Fall Flavors Arrive at the Farmers Market

Apples from C.N. Smith Farm.

   It's apple season already and there's plenty of them at the Braintree Farmers Market hosted by Sustainable Braintree.  If you're short on time or have other priorities and can't get out of town for picking apples come on down to the market and visit the C.N. Smith Farm tents for a wide selection of fresh picked apples, peaches and plums direct from their farm.  The air is crisp and so are the apples so there's no excuse not to enjoy these favorite local fruits while they're in season.  This farm also features their own fresh pressed apple cider so be sure to look in their coolers.  The market will continue at the Braintree Town Hall Mall every Saturday from 9 to 1 through October and we'll finish up with the Special Indoor Thanksgiving Market on Nov. 19th.

JoAnn Marsh is in love with Burnin' Love Sauces.

   Tailgating is a great reason to stock up on Burnin' Love Sauces who joined us for the first time last year.  JoAnn Marsh loves to tell folks about the many varieties of sauces she and her husband Gregory create.  This year they have a couple of new items in their lineup.  They are the Sassy Mo'Lassy Spicy BBQ and the My Honey L.O.V.eS. Me Vinaigrette (local apple cider vinegar, local honey, lavender and sage).  They have also reformulated their Sweet Onion Blues (caramelized onion, balsamic and blueberry chutney).  Try this recipe that includes the Sassy Mo'Lassy Spicy BBQ Sauce:

New England Chili

Soak 1/2 lb. dried Navy beans overnight in the refrigerator.
Drain and rinse beans. (Canned beans can be used instead if you prefer.)

In a large pot, saute a quarter of an onion, diced, in 1tsp oil. 

When onions are clear add 2 cups water, 12oz. Sassy Mo'Lassy BBQ. 

Add beans and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook on low for 4 hours. 

Add 1 lb. cooked drained ground beef, chicken or diced extra firm tofu.

For easy crock pot chili: brown the ground beef, add the onions for the last 3-4 minutes of cook time, drain off the fat, put in crock pot, add remaining ingredients and cook on low setting for up to 16 hours.

Donna Dunn is the owner and Chief Soap Maker at R.I. Spa Products.

   Another vendor that joined us in 2010 who has a devout following is Rhode Island Spa Products with Donna Dunn at the Helm.  Soaps, lotions and exfoliants that are made with all natural ingredients and are luscious and dreamy.  Donna is currently working on a collection of spicy holiday soaps and the Papaya Exfoliating Mask is brand new.  The Arnica Muscle Stick, made with Arnica infusion combined with an essential oil blend, is twice the size this season but not twice the price.  Use it on your tired and sore muscles for instant relief or apply it on bruises to reduce swelling and discoloration.  Try this vendor's products once and you'll be hooked and you can be assured they aren't filled preservatives and ingredients with chemical names that you can't pronounce.

  It's hard to believe that summer's really over and the fall flavors have begun to permeate the market.  Apples, pumpkins, cider, hearty soups, breads, cranberries, spicy soaps and fruit preserves are all currently available at the market.  Thanks to the gracious support of our community the market has continued to thrive. Drop by and taste the flavors of Fall.  See you on Saturday.