Small Bites

Just in time for the holidays. There will be five farmers markets held Sundays this winter at the county center.

The dates are: November 16 and December 14, 2008, and January 4, February 8 and March 15, 2009. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After the jump, the press release…

Just because the temperatures have dipped and the leaves are off the trees doesn’t mean that you can’t have farm-fresh produce and products at your family’s dinner table! Once again, Westchester residents will be able to buy farm-fresh New York State produce, cheeses and dairy products, meats and baked goods, and wine directly from farmers all year long during the indoor Farmers Market, to be held on select Sundays from November through March, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York..
Dates are Sundays, November 16 and December 14, 2008, and January 4, February 8 and March 15, 2009. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year’s market will comprise more than 30 vendors who are farmers and food producers, all from New York State. Many vendors from last year are returning to the County Center, along with new food and produce purveyors as well. And, to tempt shoppers and to help them make their selections, vendors will offer samples of their foods.
Shoppers hungry for fresh winter produce can choose from a dazzling array of fresh just-harvested winter crops like squash, turnips, carrots and onions, plus potatoes that come in new and different colors, shapes and sizes, and feature subtle differences in flavor. Winter-grown micro-greens will be available – miniature versions of the better-known field greens but with a greater flavor punch.
There will be a selection of the finest wild and pasture-raised meats, such as pork, beef, lamb, rabbit, venison, goat and poultry. Delicious sausages made from many of these meats will also be available. And, what farmers’ market would be complete without artisan New York State cheeses, crafted from the milk of cows, goats and sheep. Delicious fresh baked desserts, quiches and breads, along with maple syrup and honey products will appeal to the sweet tooth of even the most discriminating shopper. And, a selection of New York State-made juices, cider and wines will round out the selection of goods and products offered in this showcase of fresh and flavorful delights.
As a highlight each month, a special guest chef will offer cooking tips and recipes that incorporate the local foods and produce that are being featured at that month’s market. November’s market will feature Chef Stephen Briganti, culinary director for the highly rated 121 Restaurant and Bar in North Salem.
To add a festive air, the market will feature a variety of “home grown” musical entertainment, courtesy of Tribes Hill community, a group of musicians from the Hudson Valley. November’s performers will feature David Goldman, an award-winning singer/songwriter whose latest CD is “Summer with Juliet,” and vocalist Elza Mueller-Roemer, whose combination of folk-rock, blues and scat were featured on last season’s Hopkins on ABC TV.
Additional vendors are welcome; call (914) 864-7064 for more information.
Admission is free. Parking at the County Center lot is $4.
The Farmers Market is sponsored by Westchester County Parks.
The Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Park Avenue in White Plains, at the junction of the Bronx River Parkway and Tarrytown Road (Route 119).
For more information, call the County Center at (914) 995-4050 or log on to www.countycenter.biz.

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