Great Goodness in The Garden!

Happy Spring Garden Fans!

 

I have been reading, over the course of several months (I don't seem to have much time to read) a book called "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan.  It's an interesting read descibing the different thoughts on what caused our Western Diet and the subsequent unhealthy consequences that developed over the last 75 years. What it boils down to, at this point, is the symbiotic relationship between healthy soils providing healthy nutrients to make healthy plants, to feed healthy animals to feed us and keep us healthy...the ultimate food chain.  Throw into the mix, locally grown foods keep our economy healthy, too. Tthis book was given to me as a present last fall by a great customer who said the book fits well with our mission at The Garden of Eatin'!  Bravo!

 

Since opening the store, I too have been eating healthier.  When I do delve into a fast food meal (once in a great moon) I can taste and feel the texture of the not so healthy components.  It reminds me of people who come to visit me from Connecticut and either they can't sleep because its so quiet or when I go there I can't sleep becuase of the drone of the city keeps me awake.  I think living is Maine is much better and eating local is much better as well! 

 

Because we make nearly every consumable item (besides the few pre packaged items) you can bet that their are only real ingredients in them.  Jen, is our life blood of the kitchen with her passion for food.  Over the last month or two, becuase I was leaving my everyday position at the store to farm for a few months we had spread out the responsibilities and ultimately upset our impeccable course of consistency in our foods, for which I am sorry.  BUT, from yesterday forward, Jennifer is back in the saddle and is making every item herself.  

 

I am so glad that spring is here.  Soon we will have local asparagus, fiddleheads, rhubarb and lettuce mix.  What can be better than that!

 

We finally got in the Smith family Farm yogurt y'all have been begging for! And we have more of the 4, 7 and 12 grain porridges!  I have really come to enjoy those porridges, what a difference compared to boring old oatmeal. Nevermind its made from Maine grown ingredients.  Put a little Maine maple syrup on it and you are off and running!  Also, new this week is Abbott's Gold Cheddar with carmelized onion cheese and (not new, but awesome)  Cashel Bleu.  I never got to try any when it came in last week.  It was gone with in hours.

 

Have you tried our new Daily Breads?  Again, a great maine made item with natural Maine grown ingredients.  

 

So, to let you know, tomorrow is Fresh Fish Friday!

 

And, as always, we look forward to seeing you in The Garden!  

 

Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

A little more from The Garden

Hello Garden Friends,

 

I am sorry to send three emails in three days, but I just can't help myself.  It's not that I have a lot of time on my hands, by any means, but it is just that things just keep happening that I think you should know about it....NOW. 

 

I was excited when I got a call from the store and was told that the new distributor for Fox Family Farms Potato Chips was there and not only were we getting replenished (it was aobut time, their salesman quit weeks ago) and that they also just started carrying Mrs. Dunstan's Donuts!  They are about the best bagged donuts I have had and was so happy to accept to the store.  Customer, Gerry Skinner, had brought in several empty bags when we first opened up and had asked if we would someday carry these.  I was glad to show her, this afternoon, that we found her her donuts!  They are just like homemade!

 

If there are any left, tomorrow around 11:00, I'll give out samples, since it's Sample Day Saturday.  We will have samples of many of our treats including Jen's delectable deserts!  In the center ring will be Jyang-Lee Kitchen's chinese cooking demonstrations and samples of their delicious foods, sold in the freezer.  We will run the Sample Day Saturday event from 11:00 to when ever we run out, but probably around 2:00pm.  

 

Enjoy the great weather this weekend and come on down The Garden of Eatin! 

--
Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

 

PS.  Appologies for the missed weekly dinner specials....since leaving to work the farm I passed on the ordering responsibliliteis and the two most important dates (Baked Chicken Wednesday and Fresh Fish Frisday) but, hey it's Sample Day Saturday and we got the goods! 

Greetings Garden Affeccionados!

 

Just a reminder that tomorrow, yes Thursday, evening we are beginning our delivery service to a three mile radius for sales of $10 or more from 4pm - 7pm.  Then every Thursday, Friday and Saturday lunch times (11 - 1pm) and dinner time (4pm - 7pm).  We will expand hours as we grow into our new enterprise.  My biggest fear is that we will get absolutley swamped and not be able to keep up, but we're always up for a challenge!  We have two individuals who will work the streets those days. 

 

The most fun things I can think of for anyone to get involved with is our Sample Day Saturday, this Saturday from 11 - ?.  Angela from Jyang-Lee Kitchens will be giving samples and cooking demonstrations of her authentic oriental foods.  This is awesome as her REAL homemade chinese food is the real enchalada, or in this case, the REAL eggroll.  Her foods taste better than any chinese restaurant I've been to in Maine!  If you haven't tried Jyang-Lee's products I strongly urge you to come down on Saturday.  We will also have Gryffon Ridge Spice Compnay here with their amazing spices of the world and food samples.

 

Also, please don't forget about our Garden Cards.  You pay $90 and get $100 worth of $10 vouchers to be redeemed for any purchase in increments of $10.  If you spend fourteen dollars, you trade in one card (a savings of 10% on that portion) and four bucks.  It helps you, it helps us.

 

And have you tried our new Daily Bread yet?  It's the real deal.  Healthy, Maine made and delicious!

 

We have alot of great things coming up, but I won't keep you now....I'll keep you informed as things progress. 

 

Thanks again for you patronage to the Garden of Eatin'!

--
Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

A L L R I S E!

Daily Bread is now in the house!  We've got samples at the register and I must say it is as close to our own homemade white, wheat and anadama bread as we can get!  And its sliced!

 

You may be seated. 

(See ya in The Garden!)

Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

Hummus

Hummus is an excellent medium for subtle flavors. This version showcases Ras el Hanout but you may substitute the spices of your choice.

Ingredients

• 2 Cans Garbanzo Beans/Chick Peas (15 oz.)
• 3 Tbsp. Tahini (Sesame Paste)
• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 1 Tsp. Ras el Hanout (spice blend available at The Garden of Eatin')
• 1 Large Garlic Clove ~ Minced
• 1/2 Lemon ~ Juice and Zest Only
• 1/4 Tsp. Smoked Sea Salt
• 1/4 Tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Water

Rinse Garbanzo beans in colander under cold water removing any of the “skins” that
come off. Drain and place in food processor or blender. Add the Tahini, Garlic, Olive
Oil, and Lemon Juice and Zest. Pulse until mixture starts to bind together. Add Ras el Hanout, Salt, and Pepper. With processor running, add water in a thin stream until mixture appears creamy. You can see this happen. Stop processor and use a spatula to scrape down the sides and ensure that all ingredients are well mixed. Run processor for about 1 minute to complete blending. Place in serving bowl, cover, and let rest for at least 2 hours for flavors to develop. Allow to reach room temperature before serving. Prior to serving, pour thin drizzle of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil over the Hummus. Serve with pita bread. Properly made Hummus should cling to a spoon and slowly slide off at room temperature. It should not need to spread.

It's Fresh Fish Friday!

Just a reminder, today is FRESH FISH FRIDAY!  We have scalllops, cusk and haddock today.  Plus, our ever-so-famous seafood chowder will be ready for lunch. 

 

I was just in the store and it looks as good as ever.  Jen made another of her delectable extreme choclate cake and had some pies in the oven. 

 

Our egg man is in need of empty egg cartons and of course we are always in need of paper bags.  Soooo, if you have any, bring 'em in!

 

That's about it for today....as always we look forward to seeing you in The Garden!

 

--
Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

It's "T" Day

Hello Garden Folks!

 

Today is "T" day!  That's tax day for most of us but for all of us at and associated with THe Garden of Eaitn, it's our first annual High Tea day with true brittish high tea foods including smoked salmon sandwiches and cucumber snadwiches and lots of other yummy brittish foods! 

 

This past weekend I was at the Manchester Home & Garden Show representing Bonnie Plants (the folks I grow for) at the Home Depot booth.  This coming Sunday, April 19th, is Earth Day and The Home Depot is featuring a buy one get one free on Bonnie Plants 4" and 5" vegetable and herb plants in biodegradable peat pots.  (I'm getting off subjuect) At anyrate, while at the show on Saturday I discovered a great bread company from Levant, Maine.  The man I met said that he had several people contact him telling him about The Garden of Eatin and how his products would fit just right into our scene. As it turns out they are very particular about who carries their products.  SO, next Tuesday the 21st we will have White, Wheat and Anadama bread from Daily Breads, in stock!  They make their bread from as much locally grown and organic ingredients as possible.  I can't wait for you to try thier bread! 

 

April 21st is also when we start our lunchtime and dinner time delivery service!  It only gets better, he?

 

So, come on down through out the day today and celebrate "T" day, eat great brittish food and enjoy the wonderful weather!

  
--
Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

Kheema ~ Fried Ground Beef

Mainly served as an evening meal, Kheema may also be used as a sandwich filling.

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes – 1/4 inch cubes
• 3 medium onions – Thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic - Crushed
• 2 cups peas
• 2 fresh tomatoes – Chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bunch coriander/cilantro – Roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon Bezar (spice blend available at The Garden of Eatin')
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Sauté onion in oil until dark gold. Add meat and brown. Add all spices and fry for a further two minutes, stirring continuously. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic and stir-well. Add water and potatoes, turn heat to low and cover. Stir occasionally. Cook until all water is absorbed and the mixture is quite dry. Add peas and chopped coriander. Simmer until potatoes are cooked. Squeeze lemon juice over before serving. Serve with Chapati or other pan cooked breads.

Good Food in OUR neighborhood!

Happy Easter Weekend, my firends! 

 

What glorious weather we are having, perfect for Easter.   

 

Since I have been busy on the farm and don't get into the store for any long period of time, lately, I was floored this morngin to see how much product we have in house!  Jen and "the girls" have been crazy busy creating some decadent desserts such as New York style cherry cheese cake, NY Style chocolate cheese cake with genochi, raspberry cream pies, chocolate cream pies, apple pie, fruit pies, ginger cake with orange cream cheese frosting, chocolate fudge cake with extreme chocolate frosting, croissants, chocolate pecan bars (my favorite - this week!).  We have the largest assortment of fruits and veggies we have had since thanksgiving, such as macintosh apples, red delicious apples, oranges, pink grapefruit, bananas, limes, lemons, asparagus, jalapenos, red peppers, green peppers, tomatoes, plum tomatoes, garlic, shallots, red, gold and russet potatoes, yello summer squash, zuccini, red grapes, green grapes, carrots, parsnips, broccoli, spinach, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, red cabbage, yellow onions, red onions, celery, white mushrooms, sugar snap peas, diced butternut squash, pickled beets, beet relish, mustard pickles and more.  

 

Cheeses...cotswold, mild cheddar, brie, cabots extra sharp cheddar, smoked gouda.  Meats...chicken, duck, beef, apricot stuffed pork loin roasts, bacon, sausage...We are loaded!

 

We are also open all day on Easter...till 8:00pm.  So, if you are getting hungry in the evening after your big get together, order a pizza to finish off the day!

 

Oh, yeah...and one more thing...it's Fresh Fish Friday!  We have our award winning seafood chowder, plus we have fresh haddock and scallops available in the cooler! 

 

Bon Apetite!
--
Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

No sappy subject line this week, just good food and stuff to do!

Greetings Garden Fans!

 

Tomorrow is BAKED CHICKEN WEDNESDAY!  Complete with candied yams and the Free Bird hormone free and free range chickens!  What a great meal for these cold and damp evenings of April!

 

Next Wednesday is APRIL 15, TAX DAY, and we are celebrating it with a tea party all day.  It'll be a true Brittish HIgh Tea hosted by our own Britt;  Jennifer Bleau.  Traditionally a high tea consists of cucumber sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and smoked salmon sandwiches.  All will be available here!  We have have a variety of Baxter Tea's and others for your enjoyment for just $1.00 a cup. 

 

Then starting Tuesday April 21st we are launching our very own delivery service!  The only one of it's kind in our area!  WOW!  Every Tuesday through Friday lunchtime from 11:00am to 1:00pm and then Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings from 4:00pm to 7:30pm!  For a nominal $2.00 charge per delivery plus tip.  You can't beat that with a stick!  This is good for any item we sell and for orders of $10.00 or more. 

 

Man, this place gets better and better, eh?

 

And finally, Saturday April 25th is Sample Day Saturday.   

 

Have a great week and as always...We look forward to seeing you in The Garden! 

--
Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

They are here!

Hiya Garden Fans!

 

The much awaited Garden Cards are here!  Buy a sheet of 10 cards worth $100 for $90 and use one or all of the cards as you wish.  Buy them as often as you want.  Your purchase of these cards will allow us to add the items so many of ourcustomers have asked for, including beer and wine.  This is our version of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) but in our case its a CSS Community Supported Store).

 

We have lots of things planned for the coming weeks.  I can't wait to tell you all about them....but for now Ihope that you will use our Garden Cards to save on your fresh food needs and to help us help you!

 

--
Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881

Chicken in the pan!

HIya Garden Fans,

 

Today is Baked Chicken Wednesday!  They will be out of the over around 4!  Mmmm.  What a great day for chicken!

 

Starting within a day or so we will have our $100.00 coupons for $90.00 available.  You can call this a CSS rather than a CSA. (Community Supported Store vs. Community Supported Agriculture) You are an intricate part to our success and I really appreciate it!. As I had mentioned in an earlier email, with our program you not only know where your food comes from but you can gt it right away and at a savings! 

 

Don't forget your Garden Bucks!  If you have collected twenty, come on in an pick up a roast of your choice!  Want to wait for Easter?  Place your order and we'll have one for you then!  Speaking of Easter, if you have any special requests, let us know!

 

All this spring preparation has kept me exceptionally busy with my greenhouse business and the store.  The Garden of Eatin' is sponsoring a Giant Pumpkin Contest to be held during the Richmond Halloween Festival in October.  Our own Erika Hoxie is planning our involement in the Festival.  For you giant pumkin and novelty gourd enthusiasts, we will have your plants and growing supplies available once the ground and weather are ready to produce you the biggest pumpkin ever seen on our portion of the Kennebeck!  We will also have a presentation given by the Maine giant pumkin growers association to help you grow the best fruits!

(This is so exciting!)

 

We are also taking donations for the new street light hanging baskets that I am growing for our beautiful new front street light poles.  Man, Front Street will be a happening place this year, it will look a little like downtown Disney!

 

Well, that;s all the happenings for this Wednesday April 1.  Sorry, no April Fools jokes here.  Just darned good foor and community spirit!

 

See ya at The Garden!

--
Jim Peterson
The Garden of Eatin'
324 Front Street Richmond, ME 04357
http://www.TheGardenOfEatin.me
Ph: 207-737-8880
Fx: 207-737-8881