may consist of one to three people. Dishes will be evaluated and the top prize awarded by three judges. The public will have the opportunity to vote for the recipient of the People’s Choice Award.

The teams will be given one hour to prepare their entries. All entries must be ready at 4:30pm for the judges to sample.

With the registration, a reservation fee of $20 is required and will be refunded the day of the event. 

For more information about the Country Roads Cook-Off™, contact Sara Cardinale: 276-698-1434 or abingdonmarket@gmail.com

Regulations

Cooking must be on site.

Teams will be provided a, or may bring their own, Coleman-like stove (propane or butane). Teams have one hour beginning at 3:30pm to prepare, cook, and present.

ALSO:

• The dish that is prepared for judging can be an appetizer, salad, dessert, entrée, or side dish.
• The main ingredient in the recipe should be from our region.
• The recipe should reinterpret and/or adapt a traditional Appalachian recipe.
• As part of the registration process, the teams must provide a general description of the dish they plan to make and highlight the regionally produced ingredients that are used.
• Recipes are requested, but not required, for possible inclusion in a future cookbook.
• Teams may consist of one to three people.
• Teams must provide all cooking ingredients, cooking utensils, cooking supplies, table covers, and cleaning supplies.
• Prep work, such as slicing, dicing, marinating, etc., may be done in advance of the actual contest.
• Teams prepare one dish for three judges—plated separately.
• In addition, teams must prepare enough for 25 taste samples—each sample should be served in a nut cup (to be provided by the Abingdon Farmers Market).

To register, please complete the entry form (Download Here) and send a $20 check payable to Abingdon Farmers Market. Registration forms also available at the farmers market. Up to 10 teams. The registration fee will be refunded for all who show up for the cook-off. Registrations due by October 10th. If all slots have been filled by the time you register, your check will be returned. 

 

Farm Fresh Kids Kick Off

We had a blast at the inaugural Farm Fresh Kids event. In collaboration with HEAL Appalachia, the Abingdon Farmers' Market is taking on the task of fighting childhood obestiy. We are combining education with access, and giving the children the power to make healthy choices.

 

 The farmers market is absolutely the best place to get the freshest produce available, often harvested the same day. Connecting children and their parents to the sources of their food, as well as connecting them to the larger community is part of a holistic solution to a gigantic problem. Our children are facing a crisis, and we are doing our part to influence their habits that will lead them to healthy adulthood. Every Tuesday kids will have the chance to participate in a fun and educational activity that will end with a $2 Fresh Buck coupon to purchase their own fresh produce. There is limited space, so please register or sign up at the market. Contact Sara @ 276-698-1434  or abingdonmarket@gmail.com 

This Tuesday we had close to 30 child join the Education Team from William King Art Museum, who sponsored the Farm Fresh Kids tent. They introduced a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to the kids, and talked about what fresh and local meant. The kids all got a chance to hear about what seasonal produce was available at the market that afternoon, and why it is important to eat more of it! The children then painted their own veggie-themed shopping bags. 

After the activity, the children eagerly received their $2 Fresh Buck to pick out their own produce to carry home in their bags! A big thanks to the William King Art Museum for the generous donation of your time and expertise! The kids had a blast, and learned more about healthy habits. 

Farm Fresh Kids will be back every Tuesday through the end of August. Next week, the kids will meet their farmers, make cucumber snacks, and plant their own cucumbers with Chef Jassen Campbell of The House on Main and the Washington County Master Gardeners. Join us!