THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING WITH US!

As the season comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for shopping local and supporting Fort Collins’ farmers, artisans, and small businesses. Your commitment to buying fresh, local produce and handmade goods not only supports local families but also strengthens our community.

Thank you for making this season so vibrant and successful. We can’t wait to see you again next year!

How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree from a Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin

There’s something so satisfying about creating your own homemade pumpkin puree, especially when you know it’s fresh, natural, and free of additives. Whether you're prepping for your favorite fall recipes or stocking up for the holiday season, making your own pumpkin puree is easier than you might think! Plus, when you use a pie pumpkin (also called sugar pumpkins), you’ll get a sweeter, smoother, and more flavorful puree than you can from larger carving pumpkins. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you turn your pumpkins into perfect puree.

What You’ll Need:

• 1-2 pumpkin pie pumpkins (also called sugar pumpkins)

• A sharp knife

• A baking sheet

• Parchment paper (optional)

• A food processor or blender

• A spoon for scooping

• A large bowl

Step 1: Select the Right Pumpkin

First things first, make sure you're using the right kind of pumpkin. Look for pumpkin pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. These are typically smaller than your average Halloween carving pumpkins, usually between 4-8 pounds, and are known for their sweeter flavor and smoother texture, making them ideal for cooking and baking.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, get ready to prep your pumpkin.

Step 3: Cut and Clean the Pumpkin

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut your pumpkin in half, starting from the stem. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy fibers from the center. You can save the seeds for roasting later if you’d like a crunchy snack!

Step 4: Roast the Pumpkin

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the pumpkin halves face down (cut side down) on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes or until the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Cool and Scoop

Once your pumpkin is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle. After it's cool enough to touch, scoop the soft flesh away from the skin and discard the skin.

Step 6: Puree the Pumpkin

Transfer the scooped pumpkin flesh to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If the puree is too thick, you can add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Store or Use

At this point, your pumpkin puree is ready to be used in any recipe that calls for it! If you're not using it right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Tip: portion it out into 1-cup amounts before freezing for easy use later on!

Bonus Tips:

• Use for baking: Pumpkin puree is great in pies, muffins, bread, and cookies. It adds a delicious, creamy texture and natural sweetness.

• Savory dishes: It’s not just for desserts! You can use pumpkin puree in soups, pasta sauces, and even risottos for a seasonal twist.

• Pumpkin seeds: Don’t forget to roast those pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and any spices you like, then roast them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Homemade pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient and a fantastic way to enjoy fresh pumpkin flavor all year long. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this simple process will elevate your fall recipes with the taste of homemade goodness!

Canning: The Solution to Preserving Your Fruits and Veggies!

Following the planting process and tending to your garden all spring and summer long, it is finally harvesting time! While much of your produce is used in your favorite recipes or baked into treats, there often is an excess of fruits and vegetables. Instead of limiting your diet to just the fresh produce you grow or purchase from the farmers market or letting the items spoil, consider preserving it through canning!

Canning allows you to store fruits and vegetables to ensure maximum freshness and limit food waste. This process is popular amongst cucumbers, peaches, berries, and tomatoes! Canning, whether through water baths or pressure cooking, heats the food to kill any microorganisms and creates a vacuum seal within the jar. The seal prevents air from contacting the preserved food, which would otherwise promote spoilage. There are many benefits as to why canning is the perfect solution to preserving produce – this process is eco-friendly, cuts down on waste, saves you money, and is BPA and additive-free.

To get started you will need:

• Canning Jars and Seals

• Large Pot

• Tongs of Jar Lifters

The Process of Preserving –

1. First, wash your lids and jars in hot, soapy water. Then, sterilize them by placing them in a boiling water bath for ten minutes. Remove the jars from the water bath, but keep the lids in the hot water until you’re ready to use them to ensure they stay sterile before sealing your jars.

2. Slice and dice your produce and pickle vegetables before placing in the jars. Be sure to not fill your jars completely. Produce expands during the boiling process, leave adequate space at the top to prevent the jar from leaking!

3. After filling the jar, pour boiling water or pickling solution to cover up to the top of your produce.

4. Next, you will want to preheat your water. For hot produce, water should be preheated to 180 degrees and for cold produce preheat to 140 degrees. Water should be an inch or two above the top of the canning jar when they are placed in the pot for the water boiling process. Use the tongs or jar lifter to put the jar into the pot and then place the lid on top. With water bath canning, bring the water to a slow boil and then start your timer to process for the length of time dictated by which vegetable you’re canning and the altitude at which you live.

5. Lastly, remove your jars and let them sit for a day to make sure they are completely cooled. While cooling, your jars will start to pop, creating the vacuum seal. After they have cooled, press on the center of the jar to ensure they have sealed completely – and enjoy!

One Taste and You Will Never Go Back – Introducing MouCo Cheese!

If you are looking to elevate your cheese game, look no further than MouCo Cheese! Based in Fort Collins, MouCo is renowned for its delicious line of soft-ripened cheeses crafted with love and expertise. Each variety, from the rich and creamy MouCo Camembert to the velvety soft MouCo ColoRouge, offers a flavor experience that stands out among other artisan cheeses.

MouCo Cheese prioritizes quality, sourcing the best local milk to ensure each wheel is as fresh and flavorful as possible. Their aging process brings out the best in every bite, creating cheeses that are both indulgent and versatile. Whether you’re putting together a sophisticated cheese board, creating gourmet meals at home, or just craving a snack with a bit of flair, MouCo has something to satisfy your palate.

One of the many unique aspects of MouCo is their commitment to sustainability and community. By supporting smaller farms and engaging with their community, they contribute to the local economy and create delicious products that reflect the spirit of Northern Colorado. Next time you are craving something delicious, swing by the Wednesday or Sunday market to discover your new favorites!

Visit their website at mouco.com or follow them on social media at MouCo Cheese Company (https://www.facebook.com/MouCo.Cheese.Company/)

C & R Farms - Discover the Best Homegrown Colorado Produce with C&R Farms

Located in Palisade, Colorado, C&R Farms is a family-owned orchard known for producing high-quality, tree-ripened peaches, cherries, apples, plums, and pears. With generations of farming expertise, they’ve built a strong reputation for delivering fresh, flavorful fruit that showcases the best of Colorado.

Their famous Palisade peaches, handpicked at peak ripeness, are a must-try each summer, perfect for eating fresh or preserving. In addition to peaches, C&R Farms offers cherries and plums in the warmer months, while apples and pears shine in the fall, providing a variety of options for every season.

C&R Farms is committed to sustainable, farm-to-table practices, ensuring that their fruit is fresh and grown with minimal environmental impact. You can visit their booth at the Fort Collins Farmers Markets on Wednesdays and Sundays. Whether it’s a juicy peach or a crisp apple, C&R Farms delivers farm-fresh flavor that’s sure to impress. Stop by and taste the difference for yourself!

Learn more about C&R Farms at https://www.candrfarms.com/

Follow them on Facebook to stay in the loop about seasonal products @C&RFarms

Willow Creek Mushroom - Specializes in Cultivating Gourmet Mushrooms

Jason and Nikki Geib have turned their love for mushrooms into a flourishing family business, Willow Creek Mushrooms. Since 2019, they’ve specialized in cultivating gourmet varieties such as Blue Oyster, King Oyster, and Lion’s Mane, all grown with sustainability at the forefront. Their farm is not only a source of delicious, fresh mushrooms but also a model of environmentally responsible agriculture, contributing to both local markers and online communities. Willow Creek’s mushrooms are cherished by chefs and home cooks alike, adding rich flavors and textures to any dish.

The farm’s dedication to quality is evident in every step of their process – from the meticulous care in mushroom cultivation to their innovative use of spent mushroom substrate as a natural fertilizer. Willow Creek Mushroom is more than just a farm; it’s a testament to how passion, sustainability, and community can come together to create something special for the whole community to enjoy!

To learn more about their journey, explore their mushroom varieties, or place an order, visit willowcreekmushrooms.com or follow them on Facebook/Instagram!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/willowcreekmushroom

Instagram - www.instagram.com/willowcreekmushrooms

Revolutionizing Urban Food Recycling and Sustainability with Compost Queen

Compost Queen, a local food recycling program founded by Jamie Blanchard-Poling in 2018, aims to combat climate change through decentralized food recycling on urban farms. As a Public Benefit Corporation, they offer food scrap collection services, providing customers with clean pickups, carbon reduction reports, and biannual compost shares. Services start at just $20 per month, with $5 drop-off options available at Sunday markets!

Operating on multiple farms in Fort Collins, Compost Queen provides curbside pickup in Fort Collins and Timnath, as well as commercial composting for businesses and restaurants. This company, women-owned and awarded Small Compost Manufacturer of the Year by the USCC, has also received grants from the Front Range Waste Diversion program and completed the NextCycle Colorado green business accelerator. Jamie Blanchard-Poling was recognized as a NOCO 40 Under 40 by BizWest magazine.

Compost Queen uses a unique piece of technology known as Covered Aerated Static Piles (CASP), which allows us to cut our processing time in half. This advanced system digitally monitors temperatures and oxygen to achieve ideal conditions, and uses a GORE cover to retain moisture and odors inside the active composting pile. Ready to start with Compost Queen? Visit their booth at the Sunday market or learn more at https://compostqueenfc.com/ or follow on social media at @CompostQueenFC

Discover Handcrafted Soap Made With Clean Ingredients – Meet Monarch Trail Soap!

Jackie, the founder of Monarch Trail Soap, has paved the way for organic soaps and body products made from scratch with natural colorants, essential oils, and botanicals! Inspired by the stunning Colorado landscape and the Monarch butterfly, Monarch Trail Soap is committed to providing products made with clean ingredients without potentially harmful synthetic fragrances, colorants, additives, palm-oil, or micas.

The small business launched after Jackie was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, a common thyroid auto-immune disease, and concluded that detoxing from these harmful products is a necessity. Her journey of research and dedication to finding a solution to detoxifying products began when she realized the significant gap for clean organic products. Discovering that many products labeled “natural” still contained hidden toxins, Jackie took matters into her own hands by creating her own soaps and body care products. They use a 100% natural cold process to promise you are getting the best of the best ingredients in your everyday soaps. Monarch Trail Soap is a faith-based business and is passionate about using their knowledge to serve you with natural, trustworthy products!

Monarch Trail is proud to create products they can stand behind and feel good about not only using themselves, but sharing with the community. You will NEVER find toxins in their products, EVER! Give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram @monarchtrailsoapco and look for Jackie at the market!

Crafting Natural Soaps and Advocating for Skin Care with Jesse James Soaps

Growing up in Northern Minnesota, the dermatologist was a regular spot for Jesse James as he was faced with excessive dry skin, obsessive/compulsive hand washing, and warts. Trying to find the best solution, his mother experimented with natural ingredients and deer fat she sourced from local hunters. Initially embarrassed by the unconventional soaps, Jesse grew to appreciate the benefits over time and became interested in how he could share these positive impacts with others.

In college, Jesse realized his skin fared better with his mother’s soaps compared to commercial products which sparked his passion for soap making. This interest followed him to Colorado where he started his teaching career along with multiple side gigs to help him get by. Feeling overwhelmed by juggling multiple jobs, he needed some sort of creative outlet, which is where Jesse James Soaps was born! This hobby blossomed into a business allowing him to share his creations at local farmers markets and community events.

Jesse focuses on creating high-quality, natural soaps and fostering community connections. His soaps reflect his values and experiences, using organic olive and coconut oils and natural colorants like coffees and teas. Each ingredient has a specific purpose in its final form.  When you pick up a bar, the shades, swirls, textures, all that you see, are the natural expressions of the raw, Earth-made materials that marry to create what you hold in your hand. Jesse aims to encourage all to care for their skin and promote self-care through his products. Visit Jesse James Soaps at the Wednesday markets and follow him on social media to learn more about his journey and items!

Order now at https://jessejamessoapco.com/

Follow on Instagram and Tik Tok @JesseJamesSoapCo

Meet Chef Sarah Finster – A Culinary Master Committed to Seasonal Ingredients and Sustainability

Chef Sarah Finster, a Certified Executive Chef with the American Culinary Federation since 2017, has over 29 years of experience in the food industry. Specializing in seasonal and local ingredients for her canned goods, Chef Sarah is dedicated to supporting local farmers by using what’s available in the region. Her product line includes apple sauces, fruit preserves, whole preserved fruits, pickled vegetables, and relishes. By working seasonally, Chef Sarah aims to teach consumers how to enjoy produce in its peak season and how to preserve it for enjoyment throughout the year.

A key aspect of Chef Sarah’s mission is sustainability, highlighted by her use of glass jars for canning. Customers who purchase her canned goods at farmers markets can return empty jars for a $1 credit towards a future purchase! This allows Chef Sarah to sanitize and reuse the jars, contributing to a cycle of repurpose and reuse. Her commitment to sustainability extends to her market booth décor, which feature usable vintage items that are also available for purchase.

Chef Sarah’s Family Favorites will be featured at the Wednesday Fort Collins Market during the 2024 Spring/Summer season. Come visit her booth to discover your new favorites! Follow Chef Sarah on Facebook @ChefSarahsfamilyfavorites or on Instagram @chefsarahsfamilyfavorites.  

Palisade Peaches and More!

You can find Palisade peaches and more at the Sunday and Wednesday markets! Fruit is here!

Bing Cherries

Rainier Cherries

Apriocts

Palisade Peaches

Plums

Strawberries

The first roasted peppers of the season! 🌶️

Roasted chiles are here! How do you eat them? One delicious option is as a topping on your cheeseburgers!

Here's a quick recipe:

1. Divide your ground beef (from Wagner Land & Cattle, Miller Farms, or Sunrise Ranch) or your ground bison (from Memphis Ranch Meat Company) into four ¼ lb patties and flatten. Sprinkle with your seasonings of choice.

2. Add your choice of cheese and melt on top once they are almost done cooking.

3. In a small saucepan, combine roasted green chile (from Miller Farms, Eden Valley Farm, or Pope Farms) salt, and garlic powder to taste.

4. Combine the warmed, seasoned green chon the burgers with your choice of fixin’s and enjoy!

Bring a Taste of Brazil to Your Fort Collins Home with VoVó's Market!

What is Brazilian cheese bread? Allow VoVó’s Market to let you in on a secret family recipe combining the perfect blend of cheesy goodness with a light and fluffy texture, creating a sensation that will have you coming back for seconds! This delicious treat is bound to leave you and your guests craving more.

VoVó's Market is a female, minority-owned family business that has carried on the secret cheese bread recipe for all to enjoy! Brianna founded VoVó's Market when her VoVó (meaning grandmother in Portuguese) passed down her famous recipe with the hope she would carry on the legacy of sharing Brazilian cuisine and culture. Brianna indeed fulfilled that dream!

Brazilian cheese bread is a mouthwatering delight that is loved by people across the globe. These small round treats are made from a blend of tapioca flour, cheese, eggs, milk, and oil, resulting in a unique texture that is both chewy and soft. The key component that sets Brazilian cheese bread apart is its irresistible cheesy flavor that explodes with every bite! Whether enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or even a breakfast option, these treats are often served warm providing a delightful experience.

Made with thoughtfully selected ingredients and perfectly balanced flavors, you will not want to miss out on trying this infamous family recipe. Did we mention VoVó's Market carries plant-based and vegan options? Visit Brianna at the market experience Brazilian cheese bread! Follow them on Instagram @vovosmarket to stay up to date with their products.

Connect with them at https://www.vovosmarket.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/vovosmarket/

The Sweetest Mother-Daughter Cupcake Duo, Meet Ruthie and Emily with Frosting Bakery in Fort Collins!

Indulge in the sweet bond of generations at Frosting Specialty Cupcakes, where every cupcake is crafted with love by the mother-daughter duo, Ruthie and Emily! After settling in Fort Collins about a year ago, they decided to pursue their love for baking by launching Frosting Specialty Cupcakes. With over 40 unique flavors, you are bound to find the perfect sweet treat that satisfies!

Frosting Specialty Cupcakes bakes each cupcake with a decadent filling inside topped with a light buttercream or whipped cream – keeping the cupcakes nice and fluffy. Plus, their fruit fillings are homemade and perfectly balance the sweetness of the frosting – a match made in dessert heaven! They carry options for everyone, from gluten-free varieties to both full-size and mini cupcakes.

Looking to cater an event with these sweet treats? Look no further as Frosting wants to be a part of your special event! Whether it is a birthday party, shower, wedding, or work event, you name it and they have you covered.

Visit Ruthie and Emily to taste their passion for baking through their 40 flavors of delectable cupcakes, and follow them on Facebook @Frostingspecialtycupcakes.

It’s too hot for your dogs at the market in July!

It's getting to that time of year again, peak Summer season. We wanted to talk about dogs a bit. Although we love your dogs and enjoy them at the market, we ask you to consider the weather when deciding whether or not to bring them. Our market is on the asphalt in a parking lot with very few grassy areas for dogs. That pavement gets HOT. We often take the temperature with a laser thermometer, and it's been over 150 degrees by 11 am.

Dipping into Deliciousness: Indulge in Tunisian Inspired Spreads, Hummus, Chips, and Salad Made For You by Yummy Yummy Products!

Yummy Yummy Products is a vibrant Denver based business established in 2021 by owners, Elyes and Aziz. They specialize in offering a unique twist on traditional hummus, infusing it with their rich Tunisian heritage and distinctive flavor combinations. In addition to the signature hummus, Yummy Yummy Products provides an array of delectable options, including pita chips, salad, tzatziki, Greek yogurt, and a variety of cheeses.

Committed to quality, all of their dips and salads are crafted using exclusively high-quality olive oil, ensuring a rich and authentic taste. All products are made from scratch and offer several vegan and gluten-free options cooked traditionally. No GMO or preservatives are added to any of the items and everything is pre-packaged with love! Yummy Yummy Products primarily operates through local farmers markets, bringing their fresh and bold flavors directly to the community. They also offer convenient delivery services!

Beyond product offerings, Yummy Yummy Products takes pride in sourcing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create their dishes. With a focus on innovative recipes and a dedication to providing excellence, Elyes and Aziz aim to bring the best of Tunisian cuisine to the Colorado community. From the unique hummus blends to delicious pita chips and salad, visit their booth to savor the taste of Tunisia with their products!

Learn more and shop their products at yummyyummyproducts.com

Connecting health, education, and nutritious produce: Meet Eden Valley Farms

For over 60 years, Eden Valley has been dedicated to enhancing health through natural methods and remedies. Nestled in Loveland near the Rocky Mountains, it offers a serene setting for programs that focus on combatting diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease through lifestyle changes. Their comprehensive education includes agriculture programs and workshops, emphasizing the importance of fresh, healthy produce in achieving overall wellness.

Since being founded in 1962, Eden Valley has dedicated a lot of time and energy to grow natural, chemical, and pesticide-free produce with the desire to contribute to the food system in our community. They are committed to providing the freshest and most nutritious produce, fruits, and herbs directly to consumers. In addition, Eden Valley Farms also offers a wide variety of agriculture programs and internships covering areas that include sustainable farming, farm management, field crop production, and more! Interested in more information?  Visit their online platforms listed below or the Eden Valley Farms booth on Wednesdays and Sundays!

Visit their website at https://www.eden-valley.org/.

Connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067699140229

Discover the Freshest 100% Grass-Fed Bison at Memphis Bison Ranch: You’re New Favorite Source for Quality Bison Meat!

Memphis Bison Ranch is dedicated to regenerative ranching, producing pasture-raised, grass-fed bison from start to finish without mRNA vaccines, hormones, antibiotics, or steroids commonly found in other sources. This commitment ensures a quality product that is healthy for families and beneficial for the environment. As part of the ranch-to-table movement, Memphis Bison Ranch offers customers the highest quality meat, rich in mouthwatering, tender nutrient-dense flavor.  

Their journey began when husband and wife, Greg and Tami, discovered a shared passion for holistic practices within the meat industry. Motivated by a desire to produce heathier, more sustainable meat, they established Memphis Bison Ranch.  Their business motto, "Restore the Animal. Restore the Land. Restore the People," reflects their commitment to raising grass-fed and grass-finished bison. Memphis Bison Ranch implements holistic grazing practices to enhance soil health, recognizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the land. By ensuring the well-being of their bison and the vitality of the environment, they produce a high-quality, nutritious product that benefits the health of everyone who consumes it.

Memphis Bison Ranch products have been on the market for over six years and, starting in 2021, began shipping frozen products nationwide.  Come visit their booth ever Sunday throughout the season to sample this delicious meat for yourself!

Visit their website: https://memphisranch.com/

Follow them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/memphisranch

Follow them on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/memphisranch

The Wednesday market opens this week!

We will have great local vendors offering fresh veggies, body care, honey, pies, bread, beef, flowers, tea, milk and cheese, dog treats, plants, jam and jellies and much more!

Join us each Wednesday from 10am - 2pm at 1001 E Harmony Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80525. Rain or shine. June 12th - Sept. 25th.

The vendor line up for Wednesday will be…

C & R Farms LLC

Canyons and Chefs

Chef Sara's Family Favorites

Colorado Early Colleges

Eden Valley Farm

Esmeralda's Tamale House

Fossil Ridge High School

Happy Dance Bakery

Healthy Harvest

Homestead Ranch

Jesse James Soap

Miller Farms

Morning Fresh Dairy

MouCo Cheese Company

Nina's Icees

Overachieving Tea

Pedaling Petals

Sunrise Ranch

The Bread Chic

The Jelly Lady

The Little Pie Shoppe

Whiteside Honey LLC

Willow Creek Mushrooms

Yummy Yummy Products LLC

Mix Up Fresh, Flavorful, Non-Alcoholic Drinks With Herbal Mocktails in Fort Collins!

Looking for a cocktail without the hangover? Herbal Mocktails has the perfect solution for you! Taylar, the proud founder of Herbal Mocktails, is a visionary whose journey of growth and transformation led to the creation of this incredible venture. In 2018, she decided to lean into the sober lifestyle, which opened her eyes to a world lacking refreshing, healthy alternatives. Committed to creating the perfect mocktail without excessive sugar and that unpleasant syrupy texture we all know, Herbal Mocktails was born!

After working as a bartender for years, Taylar decided to further her education in horticulture and holistic health. This eventually led to her opening up her own business specializing in natural remedies! As the summer grew hotter Taylar wanted to adapt her business to the ever-changing seasons, which is now widely known as Herbal Mocktails.

Her ultimate goal is to provide refreshing, iced, nonalcoholic drinks that not only taste amazing but look beautiful too! Each drink is made fresh before the market and the infusions are homemade from scratch to ensure you are getting the best quality.  By identifying a gap in the market and leveraging her unique background in herbalism, Taylar has built a successful business that embraces innovation and sustainability!

Try some delicious mocktails at the Sunday market all season long, and follow Herbal Mocktails on Instagram @Herbalmocktailscolorado and Facebook @HerbalMocktails.