Farm markets worthy of a trip: are unable to-skip stalls and stands burstin with localized coloration and summer time flavors

Arrive one and all

BELLINGHAM FARMERS Markets, BE.LLINGHAM, WA

* THE SCENE What began as a smallish, grassroots hard work has blossomed into just one of Washington's major, most beloved markets. Crafts are essentially as in demand right here as the raspberries and blueberries, which arrive by the sweet, juicy carton from farms just 6o miles away in Skagit and Whatcom Counties.

* THE Look for The very last Saturday of every month is Kids Vending Day, when the 25 tables are manned by the 18-and-below set. Even five-yr-olds set up booths hawking all kinds of things from tomatoes grown in their backyards to just-laid eggs to whoopie pies they developed by (you should not stress, squeaky-cleanse) hand. Sat by Dec 17 bellinghamfarmers.org All over the West

Very hot Things

SANTA FE FARMERS Marketplace, SANTA FE

* THE SCENE In the revamped Railyard District, this indoor-outdoor market has develop into a bona fide tourist attraction inside of strolling distance of the evenmore-touristy historic predominant Plaza. Nonetheless locals cherish it for its utter authenticity.

* THE Get Chiles, just about 60 kinds from New Mexico---Enormous Jim, Chimayo--with occasional cooking demos. Satyear-round santafefarmersmarketcom

Subtropical fruit burst

KAPIOLANI Community University FARMERS' Markets, HONOLULU

* THE SCENE As if Hawaii weren't utopian sufficient, a stroll via the KCC sector, at the base of the Diamond Head crater, may make you want to shift to Oahu quickly. Arrive early, like seven:thirty a.m. early, ahead of the mobs.

* THE Pick Extremely hard to decide upon just a single, with so a large amount of when-in Hawaii programs: Kukui's Portuguese sausage just-caught, grilled-to get Kona abalone and swaths of subtropical fruit, among them fresh new, silky litchi, juicy pineapple guavas, and super-sweet sugar pineapples. Sat yr-round hfbf.org

Neighborhood hangout hangout

HILLSDALE FARMERS' Sector, PORTLAND

* THE SCENE Born in 2002 and scaled-down-with less crowds and considerably more parking-than the jam-packed Portland Saturday Industry, Hillsdale is however a kid in industry decades. And just as blissful-go-lucky, which is why we really enjoy it.

* THE Locate In addition to the larger orchards that promote at every single markets in town, Hillsdale qualities more compact producers like Ayers Creek Farm, whose growers arrive bearing extra-sweet cane berries. (Ayers's Chester blackberries are employed to make native Very hot Lips soda.) Pop just one particular blackberry for evidence that all that Northwest rain is fantastic for a thing. Sun as a result of Nov 20, then two Sun/month due to Apr is hillsdalefarmersmarket.com

Perfect grilled cheese on the planet

Position REYES FARMERS Marketplace, Stage REYES STATION, CA

* THE SCENE Exterior Toby's Feed Barn, you'll find it all about straw hats, native gossip, and dwell bluegrass. This very low-vital, all-organic and natural market has only a handful of booths, but in a teeny, rarely-as well-touristy town, it can be a prime illustration of how high quality trumps amount.

* THE Unearth Look for a uncomplicated white banner in back that states G.B.D. That stands for Golden, Brown, Delightful: Osteria Stellina organic and natural bread oozing with Cowgirl Creamery cheese, a fried egg, and a fat, juicy tomato slice if you so pick. Seize a hay bale and relish. Sat thru Nov five level reyesweekend.com

Huckleberry heaven

MISSOULA FARMERS' Current market, MISSOULA, MT

* THE SCENE A blend of ranchers and school kids, families and hippies, sipping espresso from the native Butterfly Herbs cart and taking pleasure in an aged-fashioned feeling of local community.

* THE Come across Huckleberries in superior summer-this is Montana, once all-farmed by Southeast Asian Hmong and sold in unsealed zip-lock bags so these wild, powerful, just-sweet-adequate beauties can breathe. Sat because of Oct 22 missoulafctrrnersm.arket.com

Move above, A&W

Funds City PUBLIC Markets, BOISE

* THE SCENE This open-air market place is crammed with families performing their weekly buying from growers who arrive from all around the state to sell their stuff in the large city.

* THE Come across See these people strolling all-around with mason-jar mugs? Stick to them to the BuckSnort Root Beer booth, where by on tap is a Bellevue, Idaho-brewed tea (yup, root beer in its legitimate, non-huge-fructose-syrup type is seriously a tea) that blends molasses, cane juice, wintergreen, and all-natural roots like licorice and a sassafras extract. Consider, a soda that's in reality reliable for you. Even greater with a scoop of nearby vanilla ice cream. Sat as a result of Dec 77 seeyouatthemarket.com

Meat in the middle of nowhere

JAMES RANCH Marketplace, Around DURANGO, CO

* THE SCENE James Ranch sets up shop at the farmers' markets in Durango and Telluride, but the loved ones-run farm also has a cute, wooden-shingled farmstand of its personal. Push 10 miles north from Durango to the 450 blissful, higher-altitude acres of James Ranch in the Animas Valley, the place herds of Jersey cows, grass-fed beef cattle, and blissful egg-laying hens roam.

* THE Notice The market is stocked with ranch-prepared products and solutions like artisanal cheese, whey-fed pork, petit prime rib, tritip, sirloin, you title it. Grassy lawn and picnic tables correct external. .Mon-Sat into drop jamesranch.net

Cultural adventure

SAN JOAQUIN Licensed FARMERS' Industry, STOCKTON, CA

* THE SCENE Sprawled across a Central Valley mall parking whole lot is a earth with out $five peaches and purchasers driving Porsches. Alternatively, it is really like a refreshing trip overseas, jostling with previous girls who arrived early with pink plastic bags, Asian vendors advertising deliver unrecognizable to a great deal of Western consumers, and chefs who've street-tripped for inspiration.

* THE Get Lotus root, Chinese bitter melon, a zillion kinds of eggplants, and Southeast Asian herbs you may have to sniff. for yourself to feel. Thu via Nov 17 and Sun year-round,. Sjcfarmersmarket.com

Flavor THE WINDOW

THE VEGETABLE Store AT THE CHINO Household FARM, RANCHO SANTA FE, CA

* THE SCENE In addition to the drop-dead attractive make-farmed on 47 acres by the Chinos-you can probable see celeb chefs and meals lovers who've been regulars for a long time, like Alice Waters.

* THE Discover Veggies unlike any you have ever observed or tasted. Red carrots, candy lime mint, tomatoes of any hue, and white corn that could alter your lifestyle. Tue-Sun yr-round E-123 Caizada del Bosque 858/756-3184.

Connected Review: three a whole lot more farm-new tastes of summer time

one. RAINIER CHERRIES-cartons of which you can pull along in a red wagon, yours to borrow at Seattle's Columbia Town Farmers Industry. seattlefarmersmarkets.org

two. KAFFIR LIME AVOCADO POPSICLES by Extra fat Experience, really good on a very hot day at the Davis [California] Farmers Industry. davisfarmersmarket.org

three. GAVIOTA STRAWBERRIES from Harry's Berries at Santa Monica Farmers Sector.farmersmarket. smgov.net

Author: Rachel Levin

'Tis the trend

Just like the Grinch's heart grew and grew When he returned Christmas to Cindy-Lou Who, Processors that market seasonal food Increase holiday spirit and mood.

The idea of seasonal food marketing proliferated in 1962 when Hershey Foods substituted red or green foil for traditional silver on its famous chocolate kisses. A slew of confectioners followed Hershey's example, as did retail bakers. For example, Nabisco USA colors the cream filling in Oreo sandwich cookies orange for Halloween and red or green for Christmas.

This summer, Kellogg Co. expanded its seasonal Rice Krispies cereal line with All American Rice Krispies - a blend of red, blue and natural-colored crisped rice. This patriotic cereal joined last year's Halloween version made with orange and yellow crisped rice. Red and green Ho Ho Holiday debuted in 1994.

As with most trends, the dairy industry is slow to catch on. But fortunately, thanks to suppliers of both ingredients and packaging, aggressive dairy processors are expanding past eggnog and offering seasonal dairy foods that have Elsie singing Fa La La La La!

Rotating flavors

"Seasonal flavors are key to the success of Melody Farms' ice cream program," says Stephen George, v.p. of product development for the Livonia, Mich.-based dairy processor.

Like other ice cream manufacturers, Melody Farms Inc. has a standard list of ice cream offerings, with two rotating monthly flavors. "Retailers and consumers look forward to the new flavors each month," George says. "When the flavor runs out, if it was a success, consumers can expect to see it next year."

A few autumns ago, Melody Farms introduced Caramel Apple Dapple (lightly flavored apple ice cream with spicy apple chunks and caramel fudge syrup) and Pumpkin Pie a la Mode (vanilla ice cream with swirls of pumpkin pie filling and graham cracker crunchies). This year, the company redesigned the package graphics to be more festive and eye-catching for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

After these two flavors saturate the freezer, Melody Farms will roll in last year's successful Winter Wonder (red and green mint flakes in white chocolate ice cream) and Santa's Cookies & Milk (crisp chocolate chip cookies and chocolate butter fudge swirled in vanilla ice cream).

Turkey Hill Dairy, Conestoga, Pa., has a similar rotating feature flavor program for ice cream and frozen yogurt. "Through our offering of a limited supply of holiday-flavored ice cream, Turkey Hill obtains incremental sales at a time of year that ice cream sales are typically slow," says Marketing Manager Lisa Hutchinson.

This Thanksgiving season, Turkey Hill introduces Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Frozen Yogurt, joining last year's Whoopie Pie ice cream. Both are packaged in reusable half-gallon plastic tubs with a panoramic design of "what it's like to be in Lancaster County during pumpkin harvesting. The package invites consumers into our home, and leaves them with a keepsake," says Hutchinson.

Cleveland-based Pierre's French Ice Cream Co. produces an annual limited run of Pumpkin Pie, Cinnamon, Egg Nog, Rum Raisin and Nutcracker Sweet ice cream. "They are usually available from late October through January," says Eileen Garner, marketing mgr. "Due to the popularity of Peppermint Stick, it has become a year round flavor."

David Bush, g.m., Anderson Erickson Dairy Co., Des Moines, Iowa, says "We've always offered Christmas ice cream flavors like Peppermint Stick and Egg Nog, but this year we wanted something to differentiate ourselves from the competition."

Unlike other holiday ice cream flavors in which suppliers sell processors an entire concept (formula, package design and sometimes even promotional material), Anderson Erickson's new Mint Cherry Chocolate premium ice cream was developed in-house. "It's white mint ice cream with red and green mint cherry halves and red and green mint chocolate flakes," says Bush. "The tough part was finding cherries that did not bleed. Our suppliers helped us identify such a variety."

Early this summer, the company switched from half-gallon cardboard cartons to rounds. "The new package design gives us more room to dress it up for Christmas," says Bush. Holiday flavors are line-priced and range from $3.69-3.99. The company plans to aggressively sample Mint Cherry Chocolate in area markets.

The autumn cranberry, though not as popular as pumpkin or apple due to its tartness, is becoming more popular in dairy foods. For some manufacturers such as Herschleb Ice Cream Co., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Orange-Cranberry Sherbet and Cranberry Supreme Ice Cream are a year round business (since 1950 and 1980, respectively.) For Los Angeles-based Jerseymaid Ice Cream, Cranberry Apple Splash Nonfat Frozen Yogurt and Cranberry Sherbet are new for 1996. The company plans a November introduction and is anxiously awaiting consumer feedback.

Novel opportunity

The frozen novelty category has typically been the trendiest segment of the frozen dessert category. With more new products annually introduced than a retailer can possibly stock, holiday novelties offer a limited edition advantage.

According to a 1995 study conducted by Dairy Foods magazine, 68% of 822 consumers surveyed think of novelties as a warm-weather treat. Two-thirds of respondents tend to buy less product in the fall and winter than the spring and summer.

In order to raise category awareness during this "off season," Integrated Brands Inc., Ronkonkoma, N.Y., manufactures and markets a four-product line of holiday frozen novelties. Two of these novelties are cookie sandwiches: Chilly Bears and Gingerbread Men. Frosty Snowmen and Jolly Santas, the other two novelties, are molded and seasonally colored.

"Ice cream novelty sales decrease in winter time," says Vice President Gary Haber. "Christmas-themed products add excitement during the holidays. They also add value at the time of year when the ice cream freezer looks rather boring."

Foodservice directors understand boring, and are usually willing to try anything healthful to add excitement to a meal. This year, the foodservice division of Perry's Ice Cream Co., Akron, N.Y., introduced a line of holiday ice cream cups to the company's institutional customers. Brightly colored in keeping with the holidays they celebrate, cups are available for Halloween, Christmas and St. Patrick's Day.

"Foodservice directors at adult care homes, hospitals and schools are eager to serve these ice cream products as a way to add interest and excitement to the daily menu at holiday time," says Sue Faulkner, Perry's foodservice coordinator.

Tracy Masse, marketing promotions supervisor adds, "The Perry's product development team has had a fun time dreaming up these new flavors and the production team has enjoyed making them.

"The holiday line has been so successful that we plan to continue development in this area and look forward to a possible Cupid cup in 1997," Masse says.

Wilbraham, Mass.-based Friendly Ice Cream Corp. also recognizes that holiday products add excitement to the dining experience. Once a year, the company does a production run of what many families deem a holiday staple: the Jubilee Roll (premium ice cream, fudge topping, chopped almonds and candy chips). This family favorite is available in all Friendly's Restaurants as well as retail outlets beginning in late September and continuing through the holidays.

Nostalgic eggnog

Very seasonal, and very dairy, eggnog has not been able to attract year-round consumption. However, this October, Borden/Meadow Gold Dairies Inc., Ogden, Utah, decided to increase eggnog availability by offering quarts of the product in black paperboard cartons covered with jack-o-lanterns and colorful, falling leaves.

"Halloween eggnog is our attempt to attract consumers earlier in the eggnog season," says Scott Pevey, dir. of marketing.

Chelsea, Mass.-based H.P. Hood Inc. believes it has an eggnog that meets every eggnog consumer's needs. Hood offers seven varieties of eggnog: superpremium, standard, light, nonfat, and three flavored non-fat holiday nogs. The flavored nogs - Chocolate Irish Cream, Amaretto and Cinnamon Hazelnut, introduced last year in half-gallons - will be offered in quarts this year. "Quarts encourage trial," says Hood spokesperson Peter Minasian. "The smaller size maximizes its potential during the holiday season.

Author: Donna Gorski

5 quality retro bakeries

LOS ANGELES

SusieCakes This Brent-wood bakery has all your childhood favorites covered: whoopie pies, lemon squares, icebox pie, frosted animal cookies, and banana pudding with vanilla wafers. Closed Sun 11708 San Vicente Blvd. 310/442-2253.

OAKLAND

Bakesale Betty Proprietor Alison Barakat's shop characteristics nostalgic treats like sticky date pudding and small chocolate-covered sponge cakes termed Lamingtons. Closed Sun- Mon 5098 Tele-graph Ave. 510/985-1213.

PORTLAND

Saint Cupcake All American sweets, from red velvet cupcakes to oatmeal scotchies. Cookies formed like rocket ships or squirrels by extraordinary order. Closed Mon 407 N.W. 17th Ave. and 3300 S.E. Belmont Ave. 503/235-0078.

SAN FRANCISCO

Miette Confiserie This new sister retail store to the favored Ferry Structure cake shop sells Miette's trademark cupcakes, along with a slew of classic candies like Squirrel Nut Zippers and large pulled sugar lollipops. 449 Octavia Blvd. 415/626-6221.

SEATTLE

Trophy Cupcakes and Celebration It is not just the cupcakes--like PB&J or snickerdoodle--that have traditional appeal. Proprietor Jennifer Shea also sells classic bash materials (like 1940s hats and cake toppers). 1815 N. 45th St., Ste. 209 206/632-7020.

Makin' whoopie

The whoopie pie is definitely a regional treat, as pockets of the country from New England to Ohio are well aware of the black-and-white snack. The rest of the country, however, is only now starting to discover this cake-like cookie.

Specialty shops and high-end grocers, having recently made room for cupcakes, are starting to stock the treats. Even Williams-Sonoma has made room for the whoopie pie in its February catalog, though the name has been altered to "sweetie pies." At $49 a dozen, the heart-shaped pies are baked in Maine with butter and organic eggs. However, traditional round forms can be found in Trader Joe's and Whole Foods in Manhattan and as far away as Evanston, Ill. While such may be the traditional form, the New York Times finds dozens of variations on the shape, flavors and fillings, beyond the classic two round mounds of chocolate cake (about three inches across) with a filling of French vanilla cream.

In fact, the processed food industry already has several examples of the treat: Oreo Cakesters, Suzy Q from Hostess and a number of Little Debbie snacks.

Author: William A. Roberts, Jr.

Building blue whoopie

> The new/aged tradition of whoopie pie was a treat for the senses at IFT. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council supplied tasty samples of the subsequent great bakery trend. The pies are smallish, transportable, exclusive-sized and whimsical. Doing one particular with blueberries is sure to make people today smile. U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, www.blueberrycouncil.org

Confection & Dessert Trends Create New Sweetscapes for American Consumers

America's sweet tooth has become more sophisticated and demanding as consumers seek comfort and delight in today's confections and desserts. This love of sweets is steering consumers toward an exciting new sweetscape where flavor complexity, artisanship and nostalgia mingle to create increasingly grown-up, yet still satisfying, treats, according to Confections and Dessert: Culinary Trend Mapping Report from the Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and Packaged Facts.

"It's time for marketers to notice that consumers are demanding sweets that are as trend-forward, satisfying and as adventurous as the savory foods they love. Butterscotch Toffee Whoopie Pies are more exciting than plain chocolate and vanilla ones," says CCD CEO Kimberly Egan.

New sweet drivers. Four overarching consumer trends are driving innovative shifts in the sweets market:

The New American Sweetscape . New and updated confections and desserts create a new sweet vista for consumers. Olive Oil Desserts show off Mediterranean ingredients in more health-friendly forms while offering intriguing new savory-sweet flavors. Parisian Macarons , pastel-colored ground almond meringue sandwich cookies, bring classic French sophistication to the modern American pastry counter. Japanese Sweets transport savvy candy lovers to new frontiers of exotic flavor and texture while American-crafted Micro-batch Chocolate epitomizes the new range of artisan foods that also exhibit a taste of place.

Familiar Favorites Get a Remodel . Americans grew up on salty-sweet Cracker Jack but are ready for something more 21st century. In updated Salty Sweets , bacon, sea salt and savory herbs raise familiar sweets to new adventurous and satisfying heights. Americans from the Northeast no doubt grew up on the stalwart chocolate cake and vanilla cream Whoopie Pie ; today, the homey snack appears coast to coast in alluring flavors and colors giving cupcakes some competition. The familiar warm, brown flavor of Caramel has gone glam in the form of homemade butterscotch used in puddings and sauces, Latin-inspired dulce de leche and a candy-box-full of retro confections, like honeycomb, toffee and brittle, that appear as candy bar and ice cream inclusions, dessert garnish and artisan sweets at farmers markets and boutique candy shops.

The report highlights strategic opportunities for both manufacturers and restaurant operators in this exciting new sweet landscape.

For more information on Confections and Dessert: Culinary Trend Mapping Report , please visit http://www.packagedfacts.com/redirect.asp?progid=77496&productid=2108836

The Culinary Trend Mapping Report is co-published by the Center for Culinary Development and Packaged Facts. Individual issues and annual subscriptions are available at www.packagedfacts.com/landing/culinarytrends.asp .

About the Center for Culinary Development - CCD is a full-service food and beverage strategic innovation company that successfully blends culinary creativity with consumer insights, trends and marketing expertise. Visit www.ccdsf.com , or contact Kara Nielsen at (415) 693-8900 x110, kara@ccdsf.com .

About Packaged Facts - Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer market topics, including consumer goods and retailing, foods and beverages, demographics, pet products and services, and financial products. Packaged Facts also offers a full range of custom research services. To learn more, visit: www.packagedfacts.com . Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Contact: Jenn Tekin Packagedfacts.com (240) 747-3015 jtekin@packagedfacts.com

TartBakeryDallas.com Launches Nationwide Over the internet Ordering of Desserts

Minimal Time Marketing of 15% Off All By going online Orders Which includes Cookies, Cakes and Dessert Presents

DALLAS -- Tart Bakery at this time introduced the kick off of a new website website with nationwide by going online ordering. TartBakeryDallas.com options designed-from-scratch cookies, whoopie pies, cake balls, French Macaroons, pastries and other desserts and presents for nationwide ordering and shipping.

“We are thrilled that consumers across the U.S. can now savor our Whoopie pies, cupcakes, cookies and other desserts and mail them to family and mates,” says Owner and Executive Pastry Chef Kristen Massad. “We are grateful for the success we’ve professional in the Dallas spot for the earlier five decades and are on the lookout ahead to expanding our get to nationwide.”

The addition of on the internet ordering accompanies a re-layout of the bakery’s Online web page such as the kick off of a new site that elements photos, a cake of the week and seasonal specials. The web-based procuring web page has a user-friendly layout with colour images and specific descriptions.

In celebration of the kick off of using the web ordering, Tart is providing 15% off all orders placed over the internet. The promotion is on the market for the months of June and July, 2010 working with the code grandopening at checkout.

New In-Save Menu

To round out its variety, Tart not long ago extra appetizers to its menu. Tart’s appetizers include things like budget friendly bite-size quiches, crostini, tea sandwiches, dips and spreads, every from $two.fifty to $4.fifty per individual. The bakery also introduced hors d’oeuvres for $four.fifty per individual, together with:

Pricing is based mostly on two items for each human being for all appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Tart’s new appetizer menu also comprises new fruit and vegetable trays.

“Customers have been requesting finger meals and appetizers to accompany their desserts for events and reward giving. Our new menu capabilities my preferred made-from-scratch social gathering food items,” reported Massad.

Tart has acquired a significant adhering to in Dallas for offering exceptional desserts this kind of as whoopie pies and authentic French macaroons alongside favorites like cupcakes, petit fours and cookies. Tart specializes in building desserts and appetizers that are both equally delectable and dazzling. The availability of online ordering will make it very easy to send scrumptious, made-from-scratch desserts as gifts to family members and pals.

In addition to the products out there for purchase in save and using the net, Tart Bakery gives a huge collection of gourmet desserts, birthday cakes, wedding cakes and appetizers for custom order. Tart also has original gifts and presents consulting services for setting up weddings, functions and company events.

Executive Pastry Chef Kristen Massad opened Tart Bakery in Dallas in 2004, just after honing her capabilities at the French Culinary Institute in New York. The award-winning bakery combines Massad’s advanced skills and wish to make the freshest-tasting desserts with fashion. Tart is identified for its done-from-scratch desserts like Whoopie Pies, cupcakes, cookies, cake balls, tartlets, cake, brownies and a bit more. Tart also serves gluten-zero cost and vegan desserts. For much more information and facts or to position an purchase go to TartBakeryDallas.com. Observe Tart on Twitter or join its lover page on Facebook.