Monday August 3, 2009-Well my new years resolution about updating my newsletter on a more regular basis is out the window, but let's not focus on that. We are here now, and we have lot's to talk about. Farm Market season is in full swing, and Chef Jake made an appearance this past Saturday at the Clarence Hollow Farmers Market where he signed books, and prepared Fresh Sweet Corn Pancakes. This being Sweet Corn season in western New York, it was an appropriate recipe to demonstrate. If you missed it, click on the "Recipes" tab to view the recipe. If you are looking for fresh local produce 7 days a week, check out Joe's Farm Market on Main St in Clarence, across from the Flea Market. Joe has taken over from Farmer Marty,and has a great selection of local fruits, and vegetables, and in addition to that, Krehers Eggs, and Jammin' Joe's Jams Jellies, and Fruit Spreads. If you are the type that enjoy's the Farm experience of picking your own, Blueberries are now ready, and the place to be picking is Greg Spoths Family Farm on Lapp Rd. in Clarence Center (716-741-4239). I was there yesterday, the bushes are heavy with large sweet Blueberries, and it was easy picking. I spoke to Greg Spoth, and he told me that the Blueberry crop is quite good this year despite the less than ideal weather conditions we have experienced. If you go to the farm, you will see something quite impressive. The entire Blueberry field has been enclosed with mesh in order to eliminate the local wildlife from "helping themselves". What you will see is green mesh suspended from a series of posts, and cables under which the Blueberry bushes thrive, and the berries are protected. If the size of the crop is any indication, Greg's investment, and hard work is paying off. Spoths U-Pick Farm is open everyday but Friday, but give a cll before you go to be sure they are picking. Recently Chef Jake prepared the Rectory Dinner at St. Mary's in Swormville. This annual chairity event, which is Dinner for 8 with Father Yetter, has raised as much as $2150 at the live parish auction at St. Mary's in Swormville. It was a total Fresh and Local affair that was terrific. The guests really enjoyed the food, and were amazed at the number of ingredients you can actually source from the western New York area. In the coming months Chef Jake will have a busy schedule. September 12th he has been invited to be one of the guest chefs at The Culinary Institute of Americas "Hudson Valley Harvest Dinner". It is sure to be a great event, for ticket information call Rebecca Kent at the CIA at 845-905-4278. In October Chef Jake will return to the Clarence Hollow Farmers Market to prepare his Pumpkin Soup Recipe that was so popular last year. Then Sunday, November 15th, Chef Jake will be in Syracuse for the Pride of New York Harvest Celebration at the NYS Fairgrounds, details of that event should be available soon on the Pride of New York website. Until my next update, I hope you enjoy visiting the local Farmers Market in your area, and taking advantage of all of the great produce, and products that are available
Tuesday January 20, 2009-Here we go with a new year, and I have a good feeling that 2009 is going to be a good one in many ways. I have been very fortunate to met up with alot of great people through the Fresh and Local scene all across Western New York. I have also gotten involved with some great projects. I met Lisa Tucker, editor, and publisher of Edible Buffalo Magazine, and Lisa has been a great help in promoting my book by featuring a story about it in the Winter Issue of Edible Buffalo, as well as making it available for sale on the Edible Buffalo Website. Lisa has also given me the opportunity to write an article for the Spring issue. Check the Edible Buffalo Website ediblebuffalo.com for info on where to find a copy, or subscribe. Although the Farmers Markets have slowed down for the winter, there are still events to talk about. Upcoming in February is the first annual Field & Fork Conference being held at Byrncliff Country Club on February 23rd. It will be a great collaberation of Farmers, and Chefs from around western New York, as well as across New York State. I will be discussing Cooking with Seasonal Vegetables along with Lewiston Farmer Tom Tower. Rumor has it that Jenn Small from Flying Pigs Farm in Shushan, NY to discuss the working of raising Free Range Livestock. I am sure it will be a great day for everyone who attends, and look forward to this being a kick off of sorts for the 2009 Market Season. As I always do in the first month of a new year, I make resolutions to do more of, less of, or the same of various things. One thing I am going to try to do more of, is updating this newsletter, and sharing more recipes. Eating Fresh and Local is a great lifestyle, and I will be sure to share more recipes as I get them.
Saturday October 18, 2008-It was a busy weekend for the Sustainable Chef. Friday night, Chef Jake was at "Local Authors Night" at Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Clarence. This was the largest number of Authors for an event of this type at Barnes and Noble, and it is always interesting meeting other authors, and hearing how they got to where they are. "The Sustainable Chef-Cooking with the Farmers of New York State was the only cookbook amongst all sorts of Fiction, and non-fiction titles covering all sorts of topics Saturday Chef Jake was at the Clarence Hollow Farmers Market where he demonstrated how to prepare the Harvest Pumpkin Soup recipe from his book. Although it was sunny, cool temperatures, and light winds made it feel like fall, and the samples of hot pumpkin soup were enjoyed by eveyone. For those who asked for the recipe, I have posted it on thesustainanablechef.com, just click on the "Recipes" tab, and page down. This Saturday, October 25th will be the last market day in the Clarence Hollow for 2008, so get out there one more time and support our local Farmers. Don't foget though, there are Farmers Markets all over WNY that are open almost all year around, just go to the Pride of NY website to find the one closest to you. This weekend Chef Jake will be demoing at the NYS School Nutrition Association Conference in Niagara Falls, NY, so if you will attend check the schedule, and see his presentation on "Building a better Sandwich Program".
Thursday September 25, 2008-Fall is in the air, and New York State Apple Season is upon us. Blackman's Homestead Farm opened up Friday September 12th for the 2008 Apple Picking Season. I was talking to Julie Blackman last week at the Bidwell Farmers Market, and she reported that all varieties of apples are looking good, and ripening on schedule. Check their website for hours, and details. Be sure to order your Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey from Blackman's Homestead Farm this year, most sizes are available for order. If you have never had a fresh turkey, this is your time, order early for this Thanksgiving. Turkeys will be ready to pick up Thanksgiving week, just in time for the big feast. I think the summer of 2008 will be remembered as a summer of changeable weather. We saw more days of rain in August than we really needed, along with some hail, and high winds thrown in as well. I would have to say, less than ideal growing conditions. It will be interesting to see how the Fingerlakes Wineries find the harvest this year. Over the summer Chef Jake attended the first annual Buffalo First Local Food Week kick-off party at Flying Bison Brewery. Local restaurants, and food producers prepared the food, and Flying Bison, and Chateau Buffalo provided the beverages.On Labor Day weekend, Chef Jake visited the Clarence Farmers Market where he did a cooking demo, and book signing. Upcoming events include Local Authors night at The Barnes and Noble on Transit Road in Clarence. Friday evening October 17th, Chef Jake will be signing copies of the Sustainable Chef-Cooking with the Farmers of New York State. This is always a fun event, and a great place to meet local authors, and see what people are writing about these days. Then on Saturday, October 18th, The Clarence Farmers Market will be the site of a Harvest Celebration. In addition to the regular market, antique tractors will be displayed, and a Farm Tour Map will be available for those interested in visiting some of our local Farmers. Chef Jake will be preparing Harvest Pumpkin Soup for sampling, in addition to signing copies of his cookbook, The Sustainable Chef Cooking with the Farmers of New York State. There are more Farmers Markets around the Buffalo area than ever, and fall is a great time to visit. If you are on the proverbial "Farm Fence", fall off this weekend. Grab your canvas shopping bag, and head to the market. You will be glad you did. As always, think Global, but buy and eat local for the freshest, healthiest food.
Sunday July 5, 2008-Farmers Markets all over New York State are in full swing, and I have allot of info to catch up on since my last report. The Memorial Day Demo, and book signing at the Grand Army Plaza Green Market in Brooklyn, NYC, was a great day. Many Thanks to my friends Gabrielle Langholtz, and Liz Carollo (pictured) for hosting the Demonstration, and Booksigning. The weather was perfect, and the market was packed with enthusiastic shoppers. The Farmers were in full attendance as well, with an assortment of fresh local produce, dairy products, breads, meats, and even fish and seafood. A full list of events, and products can be found by visiting their website at www.grandarmyplazagreenmarket.org. The next event on Chef Jakes "Sustainable Chef" calendar, is Sunday July 13th, at the annual Clarence Center Garden Walk. L'Atelier will be at the center of the action again this year with a variety of demonstrations, fresh produce, artists, and a bus stop at their front door where the trolley will transport garden "walkers" on various routes. Chef Jake will be signing copies of his book "The Sustainable Chef-Cooking with the Farmers of New York State", as well as preparing a recipe to sample. Check with the folks at L'Atelier or Crossroads Books in the Town of Clarence Center for more details. In the June issue of Food Arts Magazine, The Front Burner section is dedicated to sustainable food sources, and all things fresh and local. Within the article there is a nice mention of Chef Jake, his book, and many of his farmer friends. If you can not find a copy at your local Barnes & Nobles bookstore, you can view the article at www.Foodarts.com. The New York State Fair will be the site on August 23rd, 2008 for a demonstration, and book signing for Chef Jake, on the Wegmans Chef Stage, in conjunction with The Pride of New York, more details on this event will be coming. Now that we are in the middle of summer, make time to visit any number of Farmers Markets, Fairs, and Festivals where fresh and local foods are available from the farms that produce them. Enjoy the weather, and outdoors soon by visiting your local Farmer's Market, and supporting the Farmers who work so hard to bring their products to market.
Sunday July 5, 2008-Farmers Markets all over New York State are in full swing, and I have alot of info to catch up on since my last report. The Memorial Day Demo, and book signing at the Grand Army Plaza Green Market in Brooklyn, NYC, was a great day. Many Thanks to my friends Gabrielle Langholtz, and Liz Carollo (pictured) for hosting the Demonstration, and Booksigning. The weather was perfect, and the market was packed with enthusiastic shoppers. The Farmers were in full attendance as well, with an assortment of fresh local produce, dairy products, breads, meats, and even fish and seafood. A full list of events, and products can be found by visiting thier website at . The next event on Chef Jakes "Sustainable Chef" calendar, is Sunday July 13th, at the annual Clarence Center Garden Walk. L'Atelier will be at the center of the action again this year with a variety of demonstrations, fresh produce, artists, and a bus stop at their front door where the trolly will transport garden "walkers" on various routes. Chef Jake will be signing copies of his book "The Sustainable Chef-Cooking with the Farmers of New York State", as well as preparing a recipe to sample. Check with the folks at L'Atelier or Crossroads Books in the Town of Clarence Center for more details. In the June issue of Food Arts Magazine, The Front Burner section is dedicated to sustainable food sources, and all things fresh and local. Within the article there is a nice mention of Chef Jake, his book, and many of his farmer friends. If you can not find a copy at your local Barnes & Nobles bookstore, you can view the article at . The New York State Fair will be the site on August 23rd, 2008 for a demonstration, and book signing for Chef Jake, on the Wegmans Chef Stage, in conjuction with The Pride of New York, more details on this event will be coming. Now that we are in the middle of summer, make time to visit any number of Farmers Markets, Fairs, and Festivals where fresh and local foods are available from the farms that produce them. Enjoy the weather, and outdoos soon by visiting your local Farmer's Market, and supporting the Farmers who work so hard to bring their products to market.
Monday March 3, 2008, Hello from "The Sustainable Chef", due to work, and travel schedules, I have been unable to update since late last year. But, just because there hasn't been an update in several months, Chef Jake has been busy promoting his book, and in the process touting the attributes of the fresh and local products from our farmer's all across New York State. There are 2 new outlets where Chef Jakes book is available. The first being at Stone BarnsCenter for Food and Agriculture near Tarrytown, NY, and the second right in western New York at Premier Gourmet, on Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, NY. Chef Jake will also be appearing for book signing at local authors night at the new Barnes and Noble store on Transit Rd. next Friday night March 14th from 6-9 pm. Chef Jake will also be signing books, and discussing spring produce selections, and recipes at two of the New York City Green Markets during the month of May. Union Square Green Market in Manhattan, and Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn will be the Green Markets where Chef Jake will be. Dates will be released as they are arranged. With warmer temperatures just around the corner, we start to think that spring is on it's way. I for one can't wait. I am checking out the seed selections when ever I see them. Maple sap will also start flowing with the warmer temperatures, and I will be checking in with Lyle andDottie Merle at Merle Maple Farm in Varysburg, NY to get updates on Maple production, and the annual Maple weekend. Start investigating now for CSA (community supported agriculture) shares for the upcoming summer. They are available in full and half shares, and will insure that you have fresh/local produce to enjoy all summer. Think Spring, and more news from the Sustainable Chef will be coming your way.
Friday October 26, 2007, If you have not seen the November issue of Buffalo Spree Magazine, you need to take a look at the "Book Shelf" feature written by Bruce Eaton. The topic of his column is "The Sustainable Chef-Cooking with the Farmers of New York State" by Jake Brach. Bruce Eaton, a Clarence resident, and customer of Farmer Marty's Farm Stand gives his review of the book, and a few insights of his own about "buying local". Over the past few weeks Chef Jake has added more outlets where his book is available, the latest being the Hosmer Winery Tasting Room, at the winery, in Ovid, NY. See the products tab of this website for more information.
Saturday October 6, 2007, The New York State Wine, and Culinary Center was the site for a presentation and discussion on sustainability in New York State. Twenty participants enjoyed an afternoon of food, wine, and education as Chef Jake demonstrated a three course lunch, and paired the food with New York State wines from Hosmer Winery. After introductions, and a short explanation on how his book came to be, Chef Jake demonstrated three recipes from his book, Harvest Pumpkin Soup, Chicken Roasted under a brick with rosemary, and garlic, and concluded with Margaret Blackmans Apple Crisp. While Chef Jake was demonstrating, the Chef's from the Wine, and Culinary Centers teaching kitchen prepared, and served the identical menu to the guests. To accompany the menu, Hosmer Dry Riesling, and Hosmer Pinot Noir were served. All the ingredients for this lunch were purchased from local farms, including the Free Range Chickens. After lunch, Chef Jake answered questions, and signed copies of his book for the guests. Watch for upcoming dates when Chef Jake will return to Canandaigua for another enjoyable demonstration showcasing the excellent products being produced in New York State.
Saturday September 22, 2007, The Apple Season has officially opened on September 14th when the Blackman Homestead Farm opened their apple shed for the 2007 season. I visited today in summerlike temperatures to find the bustling farm full of apples, pears, heirloom pumpkins, and winter squash. Apple cider is available along with a full offering of the Blackmans Fruit Butters, Spreads, Sauces, and Concord Grape Pie Filling/Topping, as well as copies of "The Sustainable Chef"-Cooking with the Farmers of New York State, where you can get some first hand advice from Margaret Blackman on how to make her Cinnamon Apple Crisp recipe that is featured in the book. Local Maple Products, and Honey are also available, and don't forget to order your Thanksgiving Turkey while you are there. Julie Blackman informed me that the website is completed, and can be visited at www.BlackmanHomesteadFarm.com. Check out the site to get updates on available apple and pear available, as well as special events, and directions to the farm just north of Lockport, NY. Take a ride this weekend, as the weather is supposed to be beautiful, and it is a great way to connect with, and enjoy the harvest season in our beautiful western New York area. Like the Blackmans say..."Make our family farm, part of your family tradition".
Sunday September 9th, 2007, The harvest continues in full swing all across New York State, and due to the hot dry weather, I would expect the Harvest of wine grapes would be early this year. I will check with my contacts for harvest info, and report it in my next update. Just to give you an idea of how much produce can be grown in a small garden, I harvested almost 2 bushels of regular tomatoes, 1/2 bushel of assorted hierloom tomatoes, 3/4 bushel potatoes, 1/2 bushel green beans, ....and white scallop squash, zuchinni squash. swiss chard, carrots, a number of lettuces, cucumbers, sweet red peppers, onions, eggplant, and now for the fall season... I have radishes, escarole, more lettuces, spinach, and I got some peas planted, but may need to use them only as pea shoots for salads, and garnish, so even if you have a small patch of soil, a window box, or a couple of pots on your patio, jump on the gardening bandwagon, and grow something fresh for yourself. You won't believe how growing your own food can be good for the stomach, as well as the soul. I received word from Julie Blackman at Blackman Homestead Farms that they will open for Apple Picking on September 14th. Check their new website for more information BlackmanHomesteadFarm.com. Mark the date of October 6th, Chef Jake will be at the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua, NY for a cooking demonstration, and book signing. Check the New York Wine and Culinary Centers web site for details.
Saturday August 17, 2007-The Farm Stands and Farmers Markets continue to offer an abundance of produce. The weather has been unpredictable throughout Western New York as well as across the state for the past 6-8 weeks, but the lower than normal rainfall, and periods of strong winds doesn't seem to have slowed the harvest. All the usual summer fruits, and vegetables are in excellent supply. In addition to corn, summer squash varieties, onions, and cucumbers, the heirloom tomatoes are ripening faster than they can be harvested. Varieties that can be found on the farm stands today were Brandy Wine, Green Zebra, Cherokee Purple, Lemony, Giant Rainbow, and Black Russian. Check out Farmer Marty's Farm Stand for his selection of heirlooms, he has 200 plants planted right next to the stand, and I am sure Marty or Joe Gonzales will be glad to give you a tour. The first apples are arriving as well with the softer varieties ripening first. During the week Jersey Mac's were available, in addition to the purple plums, and peaches. Look for additional apples to ripen as August progresses.
Saturday July28,2007-Farm Markets in Western New York are overflowing with fresh produce. Blueberry season is in full swing, and the deliciously sweet berries blueberries can be found in abundance, and should be available for the next week to ten days. The showers we have received over the past few days were a welcome relief to the recent dry spell, and will only help to add to the quality, and amount of fresh local produce available. Be sure to visit your local Farmers Market or Farm Stand this weekend to support your local farmers.
Sunday July 15,2007-Over 300 people enjoyed the beautiful weather at the annual Clarence Center Garden Walk. Chef Jake Brach was on hand at L'Atelier Gourmet Foods, and Cookware to sign copies of his book, "The Sustainable Chef-Cooking with the Farmers of New York State". As a bonus, Chef Jake also prepared his delicious Sweet Corn Pancakes for visitors of the store using Farmer Marty's Butter and Sugar Sweet Corn, and farm fresh Eggs from Kreher's Egg Farm.
Sunday July 5, 2008-Farmers Markets all over New York State are in full swing, and I have alot of info to catch up on since my last report. The Memorial Day Demo, and book signing at the Grand Army Plaza Green Market in Brooklyn, NYC, was a great day. Many Thanks to my friends Gabrielle Langholtz, and Liz Carollo (pictured) for hosting the Demonstration, and Booksigning. The weather was perfect, and the market was packed with enthusiastic shoppers. The Farmers were in full attendance as well, with an assortment of fresh local produce, dairy products, breads, meats, and even fish and seafood. A full list of events, and products can be found by visiting thier website at . The next event on Chef Jakes "Sustainable Chef" calendar, is Sunday July 13th, at the annual Clarence Center Garden Walk. L'Atelier will be at the center of the action again this year with a variety of demonstrations, fresh produce, artists, and a bus stop at their front door where the trolly will transport garden "walkers" on various routes. Chef Jake will be signing copies of his book "The Sustainable Chef-Cooking with the Farmers of New York State", as well as preparing a recipe to sample. Check with the folks at L'Atelier or Crossroads Books in the Town of Clarence Center for more details. In the June issue of Food Arts Magazine, The Front Burner section is dedicated to sustainable food sources, and all things fresh and local. Within the article there is a nice mention of Chef Jake, his book, and many of his farmer friends. If you can not find a copy at your local Barnes & Nobles bookstore, you can view the article at . The New York State Fair will be the site on August 23rd, 2008 for a demonstration, and book signing for Chef Jake, on the Wegmans Chef Stage, in conjuction with The Pride of New York, more details on this event will be coming. Now that we are in the middle of summer, make time to visit any number of Farmers Markets, Fairs, and Festivals where fresh and local foods are available from the farms that produce them. Enjoy the weather, and outdoos soon by visiting your local Farmer's Market, and supporting the Farmers who work so hard to bring their products to market.