PA Dutch Farmers Market

While having a conversation with my cousin, it occurred to me that I rarely go to supermarkets.  "Then where do you buy milk?" my cousin asked.   "At the Amish market," I responded.  She asked if I go all the way to Pennsylvania for milk.  I suspect that she thinks that I am losing my mind!  No, the market that I go to is in Kingston, NJ, just outside of Princeton.  I buy the majority of my meat there and also milk.  The three shops that I generally visit are Beiler's Meats, Stoltzfus' Poultry, and Smoker's Deli.  I love all of the different cuts of meat available at Beiler's that are hard to come by in the grocery store (short ribs, hangar steaks, ground lamb), and the quality is unbeatable.   From Stoltzfus' I always buy the ground turkey, chicken cutlets, and I also love their chicken apple sausages.  Smoker's deli has great slab bacon, Canadian bacon, and no-nitrate hot dogs. 

I love that all of the meat comes from family-owned farms in nearby Lancaster County, PA.  I have never purchased anything that didn't seem fresh or was a little off, as happened regularly when I used to buy supermarket meats.  While I do not believe that they are certified organic, the farms produce all natural meats. The market is open Thursday - Saturday only, and surprisingly the Amish accept credit cards!  There are also coupons available on the market's website.  I find the staff to be extremely friendly and accomodating.  Everything is packed in freezer bags, clearly labeled and dated.  Stoltzfus' even provides ice for my cooler.  I try to resist buying a hot pretzel from the snack bar on the way out but usually succumb to the urge.  They are so delicious!

PA Dutch Farmers Market, 4437 Route 27, Kingston, NJ

Chipped Prime Rib from Beiler's

One of the indulgent sandwiches that I made with the chipped prime rib.  Green bell peppers and onions were in my CSA box this week so I made cheesesteaks.  Delicious!