The Chef Series at the Holland Farmers Market kicked off for the 2013 season Saturday, May 18. Each week, the popular series features a talented local chef, caterer, or vendor who will demonstrate how to incorporate the fresh produce, herbs, and other ingredients available at the market into healthy, creative, easy-to-make dishes. The Chef Series is held every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., through September 14, and is free to attend. Copies of the recipes the chefs create are available for aspiring chefs during the demonstration and will available for download on the Farmers Market website following the demonstration.
The Holland Farmers Market is pleased to announce that Local First has been named exclusive sponsor of the 2013 Chef Series. The Chef Series is also supported with in-kind donations from Holland Farmers Market vendor Visser Farms. The Holland Farmers Market, located in downtown Holland, features more than fifty local vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to plants, baked goods, floral arrangements, dairy products, and more. The market also features a food court with dining options for breakfast and lunch, as well street performers who entertain the crowds with music, magic, and more. In addition, the market is home to special events, such as the weekly kids activities, a salsa-making and jalapeno-eating contest, and a professional pumpkin-carving competition.
The Holland Farmers Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday beginning at 8 a.m., from late-May through mid-December, rain or shine. Be sure to come early for the best selection! The city of Holland’s Department of Leisure and Cultural Services hosts the market at the Eighth Street Market Place (150 West Eighth Street) in downtown Holland. For more information about the Holland Farmers Market, contact Market Master Candy Todd at 616-355-1138. No pets of any kind are allowed at the Market.
2013 Chef Series Lineup:
June 8: The Farmers Market As Your “Farmacy”
Nutritionist Pamela Zinn from Holistic Nutrition Center will teach how best shop at the market when keeping healthy is your main objective.
June 15: Summer In Italy
Chefs Randy Taylor and Ed Mennega, of the Haworth Inn and Conference Center, will make a salad inspired by the Italian summer, complemented by a classic Italian dessert.
June 22: The Power of Salt
Piper Restaurant Chef de Cuisine Matt Kearby, along with Executive Chef Keaton Stearns, will teach basic and quick pickling and salt-curing techniques. They will show how acid and salt can change and preserve the flavor of fresh foods.
June 29: Michigan Strawberries
CityVu Bistro Executive Chef Shelly Rash will demonstrate how to make delicious strawberry dishes and will share the secret to preserving and freezing strawberries so you can enjoy them year-round.
July 6: South Indian Cuisine
Tom Hoover, executive chef of Hope College Dining, will give an overview of vegetarian Indian cuisine with an emphasis on the regional food of southern India.
July 13: Cooking With Beer and Spirits
Chef Len Towne, of New Holland Brewing, will demonstrate delicious dishes that include a special secret ingredient: beer and spirits!
July 20: Fresh With Fustini’s
Denise Walburg, manager at Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars, will show you how to bring out the best flavors in your fresh market produce by using flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
July 27: Local Favorites
Lucas Grill, executive chef and owner of Public, will recreate popular summer favorites using the freshest foods in town.
August 3: Fresh and Healthy Grilling
Chef Jon Glowinski from 8th Street Grille will demonstrate how to make grilled salmon with seasonal fruit barbecue sauce, along with a few salad options that are all prepared on the grill.
August 10: Freshly Grilled
Owner of Bearboy Gourmet and Grill Master Drew Mclean will demonstrate how to make a full five-course farmers market meal prepared exclusively on the grill.
August 24: Summer Bruschetta
Chef Donna Sawyer, owner of Donna Sawyer Celebrates, will prepare five summer bruschetta recipes that will delight any palate.
August 31: Kind of Corny
Christine Ferris, from Farmhouse Deli and Christine Ferris Catering, will demonstrate interesting ways to use corn in a variety of different dishes, including corn cakes, salsa, soup, and shrimp pasta.
September 7: Hippy Hash
Chef Mitchiel Paul from deBoer Bakery will teach the audience how to make one of the bakery’s most popular breakfast dishes using chorizo, onions, eggs, and a zesty hollandaise sauce.
September 14: Mexican Masterpiece
Alonzo and Rosario Salinas, from Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, will use fresh market ingredients to prepare authentic Mexican recipes, including enchiladas and a tender cactus salad.
For more information, visit www.hollandfarmersmarket.com, check it out on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Holland Farmers Market
