 Alaska Heat Salsa       Chef Rob Kinneen with the Bon Appetit Gourmet Cooking Series, doing a cooking demonstration during International Day using all locally sourced foods from the SFM.             Wild Rose Natural Harvest         Alisa Baker Grass Roots Services     |
| Allie Barker and Jed Workman of Chugach Farm in Chickaloon, Alaska |
While on a ski mountaineering trip to Alaska in 1998 Allie Barker immediately connected to the Matanuska Valley. She knew she could stay in Alaska, and she did. In 2003 she bought land in Chickaloon with her husband Jed. Since then they have transformed it into a modern day solar powered homestead. They feed their family and a couple neighbors the entire year from their land, no easy feat in the short growing season of the Matanuska Valley.
Allie grew up in an area of Ohio with a large Amish presence and had been exposed to traditional growing practices her entire life. Chugach Farm is based on similar principles of hard work, simplicity and living off the land.
“I am really proud of the quality. We are never going to compromise quality for expanding, getting bigger, or more income.” Chugach Farm is committed to high quality organic produce. Allie and Jed are also committed to advocating for the growth of backyard bounties, their homestead has started a dialogue at the Spenard Farmers Market about creating a community and a culture that encourages smaller more sustainable farming practices.
In addition to monster carrots and awe inspiring root vegetables, Chugach Farm also produces pesto, herbed vinegar, medicinal salve and organic gluten free products. “We are going to use the best ingredients possible, our gluten free products are something that you honestly can not get anywhere else.” http://chugachfarm.com/
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| The colorful Root Cellar at Chugach Farm |
 Fireweed Farm Fireweed Farm can be found on the property of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Palmer, AK. For over 10 years NOLS has encouraged local, sustainable eating by growing a percentage of their own produce. These veggies have been used by the school’s kitchen to feed hungry students going into or coming out of their wilderness courses. Each year the garden expanded and incorporated itself more into the Palmer community. In 2009 the NOLS garden doubled in size and began its first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). It fed 5 area families. In 2010, the garden doubled again and had a 10 member CSA. This year, the National Outdoor Leadership School has relinquished the garden property to its eager gardeners so that they can strike out on their own and focus more on growing food for Palmer and the surrounding community. We will be attending Spenard Farmers’ Market every Saturday as well as running a 20 member CSA for the 2011 season. Fireweed Farm is in its first year as an independent garden operation. The two lucky ladies who get to work the land are Heidi Cook and April Folkes. Heidi is in her third season gardening in Palmer. In 2009 she was the NOLS garden intern and in 2010 was able to take what she learned the previous year and manage the garden space. Her intern, April, loved the NOLS garden so much she decided she had to come back! Together they are Fireweed Farm, a beautiful and well cared for market garden. We grow our produce naturally, with zero chemicals and with the most sustainable methods possible. We are fans of compost teas, crop rotation and use of natural protection against disease and pests. We grow a large variety of produce on our farm. Some things to expect from us at market include salad greens (mesculin mix, arugula, spinach and head lettuce), Asian greens, kale, swiss chard, kohlrabi, and beets, broccoli, cabbage, turnips, fennel, cauliflower, peas, carrots, zucchini, celery, potatoes, leeks, onions, brussel sprouts, garlic and delicious herbs to compliment it all. (215) 601-2215 or (603)686-0296. See you at the market!  Brooke Heppenstall had a green thumb even before she ended up in Alaska in 1970. In a neighborhood in Miami you may still find a small child’s thumb print in the cement with “Brooke’s Farm” scratched beside it. Now, Woolwood Studio and Gardens thrives on 30 acres in Palmer. Brooke creates art and grows beautiful perennials. “I push to find something out of the ordinary. I have a penchant for monster perrenials, anywhere between 10-12 feet tall.” These giant gorgeous Asiatic Lilies do well in South Central Alaska. Brooke and her ‘monster perennials’ are a staple of the Spenard Farmers Market.   |
| Janie Taylor and Barb Marsh in front of their Denali Dreams Soap Company located on Spenard Road, across the street from Sunrise Bakery. |
Denali Dreams will be at the Spenard Farmers Market this summer selling their fabulous hand-made products. From wildflower soaps, to salves, body oils, lip balms, and even Handmade Dog Wash, these ladies have taken bath and body products to a new level. Look for their new IPA & Lager Beer Soaps--made from Midnight Sun Brewery’s spent grain, leftover from the brewing process!
Denali Dreams soap is made in small batches using the cold process method. These soaps retain all the natural glycerin formed in the soap making process. All the soaps are super-fatted with oils, like olive or avocado, for extra moisturizing. The soaps are colored with herbs, spices, and natural pigments and scented mainly with essential oils. Using pure and natural products is important at Denali Dreams.
Their business motto is “to create useful all natural soaps and body products that are good for the skin...and to have to FUN!” When not immersed in soap bubbles, Barb and Janie love to get out into the spectacular Alaska wilderness for a hike or x-country ski with their dogs. They also have Pie Thursdays at the shop...and have shared with us their extra special Rhurbarb Pie recipe made with Alaska rhubarb and lots of love!
Denali Dreams Rhubarb Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
dough for a double pie crust
6 c fresh spring rhubarb chopped
1 1/2 c sugar
1 TBL fine grated fresh ginger
squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon
1/2 c flour
• Line a large size pie pan with 1/2 the dough.
• Toss together filling and spread evenly into the prepared uncooked pie crust (large size pie pan).
• Dot with 1 TBL butter.
• Put on the top crust and seal carefully (brush milk or water along the crust edge where they meet and flute, this will seal the edge), then pierce with a fork or tip of sharp knife in a few places to let out steam.
• Cover the edge of crust with foil to prevent from getting too brown.
• Bake in preheated oven 400 degrees for 10 minutes (You might want to put foil on the bottom of the oven to catch drips).
• Turn oven down to 350 and cook 1 hour.
• Take off foil around the edge of crust and cook 5 more minutes or until done (nice brown crust and bubbly insides).
LET COOL before cutting....Enjoy!
Farmers Scotty and Alisa Baker of Grass Roots Services offers fresh produce and colorful cut flowers grown in the sweet soils of the Mat-Su valley. Family is very important to them, and is what inspired them to begin growing things. They first started Grass Roots Services as a way to be close to their home and children; and to provide their family with produce grown outside their front door. As Alisa says, "there is nothing more rewarding for a mother than to have their child pull a carrot from the ground, rinse it themselves and eat it." Furthermore, they believe that the Spenard Farmers Market allows the customer the opportunity to know their local producer and create a greater sense of community. As producers, they pride themselves in bringing a unique variety of whole foods harvested 24 hours prior to the market. "It is our hands sowing the seeds, nurturing the plants, harvesting and presenting for sale at your local market."
"My favorite recipe would be a vase full of sunflowers and a fresh salad with an herb dressing. That is a recipe for a nice visit with a few friends."
Salad Dressing Recipe:
"My favorite recipe would be a vase full of sunflowers and a fresh salad with an herb dressing. That is a recipe for a nice visit with a few friends."
Salad Dressing Recipe:
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Rice Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Sugar
1 Tbsp. fresh, finely chopped Fennel greens
repeat for Marjoram, Savory, Lemon Balm (Melissa)
Mix vigorously and dress salad just before guests arrive
1/4 Cup Rice Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Sugar
1 Tbsp. fresh, finely chopped Fennel greens
repeat for Marjoram, Savory, Lemon Balm (Melissa)
Mix vigorously and dress salad just before guests arrive
Fresh International Gardens
Catholic Social Services Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services (RAIS) is the refugee resettlement agency for Alaska, helping refugees from around the world make the transition to a new life in America. Often coming from vastly different cultures and climates, the move to Alaska can be quite challenging in all aspects! Because many of the refugees have a long cultural history of agriculture and a strong tie to the land, RAIS and the UAF Cooperative Extension Service (CES) developed the Refugee Farmers' Market Program in 2007, where participants can sell the produce that they grow at farmers’ markets. Selling as "Fresh International Gardens" at two weekly markets, the clients are able to learn business and English skills while earning a supplemental income and gaining a sense of community. The program is funded through donations and volunteers, allowing all income generated at the market to go directly to the gardeners. Both the Bhutanese of Nepali descent and Somali community members are very excited to be part of this year's garden project. Come share a smile and veggies with us at the Fresh International Gardens' booth this Summer!  |
| Cindy Shake with one of her family's Giant Schnauzers, Nibmus. |
FRESH Garden Art and metal sculptures can be found at the booth of Cindy Shake Metal Garden Art.
Look for the brightly colored Raven flags on the tent!
Look for the brightly colored Raven flags on the tent!
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 BCA Rides! BCA’s MissionThe Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage (BCA) supports a bike-friendly environment in and around the Municipality of Anchorage. We promote “Share the Road” principles for bicyclist safety, work to improve conditions for bicycle transportation and encourage bicycle use as a sustainable, energy-efficient, economical and nonpolluting form of transportation that fosters health promotion and disease prevention, as well as an enjoyable form of recreation.  |
Hot Dish Hot Dish is a progressive bluegrass/newgrass band based in Anchorage, Alaska. Hot Dish was formed in August, 2010. What started out as a few old college buddies sitting around and picking quickly became one of the hottest new bluegrass bands in Alaska. With the addition of Amanda Kerr on fiddle and Dan Harter as master of banjo destruction, Hot Dish is ready to raise the bar for their already legendary performances. The tunes of Hot Dish are a Market favorite. Guitar –Lucas Soden, Fiddle –Amanda Kerr, Mandolin –Matthew Pustina, Bass- Nicholas Pustina, Dobro –Sam Snyder, Banjo – Dan Harter. |
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Glacier Valley Farm Arthur Keys, together with his wife, Michelle own and operate Glacier Valley Farm. Their focus is growing for Farmer’s markets and filling CSA boxes. In their greenhouse they grow tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants. In the field they focus on zucchini, hard squash and corn. Check out their web site for storage tips, recipes and more information on joining the Glacier Valley Farm CSA. |
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Bird Treatment & Learning Center Wild Critter Day at the Spenard Farmers Market is Saturday, June 25. Come and meet some of the wild birds that are a part of the Bird TLC avian education programs. Bird TLC is dedicated to rehabilitating sick, injured or orphaned wild birds. |
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Steller Ecological Society Garden Club The students of Steller Secondary school plant a yearly garden and sell their harvest at the Spenard Farmers Market with the proceeds benefiting a worthy program. |
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Thanh Dickey and her lovely Peonies are a favorite at the Spenard Farmers Market. Thanh also sells other hearty indoor/outdoor plants, flowers and shrubs. |
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From Kachemak in Homer, AK, Bay oysters, mussels, halibut, sablefish and weekly catch of the day. |
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Batista Family Fresh, locally grown onions, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuces and fresh, French Oven baked goods. |
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Susan Miller Strawberry and raspberry plants and picked the morning of the Market in season, strawberries, raspberries. |
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| Samantha Geuss of Alder Patch Art |
Samantha is an Anchorage-based artist who has grown up enjoying the unique freedom and wildness of Alaska, which continually inspires her art-making and lifestyle. Alder Patch Art has been her work and her passion for the last 6 years. A long-time love of photography has grown into working in graphic design and creating an apparel line. Her work is inspired by the joie de vivre of wayward adventures, and the places and people that we cross paths with along the way. Her work resonates with others who are compelled to follow their wanderlust into the woods and across time zones. Bottom line, if you are in need of the softest hoody you have ever felt, adorned with a locally designed and printed graphic, Alder Patch Art is the booth to visit. And if you could use some thoughtful and outdoorsy all-occasion greeting cards - also locally designed and printed - then it is worth stopping by Samantha's booth. She is thrilled to be a part of the Spenard Farmer's Market community!
Contact info.: Samantha Geuss, www.alderpatchart.com, blissart1@hotmail.com
Contact info.: Samantha Geuss, www.alderpatchart.com, blissart1@hotmail.com
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| Annie Ciszak Pazar |
Annie's Arts and Follies has been cranking out one of a kind handcrafted jewelry since 2005. It started with a teacup and has turned into an empire. Well, not quite yet, but that's the plan. Each piece is constructed entirely by hand from sterling silver and gold, and genuine gemstones and pearls. Incorporating the funk and functional, this rockin line is becoming a favorite around the country.
Annie Ciszak Pazar, the brains and braun behind the line, hails from Buffalo NY but has made Alaska her home. When not metal bashing, ferret wrangling, or neurotic dog snuggling, she and her funny man take in the scenery in the never ending project of a VW van. You can find her manning her brick and mortar storefront Bella Boutique <http://www.shop-bella.com/> during business hours. Stop by and say hi!
Annie Ciszak Pazar, the brains and braun behind the line, hails from Buffalo NY but has made Alaska her home. When not metal bashing, ferret wrangling, or neurotic dog snuggling, she and her funny man take in the scenery in the never ending project of a VW van. You can find her manning her brick and mortar storefront Bella Boutique <http://www.shop-bella.com/> during business hours. Stop by and say hi!
