There is a lot happening south of I-70 this Labor Day Weekend. Friday night lights and high school football action kicked off across the region. Special festivals, events, and farmer’s markets are scheduled this weekend. The DuQuoin State Fair wraps up on Labor Day as people across the nation debate whether or not they can wear white again until Memorial Day…
Below is just a fraction of the weekend info shared on the A Slice of Southern Illinois Facebook Page. Check it out for even more events, food, sports, and more. Enjoy your weekend, and be safe!
Did you know that there is an indoor winter Farmer’s Market in Carbondale? You can find a great variety of local food and products on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market. The market is located in the movie theater entrance of University Mall. It runs from December through March and makes it a bit easier to still get fresh, local produce, dairy and meat products. There are wonderful locally made food products, baked goods, and beverages as well as handcrafted and artisan items.
You can enjoy local musicians as you shop, and there is a Kids Club with a different activity each week. On January 27, there is a cooking demonstration, and February 2 is the yearly seed swap. Ellen Esling, CCFM Indoor Market Manager, does a wonderful job with the weekly event.
Fresh Local Produce
My new favorite product by Glaciers End is the Winter Solctice Shrub. (A shrub is a drinking vinegar that has been used by many generations as a beverage. ) Although some people drink it by itself, I prefer adding a little splash to a glass of ice and seltzer water (or club soda) for a refreshing drink. I’ve also used their shrubs in marinades and vinaigrettes. Glaciers End is usually at the Winter market.
Glaciers EndWinter Solctice in Seltzer Water
If you like mushrooms, Flyway Family Farms has a wonderful selection of gourmet mushrooms. Although I tend to like the shiitaki or gourmet mix, I recently used their Black King Oyster mushrooms in a vegetarian stir fry. A great way to try a variety is with the Gourmet Mix.
Flyway Family FarmsBlack King Oyster Mushroom Stir Fry
You can usually find lettuce and salad mixes at the winter market. Kale is one of favorites. If you like zuppa toscana, kale is one of its ingredients.
Kale
Those with a sweet tooth can find a variety of wonderful treats.
Get Dipped’s Vanilla Cream PieEagle Point Emporium’s Freeze Dried Candy
You can also shop for great gifts or yourself!)
Eco Friendly Makeup Remover PadsBeautiful Gourds and Dream CatchersLapis and Blue Lace Agate Earrings
My friends @glaciers_end recently provided me with some Cranberry Savory Chutney for my kitchen “playtime.” 🙂 I have some other ideas for recipes, but I’ve discovered that you can make a quick and satisfying grilled cheese with it. I just used white sandwich bread with a little mayo on the outside of the slices. Inside, I spread the Chutney on one side, added a slice of American cheese, and cooked both sides in a non-stick, oil-sprayed skillet. Yum! I suspect a white cheddar or baby Swiss cheese would also be good. The Chutney has an extra depth of flavor that isn’t normal in a regular Cranberry sauce. You can find their products at their Marion store (check their posts for times) as well as @leaffoodhub and @carbondalemarket
#tastesofsouthernIllinois #asliceofsouthernillinois #southernillinoisliving #shoplocal #southernillinois #Chutney #Cranberry #cranberries #umami #grilledcheese #farmersmarkettotable #farmersmarketfinds #farmersmarkets #Marion #downtownmarion #UniversityMall
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