Monday, August 9, 2010

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!

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! 

10 comments:

  1. Jen - If you shop at that Amish market, then you can't live too far from me. Next time you go, send me an email and we can get together for lunch (or a hot pretzel at least).

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  2. I wish I lived close to an Amish market! Their baked goods are to die for. :) I bet all their stuff is super fresh and delicious!

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  3. Look fabulous great place to go food shopping ..

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  4. I have never seen meat sold like that, and cheese steaks would be a huge hit in this household! We currently have an over abundance of peppers from the garden, so I will have to try this. Clearly, I will also have to get myself over to this market!

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  5. I can almost taste that cheesesteak sandwich. It happens to be one of my many weaknesses. The markets sound amazing. How nice to have them reasonably close by. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  6. I commented and then it disappeared. Let's try again.

    I live in the area.Ciao Chow Linda has a great idea. We should get together, have a pretzel or lunch. We should bring our cameras, take pics and blog about it! :)

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  7. P.S. For my Cookbook Giveaway, you'll need to comment on 7 posts...


    Carmen

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  8. Wow...now that is a great farmer's market!

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  9. There used to be a dairy farm where I would get my milk. I would bundle up the kids and go to a barn... it is now a car lot. Modern times. The Market is so enticing. Just gorgeous.I'd shop there, too!

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  10. Their poultry is excellent...have bought turkey and chicken part for years. BUT where is their poultry raised...where does it come from, literally...address...farm...city? Sign above the chopping block says Pennfield Farms...etc. No city. And on the internet there really is no Pennfield Farms linked to anything Amish Market in Kingston.

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