Local Info to Get You Growing

More Americans are growing their own food – the numbers have been rising and were bumped up with the pandemic last spring, and the trend is here to stay!

Let’s take a tour of the places and faces of our local gardening scene!

Minnesota Garden Organizations

We’re so lucky our state values agriculture in all it’s forms!

The Minnesota State Horticultural Society has a long history of being at the forefront of helping northern gardeners thrive! Their resources include classes, Magazine The Northern Gardener, blogs, Seed collecting and distribution and bringing ‘Garden in a Box’ kits to communities across the state.

Part of the University of Minnesota extension services, the Master Gardener program educates volunteers. These volunteers educate residents in proven, eco-friendly gardening techniques to improve our environment. The Master Gardeners also accept questions via email via the “Ask a Master Gardener” link on the site. This site goes from soil sampling and seed sowing, to preserving the harvest.

The U of MN BEE LAB is another amazing resource for gardeners looking to work with nature and her ultimate pollinating machines. Resources on plant options, City Beekeeping rules and native pollinator trends abound.

Wild Ones is all about Native Plants + Natural Landscapes. They teach people about the importance of native plants, for the health of the environment and everything living in it. Our goal is to get more native plants in the ground in all landscapes — homes, businesses, schools, and more. They have a few different MN chapters so be sure to find the best fit for your area!

Local Plant Sales for 2023

These plant sales will start your garden off right! Good for your garden, the pollinators, your harvests and the community. Plants grown for these sales are never treated with Neonicotinoid pesticides, are non-GMO, locally raised by experts- and the sales directly benefit some great gardening programs.

Friends School Plant Sale
May 12th-14th, at the State Fair Grounds

With 1,000’s of plant varieties this may be the largest single plant sale in the U.S. It is a fundraising event for the Friends School of Minnesota, a small Quaker K-8 school in St. Paul. Plants are grown as naturally as possible, 80% from local growers.

Ramsey County Master Gardeners Plant Sale
May 20th, 2022 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.​

Church of the Holy Childhood
1435 Midway Pkwy, St Paul

Over 300 varieties of plants grown by local master gardeners. The proceeds from this sale benefit the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener programs in Ramsey County. 

Garden Clubs

Garden Clubs are a great way to get involved with your group of local gardeners. Most hold monthly meetings with speakers during the off season (Sept-April) with plant sales, community garden and other causes they support. Many towns and counties have their own clubs, here are a few I know and love.

Wild Ones

Mahtomedi Garden Club

Dakota County Garden Club

Northfield Garden Club

Community Gardens

Our town boasts some fabulous community gardens. I’ve got an article about community gardens and why they matter. These are places where all levels of gardeners grow together. Some of these have classes, and ‘in service’ times when a more experienced gardener will be on site.

Seed Libraries

A seed library is just what it sounds like, a place where you can “check out” a packet of seeds to grow, enjoy the fruits or flowers of your labor. Then, bring back enough seeds to replenish and hopefully increase the seed stock for the next season, for FREE! More info in the article Seed Saving Starts Now !

Our very own White Bear Lake Public Library houses the volunteer run WBL Seed Library. Join their email list at the website above to stay in the know about packing and class events

The Minnesota Horticultural Society runs the MN SEED project and the pop up Como Community Seed Library are also great resources for local seed.

Many Paths to Eating Local

If you love fresh and local food but not gardening, you can support our local farmers by signing up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and I have a blog post all about some great local CSA options in the CSA’s So Many Ways Blog Post. Or if you’re like me and grow a lot, but not everything your family eats, try shopping our very own White Bear Lake Farmers Markets, starting up the last Friday in June. I have some Farmers Market Shopping Tips for you too. If you’d like to check out more on some specific farmers, dig into my Farmers page, which links to interviews with local small farms.

For more “How To” info, you can always check out the Forks in the Dirt Blog, or Instagram feed where I sift through lots of local food info and have full blog posts on CSA’s, gardening tips, upcoming garden events and recipes for using your harvest.

Whichever way you choose to eat locally, I hope you Dig Your Food!
Michelle

The post Home Grown Garden Resources appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

This bill would make grant money available to stakeholders in all stages of the food system. It has the potential to make the local food system flow more naturally from local farmer to local school kids. The $2 million in grant money would be available to different cogs within the local food chain.

Sign The Farm To School Petition HERE

Farmers would be able to apply for technical assistance to help them cut through some of the red tape in selling to schools (there is a LOT). Schools would be able to apply for reimbursement in working with purchasing from individual farms, transportation and packaging costs. There’s even a portion that would be available for school gardens and agricultural education related to local foods.

From the Ground Up

 “This seems like a great opportunity to connect local food supplies with kids in our community. Programs like this do our kids a great service in understanding the food supply chain and how we access those resources,” says principal John Leininger. Leininger is at Matoska International Elementary School in White Bear Lake, which has started a small gardening program on site.

“This bill could be really helpful for schools to implement or increase their farm to school offerings, with school credited recipes and other pre-done marketing templates without having to reinvent the wheel with our already limited resources,” said Bridget Lehn, MBA, RD, Nutrition Services Coordinator for White Bear Lake Area Schools, referring to the state level “Farm to School Coordinator” position that is part of the bill.

Local Food Hub, The Good Acre, which works directly with local farmers says, “We 100% support it!” and for good reason. They’ve seen first-hand how farmers working with similar programs have grown and flourished.

Local Food Impact

School lunches reach more kids than any restaurant or monthly supplemental programs can. There is a social aspect as well; kids that see other kids eating fresh fruits and veggies at the lunch table next to them are more likely to try the same things. It should be noted that the funds they are proposing would be for local produce as well as meat and dairy products. 

According to the National Farm to School Network, every dollar invested in farm to school programs generates $2.16 to the local economy. Kids get more nutritious foods, farmers can make ends meet, and a few more

“This bill is good for local farmers. It’s good for our children, and it’s good for local economies too,” said Rep. Todd Lippert, DFL-Northfield, who sponsored the bill along with Sen. Michael Goggin, R-Red Wing.

Your Voice Matters

A similar bill made it through the house and senate committees in 2017, but ultimately wasn’t included in a final spending bill. So, if you think the health of our kids and our local economy is worthwhile, let your representatives know that you support this bill by calling or emailing them today!

Find your representative by clicking HERE.

thank you

Here’s the MPR Story Link, and the Winona Daily News coverage for further information.

I usually focus on what we can do individually to impact our Food System. But, when we have a chance to do something collectively to help our kids AND local farmers I needed to share it with you all.
I’m really curious, what do you think about Farm to School initiatives?

Dig In,
Michelle

The post Minnesota Farm to School Bill appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

We can’t wait for you to Shop Local + Eat Local with us at the December 8th White Bear Lake Winter Farmers Market! There are so many delicious gifts waiting to be found… We’ve curated the best local food growers and makers to give you a chance to do lots of your holiday shopping in one place! Don’t forget to fill your own Holiday tables with local foods too!

We all know receiving a consumable gift is the best…so giving them is the easy choice!

Extras for the Holiday Market

• Ramsey County Recycles will be giving away FREE REUSABLE BAGS to the first 100 shoppers!
• Chomp, the BearPower Carrot Mascot will be on site for photos from 9-10!
• Fresh Roasted Hot Coffee from Ox & Crow Coffeehouse

Don’t forget to Enter to Win this Locally loaded Gift Basket ~ The December Market Giveaway!

Entering to win here will also start your monthly email membership with Forks in the Dirt!

Meet the December Farmers and Makers 

All Good Organics:   With their own Farm Store on their farm in Lino Lakes, Butch and Kris will have a wide variety of farm fresh produce. Some of their offerings include greenhouse grown lettuces, full variety of fall/winter vegetables, frozen summer vegetables, homemade canned items (best sauerkraut!) and farm made spice blends! I visited with them last spring and got a great tour of the farm! 

Dahl Hobbie Farm:  Susan is known for her jellies, jams, raw honey and her honey-based 12 spice cough soothing formula. She’ll also be bringing some specialty chutney.

Eichtens Cheese & Bison: Our closest cheese producers are bringing a large variety of locally sourced and crafted cheeses. They offer some of their summer sausage and MN Wild rice as well. They’ll also have gift boxes available. My new favorite is the herbed gouda, it simply makes everything better.

Gilbertson Farm: Jessy brings a well rounded selection of humanely raised beef and pork, chicken, DUCK,  eggs. They sell a variety of cuts and blends. We love their pork sausage. They make a mean Wild Rice Brat- and their pork chops cook up tender and with so much more flavor than anything store bought. Plus the animals all had a great life!

Great Harvest Sharing their amazing Breads!

Great Harvest: If you’ve been to the WBL Summer Farmers market you’ll remember these breads- and likely Sheldon the happy purveyor of so many samples They specialize in yeast breads. They’ll bring breads, rolls, scones, cookies. Their monster cookies are legendary- their scones are my favorite!

Green Bros Micros: The Green brothers, really- Brandon and Nick Green recognized the benefits of urban farming and took the plunge to start growing micros as a delicious, nutritious addition to your diet. Fresh and local GREENS in our MN winters are such a treat!

Hart & Soul Herbal: Vanessa Hart crafts an all natural line of apothecary healing and aromatherapy products. Using the fewest steps between God and consumption, these high-quality-controlled naturally-sustainable unrefined products are made in small batches in White Bear Lake.

Sigrid of Hoppel Poppel sharing her German sourdough style breads

Hoppel Poppel Breads:  Sigrid shares her German roots through baking amazing sourdough breads and pastries. Her caramel rolls alone are worth a visit to the market. Some of her heavily seeded loaves are a meal in themselves. She’ll bring a variety of European style breads and pastries.

Ingredients Cafe: A White Bear favorite, the chefs at Ingredients are whipping up some scratch made soups to make your at home weeknight dinners simple and delicious. **NEW ITEM: Hand made Gnocchi at the December market** A special shout out to Ben Pratt, owner of Ingredients for volunteering his time to cook for the Harvest Party at the YMCA this Summer!

Ox & Crow Coffeehouse: Mara at Ox & Crow has created a wonderful coffeehouse in the Mahtomedi.. We’re looking forward to having her locally roasted specialty coffee beans and house made chai teas served hot. She’ll also be bringing

Platense: Vanessa brings us a taste of Argentina right here in Minnesota! She uses authentic family recipes for traditional frosted nuts from Argentina. The flavors might not be local but they are locally well-loved!

Mark and Linda of Suzi Q’s Dang Good Western Dressing!

Suzi Q Western Dressing:  “Dang Good” Western Dressing brought to you by Linda (Suzy Q) and (Cowboy) Mark from right in town. They had their first Summer selling their dressing at the WBL Summer market, and it was such a hit they’re bringing it to the Winter market too!

Unity Farm: Moses of Unity Farm is an emerging farmer with a bumper crop of popcorn, tomatoes and peppers. He’ll be sharing his dried, canned and blended produce. Moses is a farmer with the Minnesota Food Association. 

Community Driven Winter Market!

We’re so lucky to have HUGE support from so many local community groups. These people make this Winter Market a true event, and we’re lucky to have them!

Pine Tree Apple Orchard has once again donated their Hot Apple Cider! It will be served by White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf volunteers. Let’s help hungry neighbors while shopping local 

Two happy shoppers with their FREE table top composting kits from Ramsey County!

Pam from the White Bear Lake Seed Library will again be spreading seeds of knowledge, and giving you info on starting your own seeds. We are so lucky to have a free and trusted source for locally saved seeds! Great blog and info at their link above.

The Ramsey County Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions and and spread the word (and free starter kits) for the Ramsey County Composting program!

Viva Musica reps will be demonstrating their “Kindness Rocks” art program for schools.

Forks in the Dirt:  That’s me I’ll be there with a table to talk growing your own, backyard chickens, composting, canning and/or finding the best local food resources. My mission in getting this winter market together is to help us ALL make healthier, more sustainable food choices- for our own health, and the health of the planet!

Follow the WBL  Winter Market Facebook Event Page for up to date information and specials.

Can’t wait to Dig In and see you there!

– Michelle and the fabulous farmers and vendors of the WBL Winter Market!

The post December Farmers Market is Coming to Town appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

Get your Fix of Farm Fresh the easy way, there’s a farmers market almost every day!

I really like really local food… So of course I wanted to share my favorite Farmers Markets in my corner of the Twin Cities with you!

I shop these markets to: buy ‘new to me’ varieties to test before I grow myself, buy in bulk for preserving and to buy the crops farmers have started early or keep growing late in greenhouses to extend our local fresh food season. I also love chatting with the farmers and vendors, and I get some good insight into my own home gardens listening to the experts.

We are absolutely feeling the bounty of local farmers’ hard work up North right now. The food rolling in is dripping with sun ripened sweetness; from the cucumbers  to the zucchinis. And with a little planning, can be served on your table the same day it was picked! These Summer bounties make our MN Winters worth it, am I right!?!

For tips and secrets on ‘how to’ shop a Farmers Market like a pro, read this article! 

Summer 2018 Farmers Markets

Monday:

Little Canada Farmers Market:
Jul 9-Oct 8: Mon 2:30-6p.
Located at 2920 Rice St in the Hardware Hank parking lot

Wednesday:

Aldrich Arena:
May 16-Oct 31: Wed 8a-Noon.
N side of Aldrich Arena parking lot, 1850 White Bear Ave.

Vadnais Heights:
Jun 20-Oct.17: Wed 2-6p.
1155 E County Rd E in the parking lot of the Helene Houle Medical Center

Oakdale:
Jun-Oct: 2-6p.
1584 Hadley Ave next to City Hall at Richard Walton Park

Friday: 

White Bear Lake:
Jun 29-Oct 26: Fri 8a-Noon.
Hwy 61 & 4th St. on Washington Ave.

Saturday:

Mahtomedi:
Jun 16-Sep 22: Sat 8a-Noon.
Aat the crossroads of Mahtomedi Ave (Hwy 244) & Stillwater Rd.

Stillwater:
Jun-Oct: 7:30a-Noon.
Corner of 3rd & Pine St.

St Paul Farmers Market:
April 28-Nov 18: Sat 6a-1p
290 E 5th St, Lowertown St. Paul

Sunday:

St Paul Farmers Market:
April 28-Nov 18: Sun 8a-1
290 E 5th St, Lowertown St. Paul

Didn’t find a market in the right spot at the right time? Search the MNGrown farmers market database  to chose from the more than 180 Farmers Markets (WOW). I was even able to grab farm fresh food on our way to a recent camping destination using this search tool

Costas Farm Greenhouse Farmstand

Between these markets you can sample food from most of the farmers I’ve interviewed for my blog. Read up on them before you head out to learn a little more about who you are buying from…

Mhonpaj’s Garden
Costa’s Farm and Greenhouse
Heinel Farms

All Good Organics Farm Stand

And if you want to pick up something on a day there isn’t a market running… swing by Costa’s or All Good Organics on site farm stands, fresh from the farm doesn’t get better than this!

Now let’s get out there and enjoy this beautiful + bountiful Summer season while it lasts!

Do you have a favorite farmers market? I’d love to hear about it

Forks at the ready,  Let’s Dig in!
Michelle

The post Farmers Markets Summer 2018 appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

“We connect and strengthen farmers, food makers, and communities through good food.”

This is the place you can learn how to make kimchi, pick up a farm share with locally made add-ons, attend a beginning farmers conference, volunteer in a hoop house or find your child’s school lunch staff kicking up their culinary skills. Full circle!

There is also a contagious positivity running through those artfully slanted walls that makes it all gel.

I stumbled upon this powerhouse operation online while looking up local CSA’s. Turns out Community Supported Agriculture is the perfect term for part of what happens here, but The Good Acre goes way beyond the traditional CSA.

What is a Food Hub Anyway?

Farm Share Packing Day

A food hub, as defined by the USDA, is “a centrally located facility with a business management structure facilitating the aggregation, storage, processing, distribution, and/or marketing of locally/regionally produced food products.”

The thing that the USDA missed in its definition is the community that takes root around an initiative like this. There are farmers who would not be making it if it weren’t for TGA. In 2016 around 65,000 pounds of food moved through the facility. That’s 65,000 pounds of food that traveled significantly less than the average 1,500 miles. Hello lowered carbon footprint.

Food Hubs like TGA aren’t prolific, and that may be in part because for now, they rarely turn a profit. They are often funded in part by donations, grants and in the case of TGA- significant support from the Pohlad Family Foundation.

There’s so much shaking at TGA on any given day, that’s it’s easy to overlook one of the ways they bring good food to the community. So, let’s break down how they put the mission into action.

Cala Farms

Farmers:
The Good Acre has a dedicated staff member to do farm visits and help with things from building soil fertility to crop planning for the items TGA has contracted to buy.  Staying up to date on the latest farm safety protocol and working with wholesalers on behalf of the farmers they partner with is another piece of the pie. Another thing that shows TGA’s support to making lasting change in the local food system is:

Grower Support Specialist, David VanEeckhout
“He’s been an organic farmer for over 20 years and helps our farmers implement sustainable and organic practices on their farm that will help them with pest management, soil fertility, and more.”

Photo credit: The Good Acre

They also tend three hoop houses of varying sizes and strengths as testing grounds for farmers interested in growing some seasonally-extended crops. They are used for instructional purposes, and supply berries, ginger, peppers and tomatoes to local food makers such as Chow Girls and You Betcha Kimchi.

Galen and crew brewing Kimchi

Storage:
They have both dry storage, cooler and freezer storage spaces available for rent. This type of space is hard to come by,  which Galen Kanazawa, of Fierce Ferments,can attest to that, “The Good acre offered us affordable and convenient storage space. Being able to make as much as we need to with no space limitations enabled us to scale up to a warehouse distribution level of business. Additionally, they helped us gain a higher profile by getting our name out there in front of some bigger accounts that we otherwise likely wouldn’t have noticed us.”

Photo credit: The Good Acre

Farm Share:
The new TGA CSA, Power in numbers. Simply pooling farmers produce and offering it up in a carefully curated box each week is another way TGA connects local community with the local good food. Because they work with a variety of ‘often’ organic farms you can expect to see up to 70 varieties of produce over the course of the season this year! Because of their close relationships with many local makers (like produce from their farmers, then made in their kitchens) they are able to offer some great “add-ons” to their farm share as well- like fresh eggs, bread, kombucha, kimchi and the like. More info HERE.

Sound like the perfect option for you? Sign up for their 18 week Farm Share HERE!

Wholesale:
TGA works with wholesale accounts in hopes the good food coming through their doors is spread wide and far. They work with a handful of local wholesalers, and increasingly, schools and hospitals, YAY! *we still have a long way to go on bringing this into the mainstream*

White Bear Lake Schools kitchen staff perfecting their roasting skills. Photo credit: The Good Acre

This hit close to home when I realized TGA had directly effected my kid’s lunchroom. Turns out TGA worked with our local White Bear Lake school district’s kitchen staff on how to cook with the local produce they are procuring through their wholesale program. “The Good Acre currently works with over a dozen area school districts, all of which have the opportunity to bring their Nutrition Service staff members in for training on scratch cooking techniques and development of healthy recipes scaled up for the lunch line and suited to kids tastes”, offers Nikki Warner, TGA marketing manager. A food hub that can offer locally grown produce and training on how to prepare it really is a win/win for our schools and our kids. This awesome service is funded by the USDA Farm to School Grant TGA was awarded in 2017. Keep it coming!

I’m jumping up on my soap box now:
This is such a great way to start that sea change in moving towards making local food systems sustainable. When we ask for healthier, local foods on our children’s lunch menus it has an effect that takes root. A child may be offered that food for a first time, or know the food and get others excited about it. Of course kids are always going to get excited for sweets, but they do get excited for brussel sprouts too- when they taste good. I love that TGA is there for the full circle from working with the farmers, the wholesalers and the kitchen staff to implement real change in the way our kids view food. I’m jumping back down now.

“We believe that the more that we can connect local makers to our network of growers, the more equitable, vibrant and resilient our local food system will be.”  The Good Acre website

Making Mushroom Jerky!

Commercial Kitchen: Rental
With Food safety laws as they stand, if you’re going to sell food in a store you need to make it in a commercial kitchen. Which is good for public health, but bad for start-up companies. Introducing the shared space commercial kitchen. These kind of ‘rentable’ kitchens are popping up in more places all over the country, there’s even a website, Food Corridor, that connects makers with kitchen space. These spaces give small companies, like ProCured Mushroom Jerky  a chance to break into the local wholesale and institutional markets. TGA currently rents this space out to 15 different makers every month. If you’re interested in adding your name to the growing list of renters- find more info HERE.

Commercial Kitchen: Classes

Ready to make my own yogurt thanks to Iman Mefleh of You Bethca Kimchi

I just took my first TGA class, a DIY yogurt class and I have to tell you the instructor made us all feel right at home in that stainless steel kitchen.  I’ve gone to some other cooking classes before and this felt more approachable and laid back- but with so many great tips and tricks thrown in there by Iman Mefleh of You Bethca Kimchi that is was worth every penny. Julia Cohen, the Culinary Support Specialist, is pumped about the wide variety of offerings in their kitchen, “We offer cooking classes truly ‘for the people’, our classes are approachable and our instructors are some of the best around.”

I was really impressed with how much information I walked away with for a very reasonable price. They offer tons of classes, on everything from Pho to kitchen skills ‘boot camp’. The best place to keep up with their class offerings is their TGA Facebook page. I can’t wait to go back and try something else new. If you become addicted to their classes, they have a Cooks Club membership that saves you money on multiple classes and gets you some awesome perks. For now, I’m excited I know what to do with the extra whey in my yogurt!

Maker to Market:
You guys, this program makes me so happy. It’s genius in its simplicity- and beautiful in its heart.  From the website:  “Lakewinds Food Co-op and The Good Acre have partnered under a shared purpose: bring new and diverse slow food products to the world as we strengthen our food community as a whole. We help independent food makers hit the ground running. We source ingredients from small, local, and disadvantaged farmers to cultivate our local food economy. And we give consumers amazing new choices at shelf. It’s a win-win-win.”

From Senoras de Salsa,to Caldo Foods sauces and spices, the results are delicious!

They are currently accepting applications for the 2^nd Maker to Market! More info HERE.

mix and match fingerlings

Bringing  Food + Community Full Circle
This is one lean, mean food systems machine. Nestled into the east side of the Twin Cities Metro, and across the street from some U of MN test fields, TGA add such value to the food we eat, the farmers in our midst and the future of food systems.

Implementing the “Frost Mob” was another way I tried to get involved this past year. Interested in helping local farmers quickly gather crops threatened by unexpected frosts? Or maybe you’re interested in volunteering in another way? You can let their spunky marketing manager, Nikki Warner know by emailing her.

In so many ways they are doing the heavy lifting of laying a solid foundation. They’re working to make small farms viable thanks to the Pohlad Family Foundation, some large grants and individual donations. They hope to be self sufficient, and what will help that to happen is for us consumers to vote with our dollars. You’ve heard that before, but we can use our dollars not only to buy from local farmers via Farm Shares and  farmers markets,  but the larger food movers, the wholesale food side– like restaurants, school lunch programs, hospitals and other institutional wholesale opportunities.

Asking where your food comes from is a Good place to start.

I am a huge proponent of the Farmers Market and CSA (or TGA’s Farm Share) but thinking about making small farms secure far into the future we’ll need to do more than buy a few tomatoes from a few of them every week; we need to find a way for local to be necessary – not a luxury.

I can’t wait to Dig In to making my own yogurt. Thank you to The Good Acre for  doing Good Work!

Michelle

The post The Good Acre: Full Circle Food Hub appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

The WBL Winter Farmers Market:  December 9  
10am – 2pm at Tamarack Nature Center

So many local people and groups have made this event a success even before the first shopper sips hot cider or scores a squash…

BearPower, The  “community-wide movement helping White Bear Lake area families eat well and be active”.  I applied for one of their Ambassador Grants and wouldn’t you know it, they saw the value in holding a local foods winter market.  They agreed it was one way to help people eat healthier, less processed foods a little longer in to the ‘off season’ and inspire more home cooked meals along the way.  Big thanks to Julia of BearPower, who was always encouraging and dependable.

Then, of course there are the farmers & food producers (listed and linked below) who know their customers well enough to know they’d be supported at this market. But some didn’t know me, or even where the market was going to be at first. They took a chance and committed to the event.

Pine Tree Apple Orchard,  wanted to come and sell cider and pies, but couldn’t stretch their staff to make it work (because serving their orchard store customers had to come first) and was almost lost to the market.

But, once our White Bear Area Food Shelf committed to having volunteers available to help serve up cider, Pine Tree generously agreed to donate cider instead, giving the Food Shelf a chance to bring in donations.  Please consider making a stop out to Pine Tree for one their amazing apple pies!

Tamarack Nature Center Building in Summer

Tamarack Nature Center made renting the facility easy as pie! (I’m obviously still thinking of Pine Tree’s apple pies) Thank you Joyce and Marcy! What a perfect location for a health focused farmers market. The building is just right and there are miles of walking trails right out the door!

KaytJoyceDesign …and then to make it all look legit, I wrangled a White Bear Lake newcomer, Kayt. She whipped up a logo that wowed us all!! I mean, let’s look at this logo again

Is it just me, or are you all feeling the Christmas spirit too?!?

…and we haven’t even gotten to talk about the food yet!!

I’ve had so much fun (and learned so much) hand picking this unique blend of top notch local vendors. You’ll find small start-ups to established family farms. It was my goal to gather an intimate, yet well-rounded group of local foods to shop, and I think we’re there

Our Local Farmers & Producers:

All Good Organics: variety of winter storage vegetables, frozen summer vegetables, homemade canned items, eggs

Dahl Hobbie Farm: jellies, jams, raw honey, chutney

Douville Bakery: quick breads, pastries, granola, trail mix, maple syrup

Eichtens: variety of locally sourced and crafted cheeses

Gilbertson Farm: humanely raised beef and pork, variety of variety of winter storage vegetables

Great Harvest: yeast breads, rolls, scones

Ingredients Café: scratch made butternut & apple puree, and tomato basil soups

Olive Branch Oil & Spce Company: olive oil and vinegar blends, spice blends

Weeds Greens: micro greens, fresh herbs, baby greens

As if you needed more incentive to come and shop after that list, BearPower is giving away reusable bags to the first 100 shoppers!

There’s a little something for the kids too- Chomp the BearPower Carrot mascot will be walking the market giving out high fives and photo ops.

 So get ready to sip some cider, shop local and walk (off that extra pastry you couldn’t turn down) all in one place.

See you on December 9^th!

No really, I’ll be there too!

I’ll be ready to talk all things local food: backyard chickens, composting, raised garden beds, seed saving, growing your own, preserving your own, and/or finding the best local food resources. I’ve even got a fun little basket of my garden grown goodies to raffle off!

My mission in getting this winter market (and my website) together is to help us ALL make healthier, more sustainable food choices- one step at a time.  One key point I learned early on was that I can’t grow it all. It is also way more fun, tasty and inspiring to eat what other local farmers grow. It feels more natural, being part of the cycle of food. We all have a place in the food system.

There I am with Betty, one of my four girls.

I began cultivating relationships with local farmers long before I decided to start the blog and social media spaces last spring. My love of growing good food and buying local stems from growing up in my parent’s gardens, on the north side of White Bear Lake.

As newlyweds we raised chickens, but had to send off our hens to a friend’s farm when we found our new home in White Bear Lake. But I still wanted chickens… So, in April of 2016 I worked with City Council member, Bill Walsh and the great city staff, to change the city’s ordinance- allowing for raising backyard hens. Here’s the link to finding out more about backyard Hens in WBL .

Join me as I explore the many paths to eating healthy local foods. You can subscribe (in the  sidebar) to get new blog posts or follow the White Bear Lake Winter Farmers Market Facebook event page to see more vendor information.

There really is something special about “bloom where you’re planted”– I believe that truth holds for “eat from where you’re planted” too.

Can’t wait to Dig In to all the food I’ll be bringing home from the market- wonder what I’ll make first!?!

Michelle

*Bring cash, as not all vendors take credit cards!*

The post A Winter Farmers Market is Coming to Town! appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

July 15: Eat Local Co-op Farm Tour 

The barn doors are wide open. Twin Cities co-ops have gathered 27 of their hard-working farmers together to open their farms, fields, milking rooms etc. to you for the day. Use this Farm Tour guide to map out your self guided tour and see which farms have special activities, music, even samples that match your interest. This is a great FREE way to let your kid milk their first cow, see actual farm work being done, pull their first carrot and talk to farmers about how they farm. Be ready to stock up on farm fresh produce-right from the farm! Last year my boys and I experienced a great sense of community at Big River Farms,  along with a great wagon ride, samples and music. We bought a few things that had been picked right from the fields we toured. This year they’ve added a little something extra with pollinators! I remember it as one of best days with my boys last summer.

Wagon riders at last year’s Big River Farms’ tour day.

Tips: Wear farm appropriate clothing (farm boots, sun hat), bring along some bug spray, a cooler for things you buy and a lunch if you want. Learn from my mistake last summer! Print out a google map, because these are RURAL farms, you may lose service once you’re on the road!

Stay up to the minute and Follow on Facebook. TC.Farm (also featured below in the Tullibee Butcher Dinner) went the extra acre this year and created their own guide; which looks awesome!

Details: 10am-4pm. 31 locations across the extended metro area.

Photo credit: Alex Johnson Photography

July 15: Minnesota Waldorf School Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival

While not directly local food/farm related, I’m pretty sure a few hootenannies and shenanigans will conspire on the festival grounds. My kids are stoked to see The Okee Dokee Brothers! And The Roe Family Singers will get your feet moving for sure. Full line up and schedules for all the performers and extras HERE; like Log Rolling, Obstacle course, Dunk Tank and Face Painting for the kids and beers on tap, artists vendors to browse between sets. And then there’s the food truck line up. Bring on the Hoe Down!

Details: Saturday July 15^th 12-8,
tickets available HERE ,  $14 children, $25 adult
MN Waldorf School 70 County Road B E, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55117

Copyrighted photo by Scott A. Schneider

July 15: Midsummer Festival at Cedar Lake Regional Farm Park

This event is in conjunction with the Credit River Antique Tractor Show. Antique tractors don’t come on tour very often, so if ‘making hay back in the day’ is your thing you better get on this! There will food concessions and music to go along with trying out some fishing, kayaking and archery. This ‘farm park’ has transformed over the last few years. More info on the park HERE. And register for free HERE

Details: Saturday, July 15th. Free. 10-5, children 13 and under must attend with an adult.
Cedar Lake Regional Farm Park, 25875 Juniper Avenue, New Prague MN 56071

July 15 & 16: Wine Meets Art at St. Croix Vineyards

Being able to enjoy locally grown/crafted award winning wine while strolling through over 20 booths full of locally made art, yes please. Add in local food trucks like Elaine Chang and Nella’s Smokehouse Barbecue and live music floating by? Summer bliss! And the vineyard itself is something to behold, nestled next to Aamodts Apple Farm it adds a family friendly flair. Local wineries are popping up all along our wonderful river valleys here in the Midwest and I am tickled Rose by each of them, but St. Croix Vineyards has been doing this a while and knows how to throw some fun events (Wine stomping anyone?), along with bringing home all kinds of medals for their wines.

Details: 11am-6pm, July 15^th & 16^th, Winery tours start at 12.
St Croix Vineyards 6428 Manning Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082

July 16: Tullibee Butcher’s Dinner

Feat. TC Farm’s “American Guinea Hog”

A roast to remember with Hewing’s own butcher Brian Merkel and Tullibee Chef Bradley Day along with the farmer  T.C. Farm .  This seems like a pretty unique opportunity (only once a year) to taste “the Forest Hog” which are raised solely in open pasture.  Since I am out of my depth (I’ve never heard of this kind of hog before, have you?) here’s some information direct from their

Charcuterie board at Tullibee.

website: “The team at Tullibee will be preparing chartucerie, roasts, pastries and desserts showcasing the pristine protein versatility of this amazing pig. While large format roasts cook over the open hearth, guests will have the opportunity to engage with the chefs, farmer ad butcher…”  This sounds amazing, if anyone goes, please let me know how it was!

Details: Sunday, July 16th, 6-9, $55 per ticket. Come hungry
Tullilbee is in the Hewing Hotel, 300 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

July 16: SociableSummer – Americana Fest

Sociable Ciderwerks offers a lineup worthy of a laid back Sunday afternoon! So much goodness squeezed into one chill space. Music plays a big part of these gatherings and to prove it they’ve got Bill DeVille of 89.3 The Current hosting the event, featuring: Roe Family Singers, The Dead Pigeons, No Man’s String Band, Dead Horses

Food trucks from Red River Kitchen, Butcher Salt, The Anchor Fish & Chips, Potter’s Pasties to sweeten the deal.

Details:  Sunday July 16^th 2-9pm. $5 Wristbands: The event is free to attend. However, if you will be imbibing 21+ Wrist bands available at the door for $5.00 with a portion of proceeds benefiting SACA Food Shelf & Thrift Store. VIP packages available.
Sociable Ciderwerks, 1500 Fillmore St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

Well, then…

If those events don’t get you out of your own garden (I’m so guilty of this sometimes) and into the world of local food this weekend- I don’t know what would. I’m just enthralled that all these events are even possible. Think about it: The farmers are dedicated, the chefs are dedicated and the event planners are dedicated. So many people working together to craft these experiences to satisfy your summer quest for a delightful eating experience. Three Cheers for local food.

I can’t wait to dig into this weekend!

Michelle

The post Forks’ Weekend Spread: July! appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

An early season market haul

I’ll admit it, my first few trips to the farmer’s market were pretty much like trips to a grocery store. Most of us are just not used to shopping directly from IRL farmers. While I can respect shopping a farmer’s market like a grocery store (you’ll still get super-fresh, tasty, nutritious foods) …for me, part of the Farmer’s Market experience is being able to connect with the farmers. I’m looking to knock out a few chains in the old food chain by visiting. And then there’s the plain old fact that the food tastes phenomenal! Sometimes even better than even your own home-grown produce, I mean these people are the pros after all. Through the last decade I’ve gathered some tips to help you make the most of your market visit.

Ask Away!

I get it- at first asking questions can be a weird thing; maybe we’re too “Minnesota Nice”, or maybe we’re just not used to being able to ask anything about our food. But really, isn’t getting closer to ‘Farm to Table’ eating why you’re at the Farmer’s Market? Don’t be worried about offending a farmer by asking them why their farm isn’t certified organic; you’ll learn so much about the how and why of their farming techniques you can’t help but feel good about eating it.

Here are some questions to get you started:

“Where is your farm?”
“When was this picked?”
“Do you use organic methods?”
 “Any new crops coming next week?”

These questions should get most farmers going! They’ve worked hard to grow and bring this food to market, their name and livelihood is dependent upon people caring enough to buy the food they grow again and again (another 180 from the supermarket).

White Bear Lake Farmers Market 2017

Powers of Observation

“There’s visual evidence behind the display table to give you big clues to how the farmer handles their food,” that’s a tip straight from a farmer who’s been selling at markets for almost 30 years.

It makes sense; if a farmer sets a tray of produce onto hot pavement (which will wilt it) at the market, how are they handling that food when no one is looking? Are there re-used containers, open or closed containers in the vehicle, coolers?

When my kids were at that ‘suicide watch’ stage of development (aka most of toddlerhood), I’d feel bad asking a farmer a question only to have to abandon the conversation to chase after my offspring. I still learned a ton  by hanging back (fine, call it eves dropping) and I kept coming back for more!

Not quite speed dating, but…
Just because the first farmer you come across has beautiful cucumbers doesn’t mean the farmers down the way don’t have beautiful cucumbers too- maybe grown organically and less expensive. The Real Estate law of “Location, Location, Location” applies to farmer’s markets as well. Take your time and shop around. The farmers’ stalls stay put, you get to peruse and compare- it’s actually really fun once you get comfy!

Happy shoppers on opening day at the White Bear Lake Farmers Market.

The More the Merrier

Bring friends with you to the market. You’ll be more likely to linger and maybe a wee bit bolder to ask farmers your burning questions. *Bonus* you’ll have someone to keep your kids from eating all the bread/caramel corn/honey samples at the next booth over (yes, I’ve learned my lesson now).

Getting to know these hard working, knowledgeable farmers adds so much more than a few extra ears of corn in your bag (which farmers have been known to do after building a relationship with you.) These are the people who know what is coming into season next week, and what will be gone until next year. Valuable info that helps you plan meals around the freshest produce!

I have no idea who this guy is, I just could not decide who my favorite farmer is…

Get Social

To take your connection to the next level, go ahead and ask your favorite farmer if they’re online. You’d be amazed at how many farmers share their stories on one or more social networks. You’ll get to see stories about the ups and downs of farming, healthy recipes for what’s in season and maybe even some adorable baby chick, lamb and calf photos- who wouldn’t want a few of these stories rolling through their feed!?!

Some of my favorite social sites so far:
Facebook:  Heinel Farms  &  Fresh Earth Farms
Instagram: Winnowburrow Farm  &  The Dirt Mag
Blog:  Broadfork Farm

Do you have a Family Farm’s social site you love? Please share it with us!

The early bird gets the… Melon

If you’re craving a watermelon, and they’re just coming on, get there early because there’s no warehouse storage facilities here. Farmers tend to harvest everything that’s ripe and within the realm of what they can sell that day. Example: If the weather is supposed to be rainy, the farmers won’t expect as many shoppers at market, they might not harvest as much, but the clouds blow away and it’s a beautiful summer morning. Well, just see how many farmers are completely sold out before the end of market time. This is part of the local food game. If you think about it, they’re just being good stewards of the land. I mean they have to cut it close, because just like you hate to throw away a bag of spinach- so do they.

*ps- Composting a purchased bag of greens is worlds away from tossing your lovingly home-grown greens; believe me!

Procrastinators Rewards

Showing up late has its advantages at the market. Since these are real farmers in charge of their own sales they can decide to take some $ off the top if the market is closing soon and no one was interested in broccoli that day.  Or if you buy by the case/bushel rather than a few at  a time. Which is a great way to stock that freezer with nutrient rich locally grown food for the long cold winter nights. For some pointers on freezing look no further than our very own University of Minnesota and their easy to follow resources for How to Freeze Produce. Or just watch THIS U of MN VIDEO narrated by Forks in the Dirt guest blogger, Megan Baumler.

At my hometown White Bear Lake Farmer’s Market, about 30 minutes before closing some farmers are ready to sell at a discount, but timing probably depends on the size and attendance of the market. Also, the veggies will be picked through, but anything you buy there will be fresher by far than a grocery store. But be prepared if the hot new item is gone by the end of the market.

A Few More Tips

Any decent article on farmer’s market how-to should include these points as well:

• Bring your own bags (in my book re-useable bags include Target bags that actually do a better job of keeping in moisture than fabric bags).
• Bring Cash (duh).
• Know that you can use SNAP benefits at most markets (check the market website)
• Bring a cooler (there are amazing meats and dairy at these markets too).
• If your low on self-control, (like yours truly) feed your crew first, trust me here!
• SMILE! You are lucky to be able to shop this variety of lovingly grown food

I urge you to get out there and visit your local farmer’s market- and I dare you to wait the extra week or two to buy from your local farmer’s market what the grocery store has delivered from down south. Your taste buds, the local economy, and even your nutritional intake will be improved!

New to the Farmer’s Market Game? Here’s the MN Grown list of Famer’s Markets,   it may take me a while to make it to all 185 Farmer’s Markets in MN, but I’m going to go ahead and DIG IN!

Michelle

The post Secrets to Shopping Success at Farmer’s Markets appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

*Last Updated in 2018*

WBAEFS Staff at the 2016 Community Roots Garden Party

Andréa Kish-Bailey (just left of the bear) Executive Director of the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf (WBAEFS) in 2016, stated as a central goal of the organization to “Increase access to healthy food to our neighbors.”  And they’ve been doing just that since Andrea came on board.

Partnering with generous groups and companies like Bear Power, Costa’s Greenhouse and Farm , Heinel Farms, Tamarak Nature Center, and the Vadnais Heights Farmers Market has made a big difference in the kind of food available. Healthier food offerings coupled with the promotion of healthy eating practices are making a difference in our neighbors’ overall health.

Neighborhood Hub
Even before you walk in the doors of this food shelf, you’re greeted with one of the town’s signature white bear statues, so it feels more like a neighbor’s home than a Food Shelf. The genuine smiles from volunteers welcomed visitors at the front desk. When I visited, there were neighbors waiting to shop at their appointed time, all chatting it up together.

And volunteers they have, Lee Bailey-Seiler, volunteer coordinator at WBAEFS, mentioned many times how “we’re so fortunate to be in this community where people are so willing to help out. We’ve got great volunteers that, if we need help, we know we can count on them.”

One recent example of some serious volunteer work hours was during the Stamp Out Hunger food drive that the Postal Workers coordinate.

The food starting pouring in – EIGHT TONS of it in two days. (Umm, that’s 16,000 pounds!) Lee wasn’t sure of the total number of volunteers for that massive food drop- but over the course of last year they had over 221 volunteers that give 9,722 hours of their time to help neighbors. Way to go White Bear lake!

Growing Their Own
Another tangible way WBAEFS is working hard to get local, healthy foods to their neighbors is growing food in their own on-site garden. Love this! The garden began as a project of two long devoted volunteers that looked at the old rock pile behind the food shelf building and envisioned a vegetable garden. They cleared it out, put in drain tile (it sits close to the bog level out back) and added truck-loads of good soil. For the last few years this garden has been adding fresh produce to our neighbor’s kitchens. They take advantage of the summer growing season by adding healthy recipes for neighbors to use; if its tomato season they’ll have a salsa recipe on hand. Way to go Garden Volunteers!

Lee scoping out the early season garden (I promise there’s lots more green now)!

Cummins proudly sponsored the Community Roots Garden which has harvested over 400 pounds of fresh veggies for families utilizing the food shelf. The garden sponsorship includes a shed which will allow volunteers to tend to the garden on evenings and weekends when the food shelf is closed.

Community Roots Garden Party!
The garden is (obviously) the focal point of the upcoming 2^nd Annual Community Roots Garden Party they’re hosting on June 25^th from 2-5pm. A family friendly event celebrating the community the food shelf serves. Do some Yoga with Yoga devotions, the kids can high five “Sprout” the Bear Power mascot, jump in the bouncy house…and you guys, Uptown Girl Cupcakes will be there in their Cupake Chariot! University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners will also be on site to offer demonstrations on Salad container gardening, straw bale gardening, and composting techniques. Follow the Garden Party’s Facebook Event to stay up to date!

Bring in your Beans!
As more and more people are growing (at least a little) food of their own, food shelves are starting to receive produce donations from backyard gardeners! Did you know that you can bring your extra beans, potatoes and tomatoes to the food shelf!? Just check when they are open and drop them off.
*But, if they aren’t open for a few days, please remember you can freeze most vegetables to use later – just saying

Chris Harms of Giving Gardens

Volunteer crew with Anna & Jesse’s Urban Farming for Food Shelf initiative

Some people are taking this sharing of homegrown goodness idea to a (slightly – ha) larger scale – like Chris Harms of Growing Gardens. He has coordinated the acquisition and giving away of fifty 4’ X 8’ raised garden beds to locals with the goal of getting more people growing local food. The families that received the raised beds to grow food are asked to give a majority (51%) of the food they grow back to their local food shelf. Follow Giving Gardens on Facebook  and read my article Grass Rooting for Good Food on this White Bear Lake local food initiative.  Chris Harms jumped into this project after reading a book that’s now on my “to read” list called ‘Confronting Suburban Poverty in America’  , any of you guys read this?

And then there’s Anna and Jesse who love farming on urban plots of land and sending the produce along to the Merrick Food Shelf! I got to find out about them and shared it in my Farming for a Food Shelf post.

Lee mentioned that hunger in White Bear Lake looks different than what you might expect. The neighbors that use the Food Shelf may live in a nice home or drive up in a nice car, but because of circumstances like someone losing their job, getting injured, or sick (hello medical bills) they suddenly have to choose between paying the mortgage or buying food; making the car payment or buying food.

Which leads to another surprise of my interview with Lee, that
“often, we’re their first stop, the first time a person needs any kind of assistance. You can fake a lot of things, but you can’t ignore hunger.”

Because of this understanding that this may well be a new visitors first encounter with any kind of assistance, the initial check in is usually quick and gets them the food they need. If a neighbor comes back a second time, they may talk about other resources available. This is a beautiful secondary function of food shelves; last year WBAEFS referred 370 families to resources like energy assistance, WIC (Women, Infant, Child), Food assistance and medical assistance.

Another surprise was Lee sharing that “for us at WBAEFS, hunger is a short-term problem unless we’re talking about a senior or someone receiving disability. The average number of food shelf visits is 4.5-5. That number made me face some of my stereotypes about who uses food shelves (and I volunteer at one).

So how do they do what they do?

Lee stated multiple times how lucky the WBAEFS is to have such great community partners; like how they ‘rent’ the building from the City of White Bear Lake for $1 per year. Its the old city works building and thought this was a great use of their space.

Straight from Andrea, “The Cummins Foundation provided a grant supporting the work of Katie Roessler, a Six Sigma Black Belt, to update the food shelf warehouse to one that maximizes safety and efficiency.  The warehouse is now complete with a first in first out process, a roomy food sorting station for volunteers, rolling stairs, fans in the market area and more! Additionally, the grant provided new freezers and coolers to triple the food shelf’s capacity to accept and distribute food rescue product from local grocery stores.  This includes additional meat, dairy and produce items allowing healthier choices for our neighbors at the food shelf.”

This food shelf supplies its neighbors with food by buying, food banks, and donations.

Food Buy the Numbers:

1/3 is bought – 1/3 comes from Food Banks – 1/3 comes from Food Drives

They’re also adding new ways to reach clients that may not be able to make it out to them with their Mobile Markets, going to 4 locations in the area (mostly senior apartments). They received a Mobile Market grant from Hunger Solutions for the truck.  The refrigeration was purchased with the money raised at this year’s Feed the Bear 40^th Anniversary Event.  And with some coordination magic, they are offering Free Summer Farmer’s Markets (produce only drops) at the senior center and Willow Lane elementary school. More ways this group of staff, volunteers and committed community are showing up for their neighbors. Man I love White Bear Lake!

Let’s keep the good vibes going at the Community Roots Garden Party this Saturday!

There are so many other communities in need of Food Shelf love, let’s spread the word and start digging in together!

Michelle

The post Fresh at the Food Shelf appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

June16
Gibbs ‘Farm Fridays’ (for the family)

Gibbs Demonstrations – Ice Cream Making

This a unique farm experience for so many reasons; it’s nestled on the edge of the city and it showcases both pioneer and Dakota ways of life and gardening side by side. Farm Fridays feature weekly themes. They pack so much into their space, with the bonus of super friendly, knowledgeable staff in full pioneer garb. My kids are never sure how to talk with these costumed people, which adds to our quirky memories. This Friday we’re missing “Dakota Moons”, which (I think) is about planting with the moon; someone tell me what I missed! Gibbs Farm is open weekends too, with ‘Ice Cream Sundays’ featuring their homemade ice cream, on, you guessed it- Sundays.

Full disclosure* This place has been a favorite of mine since I had my birthday party here; we made corn husk dolls (like 30 years ago)!

Details: Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors 62+, $5 children ages 4-16. Free for RCHS members.
2097 W. Larpenteur Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55113 There is local road construction so plan accordingly.

June 17
Breakfast on the Farm – (for the family)

I have not been to Goldview Farm, but I so wish I was going to this event! Start with a pancake breakfast fit for a farm hand; pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk with all proceeds above cost going to their local Food Shelf! (you know we love that) Then, check out the rest of the farm buildings and animals along with special events like: Wagon rides, FFA (Future Farmers of America) petting zoo, kiddie train rides, live music and free food samples. How could you not leave happier?
Details:  7am – 1pm, $5 (kids 5 and under are free) for the breakfast, the rest of the activities are free!
Goldview Farm- Waverly, MN 55390 – South of Howard Lake on County Rd 6 (directions)

June 17
Big River Farms  Volunteer Storm Recovery Day (couples or family with hard working kids)

As many of you know, farmers on the northern end of the Twin Cities got hit hard by the hail storm last Sunday. Big River Farms/Minnesota Food Association is a teaching farm for mainly immigrant farmers (see my full blog article on the farm here). While the buildings and greenhouses survived with just a few dings, the crops in the fields were destroyed. They’re hosting a  volunteer day this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Big River Farms manager, Molly Schaus said, “We’ll be doing anything we can to help farmers feel better about their situation which might be replanting, weeding, watering, or something else”.  Giving a few hands-on hours will reap rewards for you, the farmers, and have that trickle down effect that we Minnesotans are known for. It is a beautiful area, and you will be welcomed with open arms and hearts.
Details: 10am-2pm, Bring gloves, a lunch and water.
14220-B Ostlund Trl. N, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

(That’s some of the hail, what’s left of tomato plants growing in plastic mulch, and some beaten down Swiss Chard.)

June 17
Cook St. Paul Pop Up Dinner! Feat. Championship Tacos (couples or family)

You know the tacos are going to be GOOD when they offer salsa flights! Eddie Wu’s popular American + Korean breakfast and lunch joint keeps tantalizing those taste buds with these pop up celebrations of local food that are simply out of this world. Someone please eat these Championship Tacos for me. This pop up isn’t showing up on the Cook website yet – and it might not, but if you contact them they’ll get you on their email list, or follow them on Facebook so you too can know all about the tastiest pop ups in town, or just savor their “Bi Bim Bop” any old day.

Details: Dinner service 5- 9pm. $9-$12 for 3 tacos; veg, chicken, carnitas, steak, fish. Al a carte sides – But the salsas!
1124 Payne Ave. St. Paul, MN 55130

June18 *Happy Father’s Day*
Red Barn Pizza Farm (couples or family)

Nothing says “Cool Dad” like eating pizza outside a barn with a cold one of his choice- am I right?! Red Barn Farm uses their chemical free gardens to grow many of the pizza toppings, and use a vegan friendly homemade pizza dough. (GF options available) Order your pizza and wander the 10 acre farm while you wait. Bring full picnicking supplies, a Frisbee, etc… and enjoy your surroundings! This is for the Father that deserves the very best. More Sunday day and Wednesday night pizza bakes throughout the summer. Visit them on Facebook too. ps- that was their big beautiful red barn at the top of the post

Details: Pizza Ordering Hours 11:30-3:30, $25 for a 16” specialty pizza, $20 for a 4-cheese, $10 for a personal size GF and dessert pizza. BYO drinks; beer and wine OK too.
10063 110th St E Northfield, MN 55057

So…whew!
I’m just going to throw all these seeds of inspiration out there and see if anything takes root(ha). Please let me know your experiences with any- or all- of these events. I’d love to hear about them!

I’m off to Dig In to packing, ugh.

Michelle

The post Forks’ Weekend Spread: June appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.