Making Homemade Red Wine Vinegar

MAKE IT FROM SCRATCH! At the 20th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference, Meredith McKissick taught a class called “Things You Should Be Making from Scratch” . The class filled up before the conference, so I could not attend…but Meredith gave me some vinegar mother [read super-thrilling!], and the class handout.

RED WINE VINEGAR    

Making Red Wine Vinegar

Supplies include:

1 Large Glass Jar (1/2 gallon at least)

1 Bottle of Red Wine (doesn’t matter what kind…cheap is fine according to Meredith)

Vinegar Mother

Meredith’s Directions:

Pour the wine into the jar and float the vinegar mother on top. Cover the jar with a couple of washcloths and secure with a rubber band. Allow to sit at room temperature (or a little cooler, like a basement) for one month. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor.

Very do-able, right? It was super easy; starting the red wine vinegar took less than 5 minutes. Now all I have to do is wait a month while the vinegar mother does her job. Thank you Meredith!

Among other things…Meredith McKissick is the Executive Director of the Organic Growers School, the owner of Sweet Earth Flower Farm, co-owner of Crooked Creek Farm/ Foothills Family Farm, mother of two young sons, and a great cook who does a LOT of cooking from scratch.

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Basic Garden Maintenance

This was originally published in the Organic Growers School May 2012 eNewsletter:

http://organicgrowersschool.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/ask-ruth-basic-garden-maintenence/

Sugar Snaps in Early Spring

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Sweet Weather, FARM Soiree, OGS Spring Conference

Guess what people? I don’t know about you, but warm weather just makes me want to dig around in the dirt. This weekend, in spite of working on my taxes, I managed to get up-close-and-personal with some compost and my shovel. I chopped back a bunch of weeds and decided to mulch a big area with thick cardboard. When I ran out of cardboard, I planted spinach and lettuce. And today it rained! Perfect! Thanks Mother Nature for cooperating with such good timing!

This Saturday night, March 5, in conjunction with their Spring Conference, the Organic Growers School is hosting FARM SOIREE at the Orange Peel in Asheville…from 8 p.m. till midnight (doors open at 7:30).

What is it? The evening starts off with 8 super-quick talks on “Food” in a funky, fun format. In just 5 short minutes each speaker must make their point! As they speak, they will have 20 slides that are automatically-advancing on the Orange Peel’s screens. And then BAM…it’s the next speaker’s turn. It’s very fast and furious, and its called Ignite-Agriculture.

Here are the Ignite-Agriculture speakers:

Patricia Allison, Permaculturist

 

 

 

 

 

Birke Baehr, Aspiring Organic Farmer

Cecil Bothwell, Asheville City Councilman, Gardener, Author

Lynn Byrd, Restaurateur, Author, Gardener, Educator

Peter Gregutt, Writer, Editor, Adventurer

Camille Kingsolver, Serious Locavore, Co-Author of "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle"

Janice Sitton, Composting & Recycling Specialist

Frank Teneralli, Madison County Farmer...plus

See speaker bios here:

http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/content/9234.  

THEN…the Firecracker Jazz Band steps on stage ~ fun to listen to & fun to dance to; their music makes you feel instantly upbeat. Here’s a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsvJJT-AYTA&feature=related.

And check this out…when you buy a FARM SOIREE ticket, you will automatically be entered in a raffle to win a Lifetime Free Admission to the OGS Spring Conference! This is a benefit party for the Organic Growers School, and they do good stuff, so show your support! Go here for ticket info: http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/content/8420. Tickets are $15 for adults ($12 when you buy a Farm Soiree ticket in conjunction with your OGS Spring Conference registration), $7 for kids ages 3 to 12 ~ available on the OGS website through Friday, and after that at the Orange Peel at the door or online.

Have big fun, see your buddies, AND support an awesome organization. And it’s OK for all ages…you can bring kids. Just so you know ~ alcohol will be served. I really hope you will come!

PLUS…this Saturday and Sunday, March 5 & 6, the 18^th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference will be held at UNCA. You may think that you already know everything there is to know about organic gardening, but I always find super interesting classes to attend. Its everything from “starting your very first garden” to “commercial-scale farming” Two of my friends are attending the half-day workshop on building a cob wood-fired oven, and then spending the afternoon learning artisan bread-baking with Patryk Battle. I heard that the children in the kids’ program may get to see a live falcon (wait…I wanna see that). How about these ~ making fire with friction, and intro to tracking animals. Chickens, livestock, veggies, cooking, and herbs…the list goes on.

Love local? The OGS Spring Conference is a great place to get inspired about growing your own; picking food out of your own garden is about as local as you can get! You can attend one day or both days. You can register at the door either day.

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Marc’s ‘Wild Side’ Salad & True Nature Country Fair Pictures

Marc Williams' 'Wild Side' Salad Sources

Marc Williams intended to tell the STORY of the salad at One Bowl, the local food dinner given at True Nature Country Fair 2010.  Serving dinner to over 60 guests waylaid his intention, but he did manage to display a bit of information about his ‘Wild Side’ Salad for those diners who were paying attention.  With his permission, I stuffed his scraps of paper in my pocket as we cleaned up.  The torn bits of paper do tell the story, and Marc filled in a few details for me.

On Saturday morning, Marc swooped down on the North Asheville Tailgate Market and gathered his salad and dressing ingredients.  I imagine him conversing with each farmer as he filled his market bags.  He arrived at the True Nature Country Fair later in the day with an incredible salad and two delectable dressings.

Marc Williams' Salad Dressings

FOR THE SALAD ~

Flying Cloud Farm: Lettuce, Radishes, Arugula

Mountain Harvest Organics: Lettuce, Broccoli, Sweet Peppers, Parsley

Gaining Ground Farm: Carrots

Full Sun Farm: Watermelon Radishes, Chiogga Beets

Pearson Garden: Wood Sorrel, Knotweed, Basella

FOR THE TOMATO BASIL FETA DRESSING ~

Ron Gagliano: Tomatoes

Frank Tenerelli: Basil

Spinning Spider Creamery: Feta Cheese

Other ingredients:  Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt

FOR THE RASPBERRY BALSAMIC VINEGARETTE ~

Walter Harrill: Raspberry Jam

Haw Creek Honey: Blackberry Honey

Other ingredients:  Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Sea Salt

 

A little more of the story… Eve Davis had worked her magic by arranging flowers for each table…flowers donated by Meredith McKissick of Sweet Earth Flower Farm.  Set in a covered pavilion; candles twinkled on the tables during dinner, a nearby fire blazed, and the sounds of summer rose from the woods.  The band of musicians tore themselves away from their music long enough to share this meal.

Patryk Battle created a chunky Lamb Stew and Elizabeth Gibbs is famous for her delicious Candy Roaster Soup ~ both composed of local ingredients.  Candy Roasters are an heirloom “squash/pumpkin” that locals swear will make the very best pumpkin pies.  The soup was garnished with (my personal favorite) goat cheese.  I got in a conversation with two women; one was eating the Lamb Stew and her friend was having candy roaster soup. They tried each other’s entrees, and they both liked the one they had initially chosen the best.  Wonders never cease.

The Chocolate Lounge made dessert ~ an autumn tart set in swirls of chocolate and garnished with homemade whipped cream.  Are you jealous? There were two choices of Buchi; the one I tasted was pink, spicy and addicting.  Conversation was lively during dinner, and all the guests took home beautiful bowls that had been handmade by many generous local potters.

I didn’t think to whip out my camera during dinner and capture the beauty of the night, or the fabulous fare.  I did take a few pictures of some of the action and classes at the Fair.



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True Nature Country Fair & Big Ivy Tailgate Market

Just a quick reminder!

True Nature Country Fair will be held at the Big Ivy Community Center in Barnardsville today and tomorrow (September 25 & 26) from 10 to 6.  Fall weather will be gorgeous today, and fair-goers will enjoy the beautiful setting.  The fair is hosted by the Organic Growers School, so over 50 classes will be offered on topics ranging from gardening to green building,  homesteading, herbs, farming, forestry, permaculture, and Honoring our Elders.  An Old Time Fiddle and Band Contest begins around noon, and music and dance performances are scheduled for both days.   This family-oriented event features Nature Walks, kids activities and Goat Cart Rides. Area vendors will offer food and garden related products, even handspun wool.

At 6 p.m. this evening, you are invited to attend a local food feast called One Bowl featuring a hearty Autumn Lamb Stew made by Patryk Battle.  Don’t worry!  There is also a vegan alternative…Candy Roaster Soup.  Dinner will include Buchi,  a ‘Wild Side’ Salad, locally-baked artisan breads, and a selection of gourmet desserts.

Area sustainable farms and fantastic cooks have collaborated to create this scrumptious meal, a fundraiser in support of the Organic Growers School.  It is $20 for adults and includes a handmade pottery bowl, made by local potters. Kids under 12, $7.

Last year I was thrilled to discover the Big Ivy Tailgate Market while at the True Nature Country Fair.  Dillingham Family Farm is there with meats, including heirloom chicken, and table grapes.  Ron Gagliano told me that he made some excellent wine from the Dillingham’s Mars grapes.  He made dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wine from the Mars grapes, and all were delicious according to Ron.   There were lots of goodies at this heart-warming little market, so remember to visit them before noon on Saturday during the Fair, or look for them on the fairgrounds after noon.

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Indoor Tailgate Alert, OGS, Spring Gardening, Befriend a Fisherman

Dear Tailgate Market Fans,

Wasn’t that breath of spring wonderful? Start thinking about getting your own garden soil ready for planting.  Peas and potatoes can be planted right

Breath of Spring

now if your soil is dry enough to work.  It’s almost time for arugula, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, greens, and that sort of stuff.  Throw out some spinach seed now, and it will come up when the time is right.

Tom Elmore & Karen Thatcher (Thatchmore Farm) recently introduced me to miner’s lettuce, also called Claytonia. It is a wonderful salad green that will grow right outside in winter.  The leaves are a little thicker than lettuce, like spinach, and it seems to be bursting with vitality (in a good way).  I loved it.

Last Wednesday’s (February 17 issue) of Mountain Express had an awesome, in-depth article about local CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) that featured many local farms.  Check it out and consider buying a CSA share this season.

In the meantime, visit the Indoor Tailgate Market in Marshall this Saturday, February 27th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You will find lettuce, eggs, pork, jams, jellies, bread, shiitake mushrooms, baked goods, goat cheese, goat milk, honey, sorghum, potatoes, apples, gift boxes, porch furniture, jewelery, soaps, pottery, and ample parking.  Eat local ~ even in winter!  This market will also be held on March 13 & 27, and is helping these farmers get through the winter.

Remember, it only takes 20 minutes from UNCA to get to the Madison County NC Cooperative Extension office (directions follow).  The office is just off the main highway.

Other Upcoming Events:

Organic Growers School 2010 Spring Conference

March 6 & 7, at UNCA for the first time ever!  You can attend on one or both days.  I can’t say enough about how inspiring the Organic Growers School is for all gardeners ~ newbies and farmers.  You can’t help but be energized by

Planting Potatoes

the classes, the contagious excitement, and all the wonderful people who attend.

Visit www.organicgrowersschool.org for more info and online registration.

2010 Maple Syrup Tour
Postponed until March 6 & 7 at Maple Creek Farm in Burnsville, NC due to the recent weather.

Visit the farm and see how its done.  Taste syrup, see the sugar shack, see farm animals, and have an adventure.  From 11 am to 4 pm.  Visit www.maplecreekfarm.net for more info.

One more thing: Some of us enjoy buying fresh-caught NC seafood and wild-caught salmon at the Tailgate Markets (I do!). “Just as dairy farmers are being forced off their land at an alarming rate, large fishing corporations are putting hard-working family fishermen out of business, destroying fishing communities and endangering our access to locally caught and sustainably harvested seafood.  On Wednesday, February 24 from noon to 3pm, commercial, recreation and charter fishermen will gather on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. to protest the current mismanagement of our nation’s fisheries.”  Websites for updates and to learn more include:

www.unitedwefish.blogspot.com
www.savingseafood.com
Lets love eating,

Ruth Gonzalez

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Marshall Indoor Tailgate Market Alert +

February 12, 2010

GET LOCAL FOOD in the dead of winter at the Indoor Tailgate Market in Marshall this Saturday, February 13th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Remember,

Free-Range Eggs

it only takes 20 minutes from UNCA to get to the Madison County NC Cooperative Extension office (directions follow).  The office is just off the main highway.  You will get a delicious local food fix, and be inside protected from the elements.  Catherine Walker, of Madison Farms, reports seeing new faces visiting the Indoor Tailgate Market every week.  And she says the farmers are very happy to have a winter outlet for their goods.

You can expect to find lettuce, eggs, pork, jams, jellies, bread, shitake mushrooms, baked goods, goat cheese, goat milk, honey, sorghum, potatoes, apples, gift boxes, porch furniture, jewelery, soaps, pottery, and ample parking.  Connect with your local farmer and eat the benefits! This market will also be held on February 27, and March 13 & 27.

Other Upcoming Events:

Organic Growers School 2010 Spring Conference
March 6 & 7, at UNCA for the first time ever!

Useful Plants at OGS

Today is the last day to get the early-bird special rates. This is a great antidote to spring fever! Get inspired about growing your own food with a huge class selection, and over 1200 fellow gardeners and farmers.  For more info and register online at www.organicgrowersschool.

2010 Maple Syrup Tour
February 20 & 21, at Maple Creek Farm in Burnsville

Visit the farm and see how its done. Taste syrup, see the sugar shack, see farm animals, and have an adventure.  From 11 am to 4 pm.  Visit www.maplecreekfarm.net for more info.

We are all SO ready for spring! My stepdaughter, Amelia, went to visit her in-laws in Baton Rouge, LA this weekend and doggone if it isn’t snowing down there too.  How unfair is that?  But as far as local food…you can be assured she will be eating some great food.  Her father-in-law loves to cook, and one of their family friends made such good Crawfish Etouffee at their rehearsal dinner ~ it brought tears to my eyes!

Happy Mardi Gras everyone!

Directions to the Indoor Tailgate Market/ Madison County Cooperative Extension:

From Asheville take 19/23/I-26 North to the Marshall Exit19-A.  Follow 25/70 North/West for 9.3 miles, and after the 4-lane road becomes a 2-lane road and turn RIGHT onto LONG BRANCH ROAD (Do not take the first Long branch Road off the 4-lane).  (Look for NC Cooperative Extension signs at each of the turn-offs; these signs are a bit low and hard to see).  Once on LONG BRANCH ROAD go .4 miles and turn RIGHT onto KENPACK LANE (first road on the right), then immediately turn LEFT onto CAROLINA LANE.  Go .2 miles (you will pass ball fields on the left) and Madison County Cooperative Extension will be on the left above the parking lot (you will see the NC Cooperative Extension sign in front of the parking lot and on the building).  **The speed limit on 25/70 is 55 mph.  Contact Person: Catherine Walker, Madison Farms, 828-649-2411, Madison County NC Cooperative Extension Office.

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