Monthly Archives: September 2022

Wow! Sooo much to say, and only one tiny newsletter with which to say it! But nonetheless, here I go.

So I suppose I’ll begin with the new season. And why not?  Fall officially began on the same day as our last market, September 22. And although it’s off to a rather chilly start, I hope you’re enjoying it all the same.

But regardless of the chilliness of last week’s market, it was nice to see the selection of beautiful flowers still available.

And Fraser, of Aldergrove, is hoping to have more for us next week – fingers crossed!

Ok, now back to our countdown. Yes it’s true – (for this season), there are only five markets left! And this coming Thursday is actually the last one of the month. Sigh.

 

And as a reminder this week, (September 29th), is the last day to shop from Angelos of Country Meadows. So if you’re wanting to refill your olive oil bottles, or purchase some of Angelos’ fresh and delicious feta cheese or olives, this is your last chance!

 

And in other news, garlic, garlic, garlic! This super veggie that many of us love, and rely on to flavour many of our favourite dishes, is now available in glorious abundance. And on that note, September 23 through October 2, 2022 is Ontario Garlic Week! For more information, visit: https://www.ontariogarlicweek.ca/

 

From well-known garlic guru, Peter McClusky:

“Garlic week includes Food & Drink establishments selling via dine in, takeout or delivery, plus farms and farmers’ market locations. You might already have seen promotions in Toronto Star’s The Star Is Ontario Garlic Contest, which was carried in dozens of Metroland papers in Toronto and rural Ontario. Additional promotion and media to follow in radio, TV, print and social media.” 

Here were some of the wonderful garlic varieties from Knuckledown Farms, which included Chesnok Red, Polish, Music, Persian Star.

 

Be sure to visit some of your favourite farmers at market next week, to explore their garlic selections. And with so many amazing recipes focused around garlic, you may find yourself very busy – but deliciously so! 🙂

 

Ok, and now for some “sweeping news”! Some (and hopefully many) of you may be familiar with “The Kawartha Broom Co”, who sell their wonderfully-handmade straw brooms in various varieties. Well they were to attend our in-person market this season – but now with added demands of family and production in their business, they regrettably, are no longer able to be at Dufferin this season. Yes, very sad.

 

However, Mary and Bobby did visit me at last week’s market to drop off a few brooms – yay! The brooms will be available for purchase at market next week. Be sure to visit our info table to see the brooms.

Also, any hockey lovers out there?

Kawartha Broom asked to put out this small request:

“If anyone has a wooden hockey stick they no longer need, can they leave it with the market? The bottom blade can be broken off – just the handle needs to be firm, no cracks and the letters clear.  In return we will pay $1 a piece towards the Dufferin Grove market.”

 

Again, visit our info table to drop off hockey sticks. Thanks everyone!

 

And speaking of “thank yous”, I’ve got a bunch more to do!

 

So first off, thanks to all who took part, or just enjoyed our (first-ever), baby & children’s clothing swap – what a success! Sarah and Natalie, thank you soo much!

 

And part of the reason the swap was so successful, was due to the help of two new junior volunteers, Yhali and Victoria. They were hustling and bustling all through the market on Thursday, helping farmers and vendors, tabling the info table, helping with setup in various areas – and all in addition to helping with the clothing swap. Great job girls – thanks so much!

Featured from left to right: Victoria, then Yhali in the centre, and on the right is Sarah, main organizer of the swap.

 

And thanks to those of you who visited the pizza oven – and to the staff who got it going. So great to see all those joyous faces, delighted to see pizza making back in our park – yes please!

And I’ll extend a final thank you to our very talented musician, Elena, who graced us with her fiddle playing last week. And that was no easy feat – the cold weather on Thursday, proved difficult on her bare fingers. Well done Elena, thank you!

And lastly, I’ll mention things to know (or look out for), at next week’s market.

First, some of you will probably remember (back in June), we had cookbook author, Deirdre Buryk join us, to discuss her “Peak Season” cookbook. Well Dierdre will be back with us for one last time, with some delicious fall samples!

Also returning next week is Harmon’s (non-alcoholic) Craft Brewery. Get it while you can!

And for next week, Erick of Hola Alegrias will not be at market next week, as he will be travelling – but returns to us on October 6th.

 

And lastly, for an update on the possibility of extending our market (through winter.) The St Anne’s folks still haven’t given me a definitive answer, but also haven’t said “no” – so I guess that’s not terrible? (Again), sigh..

 

Well I can say that it’s not looking super hopeful, as we’re now (just about) at the end of September. Realistically, if I don’t have a hard “yes” for you, by next newsletter, we may have to pause the market until next spring. Either way, you (and I) will both know by next newsletter. Thanks again folks, and alternative suggestions are welcomed! 🙂

 

Ok, see you at market, and “happy garlic-ing”! xx

-Nicole

LIST of VENDORS _ Sept 29th, 2022

Farmers, Dairy & Meats:

• Sosnicki Organics
• Reyes Farms
• Plan B Organics
• Greenhouse Eatery
• Aldergrove Farm
• Kooner Farms
• All Sorts Acres
• Kind Organics
• Country Meadows 
• Nature’s Way
• Monforte Dairy 
• Rogers Ranch

 

Prepared Foods:

• La Mexicana
• Tapioca Toronto 
• Tc Tibetan Momos
• Magic Oven
• Earth + City

Bakery, Preserves, & Specialty Items:

• Robinson Bakery 
• Lev Bakery
• Forbes Wild Foods
• ChocoSol
• Green Florin
• Jiggy Popz

 

Cider & Brewery:

• Heartwood Cider 
• Harmon’s non-alcoholic

 

Special Events/Guests:

• Karma Co-op
• Community Fridges

Hi folks, and what a season it’s been so far! Well guess what? This week “someone else” can tell you all about that! That’s right – the newsletter for this week, largely comes to you, written by Ken Whiteley.

Some of you may know Ken, as he is a long time musician of the Dufferin Grove Market – and of course, a dear friend of the community. Well when Ken offered to write this week’s newsletter, my response was “YAHOO!” haha

Ok Ken, “take it away”!

From Ken:

“This coming market marks the Autumnal equinox, the first official day of fall.  We are lucky in Southern Ontario that September is a month that straddles the seasons allowing us to savour the last of the summer harvest while enjoying the bounty of autumn. Winter squashes, root vegetables, apples and pears have joined the tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and greens. Plus there is an often unsung hero available from Plan B – tomatillos!

I’m a big fan of tomatillos. When they are abundant, I freeze as many as I can for winter and spring use. Take the husks off, wash them well, and place them individually in the freezer. Once they are fully frozen, bag them up in freezer bags. 

Of course they are the main ingredient in salsa verde, that delicious side dish from Mexico. Like so many foods, this is extremely flexible and forgiving.  If you like it hot, then add jalapenos, red embers (from Sosnicki Organics), or even habaneros.

If your taste runs milder, use just sweet peppers. Wash your tomatillos and assemble your favourite assortment of peppers. You can add some onion or garlic if you wish, lots of cilantro – (both Kooner and Aldergrove farms still have cilantro.) But don’t forget the salt and lime juice! Put it all in a food processor, and voila – salsa verde. Perfect for snacking with corn chips from La Mexicana, putting on tacos, guacamole, or if you are like me, most savoury dishes.

However their (relatively undiscovered) versatility goes well beyond salsa verde. I always use them when I’m making refried beans or other Mexican style “fillings”.  

Start with avocado or olive oil, mix in (to taste) onion, garlic, dried Mexican peppers (such as ancho, chipotle or Pasilla peppers which are one of my favourites – a little heat but not overpowering), and sweet peppers. Once the onions, etc. have softened on a low heat add to the pepper mixture cumin, other dried spices like smoked paprika, ancho powder, a little coriander, salt, etc.

Have your tomatillos cut up and ready and once the dried spices are covered in oil and heated add the tomatillos. Cook that down until the tomatillos have lost their “individuality” and merged with the whole. Now you add your (already-cooked), pinto or black beans. If you are making a filling with animal protein, add raw chicken, ground turkey or fish instead of beans, have the meat chopped in chunks and add at the same time as the tomatillos.

It doesn’t end there though!

Tomatillos are actually great in lots of South Asian dishes. For example, in making a curried dal of some kind, you traditionally cook the dal in water until the pulses are soft. When they are almost done, ginger and curry spices are cooked at a low temperature in ghee or oil. Then add your chopped up tomatillos, cook it down a bit and add to the dal. I add tomatillos to vegetable soup, to chickpea loaf – basically anywhere you want the juice and bit of acidity that tomato would add, but with what I’d describe as a fresher taste. There is a subtle, almost citrus quality that complements lots of things.

Let’s cherish this special moment, knowing that daylight will be shrinking quickly now, but we still can share in so many wonderful, nourishing foods brought fresh to our Dufferin Grove park by farmers and food preparers.” 

Thanks Ken! xxo

Wow! Is your mouth watering as much as mine? Or perhaps you’re hoping for a dinner invite to Ken’s place sometime soon? Well hey, never hurts to ask! Haha

Ok, now let’s talk about what else is going on at market this coming week!

This Thursday we welcome back Knuckledown Farms. The amazing Jenny Cook will be coming with a fabulous assortment of “garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and maybe some pie pumpkins too!”

surely have a lovely selection of early fall splendour for us to feast on!

Also in vendor news, this week we will only have one baker, Robinson Bakery.  Sadly, Lev Bakery will be away this week – so if you’re looking for delicious breads and other sweet treats, I suggest you get to Patti and crew, sooner, rather than later!

And in non-vendor news, this week (as a reminder), we are also hosting our first-ever baby & children’s clothing swap. Here is the info, once again.

Baby and Children’s Clothing Swap

Thursday, September 22nd, 3-7pm
at the Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers Market
(South end of Dufferin Grove Park)

Bring what your family no longer needs and take what you will use!
Don’t have things to swap? You are still invited!
Bring your clothing and shoes in good condition (and clean) anytime after 2pm.
Don’t forget to bring bags to take things home in.
Lots of wonderful fresh food (including dinner) available for purchase at the market.
Please invite your friends and neighbours!

That’s your organizer, Sarah Brodbar, featured with her little one – a good eater, huh?!. xx

And lastly, a “winter market update”, (sort of. 🙂

So last week dear friends, I had promised to have some info for you, on this possibility. Because surely our Thursday afternoon oasis, of fine food and fine folks, should definitely continue! At last – saying a lot of “f words” doesn’t get me into trouble! Haha

Ok, so to let you know, I have been in conversations with St Anne’s church, where we had our online market, during the height of the pandemic – they’ve told me that (returning there), is a possibility during the (early) winter.

So this would likely be just until the end of the year, (December 31, 2022) – which would mean December 29th for us.

However, (as of Friday afternoon), I was also told that this still needed to be confirmed by the “higher ups” – but that  a final answer should be just days away. Let’s hope!

So again, I thank you for your patience, and of course, I’ll keep you posted.

Thanks everyone, and happy fall!

-Nicole

Wow, what a week it’s been! Lots of September excitement and change. A new school year is upon us for one – and from speaking to our “younger market goers” on Thursday, (after two days in), the school year has been “pretty awesome so far”! 

And speaking of even more change, September (of 2022), also brings new leadership to The Royal Family – and after 70 years! And regardless of how you feel about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, or about the monarchy in general, Canada does now have a new head of state. But yes, perhaps it will be somewhat odd, thinking of a king residing over us.

So what else happens in September? Well aside from beautiful food at your favourite neighbourhood farmers market, there’s also the fall equinox to look forward to. Which this year, is happening on September 22nd, at 9:03pmt  And incidentally, that also happens to be a market day – yippee!

And how about extending a few more yippees to one of our market vendors? In particular, I’m speaking of Andi, of Robinson Bakery, who is now a newlywed! Yes folks, earlier this week, Andi (featured on the left), got married to her partner Kate! And right here in our community – inside the Dufferin Mall! Congrats Andi, and thanks for sharing! xo

However, it should also be said that as we approach mid-September, the countdown begins for the (end of) the outdoor season. Yes, it’s true – sadly, this year our “market in the park”, ends on October 27th. So that’s just seven markets left! Going by fast isn’t it? Sigh.

Well not to worry – a festive end of season celebration is in the works. So please stay tuned. This year also marks 20 years for our happy little market – wow! And to those of you who were there from year one, thanks! And those of you (like myself), who joined in a bit later on, thanks all the same! 

And lastly, (I know it’s been said before), but a big thank you should be extended to Anne Freeman, whom all of this started with! So thanks for everything Anne – we definitely wouldn’t have made it to 20 years without you! 

Now some (or perhaps many) of you, have asked me “well what about the winter”? Great question! To let you know, I of course, want this glorious “good food trend” to continue, just as much as you do! So I promise you, I’m working on it – and in the next newsletter, I promise to have an update for you. Thanks for bearing with me. xo

And now some vendor news:

Urban Harvest is back with us this week! Yes folks, Colette will be rejoin the Dufferin Market starting this week – and will continue bi-weekly, until the end of the season. So for those of you keen to get started on fall planting, now’s your chance! Colette will also have her all-natural skin care products as well. 

Also returning to us this week is Steep Preserves. So Meg and her crew will be back with their amazing teas and such. Don’t miss out, as this is their last visit of the season.

And just a small reminder from Country Meadows – Angelos is only with us for three more markets. And regarding payments, Angelos only takes cash, so please try to have some cash with you on market day.

And good news! Vasile of Green Florin has decided to attend market every week, until the end of season, (instead of just bi-weekly.) So you’ll have lots of opportunity to stock up on your favourite nuts and dried preserves.

And for those of you as devastated as little “Snowy”, (featured here), upon learning at last market, that that was the last chance for peaches from Reyes, stay  tuned! Nacho and crew, promise that delicious peach preserves, and fall apples and pears are on the way!

And thankfully Karim and Jess of Jiggy Popz, are also not quite ready to say goodbye to Reyes peaches just yet. Their new “seazonal special, ”Fuzzy Peachzicle” is sure to please! Get it while you can!

More things to come:

A baby & children’s clothing swap – our first ever at dufferin! Community member and dear friend of the market, Sarah Brodbar, has graciously taken on the task of organizing this feat – so please take part if you can, or just come out and support!

September 22nd also launches the restart of the Pizza oven! For those of you who like to reminisce about the magical “pizza in the park days”, looks like it’s finally happening again. Thanks to community members, (like Jutta Mason), who have been working hard to get that going again. And I’m told that we can look forward to: “pizza making, and also later on people can learn how to roast market produce e.g. tomatoes, peppers, eggplants etc. and then use residual heat for drying tomatoes.” Amazing huh?

And here is some news from St Anne’s about a puppet show!

“Please join us on Saturday, September 24th, at 10:30am, for this 45 minute musical puppet play.  Register for FREE at this Eventbrite link. 

St. Anne’s invites you and your family to “Emotion Commotion“, a new musical puppet play by Kid-Safe Productions that teaches mental health practices for kids of all ages.

Play Description:

“Jordan  is confused and in a tizzy. DJ is feeling all kinds of mad and now has a sore foot to boot. What an EMOTION COMMOTION!  A local garbage rummaging raccoon does their best not to “catch the mad” while a sleepy Owl lends a helpful wing to ease all the commotion. Through the use of songs, stories and games, everyone who experiences this delightful play will discover something great to add to their own emotion commotion toolbox!”

With multiple COVID lockdowns and the social problems that have arisen out of them, getting back to normal can be hard to manage without some helpful tools. And we would love to welcome you, (or welcome you back), to St. Anne’s!”

And finally, thanks for your continued support of the Toonie Treats Table!

One $2 Ticket Per Treat!

Thanks for reading folks, and hope to see you Thursday. xx

-Nicole

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LIST of VENDORS Sept 15th, 2022

Summer may be at its end, but oh boy do we have an exciting fall here at the market, with tons of amazing fruits and veggies coming into season!

 

As many of you have heard, the online store/deliveries is done for the time being; however first and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the market both in-person and online. It very literally could not function without such an amazing base of people and customers like yourself, and I feel blessed to be a part of the Dufferin Grove Market community.

We hope to reopen the online store this winter, but that is provided we have the space and location available, but make sure to check in the newsletters to see what happens with that!

Beautiful Sosnicki Watermelons (Close to the end of their season!)

At long last, back by popular demand is Angelos of Country Meadows! Angelos will have his amazing olives, feta cheese and olive oul. Angelos has also asked me to let customers know to “bring your empty jars for olive oil refills”!

Sadly however, Nith Valley is away this week. Nathan is a little short-staffed, and needs to have this week off.

But thankfully All Sorts Acres is back this week. So you’ll be able to get your fill on Jennifer’s sheep milk dairy, and amazing lamb meats.

Our visiting alcohol vendors this week, are Daughters Cider and Avling Brewery. Don’t miss out – they are each only here once a month!

Avling Brewery’s Rooftop Farm

 

Next week will be the last week for the ever popular San Marzano bushels of tomatoes from Kooner Farms, so if you’re looking to get your sauce on, this is the last chance!

 

Sweet corn is also on its way out, but not to fret, delicious things like pears, melons and squashes are right around the corner!

Kooner San Marzano Tomatoes

And finally, at long last, Repair Cafe is back! So if you have something to pick up, or drop off, now’s your chance! Or if you just wanted to observe the “fix it” expertise of Paul, Fern and the rest of the crew, enjoy!”

Sosnicki’s Stellar Setup

 

Back soon, on September 15 Market Day we welcome back long time vendor Colette of Urban Harvest, and second time vendor Steep and Mellow! We will remind you that week as well, don’t worry!

Indy and helper Tristan, from Kooner Farms

Thank you again to everyone for yet another lovely summer at the market, can’t wait to spend all of fall with y’all too 🙂

 

Izak

Market VENDORS _ September 8th, 2022

Farmers, Dairy & Meats:

• Reyes Farms
• Greenhouse Eatery
• Aldergrove Farm
• Sosnicki Organics
• Kooner Farms
• Nature’s Way
• Plan B Organics
• Country Meadows
• Kind Organics
• All Sorts Acres
• Rogers Ranch
• Bees Universe
• Monforte Dairy 

Prepared Foods:

• La Mexicana
• Tapioca Toronto 
• Magic Oven
• Earth + City

Bakery, Preserves, & Specialty Items:

• Robinson Bakery 
• Lev Bakery
• Hola Alegrias
• ChocoSol
• Bruized
• Forbes Wild Foods
• Green Florin
• Spade & Spoon
• Fresh Pops

Wine, Cider & Brewery:

• Daughters Cider
• Avling Brewery 

Special Events/Guests:

• Repair Cafe
• Community Fridges